Page 138 of Twisted Collide

“Josephine.”

“Sinclair.”

His eyes widen at the use of his last name, but if he’s going to call me out, he doesn’t. Instead, he stares at me for a long moment, almost like he’s memorizing me.

“Take a picture. It will last longer.”

“I didn’t expect—”

“To see me again. Yeah, I got that.”

“Look, I messed up. We both got carried away, and I let it happen. I take full responsibility. I’m the fucking adult over here.”

And I wasn’t? Good to know.

“At any rate,” he continues, “we need to keep our distance now. We got too close to getting caught, and we both have plenty to lose. Turn around and walk away, Hellfire. There’s nothing for you here.”

60

DANE

Hudson addedMolly to the chat.

Hudson:Where’s your brother?

Molly:Do I look like his keeper, asshole?

Hudson:Actually, yes.

Hudson changed the name of the chat to Dane Sinclair’s Keepers

Molly has left the chat.

Hudson:Was it something I said?

Mason:…

61

DANE

I can’t believethese guys convinced me to meet them.

This is by far the last place I want to be. I trudge through the dimly lit bar, looking for my friends. After tonight, I might downgrade them back to teammates.

The music is obnoxious, and the walls practically rattle from the bass.

In the corner, in the usual spot, I find a way too happy Hudson, Mason, and, surprisingly enough, Aiden. Although I see him every day, he rarely goes out unless he’s forced to or Cassidy has convinced him it would be good for him.

I narrow my eyes as I approach, and I can tell something’s up by how tight Aiden’s jaw is. I glance over at Hudson. He’s grinning like an idiot, but his demeanor isn’t going to help me figure out what’s going on. The man is always a juvenile child.

“There he is!” Hudson leans back in his seat, a shit-eating grin spreading across his face.

“Whyare you so happy?”

Hudson shrugs. “I’m always happy. I give golden retriever vibes.”

“Nah, just a horndog. And you.” I turn to Aiden, suspicious. “What are you even doing here?”

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