Page 5 of Poison's Promise

“It looks to me like you’re out here scoping for guys,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest and lifting an eyebrow in that infuriating way she always does.

“Please,” I scoff. “I have enough man to handle at home.”

Rachel’s eyes narrow, and I can see the gears turning in her head.

She’s looking for a way to dig deeper, to twist the knife. “You know what, just admit it,” I say before she can get another word in. “You want to be with Asher. That’s the reason you hate me so much. That’s the reason you always have to meddle in our relationship.”

“You’re delusional,” Rachel snaps, but there’s a flicker of something in her eyes. Guilt? Jealousy? Who knows, and frankly, who cares?

“Am I?” I step closer, my voice lowering to a dangerous hiss. “Because every time I turn around, there you are, trying to play the loyal friend. But it’s not loyalty, Rachel. It’s obsession.”

“Shut up, Polly. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” she says, her voice trembling slightly.

I can tell I’ve hit a nerve.

“Face it, Rachel,” I continue, my confidence growing with every word. “Asher could never be with someone like you. You’re too busy sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“You’re wrong," she whispers, but her voice lacks conviction. I've won this round, and we both know it.

“Are you serious right now?” I manage to choke out between giggles. “He seems pretty damn happy when I’m on top of him.”

Rachel’s face contorts with rage. Her hand flies across my cheek before I can even register the movement. The stinging slap echoes in my ears, leaving a burning imprint on my skin.

“Don’t you dare talk about him like that!” she screams, her voice trembling with fury.

I take a step back, rubbing my cheek. My laughter dies down, replaced by cold, hard anger.

I lean in close, my voice low and dangerous. “Touch me again, and you’ll regret it,” I hiss. “You’re not his keeper, Rachel. Stay out of our lives.”

“You’re trash, Polly,” she spits, her voice shaking. “And one day, Asher will see it too.”

“Keep dreaming,” I say, turning away from her. “Now get lost.”

Rachel glares at me for a moment longer before storming off into the crowd.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

Lila appears at my side, concern etched on her face.

“Are you okay?” she asks, glancing at my reddened cheek.

“Fine,” I mutter, forcing a smile. “Just a minor inconvenience.”

“Let’s get another drink,” Lila suggests, linking her arm through mine. “Forget about her.”

“Good idea,” I agree, letting her lead me towards the bar.

The night is still young, and I’m determined to enjoy it, no matter what.

We weave our way back through the throng of people, the bass from the music vibrating through the floor and up into my bones.

The living room is packed, bodies moving and swaying to the rhythm.

Lila pulls me toward the makeshift bar where a couple of guys are mixing drinks with practiced ease.

“Hey ladies,” one of them says with a grin, his eyes lingering on my dress. “What can I get you?”

“Something strong,” Lila replies, leaning against the counter. “We need to forget about some drama.”

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