Page 80 of Hidden Empire

“It’s 4 p.m. you shouldn’t be sleeping anyway,” Matteo gripes. “Quit being fucking boring and do something with us.”

“Dinner is in an hour,” Nico returns, ignoring Matteo’s request. “Did you think about that before you gave her weed?”

Oops.

“It’s okay,” I chime before anyone can panic. “It just means I’ll be able to eat more.”

Matteo cackles, tossing his head back. “Oh, this is going to be great.”

Dinner is not great.

Not because of a bad high or anything, but because I didn’t think about the fact that Ivan would see me high. My poor best friend has been watching me with worried eyes since we got here.

I understand his concern. I’m openly giggly, squinty, and eating without as much control as I typically do. While I feel great, I also feel like a bad friend. That is, until I see an opportunity to right my mistake.

“I’m getting chocolate cake,” I announce to our table, standing up. Matteo moves to get up too, but I shake my head at him. “Colton is over there, I’ll be fine. Sit, I’ll grab you a piece too.”

“I don’t know,” he contemplates, looking around.

“It’s literally ten feet away,” I remind him. “I’m perfectly okay.”

Even if he’s reluctant about it, he nods and retakes his seat.

Thankfully this little debate doesn’t go on long enough for Colton to move places because he’s exactly who I need to see. I glide right up to him, walking confidently so that I don’t wobble.

“Hi,” I greet, grabbing an empty plate.

The sound of my voice grabs his attention, and he half turns to greet me.

“Hi, Jad—Whoa, you’re stoned.”

“I am,” I agree, smiling like a goon. “I need your help.”

Immediately he straightens up. “Did somebody drug you?”

“Oh lord, no,” I rush out. “Sorry, sorry, no. Matteo gave it to me. It was just a gummy. I’ve had them before, and my hands are sore from training.”

He immediately relaxes. “So, what do you need help with? Getting cake?”

“Well, actually, yes,” I answer quickly. “Two chocolate, please, one regular piece and one big ass one for Matteo, if you don’t mind.”

Colton takes my plate and starts to slice into the double chocolate dessert.

“But also,” I say, keeping my voice low. “Would you mind telling Ivan that I’m okay and explain the gummy? I think he can tell that I took something, and he doesn’t know what so he’s worried.”

“Ahh,” he hums. “More of your dirty work, hm?”

I flush, lifting a shoulder. “If you don’t mind.”

Chuckling, Colton hands me back my plate now full of cake. “I’ll tell him for you, littlest Moretti.”

“Thank youuu,” I cheer, smiling big.

“Don’t mention it,” he replies, nodding back to my table. “Go on back now before Armani gets the wrong idea.”

A great piece of advice because when I turn around, he’s looking right at us.

He doesn’t exactly look mad, but he certainly doesn’t look pleased. Seems rude not to trust someone who’s obviously your friend with your sister, but what do I know? I don’t exactly have the most experience with friends.

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