Page 114 of Hate So Deep

It falls flat though when the chick standing beside him laughs and he drops his gaze.

“So,” Tom says, and I turn back to him. “I’m glad we got the chance to hang out.”

“Oh?” I mumble.

I’m so confused right now but it would be rude to ignore this guy even though I’m just not feeling it.

“Yeah…”

Although he keeps talking, I lose track of the conversation when Dirk steps down the hall and the blonde chick follows.

Where are they going?

Tom, immune to this newest disaster, says, “Wanna sit down?”

Nodding, I join him at the small table adjacent to the kitchen and attempt to listen as he rambles about how he knows Ramie and that she suggested we meet.

I nod along as best I can, but my focus is on that hallway where I haven’t seen Dirk emerge.

While my brain screams to go find him and kick his ass, my heart aches for his callous disregard of my feelings.

“Hey? You okay?” Tom asks, touching my arm and I flinch away as he raises his hand palm up and offers me a sheepish smile.

“Sorry,” he says.

I don’t have time to comment though because Dirk pulls out a chair across from me and turns to Tom. “Hey, I’m Dirk.”

Tom smiles and holds out his hand as he says, “Tom.”

Finn and Colt join us at the table while Hayden and Ramie stand beyond.

My throat burns to lash out at Dirk, who’s glaring at the side of my head, but I manage to keep it in check as Tom looks between us and asks, “You know Lala?”

“Sure,” Dirk says with a shrug. “IknowLauren.”

At his statement, the table drops to silence, and all eyes turn to Dirk, including Colt’s as he crosses his arms.

What the hell is he doing?

“Oh ho,” Hayden says and Dirk merely grins…with all his teeth.

Dazed, I lean back but before any sort of hope can bloom in my heart, Finn taps the table and says, “Where’s Kayla, Dirk?”

Of course, Dirk whips around with a frown but she merely sits back and raises a brow as Colt says, “Finn…”

It’s the reminder I need though and pushing back my chair, I say, “I need another drink, T–”

“Let’s go,” Dirk says, and my jaw drops to my knees.

Of all the…

Grabbing my empty glass, I stalk away and swing around to whisper, “Careful. You don’t want yourbroto see us together.”

His brows rise before his lips curl into a smirk, and he says, “Baby girl, I’ve got bigger issues than your brother.”

“Like what?” I hiss. “Embarrassing me in front of my friend?”

Cocking his head, he rubs his chin before saying, “I did you a favor. Guys like him only care about one thing.”

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