Page 79 of Seduction in Spades

I leave my mother to console Katie and to stitch up the costume. The living room window is open, and I can hear Serena and Avery’s conversation on the front porch.

“That’s sweet of you to say, but we’re just friends,” Avery says.

“You sure about that? It didn’t go unnoticed how my brother looks at you, and you have the same light in your eyes.”

I groan at my sister’s meddling, but I don’t go out to interrupt. I want to hear what Avery has to say.

“Oh, it’s nothing romantic at all. I didn’t grow up with a family like yours. I guess I got carried away with all of you. Nolan and I are just friends.”

“I’m pretty sure you mean a lot more than a friend to him.”

Christ, Serena.

“We’ve, um, we went out a few times before, but I’m not interested in Nolan. He’s a really nice guy and is good friends with my brother, but he’s not for me. I can’t see myself settling down with him.”

The fuck?I’m not for her? What the hell does she need that I can’t offer her? I’ve given her space. I’ve let things be purely sexual between us. Christ, I’ve been lying to her brother for her.

I shove all my clothes back in my bag and take the stairs two at a time to say goodbye to my mom and Katie.

They’re so caught up in the sewing that they don’t notice my mood.

“Send me pictures on Halloween, okay, princess?” I give her another kiss on the cheek and hug my mom.

“Text me when you get there,” my mom orders, as she’s done ever since I got my license.

I trudge down the stairs and pick up our bags, then swing the front door open. “We’re gonna miss our flight.” I toss the bags in the back seat.

“You okay?” Serena asks, giving me a hug.

“Yeah. Katie’s upset because her costume tore. Mom’s upstairs with her fixing it.”

“Okay. I’ll check on them.” Serena hugs Avery, then Avery and I say goodbye to Theo.

We’re quiet on the way to the airport. I’m seething, and I’m afraid whatever I say will come out wrong or too harsh. Or too honest, so I don’t say anything at all.

“Did something happen with Katie?” Avery asks when we reach the airport.

“She’s fine.”

Christ. Now I sound like Avery.

She doesn’t prod and we both remain quiet the entire flight back to Boston. It’s not until we’re riding the elevator to the penthouse that she speaks.

“Thank you for taking me this weekend. Your family is special.”

“Sure.” Like a dick, I open the penthouse door and go in first, not waiting to see if she follows. I drop her bag in the entryway and storm down to my room.

The loud click of my door does nothing to hide my mood.

Avery fucking ripped my heart out.

I’m not interested in Nolan. He’s a really nice guy and is good friends with my brother, but he’s not for me. I can’t see myself settling down with him.

Why the fuck have I been trying so hard when she’s been telling me this from day one? Avery sees me as a fuck buddy and nothing else. To protect my heart, I have two choices.

Cut all ties with her.

Or fuck her to the hilt until she realizes I am so fuckingforher.

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