Page 73 of Bitter Beats

I’m never possessive.

I’ve never cared enough to be, either.

But fuck do I care for Mckenna.

I hate that Carrington hit on her. I loathe that she gave him the time of day. And then, freaking smiled at me about it.

My blood runs too hot for my body, gushing forward and spinning through my veins like it will shoot out of my fingertips. Pour out of my throat. Fury buzzes in my eardrums, and the back of my neck tingles.

A warning.

Danger.

Pull your shit together.

My fingertips tap out a beat against my thigh. The rhythm cuts through my mind for an instant. I inhale.

Keep it together.

It’s the goddamn label’s Christmas party, for fuck’s sake.

Mckenna looks worried. Horrified.

Did Carrington try something? Did he say something?

He thinks I don’t know about his fuckups. Or the brewing sexual assault scandal that will blow up in his face over the next year. I know the lies he tells himself and the secrets he thinks have been kept under wraps.

“Fuck,” Derek mutters.

Allegra and Mckenna are holding hands, staring at me like I’m the one about to fly off the handle.

Is Mckenna scared of me?

“Didn’t know she was yours,” Carrington replies coolly, like Mckenna is some object that can be purchased. A carnival prize I won.

Why the hell does it feel that way? Why do I want to announce to the entire fucking party that Mckenna Byrne is here with me. My girl.Mine.

It’s not all fucking fake, either.

Jesus. I drag a lungful of air through my nostrils and feel it sweep through my lungs.

“She is. Keep your fucking hands to yourself,” I snap. The drumming on my thigh increases in tempo.

Carrington scoffs. He lifts his hands in the air, palms out like he’s surrendering. I hope he succumbs to the fucking cops soon. “Take it easy, Tate. We were just having a chat.” His gaze swings toward Mckenna. Softens. I want to shove bamboo sticks underneath his fingernails for the way he’s looking at her. I shuffle forward but Derek’s hand, heavy and purposeful, lands on my shoulder. “I meant what I said, Mckenna. Call me.”

Mckenna doesn’t meet his eyes. Why? Did he say something to her?

I growl, forfeiting the shred of calm I cling to.

Carrington ignores me. So does Mckenna.

“Let’s get some air,” Derek suggests.

I don’t move. But Allegra does. She tugs Mckenna toward the balcony, winter temperatures be damned. Derek’s grip on my shoulder tightens.

“Take it easy, mate.” His voice is low. “Don’t cause a scene here.”

“Right,” I mutter. I know he’s right, especially since my last scandal is finally dying down, but it irks me anyway.

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