I clenched my jaw and swallowed down the acid bubbling in my throat, something that immediately happened any time he was close. I’d assumed he’d be here, but I had hoped not to see him, or at the very least, not see him until Dean was here. Not that I needed a boy to protect me or anything like that, but because Dean made me feel like the best version of myself. Stronger. Untouchable.

Sure, I’d kneed Brandon in the junk to get away, but lately…the strength I’d gained from both the blog and Dean’s confidence in me? I felt like I could lay him out flat like an NFL player if he came two inches too close.

That was a milestone, something I almost wanted to celebrate when a few months ago the mere memory of what happened had turned me into a quivering, weak girl who locked up when anyone got too close.

I tore my gaze from him and Sabrina, for a moment worrying about her. Would he do the same to her? Or had she already consensually given him everything, so there was nothing left for him to demand? To fight over? To take without regard.

She looked happy by his side, not scared.

I stood from the couch, and in an attempt to outrun the sound of Brandon’s voice, I wandered to Jake’s room. Once I sealed myself inside, I sank onto his bed and fished out my cell.

Still no news from Dean.

I scolded myself for checking so much and decided to distract myself with the site. I had over one hundred unread comments to scroll through. Getting lost in them would be better than checking my cell every five seconds for word from my boyfriend.

The word sent chills up my spine, an ache low in my belly.

Damn that boy. I’d been so sure I wouldn’t want a relationship until I was well into my college career. So sure in my determination that none could be trusted.

But he’d changed that.

My cheeks flushed hot with all the thoughts of just how deep my feelings ran for him, of how we’d been living in a slow burn I was ready to turn to full blast, and I was quickly shifting my position off Jake’s bed and instead sliding into his computer chair. I spun around, fanning myself as I logged into the blog from my phone.

It only took a few minutes and I was drowning in comments and questions. Some accusations from outraged parents. Some commendations from others. A whirlwind of opinion and emotion and with each one, the weight on my chest increased.