Page 94 of Take What You Want

She waves her hand flippantly. “You wouldn’t have sold it the same way I did.”

“You’re probably right,” I agree.

“I need this, Nikolai. I fucking need this to work and I’m going to make sure it does. What the hell do you think you’re doing? Your ass is on the line just as much as mine is with this. So why am I the one having to pull the weight?”

Because I don’t want to do this. It’s a mistake. Yes, it’s benefiting my career but it’s haunting me thinking about how much pretending I’m going to have to do with Kerra when I almost have Jane back in my arms. The popularity of the song and positive attention my solo career is starting to gain, at least according to Arun, doesn’t feel as sweet while I know I’m living a lie.

“I’m not going to let you make a fool of me, if that’s what you think is going to happen here.” Kerra’s voice is cold.

I frown. “I’m not trying to make a fool of you. But I also need you to understand that this is never going to actually go anywhere between us. I’m in it for the press and once our obligations are up, I’m done with it.”

Her lips purse. “I see.”

The wordsorryis on the tip of my tongue, but I made it very clear to her when we sat down with our teams that this is purely for show.

“Just keep up your end of the bargain, Nikolai. Trust me, I know how easy it is for the public to turn on you, and I’d hate to see that happen to you.” She strides out the door, hips swinging, and I’m left stunned.

Was that a threat?

Hayden: The house is finally ready and we need to celebrate the birthday boy. Pool day at our place tomorrow when Nik gets back?

Walker: You are also a birthday boy. Are you trying to get out of a joint celebration?

Hayden: No but I don’t really need to celebrate my birthday again

Me: And I do?

Hayden: Well did you actually celebrate with anyone this weekend?

Me: ….

Hayden: That’s what I thought

Walker: What do you mean celebrate again? Did you have a party you didn’t invite us to? Wtf bro. I’m your best friend

Hayden: I didn’t have a party I just celebrated with Carter

Walker: And you didn’t want to invite us?

Hayden: It wasn’t a group kind of celebration dude

Me: Hell yeah

Walker: Oh….nice

Hayden: So anyways…pool day tomorrow? Noon?

Walker: We’re in

Me: Me too. I’ll tell Jane when I get back

Me: Is Reid invited?

Reid was not invited.His absence feels like a haunting hole in my gut as I look around Hayden and Carter’s kitchen, everyone’s chatter and laughter filling the air, and our brother isn’t to be found.

“Did you invite Reid?” I ask Hayden, bringing a red cup to my lips. I sputter and give an incredulous look to Jane. Is she trying to kill me?

Possibly.

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