Page 164 of I’m The Worst

I laugh humorlessly. “Here we go.”

“You have to stop this shit.” His voice sharpens. “You’re drunk half the time. High, the other half. You’re partying every night. You’re hooking up with random⁠—”

“I’m acting exactly like every other Sovereign in this fucking restaurant?”

His jaw tightens. “It’s different, and you know it.”

“There it is.” I point at him with my champagne glass. “That bullshit right there.”

“AJ—”

“No.” I lean forward, eyes narrowed on his. “You don’t get to lecture me about this. The Sovereign spent my entire life encouraging this shit. They throw parties every weekend. Fill clubs with drugs and alcohol and Sluts. Half the men sitting in this restaurant spent their twenties coked out of their minds, fucking anything that moved.”

“That’s not⁠—”

“But suddenly I’m the problem? I’m doing exactly what they’ve always wanted me to do. Be pretty. Be fun. Drink. Smile. Spread my legs. Keep the Sovereign entertained.” I drain the rest of my champagne. “I’m doing my job perfectly.”

Gage’s hands curl into fists on the table. “Jesus Christ, AJ. Listen to yourself.”

He doesn’t sound like my brother anymore. He sounds like Dad and every Commander in this goddamn building.

“You are engaged to a goddamn Commander. People are watching every move you make. Your behavior is not just reflecting on you. It reflects on him.”

“Thanks for the reminder. I almost forgot for a second. Wouldn’t want to ruin the Commander’s shiny fucking reputation.” I’m being sarcastic, but the nausea swirling in my stomach says otherwise. I hate the way my body reacts every time someone mentions David. Or the wedding.

“Marrying David is a good thing.”

I slam my glass down and let out a sharp laugh. “Really? That’s the bullshit you’re selling me now? You think marrying some Sovereign Prince Charming is my happy ending?”

“It’s better than⁠—”

“Better than what?” My temples pound with every heartbeat, the alcohol from last night curdling in my stomach. I’ve already hit my quota for bullshit this morning. “Please, Gage. Enlighten me.”

“You’re being a bitch.”

“Wow.” A humorless laugh escapes me as I shove my chair back. “Did I ruin your perfect Commander brunch? Get fucked, Gage.” I’m on my feet in the next second, grabbing my purse.

He catches my wrist. “Don’t walk away from me like a goddamn child.”

I yank my arm free.

“What seems to be the problem?” David’s smooth voice cuts through the air behind me. My back stiffens as he steps to my side, close enough that his cologne wraps around my senses.

He’s tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features and a perfectly tailored suit. Every inch the image of the ideal Sovereign Commander.

I hate him on sight.

“Nothing,” I mutter, avoiding his eyes.

“Gage.”

My brother immediately straightens.

“Why don’t you go check in with your father.”

Gage hesitates, his eyes flicking between me and David. “Fine.”

Traitor.