“What?” I hear Sawyer screech over the line. “Oh my God. Is she okay? What the hell is wrong with Tommy?”

Crap. I pinch Cole’s ribs until he yelps and gets off me.

“Tommy. Got it. Peace, baby girl,” Oakley says before he hangs up and glares daggers at me. “Did he rape you? I swear I’ll—”

The car swerves and multiple people on the freeway honk their horns.

“I’m fine, Oakley. He didn’t...I’m okay.”

I’ll fill him in later when he’s calmer and Jace isn’t around.

My cousin points to his face. “Look me in the eyes and tell me he didn’t hurt you.”

Jace’s hand flexes around the steering wheel.

“If by hurt you mean he kicked me out of his car, then yeah. I guess technically he hurt me, but I promise I’m fine.”

Oakley still doesn’t look satisfied after that, but at least he drops it for the rest of the ride home.

I scramble out of the car after Jace pulls up our driveway, but fingers wrap around my wrist.

For a second, I think it’s Oakley, but he’s already halfway to the front door.

Spinning around, I peer up at Jace’s stern, but gorgeous face. “Thanks for the ride.”

Gently, he tips my chin. I feel his gaze roam over every part of my face and body, but for once, it’s not in a sexual way.

“I’m fine,” I tell him. “Tommy and I…we’re over.”

He remains silent as he finishes his careful appraisal of me.

When he’s satisfied, he gets back into his car and drives off.

Leaving me without so much as a single word.

Like he always does.

Chapter 32

Jace

His orange Subaru sticks out like a sore thumb among the other cars in the parking garage.

After checking the time on my dash, I pull my ski mask down and grab my bat.

Given Tommy lives in a low-budget complex, the one and only security camera was a breeze to dismantle.

Doesn’t mean someone won’t roll up on me, though, so I have to make this shit quick.

I go for the hatchback window first before moving on to the windshield and the side windows.

But I’m not finished yet.

After pulling the lever for the gas cap, I reach into the pocket of my hoodie and take out the liter bottle of water and empty it into the tank.

Then I unzip my pants and piss in it.

Now you’re stranded too, motherfucker.

Chapter 33

Dylan

My aunt whistles as she walks into my bedroom. “Wow, you look…”

I put the finishing touches on my makeup and turn around. “That bad?”

“No…just different. Older.”

I smirk. “I mean, it is my birthday.”

She looks me up and down, taking in my blown-out hair, smokey-eye makeup, and the bodycon slip dress I purchased with one of the gift cards she got me. It’s red, super short, and the ruched fabric makes me look like I have some dangerous curves going on.

“You look gorgeous, Dylan.” She stands behind me in the mirror. “I just hope you’re doing this for the right reasons.”

“The only person I’m doing it for is me,” I tell her honestly.

I thought dating Tommy would help me get over Jace, but it didn’t work.

I’m starting to think nothing will…except time.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t let loose and have fun in the process. All my life I’ve been responsible—and according to every adult I’ve ever met—mature and wise beyond my years.

For once, I’d like to go wild and not worry about the consequences. Not that there will be any, given I’m meeting Sawyer and Oakley at Christian’s house and I know they’ll have my back.

My aunt winces when I reach for my Doc Martens. “Nope, I can’t let you do that.”

“But I love these shoes.”

“I know, honey, but they don’t go with your dress.” She raises a finger. “I’ll be right back.”

Two minutes later she’s thrusting a pair of Louboutins at me. “An outfit like that deserves Lou.”

“But these are super expensive. Are you sure me wearing them to a party is a good idea?”

“Positive. I have like fifteen pairs, so I can be without these for a night.”

“Fifteen?” I’m not sure I have fifteen anything.

She smirks. “Wayne knows the way to my heart.”

I feel like a baby deer learning to walk after I slip them on, but all things considered, they aren’t too terrible. Plus they make my legs look miles long.

“Perfect,” she exclaims. “God, to be young again.”

“You are young,” I remind her.

Something passes in her gaze before she smiles. “Come on, birthday girl. I’ll give you a ride to the party.”

I can feel everyone’s eyes on me the moment I step foot in Christian’s house. And for once, it’s not because something embarrassing happened or because I punched someone.

“Holy shit,” Sawyer says as I walk over to her and Oakley. “Who are you and what did you do with my best friend?”

“Is it too much?”

She shakes her head. “No. You’re hotter than the Eta Carinae.”

“The hottest star in the galaxy?” I’ll take it.

I pluck an empty Solo cup from the stack on the table. “Are you sure you’re okay with being my DD?”

“Positive,” she tells me. “It’s your birthday. I want you to have fun.”

I look at Oakley, who’s been silent this whole time with his hand in front of his face. “You okay, Oak?”

“Yup, everything’s cool,” he tells Sawyer.

Sawyer and I exchange a glance.

“Why won’t you look at me?”

“Because I might start drooling like every other guy in the surrounding area and that’s creepy, fam.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, stop. It’s just a dress.” I poke him in the stomach. “Have a drink with me for my birthday. On second thought, have several and teach me a thing or two about how to party like O-dawg.”

He grins. “You sure about that?”

“Positive.”

He turns to the table full of liquor. “Then consider me your personal bartender tonight. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

One…two…I’m not sure how many hours later—the Louboutins don’t matter because I can no longer feel my feet.

Hell, I’m not sure I can feel anything other than the pounding of the music and the energy of the people around me as I sway my body to the beat.

Someone—Oakley, from the looks of it—makes his way over and hands me a glass.

“You’re the best cousin fucker I’ve ever had,” I shout because I want to make sure he hears me.

His eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, yeah. Someone’s feeling it.” He stares down at the drink in his hand. “Be easy with this one, okay?”