Page 85 of Mine to Ruin

“What?” Both Kendrick and Jason are taken aback.

I quickly recount the events of that night, and it’s Kian who has to stop them from going after Robert, a secretive message passing between them.

We’ve become closer over these last weeks, but to see them so worked up over what happened to me warms my heart.

The girls join our little group soon after.

“Was that Robert?” Aubrey asks, and when I nod, she pulls me in her arms.

I tell them what just happened.

“I am so proud you finally switched the power roles,” Tara says.

“It was time,” I reply, determination lacing my words.

Kian’s lips find my temple, and he whispers, “I am so proud of you, angel. He’ll get what he deserves.”

After my parents retreat to their hotel room, we head to the rooftop club to celebrate. I feel Kian’s eyes on me, and even though Melanie is next to him, it doesn’t affect me as much. If only she would stop looking at me like she knows something I don’t. I will stop worrying the moment she stops with that secretive gleam.

“You’d think she owns him, the way she acts around him. It’s creepy,” Aubrey says when we go to the bathroom.

“It doesn’t matter, he has eyes only for you.” Tara shrugs.

“Then, why does he keep her around?” Aubrey asks, and I silently agree.

“Maybe because they are friends, have known each other for a long time, and she works for him?” Tara, the voice of reason, speaks, and a pang of guilt strikes me.

“So, you’d be okay for the man you love to not only work with a woman who seemingly stepped out of a Victoria's Secret catalogue, but also knowing they used to have something?”

And my guilt turns to jealousy.

“Everyone has a past,” Tara says, sadness clouding her eyes.

“That doesn’t mean it should be shoved down your throat. Have you seen how she lurks behind him, like she’s waiting for something.”

Aubrey tries to be subtle as she tips her head.

“Stop with the exaggeration. That man has given me no reason to doubt him.”

Whatever Aubrey sees in my face, she changes the subject. “Is Jason single?”

I roll my eyes at her and she taps her lower lip. “He’s like an itch I have to scratch.”

Tara scrunches her nose. “Gross.”

“Why? Because I go after what I want?”

We exit the bathroom and when we step outside the rooftop, my eyes find Kian’s, on pure instinct. He strides to me, picks me up, and swallows my moans with a passionate kiss.

“I know the girls have missed you, too, but I am greedy,” he whispers once the kiss ends.

“You are the one I am going home with tonight.” I place my hands on his chest and he lowers his head to my neck, placing a tender kiss there.

“You better.” He nibbles on my earlobe and says, “If you only knew the things I imagine doing to you tonight.”

“Hmm, like what?”

I flirt back, and I love his need, his eyes devouring me, and the intensity between us prickling my skin, the power it grants me, the ultimate aphrodisiac.

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