Page 64 of Crave

“Get the fuck off her.”

Both of us jumped as a furious male voice rang out. I stared at the figure standing close, hidden by shadows. My heart began to pound for a few seconds, hoping Adam had somehow taken the drive upstate before he left to say goodbye to me.

But when the darkness cleared, it was Max that leapt toward us, grabbed Brody, and threw him to the ground.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Landon

Listen to Training Season

by Dua Lipa

“Max! What the hell are you doing?” I screamed, shoving him away from Brody as my fellow castmate rolled easily to his feet, ready for battle.

“I came to see you,” Max grit out. “I saw you pushing him away but he wasn’t taking no for an answer.”

Brody shook his head. “What the fuck is wrong with the guys you date? Isn’t this the same dude from the video?”

I glared at Max. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Brody, he’s not supposed to be here.”

“Whatever. Clear up your shit, Landon. Or you’ll find yourself going home soon.” He jabbed a finger at Max. “Touch me again and I’ll break your hands.”

“Try it.”

I jumped in the middle as Brody started toward him. “Ignore him, I got this.”

Brody glanced back and forth between us. “I’m too drunk for this shit,” he muttered, disappearing down the path and out of sight.

Blood pounding in my veins, I turned on Max. “Why are you here? This is a closed set!”

“Lydia knows my dad. I made a few calls and Lydia said I could visit you. I was worried, Landon. I needed to know you’re okay and you’d never return my calls.”

Anger hit, but underneath was the twinge of affection I’d probably always feel for Max. He fucked up, and I didn’t trust him, but something said he truly cared about me. Blue eyes stared into mine with an urgency and concern that dissolved my temper. “Why am I not surprised Lydia let you in here?”

A hint of a smile touched his lips. “Because I still have power to pull a lot of strings from dear old Dad. There are benefits of growing up rich.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t I know it. Still, you shouldn’t be here. We’re not together anymore and Adam would probably kill you.”

“We spent over a year together, Landon. Just because we broke up doesn’t mean I still don’t love you.”

I stilled. He’d hinted his feelings hadn’t changed but now he’d put it out there. “I’m sorry. I don’t love you anymore, Max. I love Adam.”

Pain flickered over his features. He blew out a breath and took a few steps toward me. “I know. But that’s another reason I’m here. To be your friend when it all falls apart.”

His words gave me a strange premonition that made goosebumps break out on my skin. Like Max was the bringer of doom. “Is this another attempt to break us up? Because he told me all about Josie. I know about his past and it doesn’t scare me. You have to accept I’m with him now and let me be.”

“Even if Adam will be the one to destroy you?”

His soft words chilled me to the bone. I began to tremble. “What did you come here to say?”

“Something you don’t want to hear. And you can blame it on my jealousy and call it manipulation, but the bottom line? He’s going to LA to be a rockstar. Did you see this making its way through social media yet?”

I pretended not to care. It was imperative I showed Max a strong front and that I didn’t believe anything Adam had done would hurt me. “More women?” I drawled.

“Is this what you want your boyfriend doing in his free time?” Max lifted his phone so I could see the picture close up. I tried not to react but the shock still stunned.

A woman was plastered to his side, tits bare, smiling giddily for the camera. Adam also smiled, though he looked a bit stiff. I stared at her social media account. Some perky blonde who dropped hints they’d hooked up afterward. #LAALLTHEWAY.

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