Page 45

“Recordlabel deals, baby.”Shannontakes the liberty of grabbing my purse and car keys, handing them to me. “EvenSparrow’smade us a better deal.”

WhileAdrianhightails it outside,Istand in front ofShannon, staring at him.Ihaven’t seen my best friend since… sinceImade a deal with him for my life.

Heshakes my purse and keys. “Let’sgo, girl.”

Itake my things and ask, “Howd’you do it?”

“Hm?”

“Goon with life like everything’s fucking fine.”

Hesniffs and rubs his scruffy chin.Helooks even worse close up with bags under his listless hazel eyes. “IfIstop and think about what’s happened,Ican’t get outta bed.”

Istare at him for an uncomfortably long moment before he ushers me out of the house and closes the door behind us.

“Wait,”Isay, grabbing his arm before he passes me by. “Whydidn’t you ever tell me about any of this?”Iglance over atAdrian, who watches us closely as he leans against the truck with crossed arms. “Whydidn’t either of you say anything?”

Shannonjerks away. “Itwas safer with no one knowing.”

Adriandoesn’t say anything asIapproach—not even whenI’mstanding in front of him.

“What, nowI’mowning my sluttiness, you’re backing out on your promise?”

Hurtbriefly storms behind his eyes before he pushes away from the truck, grabs me by the neck, and kisses me hard. “Behave, or you’ll regret it,” he warns lowly.

Istart to laugh and smart off with something, butIhave to quickly turn away.

Vomitsplatters all across the black pavement in a gross orange hue.

“Ugh, fuck,”Igroan, swiping the back of my hand across my mouth. “Notthis bullshit again.”

Shannon’shead peeks above the roof of the truck. “Youalright?”

Icough when my throat burns. “ThinkI’mallergic toDree.”

“Youdidn’t knock her up already, did ya?”ShannonasksAdrianpointedly.

“Evenif he did, it’d be too early.”

Adrian’seyes shatter wide open. “What?”

Shannonnods, ignoringAdrian’spanic. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Hey, hey,”Adrianhollers, holding out a hand to stop us from talking.Hestares at me, eyes flickering to my stomach. “Ithought you said you’re on birth control.”

Igive him a tight, menacing smile. “Inever did.Youjust assumed.”

“Steph, quit fuckin’ around!”

Snorting, another deluge of vomit forces its way up my esophagus.

Adriancomes to my side, gathering my hair back. “Areyou sure you’re not sick or ate something bad?Stressedout?”

Ispit away from him and roll my eyes. “Yes, and when haveIever thrown up from stress or nerves or anxiety?I’veonly thrown up when you’re around.Clearly,I’mallergic to you.”

Adrianstiffens. “You’veonly been sick around me?”

Icatch the water bottleShannontosses and rinse out my mouth. “LiterallywhatIjust said, dude.”