Page 58 of My Totally Unfair Deal

“I need you to get the hell out of my way and never speak to me again.” I try to step past her, but she blocks me.

“Please talk to me,” she says. “I feel like I never got to explain my side.”

“I’ll do something even better.” I lean in. “I’ll walk away without telling everyone at this party that it should’ve been you who died instead of my brother that night.”

Her face pales. “I’ve told you I’m sorry—so many times?—”

“Let me know when one of those ‘sorries’ brings him back.” I shrug. “Talk to me then.”

Unable to stomach another second of her, I weave through the crowd and out onto the balcony.

I grab two glasses off a tray and down them both before grabbing a third.

My phone buzzes. Jackson.

“Yeah, Jackson?”

“Good to hear from you, too.” He laughs. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Not at all.” I exhale. “What’s going on?”

“I need your advice on a proposition.”

“For free?”

“I’ll give you a penny an hour if you insist.”

I smile for the first time tonight. “I’m listening.”

“What do you expect from a six-star resort? Janey thinks she’s cracked the code, and I need a second opinion.”

“Does Eliza know you’re into her best friend?”

“Six-star resort, Harrison.” The denial in his tone says it all.

“Turn-down service. Spa on-site. Private dinner rooms…” I list them with ease, but as I speak, I catch Sloan out of the corner of my eye.

He’s still with Eliza. Still charming her like he’s a celebrity. Still placing his damn hand on the small of her back.

“Sheesh, would you really remove a place from the six-star list just because they don’t offer a welcome drink?” Jackson asks.

“I didn’t make the rules,” I say, eyes fixed on Sloan. “I’ve never stayed at one that didn’t.”

“Fair. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

He hangs up just as Sloan leans in to press his forehead to hers.

Fuck this.

I stride over, wrap my arm around her waist, and pull her back.

“We need to talk,” I mutter.

“What the hell, dude?” Sloan scowls. “We were talking.”

“Yes.Were.” I glare at him. “Glad you understand past tense.”

“You’re being fucking rude,” Eliza snaps. “What do you want?”

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