Page 80 of The Truth of Us

Julian said something to Lucy, and she nearly choked on her drink. He tucked her ‌closer to him and rubbed her back. The movement was so automatic it made my chest hurt. Because he didn't even realize he was doing it. Lucy smiled up at him, and Julian smiled back, which still fucked with me. I had to look away because they made looking happy look so easy, and I hated that I immediately thought of her.

I turned to walk away from the group, and a brunette intercepted me. She was tall, beautiful and absolutely interested. The type of woman I would have taken upstairs a month ago.

She smiled and bit her bottom lip suggestively, saying, "This is an incredible party."

"Thanks."

She waited, and when I said nothing else, her smile faltered, and then she left.

The next one lasted less than thirty seconds.

The one after that, maybe a minute.

By eleven o'clock, Theo was openly taking bets.

I glared at him, and he grinned. "That's number six, Elliot. I have never seen you so off your game."

"Go away." I ground out.

"You used to enjoy this," Theo mocked.

"Fuck off."

Theo laughed, and Caleb had a look that was dangerously close to pity.

Near eleven thirty, Emily was scrolling on her phone and suddenly gasped. "Oh my God."

Everyone ignored her until Emily gasped again, louder this time. "OH MY GOD."

Theo nearly spilled his drink. "What?"

Emily shoved her phone into Lucy's face. Lucy frowned, asking, "What am I looking at?"

Emily looked scandalized. "You don't know whose account this is?"

"No," Lucy said.

"The internet's favorite billionaire bad boy." Emily was practically bouncing in her seat.

Theo blinked. "That's a category?"

Emily rolled her eyes, saying, "It is for Oliver Hastings."

The name vaguely registered.

Lucy looked at the screen. "Oh, should I know who he is?"

I almost laughed because of the amount Lucy worked or cared for her family; it was no surprise, she probably didn't even have her own social media.

Emily grabbed the phone back. "I follow him because he's ridiculously attractive."

Theo looked wounded. "I am standing right here, baby Bennett."

Nobody acknowledged him. Emily scrolled, then stopped dramatically, grabbing Lucy’s knee.

"Wow."

"What?" Lucy asked.