Page 114 of Mine to Ruin

His brows draw together. “I am sorry. I have been an idiot. You confused me, and what you ignited in me confused me even worse.”

“Not anymore?” I ask with a smile.

He shakes his head, eyes burning with sincerity. “Not having you was not acceptable.”

The countdown to a new year starts. Fireworks shoot in the sky, champagne corks pop, the celebratory wishes creating this vibe only new beginnings have, hope, resolution, expectancy. When midnight strikes, I say,

“Happy New Year!”

“And what a great New Year it will be.” His lips curl up into a dreamy smile and he lowers his head to kiss me.

The night turns to early morning, and we share a SUV back to the chalet and the guys open another champagne bottle. My feet are killing me, and I can’t wait to get rid of these heels.

Kendrick and Tara let loose with the PDA, and Aubrey and I giggle. I am sure she will tease Tara for this for a very long time, and I point at Jason.

“I am horny, and he looks yummy, I’ll let him catch me tonight,” Aubrey whispers in my ear.

We arrive at the chalet and everyone disappears into their or someone else’s room. All I want to do is sleep, and this time Kian makes me moan with pleasure by massaging my feet, then sleep overtakes me.

I wake with a slight headache, but a bursting heart, and my eyes land on my fiancé, his hair ruffled, those curly, thick lashes fluttering in sleep. I put on a pair of leggings and an oversized sweatshirt, and tiptoe out of the room. I’m in the kitchen, filling a glass with orange juice when Brandon steps in, scratching his neck.

“Morning,” I chirp and he strides toward me.

“I have to do this,” he says and, before I have a chance to ask what he means, he crashes his lips down on mine.

I put my hands on his chest and shove him away. Kendrick comes to a complete halt and his nostrils flare as he stares at him.

My eyes well up as I wipe his kiss from my lips and say, “Just go, Brandon.”

“I could kill him,” Kendrick says while my tears roll free down my cheeks. Why would Brandon do something so reckless?

“Please don’t tell Kian.”

“It’s better if he doesn't know,” Kendrick agrees.

A heavy silence falls as we eye each other, aware we have to keep this a secret.

“Thank you.”

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand and pick up the glass of juice. I walk back upstairs and step inside our room. I stare at Kian, his lips slightly parted, his sharp features relaxed for once. His eyes flutter open, and he growls as he pats my side of the bed. I put the glass on the nightstand, and he drags me to his chest, his lips making me forget Brandon ruined our friendship.

When we eventually make it downstairs, Jason tells us both Melanie and Brandon left, and the tension ebbs.

“So this one is engaged.” Aubrey points a finger at me, before turning to Tara. “And you got loose for the first time in all the years I have known you. Miracles happen,” she says, raising a glass of wine.

“It’s eleven in the morning,” Tara tells her.

She pins her with a daring look. “Not soon enough to forget I saw your tonsils while you dry-humped Kendrick.”

I giggle and I am her next victim.

“And you, not even porn stars make those noises in bed. Of course, you giggle, it’s the dick happiness.”

I push myself up from the couch, grab a decorative pillow and toss it at her face, and Aubrey yelps and a pillow fight starts.

“I saw you sneaking in Jason’s room.”

“My pussy felt lonely.”

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