I was wondering why Oakley never said anything about it.

I was starting to think what I wrote was horrible, but as it turns out, he never got a chance to read it.

Because Jace stole it.

And now he thinks there’s something going on between us.

My stomach knots. I have to fix this.

I know how much Oakley cares about his friendship with Jace and Cole. Hell, he considers them his actual brothers.

I quickly straighten my spine, armed with a glare. “Okay, first of all—you had no right to read this letter, because it’s not yours.” My lips purse. “Secondly—this isn’t what you think. Oakley and I are friends.”

He snorts. “Bullshit. Oak is my best friend and I’ve never said some shit like that to him.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Yeah, well, maybe you should.”

He narrows his eyes. “Tell me what the hell is going on between you two. Right fucking now.”

“Nothing is going on between us.” Realizing I have to give him something more than that, I add, “Yes, we’ve grown close this summer, but it’s not like that. He’s been…a really great friend. Not only did he teach me how to drive, but he listens to me talk about my problems. And best of all? Unlike you, he never judges me.”

His face falls. “I don’t judge—”

I sharpen my gaze.

“Okay, fine,” he relents. “You have a point.” He blows out a heavy breath. “I just wasn’t sure what to think between him teaching you how to drive, and you always hanging out at his house all the time lately, and then finding this letter…it doesn’t look right.”

“We’re just friends,” I reiterate.

Friends who like to tear off each other’s clothes and can’t seem to get enough of one another.

He frowns. “If you say so.”

Meeting his stare, I put the final nail in the coffin. The one that will make him believe me. “You know I’d never lie to you, Jace.”

It’s the truth. Apart from our mother, I’ve never, ever lied to him.

Until now.

Raking a hand through his hair, he heaves a sigh. “I know. Which is exactly why I came to you instead of him. He’s my best friend and I’d do anything for him, but the dude’s lied to me more times than I can count so I can’t exactly trust him to keep it real with me.” He chokes out a laugh. “And now I feel stupid for laying into you, because of course you guys aren’t together. The two of you don’t make any sense. Not only are you complete opposites, you couldn’t be farther from his type.”

I swallow the lump rising in my throat. “Right.”

He gives me a smile. “Now that that shit’s settled, let’s go see the zombie movie.”

Watching a zombie movie after dismantling this bomb is the last thing I want to do, but I force myself to go along with it anyway. “Sure.”

It’s safe to say my brother isn’t the only one questioning how trustworthy Oakley is now.

Chapter 35

Bianca

Holy shit.

Emotions tangle in my chest as I place the note down and try to process everything.

I told Oakley about my mom.

I knew we had a bond and we were close, but didn’t know I trusted him so much that I’d tell him the one thing I’ve never told anyone.

Tears prickle my eyes as I get off the floor.

Oakley was right. We were way more than fuck buddies who didn’t fuck.

What we had between us was…real.

I’m so lost in my thoughts I don’t even hear the latch on my door click open.

“Are you ready?” Stone questions, striding inside my dorm room.

I seriously regret making him a spare key now because just the sight of him fills me with anger.

I can’t help but feel like he took something precious from me by lying about that poem.

I glare at him. “No, I’m not.”

To say he’s taken aback would be an understatement. “Wh—”

“You didn’t write that poem.”

“What poem?”

He looks so confused and it only makes me more irate.

It’s all I can do not to tear my hair out as I stalk toward him. “The one that said I was a beautiful nightmare.”

He thinks about this for a moment before making a face like he tastes something rancid. “That thing?” His eyes roll. “Okay, fine, I didn’t write it. I don’t know why it’s such a big dea—”

“Because you lied about it,” I scream so loud the windows vibrate. “I loved that poem. It made me feel special and important and I thought you wrote it from your heart, but you didn’t.”

Oakley did.

Hands on his hips, he blows out a breath. “You’re right, I lied.”

I’m about to start screaming again, but he closes the distance between us and locks his arms around me. “But I only did it because I wanted to impress you.” He looks sheepish. “And because I got scared that maybe some other guy was trying to woo you by writing poems. I didn’t want him to steal you away from me.”

His remorseful expression makes it clear he regrets it, but still.

“You shouldn’t have lied.”

“I know. I’m sorry, Bourne.” He glances at his watch. “Not to be a jerk, but can we shelf this for a bit? We’re supposed to be at Ruth’s parents’ house by nine.”

I should tell him to go fuck himself and go there alone.

But that’s the thing about guilt…

Sometimes it makes you do things you shouldn’t.

Like avoid conversations you need to have.

The party’s in full swing by the time we arrive at Ruth’s house.

Stone whistles as we look around the giant atrium filled with fancy people wearing even fancier clothes. “I knew her parents were loaded, but not this loaded.”

He’s right. This isn’t a typical college party by any means.

Sure, there are some college students buzzing around, but instead of beer pong, flip cup, and rap music…there are waiters passing around champagne and caviar on silver trays.

I’m starting to feel underdressed in my short silky black dress and red heels.

I can tell Stone’s uncomfortable too, because he always is when it comes to wealthy people.

“Breathe, Stone,” I whisper. “They’re just people.”

“Easy for you to say,” he hisses as he adjusts his tie. “You grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth.”

I have to stifle the urge to tell him that he grew up with a stick lodged in his asshole, but you don’t see me constantly ridiculing him about it.

“You’re here,” someone shouts behind us.

A moment later a very bubbly Ruth runs over to us.

Her fiancé Eugene follows behind her like a lost puppy.

After exchanging quick hugs, she focuses on Stone. “I was just telling my dad all about you.” She smiles. “He’s dying to meet you. Stay here while I go get him.”

Before anyone can say a word, she runs off.

Stone looks like he’s going to puke. “Her dad is the head of the neurology department at Stonybrook Hospital.” His voice shakes a little. “He has a lot of connections so don’t say anything that will embarrass me, okay?”