Page 20 of Devious Love

“I promise. And we can cancel our party if?—”

“No, that’s okay.” She sniffles, a cute smile tipping her lips. “Chiara will come for a sleepover; it will be fine.”

I study her face, seeing her in a new light suddenly. Her dark blue eyes, framed by long eyelashes, shine brightly. The color has always reminded me of a twilight sky, deep and bewitching. A small smattering of freckles dusts her straight nose and her cheeks, softening her features. She parts her puffy lips, and my gaze zeroes in on them.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

What the hell are you doing?

Faking a smile, I step back and pat her awkwardly on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”

With that, I back away, making my retreat. I have to put some distance between us.

What just happened can never happen again. I can’t let her look at me differently, and I can’t notice shit like how she’s growing up. A pit opens in my stomach, churning with guilt and shame.

For as long as I can remember, she’s been my best friend’s annoying little sister. Now that our parents are married, she’smyannoying little stepsister, nothing more.

“Night,” I say hoarsely.

“Night.”

I’m almost out of the kitchen when it hits me.Fuck. I’m an asshole. I drag my hand down my face and turn back.

“Happy birthday, Mia.”

She gives me a sweet smile. It shouldn’t make my chest tighten, shouldn’t make my heart beat faster, but my traitorous body won’t listen to my brain. “Thanks.”

With a nod, I rush out of the room.

The whole house is pulsing,the bass vibrating through the walls and floorboards. Every corner of the living room, the kitchen, and the backyard is packed with people. Many are laughing, a couple are shouting, and a few girls are even dancing on the dining room table.

Dad and Monica would be pissed if they knew what this party turned into.

But that’s a worry for tomorrow. Today, I don’t give a fuck.

The air is thick with the scent of alcohol, perfume, and the faintest trace of tobacco mixed with weed.

Red Solo cup in hand, I weave between people, stopping to say hi here and there. My body is buzzing with reckless, intoxicating energy. I’m having more fun than I expected, honestly.

When I find my best friend, I slap him on the shoulder. “Matt.”

He jolts in his seat, un-suctions his mouth from his girlfriend’s, and glares at me.

I slump onto the couch beside him and wrap my arm around his shoulder, avoiding touching Sage, who’s still draped across him. “How is it going?”

“Until a minute ago, it was going great,” he grits, taking my hand off his shoulder. “I’ve been busy, actually.”

“Yeah.” I snort. “Busy sucking Sage’s face.”

“You’re so crude, Dom.” With a sigh, she stands. “I’ll go find myself a drink.”

Once she leaves, Matt straightens and turns to me, frowning. “Smoking again?”

“Just beer.” I lift my cup.

“Sure, genius.” He scoffs. “Your eyes are glassy as fuck.”

I crook a smile. “So what? I’m drinking beer and having fun, just like you wanted.”