Page 55 of Scandalous

“Come on, you guys!” she yells back at us.

Santi raises a hand, urging her to keep going. “We’re right behind you.”

Once she turns around, he looks back at me and picks up where he left off. “Hey, it’s not very often Liam gets one over you.”

“I just hope he picked a decent place to stay tonight. The drive through town wasn’t promising.”

“Don’t worry, he found a sweet vacation rental for us,” Drake says over his shoulder, clearly listening in on our conversation. “He said it had a firepit, a pool table, and even a small movie room. Should give us plenty to do.”

“Thank god.” I sigh.

“Are you regretting coming yet?” Santi asks.

I look over at my friend. I’ve known Santi since I was ten and he was twelve. He took me under his wing and it’s been us against the world ever since. We’re not like Liam and Drake, but that doesn’t mean I love him any less. The look on his face says it all. He wants this to work out.

I know it’s me holding everyone back. They won’t officially make a move on Aurora without my agreement, even though Drake and Liam have already slept with her and I know Santi is planning the same. As much as they like her, if I decide I’m out for good, they will drop her. The four of us share a bond that’s unbreakable.

If anyone’s bound to break it, it’s you,the devil on my shoulder reminds me.

That’s the crux of it all though. If I follow what my mind tells me to do, I will nip this in the bud, but the problem is, I’m worried my friends may grow to resent me. I can already see some pushback from Liam. If all three decided they didn’t need me anymore, where would that leave me?

Would they choose her over me?

That’s the problem with my mind. It’s constantly running through all the possible scenarios. Many not looking to turn out in my favor.

“Are you?” Santi frowns when I don’t answer right away.

The sound of rushing water grows as the trail opens up. As soon as Aurora steps into the clearing, she squeals, stealing the guys’ attention. I look around and see a few people milling about, enjoying nature.

I’ll never understand that. How people enjoy spending so much time outdoors. Between the bugs and the weather, it’s rare I find a day comfortable enough for me to willingly spend any amount of time outside. I prefer to stay inside with my tech.

I look back at Aurora.

She steals my breath as she stands in front of the waterfall.

She’s so fucking beautiful it hurts.

Standing back, I watch her interact with the group and know I have to make a decision.

“Ezra, come on. Get in here!” She waves me over.

Walking forward, I get into the frame and we take a group photo. Then some more of just us, and us with her. After all the photos are taken, I shove my hands into my pockets as we fall silent.

“It’s so beautiful,” she says wistfully.

So are you.

Clearing my throat, I take a chance. “Aurora.”

“Yeah?”

“Would you like to join me tonight?” I ask, acting like her answer doesn’t matter.

She hesitates. “Sure. What for?”

“I don’t know about you, but after this morning’s excursion,” I say, glaring at Liam before looking back at her. “I’m in desperate need of a massage.”

Her eyes light up, so I push on. “On the way here, I found a spa in town and booked us an appointment.”

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