Page 123 of The Reluctant Hero

“South, I need your advice.”

Max double-takes and looks around the gym.

“No, I’m Max. Are you high?”

I gape at him in disbelief. “Not you, fucker.Her!”

I jab a finger at the woman approaching us with no expression.

They exchange another confused look as South passes by them. They look right past her as if she isn’t there.

Is this some kind of joke? If so, I’m not in the fucking mood.

“What’s up, wedding planner?” Shade calls from the door.

I ignore him to keep pace beside South.

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Murder is always an option,” she replies casually.

“Damn it, South,” I smack my face hard enough I think it might bruise.

“Fine,” she relents with a smirk. She turns around to take in the guys huddled together gossiping.

“I had sex with Gabriel,” I admit through gritted teeth.

“Did he sign the waiver?”

“I’m not joking, asshole!” I scream.

It makes the guys stop talking and stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.

South’s smile gets wider.

“He acted like I was some whore he wasn’t interested in paying. I’m half convinced he teleported to get away from me.”

Her smile drops as if it never existed, and I have her full attention.

Now that her eyes are on me, I can’t keep going.

“You’re upset.”

I’d be offended by the remark, but it’s South.

“I’m ashamed,” I whisper. “I should never have been near any of them. I knew better.”

She looks around and returns her attention to me. “None of them are here now.”

I frown as I realize she’s right. Shade, Max, and Asher are here, but no one else.

Maybe Jake hasn’t made it back yet, and Cade didn’t bother coming. Please let that be the reason. I don’t know why, but a feeling of doom taps on my chest like a knock. It’s barely there, but I rub my sternum with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” South studies the motion carefully.

“Stress,” I mumble with a scowl.

“I don’t believe you,” she tells me baldly.

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