Page 165 of Glass Jawed

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I spot my mom hurrying toward the mansion, dupatta slightly askew, smile plastered on her face. She sees me, slows for a moment.

“Ohbeta! Go get Lucian. And that other boy,” she says in Hindi, not even pausing to clarify. “Everyone’s dancing again—sangeetpart two!”

And just like that, she’s off again. No follow-up, no wait for acknowledgment.

“I’m in my sweats, Maa!” I yell after her, more exasperated than embarrassed.

She just waves me off without turning around.

Of course. Why bother with logic?

Now I’ve apparently been volunteered to go find theLamebrains. Or, more accurately—one Lamebrain and Lucian.

Shit.

I think my brain has officially forgiven him.

I shake off the thought and stomp upstairs like a grumpy toddler in need of a nap.

By the time I reach his door, I’m too aware of my reflection in the hallway mirror. Sleepy hair. Sweats. No makeup. Why am I suddenly self-conscious? He’s seen me like this before.Many times.

I knock anyway. Three short taps.

One second. Two.

Then—click.

The door swings open... and I am greeted by the bare, gleaming chest ofLiam fucking Winters.

Correction: shirtless Liam in black shorts, his messy curls still damp, his smile smug.

“Oh,” I say, blinking. “Hi.”

“Hey Aarohi,” he drawls. “Did you come to admire the view?”

Ohdear god.

I should look away.

I don’t.

I mean—Ido! Eventually.

“Good job, Kash,” I mutter to myself.

“Liam, man. You need to stop showering like a maniac. There was a mini-flood in the bathroom,” comes Lucian’s voice from inside.

And then Lucian appears.

Freshly showered.

Dripping wet.

In a towel.Onlya towel.

That’s all that’s covering his very tall, very toned, verynakedbody. Water glistens across his chest, shoulders, and neck. His hair is damp and unruly.

I, meanwhile, am experiencing a temporary lapse in brain function.

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