Page 33 of Kortlek

I give Rose a sharp look, and she slams her mouth shut. “As I was saying, I confessed to him while drunk, then we both pretended it never happened, and we haven’t spoken that much since. He’s quiet as it is, so I’m not too upset over that. But then he hugged me. He actually hugged me. And well, then he fucked my mouth in the forest, and I haven’t heard from him since.’’

“And… you’re not bothered by that?”

“No,’’ I responded almost too quickly.

Blair’s eyes narrow at me, and Rose scoffs. She sips on her gin and tonic and doesn’t stop glaring at me. The more she watches me, the more my perfectly built facade starts crumbling.

The truth is — I am bothered. I’m upset. I didn’t expect anything grand from Cove, but I also didn’t expect to just… be tossed aside. Now that I know Arlo and he got into a fight and he’s disappeared for a few days because of it, I should feel better.

Instead, I feel even worse because he didn’t deem me worthy enough to tell me he’d be gone.

It angers me because despite not being Cove’s closest friend, we run in the same circles, so I have heard about his reputation. He’s had many one-night stands; however, for around a year , he’s had this one girl he’s been sleeping with.

From what I know, it’s just casual. But it’s making me pissed beyond words.

Because, as delusional or as audacious as it may sound, I want him to break off the arrangement he has with her and be with me.

“Fine,’’ I sigh. “It does bother me, alright?”

Rose smiles softly, watching me as I drink more and more. “Of course it does. You act like you’re all cold and heartless, but you have a big heart, Aria. You have so much love to give, and I’m just afraid you’ll give it to the wrong person.’’

“Says the girlfriend of a serial killer.’’ I snort, and she flicks my forehead. I rub the sore spot, giving her an amused look. Rose rolls her eyes but doesn’t comment on it.

“Aria,’’ Blair calls and I shift my attention to her. “Don’t look back, but—’’

And that’s enough for me to hear.

I turn around, looking at the entrance of the club, and I swear I can physically feel my heart sinking to my feet. My brows furrow, my hand fisting to my side. Both Blair and Rose are trying to call me over to turn back around, but I don’t listen.

Cove’s here.

There’s a bruise on his right eye that makes my blood boil. I’ll definitely have a word with Arlo about that. Bruise aside, he looks okay. His lip is a bit busted, but it seems to be healing well. However, that’s not my main focus right now.

Neither is the fact that he looks delicious. His hair is prettily styled, slicked back with a little amount of gel, two front pieces falling over his eyes. He’s wearing a basic, plain, black cotton shirt, and it hugs his body perfectly. His muscular arms definitely catch the attention of a lot of people here.

On his left side is a girl.

And fuck me, she’s pretty.

Mid-back long, blonde hair, perfectly styled in some loose waves. A pretty emerald dress and gorgeous legs. Is he into blondes? Is she his type? Is she his fucking girlfriend? Because no matter how many women he’s slept with, not once was he publicly seen with any of them, not even the girl he’s been fooling around with for the past year.

“Aria, don’t,’’ Blair warns, but it’s too late.

Before she can grab me, I’m hopping off the high stool and making my way toward the two. I’m angry. I could kill a person with my bare hands right now. I push past the crowded area, trying not to trip myself over people dancing.

Cove’s gaze lands on me, and for a moment, shock and confusion flash behind those hazel eyes. It’s gone by the time I’m standing in front of him. His eyes flicker all over my body, lingering on my stockings — more specifically, on the little bow on the lace.

“Bunny,’’ he greets, his voice low.

“Aria,’’ I correct, “my name is Aria.’’

“Yes, I’m aware,’’ his brows narrow at me, dangerously for a brief moment, then something akin to realization dawns on him. His lips tug into a faint smirk, and that just invokes a wave of fury to rush through my veins.

“Fancy seeing you here,” I state, folding my arms in front of my chest, “I thought you’d be gone for a while, hm?”

The tension in the air is palpable. From the corner of my eye, I spot Arlo staring at us. He seems ready to jump in if needed. He definitely noticed the rigidness in my body and the sheer anger I’m surrounded with.

The girl isn’t stupid, either. She notices the tension and slowly backs off, walking toward the bar area. I don’t focus on her, though. My eyes don’t leave Cove. He tilts his head to the side, giving me another head-to-toe glance.

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