Page 103 of The Jaded Notes

“I’m fine,” I whisper, though it doesn’t sound like me. “Just let me be fine for once.”

Bren doesn’t push again, but the look in his eyes says he doesn’t believe me for a second.

And as I sit under his scrutiny, I know one wrong move, one careless slip and my entire world comes crashing down. Bren’s suspicion is still lingering in the air when the suite door clicks open down the long marble hallway.

His brows knit. “Fuck. I didn’t think he’d be back this soon.”

“You promised me he was with his mom all night.”

Bren frowns. “Not all night. Besides, it could be someone doing turndown service.”

Careless and heavy footsteps echo against the stone, then his voice calls down the hall.

“Hey, Guns! Brought back a surprise!”

My stomach knots.

Fuck!

It is Callum.

Bottles clink together as his laugh ricochets. It’s reckless and boyish, the kind that used to unravel me.

By the time he rounds the corner into the living room, I’m already frozen in place with my breath held, hoping it will make me invisible.

He’s holding two bottles of liquor, wearing a cocky grin. His messed-up hair falls over his forehead. Then he sees me.

The alcohol slips from his hands. Glass shatters across the floor, liquor spilling like blood.

“Lily...” His chest caves as if the air’s been stolen from him. “I was fucking looking for you.”

The room tilts, and my pulse careens. Bren jerks upright, but before he can react, Callum barrels forward.

I shoot to my feet, heart hammering. “I shouldn’t be here.”

His hand snatches my wrist. His grip, scorching and possessive.

“Remember what we had, Lily.” His blue eyes are wild with desire. “I’ve never stopped loving you.”

“Callum, stop.” My protest is too late, and gets muffled against him.

And then his mouth is on mine—raw, desperate, and uninvited. His lips press hard against mine with the hunger thatused to feel like home, and for one gutting second, I’m dragged under.

Bren’s voice cracks like a whip. “What the fuck are you doing, Cash? She told you no.”

That’s when the laughter comes, all high-pitched and feminine, from behind him.

I jerk my gaze to the foyer, and bile claws up my throat. Two blondes stumble into view, naked and flushed. Their smiles are lined with mockery.

One leans against the wall, eyes sliding over me. Her smirk curves like a blade.

“Thought this was only a foursome. But if she’s in…” She tilts her head at me. “I could get on board.”

The other giggles, careless and cruel.

Horror sears through me. My skin burns where Callum’s lips just were. I rip free from his grasp with every nerve in my body screaming.

“You’ll never change.” The words burn through my chest.