Page 72 of Picture Perfect

"I think Addy's had enough of you monsters for tonight, don't you?" Gen says.

"Come on, Gen," Dre murmurs, leaning in so close his breath tickles my ear. His hand wraps around my throat and gives a gentle squeeze that does things to me, things I'm not ready to face. "You know she'd have more fun if you stayed with Chess and me." His words carry an edge, a dark promise that sends a jolt straight to my core.

Gen rolls her eyes. "I'm not gonna listen to you guys fight over her like she's some prize. Addy is my bestie. And I'm not sharing tonight. Got it?"

Dre leans back, a feral grin spreading across his face, conceding for the moment. "Don't think I won't be back to steal her away."

Gen laughs and stands up, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Dre's head.

He ducks it, his eyes never leave mine. It's like he's trying to see into my soul. I'm not sure what he'll find there, but I know that if he keeps looking at me like that, I won't be able to keep my secrets hidden for long.

Before I know it, Dre's lips are pressed against mine in a desperate kiss. It's so intense that it makes my toes curl and my heart race.

I don't know what comes over me but I kiss him back just as fiercely. His hand at my throat tightens, his thumb pressed against my jaw until my head is tilted back so he can deepen the kiss further.

When the need for air becomes too much, we pull apart. I'm gasping for breath, but Dre seems eerily calm. We stare at each other for a moment before Dre leans down to kiss me again, a quick peck this time.

"You're mine, Snowflake," he murmurs against my lips. "I'm not giving up so easily."

I can't even form coherent thoughts as he releases me and steps away. I barely have time to blink before Chess is there to take his place.

He brushes the hair away from my face and runs his thumb across my cheekbone. I can't even stop myself from leaning into his touch. Dre may light a fire in me that I don't understand, but Chess ignites a slow burn that I can feel snaking its way through my veins.

His eyes search mine for permission before he's leaning in and claiming my lips for himself. Where Dre was harsh and demanding, Chess kisses with a softness that makes my heart beat faster. I grip his shirt, pulling him closer. I can feel the smile on his lips as he pulls back.

"Goodnight, Addy."

As the room falls into an awkward quiet, Gen nudges me. "Oh, we need to talk."

I nod, my mind still reeling. Gen takes my hand and leads me toward the bed.

"Girl, you are playing with fire," she laughs as she settles herself back against the pillow.

I pull my knees into my chest and rest my chin against them.

"Bitch, you better spill. What the hell is going on with you four?"

"Nothing to spill," I mutter, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "They're just... intense."

"Nothing?" she laughs. "If that was nothing, then I can't wait to see what you

consider something. Those boys have got it bad."

Did they? It felt more like they were toying with me. And, the way Saint looked at me, I was pretty sure he wanted nothing at all to do with me.

I shrug in response.

"Girl, you've got to be blind. Chess watches you like you're the answer to every question he's ever had," Gen says, her tone teasing, yet serious. "And Dre? I have never seen that boy chase after anyone. Literally ever. He's never had to. Everyone wants to dance with the devil, he lets them come to him. And Rhett?"

"Saint?" I scoff, shaking my head. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Fine," she sighs, then adds, "But you know Rhett's got it bad for you too, right?"

"Whatever," I deflect quickly, feeling a strange twist in my stomach at the thought. "Let's just go to sleep. Please."

"Alright, alright," Gen relents, though I can tell she's not convinced. "Sleep it is."

The mattress dips beneath me as I lie down, Gen already cocooned in her blankets on the other side. My eyelids are heavy, a surprising calm seeping through my bones. It's odd; a part of me had anticipated a night of tossing and turning, but instead, there's this gentle wave of security enveloping me. The darkness of Gen's room isn't suffocating—it's protective, a stark contrast to the shadows I've grown accustomed to fearing.

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