Page 21 of Too Sweet

Fuck.

There’s a ringing in my ears. Little spots dance in the periphery of my vision. I feel myself slipping, falling back into a darkness I didn’t even realize I was at risk of stumbling upon today.

At some point while I’m trying to steady my breathing, the guys notice my presence and swarm. I’m being passed around from one person to the next—and not in the fun way—as each of my men hugs me and wishes me a happy birthday.

By the time Decker releases me, my lungs have seized and I can’t breathe.

No one seems to notice that I’ve gone catatonic.

I’m ushered over to the table. It feels like everyone’s trying to talk at once.

There are wrapped gifts, along with several items just there on display. I spot a new Kindle and a pair of green Airpods Max headphones. There’s a super cute loungewear set I can barely stand to look at. Not because it doesn’t look ridiculously soft and cozy, but because what it symbolizes.

They didn’t do this at Christmas. We exchanged gifts, but everything was low-key, thoughtful, and in Kylian’s case, practical.

How did this happen? And how the hell am I going to put a stop to this onslaught? They weren’t even supposed to know about today.

Before I have the chance to utter a word, Kendrick is before me, opening up a jewelry box and presenting it with a flourish.

When I meet his gaze, he’s grinning from ear-to-ear.

They all are.

Shit.

Not only is this my literal nightmare, but now I’m about to be the bad guy.

“What is all this?” My voice comes out cold and impartial. On the inside, I’m fighting like hell to hold back tears.

Nicky steps forward. The joy emanating from him kills me.

“It’s all for you, Hot Girl. We know it’s your birthday. We wanted to make it extra special since it’s the first time we’re celebrating together.”

I give up on trying to hold back tears. They fall freely as I shift my focus to resisting the urge to scream.

My stomach twists, and it feels like there’s a deadweight smashing into my chest. It’s too much. Too real. Too intense for me to hold inside.

I watch the scene transform before my eyes. The way their expressions change. The way the energy in the room morphs into an acrid poison.

I watch as the realization sinks in for each of them. They see it now. That I don’t want this. I didn’t ask for this. And that despite their sweet intentions and kindness, I can’t help but feel angry.

With a forceful sniffle, I swipe the tears off my cheeks.

“I don’t want to celebrate my birthday,” I state plainly. My voice is shaky, but I know I have to stay true to myself. I look at each of them, making sure they hear what I say next. “I didn’t ask for any of this, and you shouldn’t have done it. Please get rid of it all. I’m going to go outside and get some fresh air.”

With that, I grab a random half-full coffee mug off the kitchen island, snag a blanket from the living room, and turn my back on my guys.

Chapter 11

Locke

“Need I remind you—”

“I know,” I snap, cutting Kylian off at the pass. I fucking know. Or at least I know now.

“What the hell was that all about?” Kendrick snarls. He looks from me to Kylian, then glances over to a bewildered Decker. “Did something happen last night?”

Decker holds up both hands in surrender. “No. Everything was great.”