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A family.

TWENTY-FIVE

"Why is that girl following Luca?"

"What?" Declan asks. He throws his arm around me, and I curl into his side, sipping a gin and tonic beside the pool. "What are you talking about?"

Apparently, Eli invited half of the people in line for the signing back to the hotel. It turned into this huge fucking thing. He got a DJ to set up and everything, and now he's fucking some girl in the shallow end of the pool.

I guess he deserves to enjoy his last night.

But I'm drunk and horny and grumpy because I'm not getting what I want and because those girls with the cuts on their chests are everywhere. I feel exposed.

Luca is being his usual social self, but I'm tired. And yeah, maybe a little paranoid when it comes to him. I can't explain it, but I also can't help it. It's more than jealousy or possessiveness; he's mine, and I feel like I need to protect him.

"The blonde girl with the ponytail," I tell him. "She's been following him for like twenty minutes, standing right behind him. She looks familiar."

"I'm really confused about what you're suggesting," Declan says. "There's only one reason she's following Luca, and she probably looks familiar because you saw her at the concert."

"She's not dressed like she went to the concert."

"So, she changed her fucking clothes. You really need to relax, Teagan. The paranoia you have surrounding Luca is very unusual. Remember the last time you did this, and you had nothing to worry about? He won't stop loving you because some girl in a hoodie is stalking him at a party. You're all mine tonight, anyway."

I watch her following him from about five feet back as he makes his way over to us. Once he sits next to Declan, she stops and turns away.

"You okay, Teagan?" Luca asks.

"Yeah," I tell him. "I'm just tired."

"Teagan is finally tired of the party," Luca says. "Who would have thought the day would come?"

"What happened to Reno Teagan?" Declan asks.

I nod in Luca's direction. "He gave her drugs," I grumble. "I didn't take any drugs today."

"I could get you some drugs if you want, honey," Luca says.

"No, she doesn't need any fucking drugs," Declan tells him. "She's fine. We'll go upstairs soon, okay?"

"Hey, Luca? Can I have your shirt?"

He grabs the hem and pulls it up over his stomach before Declan stops him.

"Don't give her your shirt," he says. "She's fine. You look so pretty, Teagan. And you like your scars, so stop."

"I thought you were just cold," Luca says, shaking his head."That'sjust cold, Teagan. I played tonight with your initial on my chest."

I sigh. "I know. And I liked it. Iamcold, though."

I climb over Declan and into Luca's lap, straddling him and wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I've got something in my pocket that would warm you up," Luca says.

"Yeah? Give it to me," I tell him.

"No," Declan snaps.

"Literally in my pocket," Luca clarifies. "It's just a tiny bit of cocaine; it won't hurt her. You've got friends now, baby; you want to do some drugs with me?"