Page 74 of Devious Love

“You saw me with Remi, right?”

I nod again, my stomach twisting.

“That night, she told me everyone knew you had a crush on me.” He swallows audibly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I wasn’t sure I believed her, but I didn’t want you to get any ideas about me, so…”

I blink and take a step back. I’ve moved on from the hurt that night caused me, but to find out it was intentional? That he did it on purpose?

Pain and frustration mingle inside me.

“So you fucked her the whole night, making sure everyone in the house heard, but especially me, since our bedrooms shared a wall. That’s what you mean?”

“I’m not proud of it.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. Did you fuck her like that to hurt me?” I clench my jaw, waiting for his answer.

“Yes.”

CHAPTER 20

keep running, baby

MIA

Age 18

September

My throat tightensand heat pricks at the backs of my eyes, but I refuse to cry. “I was fourteen, Dominic. What kind of ideas could I have had about you?”

He clenches his jaw.

“I had a crush on you, that’s true, but I wasn’t stupid. I never thought you’d see me as anything but Matt’s little sister.”

“I’m not proud of what I did.” He lowers his head. “It was cruel, and you didn’t deserve it.”

“And yet you brought her home almost every night after our parents went to bed. Sure, the two of you weren’t yelling at the top of your lungs, but you knew I’d hear you.” My phone buzzes in my purse, and I take it out, my hand shaking with anger. “No wonder she was so hostile toward me when I got back. She probably thought I was stalking you.”

Chiara’s name flashes on the screen. I consider ignoring the call, but if we continue this conversation, I’m liable to punchDominic in the face, so I swipe my thumb over the screen and bring the device to my ear.

“Are you out of your mind!?” she says before I can greet her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Your stories, Mia.”

Frowning, I look out over the city. My stories?

“If you’re supposed to be here with me, you can’t make it obvious you’re not in Monterey.”

“Fuck.” I put her on speaker then navigate to Instagram and delete the story. I don’t bother to check who saw it. I’ll think of an excuse if someone asks.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She sighs. “I hope you posting without thinking means you’re having a good time.”

I peer at Dominic. His focus is fixed on me, his hazel eyes dark and intense.

“Iwas.”