"That asshole has a nasty little habit of getting girls drunk and then fucking them after they pass out. He did it twice that we know of when we were in high school. Got away with it both times because the girls couldn't remember what happened. That's why you won't be hiring him as a tutor."
My high hopes sink. "Then what am I supposed to do about getting help in calculus? I asked my teacher for help but he told me he doesn't tutor his own students."
Owen grasps the back of Bram's neck and squeezes. "There's a math genius sitting right here. He can tutor you."
Bram's head jolts upward, his jaw fixed, with eyes narrowed on my brother. There's only one way to interpret what that expression means.
"He has a lot going on with his new job. Plus, it's tax season. I'm sure he's tied up and doesn't have time to mess with me."
"How 'bout it, Bram? Can you make time to tutor Claud or does she have to turn to rapist Rial for help?"
Bram's reply is instant. "No way she's going anywhere near that piece of shit."
He may feel inclined to keep me safe, but I doubt he wants to be alone with me again. His reaction to our last encounter told me everything I needed to know. "I'll be okay. I just need to study harder."
"Can't chance it, Claud. Mom and Dad are counting on your getting a scholarship."
Mom and Dad haven't said anything, but I know money has been tight since Dad's heart attack. I'm certain they had to dip into savings to pay the deductibles on the hospital bills. "I know, Owen. I'm doing the best I can."
"When is your next test, sis?"
"Friday."
"Can you make time to help Claud this week?" I hate seeing Owen put Bram in this awkward situation.
Bram looks at me and our eyes meet for the first time since that night more than two months ago. What kind of thoughts are going on behind those hazel eyes? "Don't worry about your grade. You'll get an A when I'm finished tutoring you."
My mind is mush. I can't form words to respond.
"Can you come to my apartment Sunday?"
His apartment? He doesn't live with his parents anymore? "Sure. What time?"
"Three o'clock okay?"
"Yeah. I'll see you then."
I retreat to my room, close the door, and fall face down on the bed, squealing into the pillow. Shit. Shit. Shit. I'm going to be alone with him. And I'm going to make the most of it.
He will be mine.
4
Claudia Bliss
I check my appearance in the mirror for the tenth time before getting out of my car. Calm down or he'll think you're being weird. For him, this is just a tutoring session. He wants to help you with your grade so you'll get a scholarship. Ease Mom and Dad's burden.
I apply a fresh coat of lip gloss and smack my lips together so they appear soft and hydrated. An invitation to be kissed.
My heart gallops as I approach the front door of Bram's apartment. We're going to be alone behind closed doors. I've spent the last two days fantasizing about everything that could happen. Our hands accidentally brush. Our eyes lock. He realizes how much he really wants me.
We accidentally fall into bed together.
I wish I were brave enough to make some kind of bold move. Have a plan of action to make him want me. Take advantage of this time alone. But I already know I'll probably chicken out after what happened last time.
I was feeling so optimistic, but now my confidence level is a negative twelve.
My mouth waters when Bram opens the door and I see him in basketball shorts and an old T-shirt with the sleeves and sides cut out. I've seen him play basketball in this outfit, or one like it, no less than a thousand times. And he never fails to look scorching hot.
I can see his muscular chest and fit stomach through the cutouts of his shirt. And that ass. I can make out the exact shape of it in those clingy shorts. I can't help myself from admiring it as he leads me through his apartment to the dining table in his kitchen.
"How long have you lived here?"
"Moved in about a month ago. Still settling in."
"No one told me you had moved out of your parents' house." It hurt my heart when I realized Bram had made such an important change in his life and I knew nothing about it. I've always been privy to knowing everything about him and it suddenly feels as though that's been taken away from me. I don't like it at all.
"You live with your parents for your entire life, and then you move away for college and get a taste of independence. It's very difficult to come home and return to living under their rules and expectations. As much as I love my parents, I quickly realized I couldn't live with them. I need my privacy."
Privacy. I wonder if that's code for needing a place to bring women so he can get laid. "You like living here?"