Page 20 of The Pretender

My smile is forced as I try to cover up the exasperated sound trying to erupt. “So nice of you to walk over uninvited, Sebastian. But we’re fine here.”

I don’t need him trying to come over here and be some sort of hero.

“Unlike you, Aspen was sweet enough to invite me.”

Aspen was sweet enough to stir my ongoing pot of drama with the neighbor is what she was. She needs something to do other than meddle. I knew she had a reason for inviting Vance.

“You two are adorable,” chides Malcolm. “Too bad your fans don’t support your solo careers.” He sneers at Sebastian. “At least Vee’s video entry had substance. She doesn’t qualify to enter, but even her worst videos are better than your best ones.”

My stomach churns just as Sebastian takes a step forward, crowding Malcolm. “I’d watch your mouth if I were you.”

I know Malcolm is being a douche, but if Sebastian and I ever had an Achilles heel, it’s being nothing without the other. I figured my videos might not qualify for the contest but is Sebastian’s video really not doing well? I need to check it out. Surely Malcolm is just talking out his ass, per usual.

Vance steps between Sebastian and Malcolm and places a hand on Sebastian’s chest, playing the peacemaker. I think they know each other, but I’m not sure. “Come on, man. He isn’t worth the police report.”

I look at Sebastian’s heaving chest, his jaw working as his fists open and close by his side.

See? I told you Malcolm is hated on MyView.

Malcolm flashes me a smirk, taking a step back from Sebastian, the explosive. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him red-faced and—well, I guess it hasn’t been that long. Last time he was this enraged was with me.

“See you around, Valentina. I’ll be sure to say hi to your subscribers for you.”

I roll my eyes as Malcolm turns and leaves. He couldn’t win over my subscribers if he grew a vagina and burped rainbows. Women know a weasel when we see one.

The air around me eases, but then Sebastian has to go and mess it up.

“What the fuck are you wearing, Valentina?” His voice is low and threatening. I’m so not in the mood for it.

“What the fuck are you wearing, Sebastian?” I say his name all growly like he said mine. “I told you those shorts looked like you sat in shit. Why do you still have them on?”

He mumbles out something that I don’t understand, but I do catch Vance’s words. “Settle down.”

Oh no. Sebastian is not coming over here in a bad mood and taking it out on me. “Go home, Sebastian. You need a nap.” And a swift kick in the ass, but I leave that part out. I don’t need more drama from the diva next door.

He rears back, and I know that Malcolm’s taunting got to him. I don’t know who I hate more right now. “I need a nap?” he says aghast, like he can’t believe I would suggest such a thing. “You need some fucking clothes! What is this?” He waves down at my body, and I hear Aspen snicker.

“Uh, a bathing suit?” I say for the man who isn’t thinking clearly. “You saw me in it earlier,” I remind him. When he was texting me. Why wasn’t he upset then?

“Uh oh,” Aspen chides, tugging me away from a red-faced Sebastian. “Looks like you might need to find a t-shirt too.”

She pulls us away from the guys and sends them a little wave. “Have a drink, boys, and settle down. We’ll be back.”

When we’re inside and tucked away in Drew’s room, Aspen pulls out a shirt from his dresser. “Here,” she says handing it over.

I grab it and eye the mischievous look in her eye. “You knew this would happen,” I accuse her.

“That Malcolm would crash the party and spew his drama?”

I cock my head to the side. “You know what I’m talking about.” I finger my top. “The bathing suit…”

She puts her hand to her chest in mock innocence. “How would I know that Sebastian would come over all growly and jealous?”

True, but…

“He likes you,” she says out of the blue, digging through Drew’s top drawer where he keeps all the condoms and begins stacking them.

“Who?” I ask, slipping Drew’s oversized t-shirt over my head. “Vance?”

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