Page 20 of Cruel Charming Psychos (Necessary Evils 2)

“Prick,” I seethe at his back as he walks away with a proud grin on his face.

“This isn’t much of a party if I’m just going to get railed by everyone.”

“Why in the hell did you tell all these people that I’m pregnant?”

“Why does my father have a video of you kissing that boy you told me not to worry about?”

“Why are you ignoring my question by asking me a question?”

“I’ll answer yours when you answer mine.”

I contemplate lying to him and say that I didn’t kiss Asher, but I’m pretty sure the creep that’s been following me around has evidence to the contrary. There’d be no point in trying to deny what he’s most certainly seen with his own eyes. For once, the truth might be the best way to approach this. “Asher is in love with me. We had athingback in Carolina, but that’s over now. Unfortunately, he doesn’t quite share the same sentiments. I need him to go back home and the only way I can ensure that he leaves is by pretending there’s a chance we can have a future together, but only if he leaves immediately.”

“I believe you only because that’s too detailed to be a lie. Do you think he’s gone?”

“Honestly?” I shake my head. “I very seriously doubt it. You two might not ever be friends, but the two of you share the same stubborn nature. He’s not going to stop until he gets to the bottom of what’s going on here.”

“What do you mean?”

I’ve said too much. “Okay,” I stammer. “Your turn for honesty. Why did you tell everyone at this party that I’m pregnant?”

He moves his mouth to speak but pauses abruptly. “I thought about lying to you, but I figured I should just come clean. I was furious after my father showed me the video of you and Asher. I wanted to get back at you and I wanted to get back at my parents, and so I killed two birds with one stone.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“At least I’m not a cheater.”

“Firstly, I’m not cheating on you because we’re not even technically together despite your insistence during your rousing speech that I’m your girlfriend. Secondly, it was a peck on the lips. I was simply trying to manipulate him into doing what I need him to do.”

“Are you manipulating me?”

Yep, I’ve definitely said too much this time. “Don’t be stupid.”

“My dad says I’ve always been known to be a dumbass, so don’t make me look stupid. We need to start being honest with each other.”

If I chose, in this very moment, to be completely honest with him, I think I’d end up in the morgue. He would blow a literal gasket if he knew that I’m not actually carrying his child, although I would think he would be relieved. There isn’t anything real in the entirety of our relationship. It’s built upon a foundation of lies and mistrust.

So I settle on the half-truth. “I’ll try not to make you look stupid.”

But we both know deep down how this is all going to end, in a blaze of glory with untold amounts of collateral damage at our feet.

“While we’re being honest…” He closes the distance between us, pinning me between his hot body and the cool wall. “I’ve wanted to strip you out of that dress ever since I first saw you in it.”

I must be going fucking insane because I don’t object. “Then why don’t you take me upstairs to your old bedroom?”

“Don’t fucking tempt me.”

I push him backwards and take him by the hand, leading him towards the stairs. My head is a mess, the thoughts in my mind twisting and careening through the pathways of my cerebrum. I just want the voices to shut the hell up, and sometimes the only way to do that is with a quick, rough fuck.

Fate, unfortunately, has other plans.

I spot Asher, dressed in a fitted navy tux, casually walking through the front doors of the mansion. He spots me too, but hesitates to approach which might be the smartest thing he’s ever done. I twist on my feet and guide Nick up the first of many steps. “I need to grab something to drink real quick. Can I meet you upstairs?”

He leans in close and growls into my ear, “Don’t keep me waiting.”

I make sure he’s at the landing at the top of the stairs before making a beeline for Asher and pulling him out of the foyer and into the backyard. I make sure he keeps his distance from me. Now that everyone in the fucking Hamptons thinks I’m the proper girlfriend of Nick Callaway, it wouldn’t be a good look to get too close to Asher.

I look around nervously before speaking, “Asher, what in the holy fuck are you doing here?”

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