Page 158 of Splintered Hearts

I laugh. “Hey, Cici.”

“What, MiMi?” Her nickname for me is slurred but I still smile.

“I think you’re drunk.”

“I’m having the best night.”

“Yeah? Then why did Brianna leave?”

That dims her light a bit and I hate to have put that darkness in her mood. “We had an argument.”

“Yeah?” She sinks against me, nearly falling asleep. “I think it’s time to go home.” My social battery is almost empty.

“No!” She pouts. “Fun time!”

“Are you serious?!” Looking behind me, I totally forgot Ailee was there. Fuck, I need to end shit with her. I’m just not feeling it at all. For the first few weeks I’d masked myself enough tobelieve I could fall for her, but as time went on I still just felt... nothing.

Nothing at all. “Ailee, I have to take her home. She’s fucked up right now.”

Luci frowns, blinking glassy eyes up at me. “Excuse me.” She pinches my nipple. “I am fwine. So fwine!” Her dark brown hair is slowly falling out of the messy bun on top of her head. A pink blush blooms over her light brown skin. “Mimi,” she cooes.

“What?”

Leaning in, she whispers, her breath so hot it nearly knocks me out. Keep Lu away from an open flame. “I’m a little tipsy.”

I pull away with a laugh. “I think if I held a match to your lips you could set these trees on fire with one blow.” Adjusting her more, I hold her up. “I’m going to take her home, okay? I’m just not feeling it. I’ll call you in the morning, alright?” Then I’m going to break up with her. It’s for the best, for us both.

“What the fuck, Jamie?”

“I’m taking her home.”

“Then I’m going too!”

“No, you’re not. Stay. Have fun. Your friends are here.” Not that I want any part of her friend group.

“You’re always doing this!”

“Hey!” I pass Luci on to Maddox then turn to her. No matter how I feel, hurting her is the last thing I want. I cup her pretty face, making her look at me. Some of the fight leaves her as I lean down to kiss her. Shit, even this doesn’t feel good anymore. “She just needs to get home, alright? Go hang out with your friends and I’ll call you in the morning, okay babe?”

“You’re always ditching me.” She sniffs and now I feel like shit. Even though she invited herself along with us tonight, I don’t want her to feel bad. I just want to go home and sleep.

“What’s going on?” Maddox comes in between us.

Tightness begins to crawl up my throat.

“I just want to take Luci home. Ailee wants me to stay.” Maddox nods. I know he doesn’t like her.

“Let me take you guys home, alright? It smells as though someone’s been drinking like it’s an Olympic sport.”

“No, it’s okay, I can drive. I’ve only had one beer.” Hours ago, and the effects are long gone.

“No, I’ll drive. You’re too distracted with Luci. I can.” Maddox kisses Ian on the forehead. “I’ll be right back, babe.”

“Don’t be gone too long.”

“Hey, look at me, drunky.” Ian’s sleepy eyes blink up at him. “You better stop drinking. We have a job to do tomorrow.”

“Stay with Ian. I’m fine. I’m not drunk.”

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