Page 70 of Clinch'd

“To save my sister,” I rasp, and he shakes his head.

“Why?”

Of course, I can’t tell him why and when he raises a brow, I huff my displeasure before picking up my phone. I’m disappointed by his evasion but not surprised, it would seem we’re all hiding something.

The club is hopping when we arrive. I’m halfway through the floor and glancing around for Suit when my phone buzzes.

Where u at?

Minnie:So sorry, I’m out with Beast

Cooper:Oh? Tell me where and I’ll meet you

Sweat forms in my pits and I lock eyes with Suit before typing out hurriedly,No I’ll come to you.

The last thing I need is Cooper finding me with Suit. I shudder at the damn thought.

Of course, my phone buzzes again but I shove it in my purse before sitting down across from the creepy asshole.

From here I can see the throng on the dance floor, but we’re tucked away in a booth against the wall.

Suit’s cold blue gaze studies me under the strobe lights, casting shadows over his unamused face.

Beast, to my dismay, is gone and with a shiver, I say, “You wanted to see me?”

Suit’s eyes flicker before he says, “Well?”

Dropping my gaze, I clench my hands in my lap. It’s on the tip of my tongue to say, I’m in but I hesitate. I need more time. Just a little, I reason and lie through my teeth. “I’m almost there.”

“Almost? You got a death wish or something?”

Shuddering at his words, I shake my head and mumble, “I think I’m close. I mean, I know I am.”

“Then get it done,” he barks, pushing a piece of paper my way. “In case you’re thinking to back out.”

With that, he steps from the booth, and I watch him walk away before picking up a picture of Lorri. I don’t know where she is but as usual, she’s got an adoring mass of guys sitting around her while she laughs.

With her head tipped back her hair falls over her shoulder and my heart clenches brutally. I can’t lose Lorri. I can’t.

Choking back a sob, I lay my head in my hands. I have no choice, but it doesn’t ease the bitter sting in my heart.

There are no happy endings for me.

After my pity party of one, I check my messages to find several from Cooper.

What’s the big deal?

Or maybe you don’t want company? I guess three’s a crowd, eh?

Accompanying his last text is the photo that girl took at the restaurant and rolling my eyes, I push from the booth. While there’s a small part of me who’s thrilled at his jealousy, I’ve also seen him with a bitch on his arm far too many times to count since we started this fiasco.

With a surge of irritation, I type out a response and head to the bar. Fuck him.

Hypocrite

Beast finds me nursing a drink an hour later and sits beside me. Cooper never responded to my text and now I have visions of him fucking some other chick to keep me company while I brood.

“What’d he say?” Beast asks.

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