Page 9 of Twisted Collide

Now I’ll have to put up with Hudson trying to get me laid. This night keeps getting better and better.

At his words, the blond girl takes a step closer to me, raising her right hand to touch me. I take a step back, avoiding her.

“Not interested. But thanks.”

Hudson barks out a laugh before lifting the glass in his hand to take a swig. Once done, he lowers his hand, then shakes his head. “Can I at least convince you to have a drink with me? You know, for celebration.”

“I’ll pass on that too.”

Someone bumps into me as they’re walking by, and I turn to see who just knocked into me. It’s a pretty redhead, and when she catches me looking, she smiles seductively. If I were Hudson, I’d take her up on that offer, but unfortunately, no desire stirs. Maybe I’m broken. She’s gorgeous, but I’m just not in the mood tonight.

Not for her, and certainly not for this place.

“How long have you been here?” Hudson asks, and I turn back in his direction and shrug.

“Five minutes.”

“And how long are you planning on staying?” His mouth twists into a knowing smirk.

“Not sure.”

He turns to the blonde with a shake of the head. “That means he’s leaving. Guaranteed by my next drink, he’s gone.”

“Don’t kid yourself. I’ll be gone way before that,” I fire back.

As if my comment is a challenge, Hudson raises the glass to his mouth and takes the rest of the contents in one gulp. “Challenge accepted.” He then lifts his hand to get the bartender’s attention. Once he does, he signals that he wants another.

“On that note . . .” I turn on my heel, not even allowing them time to object before I give them my back, migrating toward the exit.

A few friends nod at me as I head out, but I give them my usual blank stare. Sure, they all think I’m an asshole, but it doesn’t matter. I need to get out of here.

I’m a few more steps toward the exit when I practically run into a disheveled Aiden and Cassidy.

No need to guess what they were just doing. The muscles around my heart contract for a beat, but I shake off the feeling. The only way to have something like Aiden and Cassidy is to let someone in. Letting someone in is not in the cards for me.

Cassidy says something to me, but I can’t make out her words. The music is too loud, and the people milling about are even louder.

Instead of responding, I grunt, nod, and keep walking.

I’m sure I’ll hear shit about it later from Aiden, but right now, I can’t find it in me to care.

I need air.I need to get the fuck out of here.

Finally, I make it to the back entrance. I push the door open, and the warm summer air slaps me in the face as soon as I do.

The Château is located on a small vineyard twenty miles outside of Redville, and it’s the perfect venue for a wedding or, in tonight’s case, a celebratory party.

Not only are there multiple restaurants and bars, but there’s also a hotel on the premises.

I walk around the back of the building until I’m on the main street that leads toward the hotel. It takes me about five more minutes, but then I’m standing in front of the large glass doors of the boutique hotel on the property, hoping this is the sanctuary I’ve been looking for.

This is what I need—somewhere to have a drink where no one will talk to me.

I’ll be able to let go a bit without anyone I know being around to judge me and, worse, wonder what’s wrong.

I open the door and meander down the hallway that leads to the lobby. Once there, I head to the hotel lounge, ready to let go for a few.

Sighing in contentment, I slink into the nearest seat and raise my hand. I’ve never been more ready for a drink.

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