Page 10 of Yearn

Landon may have Max locked in jail, but she’d never control me. Besides, Gabby was fun to be around and refreshing. Not like the usual social influencer who obsessed over every post and like. The image of Landon hit me full force, pissing me off. She was better off without Max but she didn’t have the guts to be on her own. I pegged her type the moment we met and she staked out Max as her goal.

I knew what she was doing from the first. The way she analyzed his looks, his wallet, and his potential. I may have been an asshole to warn Max off by insulting her, but I’d already seen the disastrous end and wanted to help him avoid it. Of course, he didn’t even hesitate. Just dove right in and tumbled right into a committed relationship. He acted like a puppy dog around her, but on his own, he was the same old asshole he’d always been.

Yeah, she had him wrapped tight. Too bad she wasn’t happy. Because I knew exactly what Landon needed; what she craved but was too afraid to ask or search for it. Maybe we hated each other from the first due to fear of being seen. All I know, is that when I laid my gaze on her; before she saw Max; fire crackled between us, but not the good kind.

No, this was the dark kind that hid in shadowed corners. It was full of shame and dirty secrets. I dated a lot of womenmyself, looking for someone who could satisfy me. I hadn’t found her yet until that one awful night she’d stalked into a bar, blonde hair cascading down her back, blue eyes flashing passion and confidence and the perfect amount of bitchiness. Her body made my dick hard in seconds, and all I could imagine was her down on her knees, full pink lips taking me deep while I twisted her hair in my fist and made her gorgeous eyes wet with tears.

But she’d gone to another man and from then on, I cultivated my disdain for all aspects of her. I accepted my body wanted someone my brain despised, and that she’d be stuck in my life 24/7 because she’d hooked up with my best friend.

I was cursed because the moment I met Landon, I knew one sickening revelation.

I wanted to fuck her more than I’d wanted anything else.

It would never happen and I had to deal with it. In the meantime, I took every opportunity to either avoid or insult her. Our fights were legendary but no one knew that underneath bad stuff lurked, tempting me, hoping I broke the rules and showed her what she was missing by not being in my bed.

I wasn’t about to betray my best friend. I couldn’t.

Or at least, I didn’t intend to.

I finally reached my place. Pushing thoughts of Landon and Max aside, I headed in to sleep the night off.

Chapter Five

Landon

Listen to Flames

by R2HAB Zayne and Jungleboi

Max came home hours later.

Elle had rushed out after right me, followed by Daisy, and they had my back. Ditching the bar and the guys, we ended up at our favorite diner where I cried over bad coffee and dumped out my issues with Max. They were super supportive, even though they couldn’t trash their own boyfriends, and any talk of me breaking up made them freak out because it would ruin the group’s dynamics. Though I believed if I was serious about leaving Max, we’d work it out. After all, our friendship was strong. It wouldn’t crumble over a few bumps with our partners.

“Why does Adam have to be such a dick?” I complained, sniffling. “I swear, he loves when Max and I fight and tries to encourage it. And I know he pushes women on him when they goaway. I wish he’d disappear to Nashville or LA. We’d all be better without him.”

Daisy murmured in sympathy. “I think he’s been grumpy lately because of his music. He probably took it out on you, which isn’t cool.”

“Forget him,” Elle said. “What you need to think about is your own relationship. I think you’re both overdue for a talk. It’s time to tell Max to step it up if he wants to keep you.”

“I know! But look at the evidence. He didn’t come after me or try to call. I begged him not to flirt with Gabriella and caught him red handed! He’s probably still drinking and having fun, figuring he’ll deal with me later.”

A frown creased Elle’s brow. “Bad move. I’m not sure what Gabriella’s deal is. She seems nice, and most everyone loves her at Red. Maybe she’s just super friendly and comes off flirty?”

I glowered. “Trust me, she’s a snake. And I’m not working with her. I’ll tell Rock myself I will quit before I give her a dime of my money. I think you should do the same, or next she’ll be pushed into your section. The newbies have no rights.”

I know Elle hated conflict but I needed her to stand up with me against Gabriella. That’s what best friends were for. She looked uncomfortable but nodded. “Sure. But listen, babe, I honestly think Max loves you and isn’t interested in Gabriella. He’s screwing up—I see the way he looks at you. If you tell him you’re done with second and third chances, he may finally get it.”

An ache throbbed in my chest. “What about the cheating? Do you believe there’s a video?”

Daisy shook her head. “No way he cheated. I’ve never seen proof—it’s a bunch of rumors from guys who like to talk about how big their junk is.”

I gave a half laugh. “Maybe. Ugh, I don’t want to be stupid! I don’t want to be settled down with a cheater.”

Elle fiddled with her fork, poking it around the fruit cup she’d ordered. “Is that all of it, Landon? Or is there something else holding you back from being with Max?”

I jerked back, surprised. “Cheating is a pretty big issue to deal with.”

“I know. But even before the Jersey scandal, you seemed to have doubts. If you were guaranteed he never cheated or would, would you want to be with him long-term?”

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