Page 85 of The Lies We Tell Ourselves

“What the fuck?” I looked down in horror at his pants. “You sick fuck! Remember what I said?” He nodded. “Goodnight.” I punched him in the temple so hard he blacked out instantly and fell to the ground in a heap. He wouldn’t be getting up and time soon.

“Shit.” I was a mess. My knuckles were split and covered in blood. The door slammed into the wall as someone stepped out. “Fuck.” I clenched my fists, feeling the burn of the split skin and whirled on whoever was coming for me with a snarl on my face.

“Chill, Cap,” Vieck said as McCormack stepped up beside him. “We thought you might need some help cleaning up and taking the trash out.”

Vieck smiled and passed me a wet cloth to wipe myself down with. The cool water stung my knuckles but was definitely welcome as I cleared that fucker’s blood off me.

“What d’you want us to do with him?” McCormack asked as he kicked the lump of man flesh to see if it would move.

“Don’t care. Just get rid of it and this.” I handed him the cloth which he stuck in a bag.

“We got you, Cap,” Veck said, pulling keys from his pocket. “We’ll get rid of him. Enjoy the show. I’m sorry we’ll miss it though.”

“You should stay,” I muttered halfheartedly, desperate to get back in there and check on Jamie.

“Don’t.” Vieck held up his hand. “This is far more important.”

“Exactly. We’ve got him. Go support your boy.” McCormack grunted as he lifted the sack of shit off the ground. “Vieck, bring the car around, and Cap, fuck off!” He smiled as he moved into the shadows away from any prying eyes that might come our way.

I hurried back inside and slipped into my seat next to Buchanan just in time to see the dancers and Ava, one of Jamie’s best friends, disappear behind the curtain looking like winter fairies. The lighting dropped to a muted glow as the runaway cleared. I sighed as the tension in my muscles ebbed away, and I flexed and my aching fingers. I couldn’t wait to see my man up there. I loved him so much. Now I’ve finally gotten him, I’ll never, ever let him go.

“All sorted?”

“Yup. Was he okay?”

Buchanan sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “I think so? He seemed shaken, but Levi nabbed him as soon as we got through the curtain and pulled him into makeup. So hopefully, he’ll be too distracted to think about it at all until after the show, and then you’ll be there.”

“Okay, that’s good. I hope. I’m glad I haven’t missed anything.” I gave B a tentative smile, even though I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight wasn’t done with throwing us into the line of fire.

“Nah, the good stuff is about to start.”

A voice boomed through the room as they announced the winter wonderland showcase and the order of the designers that would be presenting their lines. The lights lifted and a dry icy smog floated over the base of the runway, setting the scene. According to Jamie, we had some of the best seats in the house, right at the end of the runway. Music started to play as a silhouetted figure broke through the curtains and took to the stage. Applause rang out as Jamie’s figure cut through the smog, and my world narrowed down to him. Always. Only. Him.

“Fuck,” I groaned and scrubbed my hand down my face as my eyes roved all over Jamie’s body.

“He looks good.”

I narrowed my eyes at B, and he smiled right back. “Fucking dick,” I muttered, but my attention was captivated by Jamie as he walked down the runway like he owned the place. His golden curls took on an icy edge to fit the theme, and his face glittered like it was covered in a million crystals. His pale-blue eyes looked luminous under the lights, but it was the fact that they were locked on me that heated the blood in my veins and had me adjusting my hard dick before he’d made it halfway. My eyes dragged down his body to the sheer net shirt draped over his torso. Long sleeves encased his arms right down to his fingertips and draped around his neck. The small pearl and crystal detail that covered it reminded me of freshly fallen snow glittering in the sun.

“Wow,” Buchanan said as Jamie stopped in front of us and winked. When a whoop rang out behind us, a fucking epic blush stained his cheeks.

“Mine!” I ignored B as I watched my little crow’s ass sway in his fitted white pants as he sashayed back up the runway.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

JAMIE

“Holy shit! Holy shit,” I chanted as adrenaline coursed through my body, making me vibrate with the overabundance of energy. I felt like I was soaring and falling simultaneously.

“JJ, babe. You’re magic! Just magic out there. I’m so proud of you.” Levi squealed as he wrapped me up in his arms. “Did you have a chance to chat to Derek before the show? He was eager to meet you after I sent him some of the pictures of our dress rehearsal.”

I gulped as my stomach fell through the floor. “Uh, ah, y-yeah.” I started to shake, and the world swirled around me. I flushed hot and cold, and my throat tightened.

“Shit! JJ? What’s wrong? Can someone get me some water?”

“L-Levi…h-he… tried…” I heaved in a gulp of air.

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