Chapter 4 Letty
AGE EIGHTEEN—
“I can’t believe we’re getting ready to graduate,” Ava sniffles, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a tissue so she doesn’t smear her makeup. “It’s gone by so fast.”
“It has,” I agree, glancing over my shoulder to peek at the rows of people gathering for the ceremony. I find my mom in the crowd, sitting toward the front. She’s alone, of course—no Mifflin.
Ava’s gaze follows mine, landing on my mother. She snorts. “Well, that’s not surprising, is it?”
I sigh and shake my head. “No.”
We don’t have to be specific to understand one another. Mifflin married my mom. He had to deal with her. Me? Not so much.
He isn’t hostile, just. . . indifferent to me now, like since I’m not his kid, he can’t be bothered with the effort. The drunken fits have stopped. My mother makes excuses, suggesting he works long hours and doesn’t know how to raise a daughter. You can’t learn if you never try.
I guess it’s better than how he treated me a year ago. Back then, all he did was yell. I’m still not sure what caused his abrupt change in demeanor, but I’m glad he’s not an asshole to me anymore. But Liam and Theo? I know that’s the Vipers, especially Gage.
After Mifflin and Mom tied the knot, I made a considerable effort to become what my mom called a cohesive unit.
It soon became apparent that Mifflin married my mother, but he didn’t want to be entangled with additional obligations.
It smarts my pride more than it hurts. I had a father once, but I lost him.
He died when I was six. I’m not looking to replace him, especially with a man even more arrogant than his sons, if possible.
Not to mention the shit I had to put up with from Liam and Theo.
They never let me forget I’m an outsider.
The hostility is still present, just quieter and less physical now.
So, here I stand, relieved my mom arrived alone. I get to spend more time with her that way and consider it a win. Liam graduated last year, and Theo graduated early, so I’m the last one to walk and receive my diploma.
Ava hugs me against her side, popping a kiss on my cheek. “He’s missing out.”
With a nod, I agree. Mifflin had his chance to be a father to me, and he chose not to pursue it. Fuck him.
“Are you both still coming with us to dinner?” Ava asks, applying gloss over her lips. She slides the tube back in her wristlet as she adjusts her bottom on the uncomfortable, hard plastic chairs we’re stuck sitting on.
“Yes, as far as I know. Mom confirmed last night.”
“Good. We’re going to that Japanese steakhouse my dad loves. He said we could order whatever we want.”
“That’s generous.”
Ava beams a grin and faces the stage as applause breaks out. The graduation proceedings begin, and excitement courses through me. I focus on the speeches, the alumni, and their encouraging words. It’s important to me. I want to remember this moment and enjoy the accomplishment I feel.
Our row stands once the roll call begins. We head toward the stage, and I smooth my black dress beneath the dark red robe, making sure my matching cap is secure. The line moves quickly, and soon, I climb the stairs, awaiting my turn.
“Leticia Marie Jacobs.”
Applause ripples through the crowd, followed by my mother shouting, “That’s my daughter! Go, Letty!”
I can’t help but grin widely as I cross the stage, shake my principal’s hand, and pause for a picture.
He hands me a diploma and offers his congratulations.
It happens so fast, all that hard work, culminating in a five-second strut in front of my peers.
I reach the stairs, descending as a hand shoots out, ensuring I don’t slip in my heels.
“Thanks,” I say before I lock eyes with the man dressed in dark jeans, a black t-shirt, and a leather vest. His dark ink crawls up his exposed forearms and disappears underneath the sleeves of his shirt. I know every tattoo since I’ve had a chance to glide my fingertips over them.
It’s been a while, but it doesn’t change the facts.
That night we spent together that first Homecoming still lingers in my thoughts and creeps into my dreams. The scent of his cologne.
Being gently pushed back against the mattress.
His head disappearing between my thighs, seeking my pleasure instead of his own.
A night that still causes havoc in my heart.
And then there’s the Homecoming last year. Just eight months earlier, when he went down on me outside the dance, and pleasure spiraled through my whole body. He wore a wolf mask then. How appropriate.
Gage Blade’s focus dips briefly to my lips and snaps back to my eyes, holding mine hostage as if he can’t stand the separation.
He slides his fingers through mine, holding our hands palm to palm while he walks with me back to my row.
No one questions or stops him when he sits beside me in one of the folding chairs on the field and forces everyone down one seat.
Ava takes her place on my opposite side with a raised brow.
I shake my head. Now isn’t the time.
No, I didn’t know he was coming today.
Awareness prickles my body like piercing thorns while his heat nearly scorches me, pressing in from his encroaching proximity.
I keep blinking, almost tempted to pinch myself.
I’m shocked he showed up to my graduation.
In all this time, I haven’t had a word from my stepbrother.
Nothing since the masquerade. No texts, phone calls, or messages after eating me out like he was starving for a taste. Not a fucking thing. He’s been a ghost.
I have so many questions. Why today? Why this moment?
My heart races as I try to imagine why he’s stayed away so long and come up empty. He left me. I shouldn’t be holding his hand, giving my consent like he’s allowed to show up or walk out of my life whenever he wants. This isn’t a game.
I tug on my hand and try to pry it loose from his fingers, but he only tightens his grip. No words follow, but I understand. He won’t release me until he wants to, and to prove the point, he clenches our hands together despite the scorching temperature and the sweat already clinging to our palms.
The rest of the graduation ceremony is a blur. I can’t focus. Only when Ava squeals next to me, and everyone stands, whooping and hollering, does the fog lift.
I turn to her with a smile and hug my bestie as Gage releases my hand. “We did it!”
Around us, everyone begins to disperse, rushing to family and friends. Ava joins her parents, and I open my arms as my mom approaches. She envelops me in her embrace. We hug for so long that I wonder if something is wrong.
She leans back, brushing my long hair over my shoulder. “I’m so proud of you, Letty.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I mean it. You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned it.”
Gage remains silent beside us, but I notice his gaze bouncing around the stadium and field, keeping silent vigil in some overprotective vibe I don’t have the capacity to worry about.
“I’m all grown up now,” I joke, thinking my mom will laugh.
Tears fill her eyes, and she blinks them back.
“Mom?”
“I’m just feeling emotional. You only see your baby do these things once, you know.”
How sweet.
Ava runs toward us, slinging her arm around my shoulders. “My parents said the reservation is set for five. We can head out once everyone is ready.”
My mom clears her throat. I know what’s coming, and I still wish she wouldn’t say the words. An apologetic smile graces her lips. She glances at Gage, then turns her full attention on me. It’s strange. “I can’t make it, honey. I’m sorry.”
What? “Why?” I ask, suspicious of the look she sent Gage.
“I have to meet up with Mifflin. It’s an emergency.
” She pulls out her phone and glances at the time.
“Damn. I’m already late. I’ve got to go.
” She reaches for me, hugging me tightly again, squeezing hard before she takes a step backward.
“I love you, Letty. Enjoy tonight. Okay? I’ll be in touch later. ”
“Okay,” I reply, trying to hide my disappointment, but she’s already got her back to me and misses my expression.
I swear I see her brush tears from underneath her eyes.
I didn’t get a chance to ask what kind of emergency could have pulled her from my side at my graduation. I’ll probably never find out.
“That was weird.”
Ava’s right. “Very bizarre,” I agree.
“I’ll be taking Cynthia’s place for dinner,” Gage announces.
He doesn’t ask—typical Gage Blade.
Ava shrugs. “Fine by me.” She arches a brow. “You okay with it?”
I sigh because there’s no point in refusing. Just because he decides to show up today doesn’t mean I want him here. He has a lot of explaining to do. I’m tired of the hot and cold with him. “I don’t think I have much of a choice. He’s going to stalk us if we don’t bring him along.”
A dark chuckle confirms he plans to do exactly that. “So, beauty and brains, huh, beautiful?”
Ava snorts. “Nice. You’re not subtle, you know.” She glances at the Apple Watch on her wrist. “Let’s get our stuff. I want to store this cap and gown and fix my hair.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your hair, babe. It’s perfect. You look gorgeous as always,” I assure her. It’s my job, after all, being her best friend and all.
“This is why I love you.” Ava reaches for my hand and tugs me away from Gage, looping her arm through mine.
He follows us as we walk toward the school and enter.
I can’t help feeling he’s acting like a bodyguard.
He seems alert and ready for trouble as if looking for threats.
When I try to casually look his way, he’s staring down the nearly empty hall, not focusing on Ava or me.
When we reach the room where we stashed our belongings earlier, he takes up residence at the door, standing guard.
I grow uneasy and concerned when he blocks anyone else from coming inside. A few of our friends wave, but don’t risk a confrontation with Gage.
Ava flips him off as he chuckles. She’s got a giant mirror inside her purse, lifts it, and begins applying makeup and hairspray.
She doesn’t need to fix her appearance, but I won’t tell her that a second time.
I know she’s excited for tonight and all the grad parties, and it’s her nerves that are making her fidgety.
I remove my cap and gown, place them in a bag along with the tassel and diploma, then shove them into the backpack I brought.
I have a change of clothes inside because I’m crashing at Ava’s tonight.
That’s the plan I cleared with Mom. We don’t know how late we’ll be out or how many parties we’ll attend. All the essentials are packed inside.
Gage approaches me as I smooth the fabric of my black dress. Two of his fingers grasp my chin and tilt it until I stare into those dark, golden-flecked orbs. “I know you have questions. I’m not ignoring you. Have some patience. Eat. Have fun. And later, we’ll talk.”
“You promise?”
“Yeah, beautiful. I promise.”
I’m instantly reminded of his promise the night of our parents’ wedding and the fact that he kept it. Or at least, he’s attempting to. He came back for my graduation. The whole claiming thing? I bet it’s a joke.
His gaze flicks to my mouth and drags upward, heating as he leans forward, pinning me against the cold wooden surface of an empty desk. “I didn’t forget.”
“Forget what?”
“Everyfuckingthing,” he emphasizes, like it means more than I can ever comprehend.
God. Why is that so fucking hot?
I almost whimper. This is ridiculous. I hate this shit. I never know where I stand with him. If he just wants to mess with my head or fuck me and get it out of his system. Maybe both.
It’s infuriating.
Then I remember that every time we’ve been together, he’s made sure I’m the one who has the orgasm. He hasn’t selfishly chased his pleasure. Instead, he’s focused on mine.
Am I wrong about him?
“Yeah, you still want me,” Gage whispers as his voice drops an octave, digging like grit underneath my skin. Time hasn’t changed its effect on me. My knees nearly buckle as he licks his lips. “It’s gonna be a fun night.”
Well, shit. I lost this battle before it began.