A Hurt So Sweet Volume One (Elite of Eden Falls Prep 1)

“Don’t need you.”

“Fine by me,” I grunted. “Better, even. I don’t have time to deal with your bratty ass.”

“Hey Milo,” she purred. “You still play chess?”

I fought the urge to stomp on the brakes and kick her out of Cherry. “Why do you care?”

“Because if I recall correctly, I always used to win when we played.”

“I’m the county’s champion,” I hissed at her. “I got first place at-”

“How nice.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You never did manage to win against me, though.”

I sighed, giving her a sideways glance. “You still play?”

“No,” she muttered. “Not for a while.”

“Well, when you start again, I’d gladly take that bratty ass of yours for a spin.”

“Gross.” She couldn’t help the smile on her face. “Why are you so obsessed with my butt?”

Maybe because you’re walking around in a skirt short enough to make any man lose his mind?

“Maybe because you’re sticking it in my face. The world doesn’t need to know you’re wearing a thong, Estella.”

She blushed, muttering, “You shouldn’t be looking.”

I was about to speak up, but I changed my mind, waving my hand dismissively. “Fine, I shouldn’t have.” She’s right. She’s about as off-limits as it gets. “I guess that joy is all Natan’s now.”

/> She muttered something under her breath.

“What?” I asked.

“You think I’m that easy?” she asked. The question wasn’t accusatory, but almost sad. “You think I let just anyone… you know…”

“Don’t you?” She didn’t answer. “You and Crispin didn’t…?”

She shook her head. “No, of course not.”

“But you and Natan…” She glared, making me grin like a fool. “I see.”

“It’s not funny.”

“It is a little,” I grinned before turning serious again. “Stells… Why do you put on this face for everyone?”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on, you know what I mean. You’re not… you’re not Estella Hernandez anymore.”

“No,” she shook her head. “Not for a while now.”

“And it’s not just because your dad changed your last name,” I insisted. “You’re… not you anymore.”

“Of course I am.”

“You’re hiding,” I said. “From the world.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”