Page 49 of Heart Sick Hate

His whole face might as well be glowing. No one cares what people think of Eternal Light more than Rhett—not even my father.

“That’s good news then?”

“Echo, it’s incredible.” He rolls his eyes like he can’t believe the question. “And speaking of, I’ve been meaning to talk to you because there are a couple of photo ops coming up.”

“And you need me there.” It’s not a question, and now it’s clear why he came to this party tonight willingly. Bargaining chips he’s setting in place.

“They love the preacher’s daughter angle.”

“I’m sure they do.” It comes out sarcastic.

Rhett’s so lost in his own excitement he doesn’t notice. “If we play this right, we might be looking at a full-time streaming platform. This could be huge. You’ll be there, right?”

I nod.

His gaze drifts to the star tattoo on my shoulder. “And you’ll—”

“I’ll cover up.”

When we get married, LA summers are going to be unbearable if Rhett insists on parading me around like his chaste bride in long sleeves and skirts.

“Thanks, babe.” He leans in and kisses my temple. “You’re the best.”

His phone buzzes again, and he pulls it from his pocket, frowning at the screen.

“You can take off if you need to. You’ve made your appearance.”

He did, and now I just want him gone. While I hoped he’d distract me from my unresolved tension with his brother, it’s only intensified. Worse when all I can do is focus on Crew sitting in the kitchen talking to Maren’s friend.

“If you don’t mind.” Rhett stands up, barely pausing at my offer. “There is something I should attend to.”

I shake my head. “Not at all.”

He leans down and plants a quick kiss on the top of my head before walking away. “Have fun and call me later.”

I won’t call, and he won’t care.

“Hey.” Sage nudges my arm.

Turning to him, his eyebrows are pinched, and I swear he reads every emotion on my face. There’s something about his eyes that have an irritating way of cutting through all the bullshit. He holds my half-smoked joint up between us, offering it back, but I just shake my head and sink into the cushions.

“Everything all right with you and Preacher Boy?” Smoke curls from his lips at the question.

“Peachy.” I force a smile.

Sage ticks up an eyebrow but doesn’t ask. It’s one of the reasons he gets along with everyone so well. He checks in but doesn’t force a conversation.

Daring to look into the kitchen, Crew’s eyes are on the door closing behind his brother before they find mine.His steel-gray gaze cool and sending a shiver up my spine.

A chill that burns hot as I watch the blonde press closer and whisper again.

A familiar stutter in my breath as my heart tightens and my eyes burn.

“I’ll catch you tomorrow,” I say to Sage.

His gaze moves from me to Crew. “Sure thing.”

I’m being obvious. I’m giving everything away.

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