Page 83 of Devious Love

“Okay.”

I sip my coffee, but it sloshes a little when I trip over a crack in the sidewalk. I’m cursing quietly and dabbing at my chin as we round a corner. My focus is fixed on my fingers when Chiara throws her hand out. She steps in front of me, her eyes pleading.

With a frown, I tip to one side and scan the street. Instantly, my stomach sinks.

Outside the shop, Remi and Dominic are standing close. Her red curls look incredible against her dark green shirt. She’s beaming at him as they talk, her body angled in close, her hand running up and down the sleeve of his coveralls. He stands with his hands in his pockets, his expression controlled. Blank, even.

I bite my bottom lip.

Remi brushes her fingers over his cheek. He doesn’t react, but he doesn’t move either. He doesn’t tell her not to touch him.

A stabbing pain in my chest almost doubles me over. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head, and I fucking hate that I feel this way.

He told me it was all in the past, that it was over for him, that she was the one who wouldn’t let go. I told him I wouldn’t put up with gray areas between the two of them. I encouraged him to make her listen, to make it clear she should leave him alone.

Yet, she’s here, standing too close, touching his face, flirting and laughing as if they’re still together. He’s letting her believe the lie she’s telling herself…again.

“Mia,” Chiara says in a soft voice. “Don’t go quiet on me. If you want, we can?—”

I turn on my heel and head back to the café. Chiara likely has questions, but for now, she walks silently beside me, letting me process what I’ve just seen so I can decide what I want to do about it.

It doesn’t take me long to figure it out.

It’s time to make sure he understands how serious I am.

The bonfire glowsin the distance, shadows flickering over the sand. The air is thick with heat, smoke, and salt, the beach crowded with locals and college kids. Chiara, Jeff, and Tessa are with me. We ran into Ezra and three of his friends on the way, so our small group has turned into a crowd.

I’m looking forward to a night out, and hanging out with my friends on campus today was exactly the distraction I needed. I’m still pissed at Dom, and thoughts about him and The Butcher have lingered in the back of my mind all day, but a few drinks and some dancing should help.

As we approach the fire, the unmistakable weight of his eyes lands on me, making my heart thrash in my chest. How fucked up is it that I feel him before I even see him?

“Mia!” Matt calls. He’s sitting on a piece of driftwood, a beer in his hand.

I glance at my friends. “One minute. I gotta go say hi to my brother.”

“Say hi from us too. Tobothof your brothers,” Jeff razzes.

Tessa rolls her eyes and pushes him gently as they pass me. “Don’t listen to him.”

Chiara walks past me next, one brow arched. I just shake my head. I can handle this myself. My plan is to drive my point home quietly and precisely.

I stop in front of Matt and nod politely at Miles. He and I have never really spoken, but it’s clear he’s close with my brother. I eye Dominic next. He’s kicked back, legs spread, wearing a black hoodie, worn-out black jeans, and white sneakers. Our eyes meet as he brings his beer to his lips, but I look away quickly, fixing my focus on Matt.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” He smiles. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

I shrug. “My friends wanted to come, so here we are.”

Matt’s eyes are mostly clear, his expression earnest. “If you need a ride home, let me know.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” I turn to leave.

“And don’t drink.”

I whip around, glaring at him.

Miles puts his hand on Matt’s shoulder. “Dude. She’s eighteen. Let her have fun. We’re here; we can keep an eye on her.”