Page 174 of Collide

“Bullshit,” she says, arms crossed.

That one word pulls me out of the spiral. If Madison’s his girlfriend, why the hell is Alex staying withmethis weekend?

Madison’s expression flickers—for a second—before she turns her gaze to Riley, her eyes narrowing.

“Sure,” she says, like she’s humoring a child. “But this is what we do. On and off. Like a merry-go-round. I’ve been in his life for years now. We love playing this little game.”

Her friends smirk again, nodding along like backup dancers to a lie.

Something in me hardens. He told me they were done. That there was nothing left between them.

But I hadn’t asked if we were exclusive. Maybe I’m just a distraction. A convenientsomethingbefore he inevitably goes back toher.

The thought churns in my mind.

Madison’s calm, confident, and practiced. She’s getting pushing my buttons, and she knows it.

I take a breath, pushing the mess of feelings down.

“I’m not sure what you’re expecting me to say,” I reply, tilting my head. “Congratulations?”

Riley lets out a sharp laugh beside me, unable to help herself.

Madison’s eyes twitch—slightly—but she recovers fast. “I thought you should know,” she says, her tone all fake innocence, “since you and Alex seem to be spending so much time together. I wouldn’t want there to be any confusion.”

I meet her gaze, squaring my shoulders. She might intimidate me, but I won't let her see it.

“Funny you should say that, considering Alex was inmybed last night,” I spit back.

Her smile falters, fingers tighten around her purse strap before she gives a small, brittle laugh, like I’m amusing.

“For now,” she adds, her voice soft but cutting. She gives me one final once-over, something flickering behind her eyes, and then turns. Her entourage falls into step beside her as they head for the bar.

I don’t breathe until she’s far enough away. My hands grip my purse like it’s the only thing anchoring me.

Riley whistles low. “Wow. That was a level of bitch I haven’t seen in a while.”

I don’t answer. My mind is spinning.

Alex said they were done.

So either he lied…

Or this is part ofhergame.

And I honestly don’t know which thought unsettles me more.

Riley places a hand on my arm, yanking me back to the present. “Elena.” Her voice is careful. “You do know that was total manipulation, right? She wanted to shake you. And I gotta say, you did a damn good job standing your ground.”

I nod, though I’m not sure I fully believe her. Because no matter how composed I may havelooked, no matter how well I played it off, Madison weaseled her way under my skin.

We finish lunch and enjoy the activities planned for the rest of the day—shopping in town, then heading to the spa for mani-pedis and massages. The thought of an afternoon wrapped in fluffy robes and lavender oil sounds perfect, exactly what we all need before the big night ahead.

And yet, even as I laugh along with the girls, even as I smile, try to stay present, I can’t shake the tension still clinging to my chest.

The encounter with Madison leaves an imprint. One I can’t quite brush off.

She wastooconfident.Toopoised. Like someone who knows something I don’t. Every carefully chosen word, every flicker of amusement in her eyes—it was all designed to make me doubt.