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“Stop it, both of you.”

A knot tightened in my stomach as I battled with the conflicting feelings. Her eyes locked with mine as if she’d only just noticed my presence, but her hands never separated from my brother. I looked away.

“Let’s go, Noah.”

I had to escape this scene and wash my eyes. The night hadn’t even begun and I was already wishing it was over.

“Leaving so soon, baby bro?”

That dreaded nickname grated on my nerves. Even the way he said it. He spoke to me in the most patronizing tone he could muster. I pursed my lips and squared my shoulders before looking into his eyes.

“Your girlfriend is looking for you.”

I nodded my head toward Ava, standing with Elsie. They were chatting just outside the doorway. I felt sick satisfaction as his body stiffened before turning to Sawyer.

“You can hang out with us when he ditches you.” I muttered before stomping out of the room with Noah trailing. Take that, brother.

??

13

“You’re on my heart just like a tattoo.”

Tattoo, Jordin Sparks

Sawyer

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, stealing glances at Stella as I twirled my drink in my hand, avoiding eye contact with Asher. I’d been foolish, thinking he was inviting me here because he wanted to spend time with me, but I should have known better. Of course, a guy that looks like him would have a girlfriend.

“I’m going to see if the guys are here yet.” He mumbled before bolting out of the kitchen.

Our eyes followed him until he was out of sight.

“What just happened?” Stella asked, walking around the counter to stand beside me.

“I have no idea.”

A conflicted expression danced across my face as I replayed the confrontation in my mind. Siblings bicker. Noah and I fight daily, but this was something else. Their words were seeping into animosity and hatred.

“Sawyer!”

Sebastian’s cheerful tone echoed over the thumping music. I turned to find him walking towards us with outstretched arms. I groaned as he squeezed me in a hug, but I couldn’t help but hug back. He was like a human koala.

“Who is this?”

His eyes locked onto Stella. The corner of his lips raised in a subtle smirk. She was too oblivious to notice him checking her out.

“This is Stella.” I said after she took too long to answer. “Stella, this is Sebastian.”

I felt like a third wheel in their intense staring contest. Stella’s cheeks were as red as her candy apple sweater. I kept retreating until I was back in the sea of people.

My fingers played with the ends of my cardigan as I searched for a familiar face. I wanted to accept Josh’s offer to join him, but the surrounding group didn’t appear welcoming. Especially the hate-filled glare from Ava. We’d never even spoken, and she hates me. In just a month, I had more enemies than friends. I opted for a dark corner, hoping that Stella would join me soon. However, Benjamin became my saving grace.

“Please don’t tell me you were planning on spending the entire party in a dark corner.”

My smile didn’t reach my eyes.

“I was.” I admitted.