Page 86 of Dirty Temptation

When I turn back, Payton has her phone in her hand and is staring at the screen. She glances up and worried eyes land on mine.

A chill brushes over my skin.

I blink, forcing myself not to speak.

What’s happened?

I roam the room with barely disguised urgency as my heart pounds.

“She’s gone,” Payton says as I lower my glass.

Gone?

She can’t go.

She can’t leave. On her own.

Where did she go?

Who with?

The thought of Molly—drunk Molly—out there without someone—me—to protect her has my chest tightening.

“Where?” Levi asks.

My feet are already moving across the marquee, into the house, up the stairs, and I push open her door.

I hear the rustle of Payton’s dress as she follows me and stops right behind me.

“Where has she gone?” I ask roughly, angrier than ever now.

Payton is silent as she hands me the phone.

Sorry, had to race home. Hope the rest of the night was amazing. Congratulations again, Mrs. Montgomery. Molly xx

The fuck?

Knox has arrived and he reaches for Payton to comfort her.

There is judgment on both their faces.

Go find some other girl to flirt with.

“She had to race home?” I lift my brows. “To what?”

“Orfromwho?” Payton crosses her arms. “What happened between you two?”

Well that’s just unfair.

Also true.

Damn it.

“Atlas what’s going on?” Knox demands as I hand the phone back to Payton and step farther into the room. They follow a few steps as I rake my fingers through my hair.

Time to tell the truth.

“We slept together. A couple of times.” I sigh and let out a quiet curse. “There was unfinished business since my birthday and neither of us thought it was serious but...”

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