Page 107 of Reckless Hearts

Isn’t that one of the first lessons I ever learned?

Everything is temporary. Nothing lasts forever.

I don’t know if I can handle applying that concept to Seb.

Jake leans in closer, his breath smelling faintly of olives.

“I’m just looking out for you, kid. You’ve got the world at your feet right now, but one wrong move, and it all comes crashing down.”

Before I can respond, Jake’s attention is caught by someone across the room.

“Just think about what I said,” he mutters before plastering on his megawatt smile and steering me toward another group of guests.

The party continues in a blur of designer outfits and forced laughter. Champagne flows like water, and everyone’s smile is as plastic as the surgeon-crafted noses that populate the room.

Jake introduces me to Ethan Steele, and I pump out every ounce of charm I possess but pretend I don’t see the speculative look in his eyes.

No matter what Jake says, there’s no way I’m hooking up with anyone besides Seb. There’s so much I can’t give Seb that he deserves, but I can at least give him fidelity.

It’s not until I’ve called for my car and am waiting by the door that Jake approaches me again.

“Here.” Jake hands me a branded blister pack, the pharmaceutical company’s logo clearly visible. “Call this a bonus Christmas present.” He winks at me.

“What is it?”

“Ambien. Everyone uses it to ensure their beauty sleep. Take some tonight and the makeup artist at the Ralph Lauren shoot will thank you.”

“I don’t take drugs,” I say.

Jake waves his hand dismissively. “It’s prescription stuff. It’s perfectly legit. Everyone uses it.”

There’s no point in offending Jake, so I put his offering in my jacket pocket. “Okay. Well, there’s my car. I should get going.”

“Merry Christmas, Marcus,” he says.

Merry Christmas.Jake’s shark-like grin.

Merry Christmas.Saskia’s smile and complete innocence as she tried to recruit me to convince Seb to go on a date.

Merry Christmas.The message to my father that remains unanswered.

I’m trying to sleep, but my brain is whirling. I can’t shut it off.

One a.m.

Two a.m.

Three a.m.

To distract my brain, I scroll through my social media pages.

Erica posted today a video that I filmed last week. In it, I’m strumming a guitar and singing a few lines of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” before wishing everyone happy holidays. The caption reads:

A little Christmas serenade for the best fans in the world. Thank you for another amazing year.

People across the world, my fans, are rushing to wish me a Merry Christmas back.

Normally, seeing all the people who adore me soothes something deep inside me.