Free Conflicted by Sophie Monroe Page A

it makes you feel any better, it was horrible, Derek. I fucked up, big time.”
    “Joss, it’s the middle of the night, you go off with some stranger, and then think that you can come climb into my bed. You’re out of your fucking mind!” It took every ounce of self-restraint I had not to toss her off the bed.
    “I guess I deserve it, but you need me just as much as I need you. I saw it in your eyes earlier.”
    Sitting up, I looked her square in the eye. “I don’t need you! I don’t need anyone! Just go, Joss.”
    Calm down , dude. She’s just a girl. 
    She climbed out of bed with a defeated look on her face, but I didn’t give two shits about how she felt. I wasn’t going to turn into her plaything and I didn’t want my emotions to become deeper than they already were.
    I knew that I ’d had feelings for Joss for a long time now. It probably had something to do with the fact that I’d been the one to take her v-card when she was eighteen. It just ended up happening one night and, if Blake ever found out, there was a good chance he’d never talk to me again. I couldn’t risk that at the time so I kept it to myself, and obviously since I’m still breathing, she did too.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    HAND GRENADES
     
    DEREK
     
    The next morning, my eyes felt like they were going to bleed from lack of sleep the night before. My head was pounding and I felt like an epic asshole. When I made my way downstairs, I saw that Blake’s Mustang was missing from the driveway, which meant she was already gone. There was no sense in trying to chase after her; she’d made her choice and I’d made mine.
    I decided to go hit the gym to try and work some of my frustration out on the punching bag. Pulling up to the converted warehouse, I saw a familiar motorcycle in the parking lot. It was Cole’s. I hadn’t seen too much of him lately. He was working extraordinarily hard on trying to get his shit together. He had a new girlfriend, Tara, and was working in construction. He’d had a rough time after Piper finally decided to leave his sorry ass, but later came to the conclusion that it was best for everyone involved. I knew all along that they weren’t meant for each other, but it’s one of those times when you need to keep your mouth shut and mind your own business. I hate meddlers. As long as it’s not directly affecting me, I mind my own damn business.
    Grabbing my gloves from the passenger seat, I headed inside.
    Cole spotted me as soon as the door slammed behind me. “Look who finally decided to get his ass in shape,” he yelled from across the gym.
    “Yeah, yeah. I haven’t felt like it. Not everyone can be as devoted as you are,” I teased.
    Bouncing from foot to foot, he laughed, “Gotta keep the six-pack in check. The ladies love it.” He grinned.
    As soon as he said it, I couldn’t help but look down at his abs. “Yeah, you’re looking good, dude.”
    “Are you checking me out, Scott?” He cocked an eyebrow.
    “What? No!” Was I checking him out? Well, maybe I was, but not in a sexual way.
    “Relax, I’m just fucking with you,” he said, causing me to glare at him.
    He put his hands up, laughing. “Uh-oh. I know that look. Trouble in paradise? Who’s the lucky girl this time?”
    “Nope, there’s no one,” I said, popping on the P.
    Strapping my gloves on, I stepped up to the bag and started punching the shit out of it. Everything started to dissipate and it was just the bag and my frustrations. There was no band, no Joss, no nothing. I pictured Officer Big Douche’s face and kept hitting the bag until I felt like my hands were going to break. Cole was staring at me quizzically. Looking to avoid conversation, I wiped my face down with a towel and headed outside, calling a quick goodbye behind me. 
    Climbing into my car , covered in sweat, I threw it into reverse and headed back to the house. Stopping outside the gate, I grabbed the mail from the mailbox and tossed it aside until after my shower.