Page 4 of Heart Sick Hate

I can’t help but groan at Sage’s comment. I know more than I ever wanted to about the three of them and their sexual escapades. One of the downsides to co-owning a tattoo shop with three guys.

It’s disgusting.

Crew shakes his head and pours another shot. “They can fuck later—for the rest of their miserable lives, as a matter of fact. Idon’t get it.”

I roll my eyes, leaning my elbows on the counter. “Well Crew, when a man loves a woman, sometimes he actually wants to spend more time with her than just the five minutes it takes him to fuck her. Hard concept for you to grasp, I know. But Jude loves Fel, believe it or not.”

“Cute.” Crew smirks, those devilish eyes focusing on me as he plants his hands on the counter and leans forward to square off with me. “Is that all my brother gives you? Five minutes? Explains why you’re so fucking uptight, princess. Need someone to bend you over and give you a proper climax?”

“You offering to help her out?” Sage smacks Crew’s shoulder and laughs.

It’s what Sage says every time Crew makes a joke about how I’m uptight or how I need to be properly fucked.

I’ve learned to ignore it. He can think whatever he wants. He’s only saying it to piss me off.

“He’s just jealous,” I say to Sage, flipping my hair off my shoulder and hopping off the stool to walk around the island. “What is it they say about always wanting what you can’t have?”

It’s bullshit, but when Crew pushes, I’ll push back.

Every. Time.

“You wish, princess.” Crew doesn’t fight me when I grab the vodka bottle out of his hand and the backs of our fingers brush.

Electricity that pisses me off on contact. And I hate that he smirks when he senses it.

Because I hate Crew Kingsley. He’s arrogant, rude, sadistic. And worst of all, he’s my boyfriend’s brother, so there’s no avoiding him.

“Help, please.” Maren walks into Crew’s apartment frowning, her shoulders slumped back. “I locked my keys in the car when I went back to get my bridesmaid dress.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll save you.” Sage winks and Maren rolls her eyes at him.

Sage is a flirt, interested in any girl with a nice pair of legs, and Maren is smart enough to see straight through it.

Sage knocks Crew in the shoulder before scratching the stubble forming on his jaw. “Be right back. You two try not to kill each other while I’m gone.”

“Easier said than done.” I force a smile.

Sage follows Maren out of the apartment, and I wish my body didn’t tense as the door shuts behind them.

Crew and I might see each other all the time at work or family gatherings, but I’ve never been to his apartment. No one has. Not until Jude bought the place across the hall for him and Fel.

I spin the top off the vodka and pour myself a drink, trying to ignore the fact that Crew is standing really close. Our arms nearly brushing as I draw the shot glass to my lips and down it.

“Drinking away your problems?” he asks as I set the glass down and start pouring another.

“You’re one to talk.”

He steals the shot when I’m done pouring, and I set the bottle down, turning to face him.

“Thanks.” He takes the shot and grits his teeth, before setting the empty glass down.

“That wasn’t for you.”

“Just doing you a favor, lightweight.”

I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him. “I don’t need you monitoring my alcohol.”

“Right.” He leans in closer, hovering over me like an ominous cloud I should probably run from. “You’ve got my brother for that. Where is he, anyway? Wasn’t he supposed to come to the wedding with you?”

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