Page 34 of Faking It

Ana throws up her finger. “For one, I know how powerful the Galanos are in this city. Even if you testify as a witness, it will be his word against mine. I’ll never beat him in court.”

“Reporting him will send a message—”

“Two.” She throws up another finger. “I don’t trust the cops. Never have, never will. They’re corrupt, heartless bastards—” her chest heaves as she breaks into sobs. “I—I—I’d rather die than put my foot in a precinct.”

It’s an extreme statement, but not for her. That deer-in-the-headlights look she’s giving now is a clear sign. Tears roll down her cheeks again. God, I promised not to touch her, but the violent tugs on my heartstrings pushes me to change my mind.

“Can I hug you?” I ask.

Her sobs hitch on a breath, and she stares at me, unblinking. Again, I brace for a no, but I’m caught by an overwhelming surprise when she lunges toward me, her arms slipping around my waist, her head resting on my chest as she bursts into another round of tears.

Chapter 12

Ana

“Are you sure about not giving James your number?” Tori asks as I slip the key into the lock of my front door. “He’s been hounding Micah for it. Called him about six times since that party.”

“I’m sure.” It’s bad enough that I still cringe whenever I remember how I lost my shit last Saturday night. Granted, it was the emotion from almost being violated, but I shouldn’t have fallen apart like that. Not in front of Carter. Hearing his voice would only make me feel worse.

“It could be more than him wanting to check on you, though.”

“Like what?” I open the door and see Logan’s pants strewn on the living room floor. To hell if my not-boyfriend would clean up after himself.

“I don’t know,” Tori replies. “But James Carter is a good friend to have. Think of all his connections. They say he’s a has-been, but he still knows people. It’s obvious since he got invited to that party.”

“So, let me get this straight. You want me to make friends with Carter to launch my career?”

“It’s not like I’m asking you to sleep with him. Although, you must admit he’s hot.”

“I’ll admit no such thing.”

“Especially in that silk shirt he wore at the party.”

“Wait a minute.” I frown. “How do you know what he wore?”

“ANON, duh.”

I roll my eyes. “I wish they’d obsess over another eye candy for once. He’s literally on every other post they make.”

“So, you do admit that he’s eye candy,” Tori says slyly.

“He’s eye candy tothem, not me,” I backtrack.

“Oh, whatever. Just admit it, he looked good. Did you see the way that shirt hugged his chest? That flat stomach? Those thick arms?”

“Nope.”

“Ooh, and that hair. Thick, long and silky. I just wanted to grab a handful and give it a little tug,” she goes on.

I step into my bedroom and rest my bag on the rack. From the lingering scent of Logan’s cologne, he hadn’t been gone too long.

“Don’t even get me started on those pants. I envied them so frickin much. And that ass. Talk about yummy. Oh, God.”

I can’t help laughing. “Are you sure you’re nothisagent, too? You’re selling him real hard.”

“If only,” she says wistfully.

“Take your mind out of the gutter and send me the info on that audition.”

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