Page 33 of Fake Crown

“Why would she want such a superficial relationship for six more years?” I don’t want any relationship, and I can’t imagine clinging so hard to someone based on sex and profit margins.

“She said we get what we need from each other.” We’re at the doorway to the banquet hall, and he stares into it. “She seems to enjoy the drama, and I’m just done with it.”

“She definitely put a lot of effort into making you jealous tonight.” After my boyfriend experience in high school, jealousy is my least favorite trait. Chris was jealous of everyone I spoke to, every person I spent time with who wasn’t him. Even now with my casual hookups, as soon as there’s a hint of possessiveness, we’re done. Brent and Val going back for that over and over again is baffling. “I’m no relationship expert, but from the functional ones I have seen, it’s about protecting each other, not possessing the other person.”

“I would never claim my relationship with Val was functional or healthy. But it was fun for a while. Easy. Low stress and commitment.” He releases a sigh. “Which is exactly why she won’t give up when we get back to campus. She’s well acquainted with what works for me once I’m in training mode.”

The MC announces all the groomsmen and bridesmaids need to come to the floor for a dance. Brent kisses my temple before he takes his leave.

Natalie appears at my side. “Was he talking to her?”

“He was.”

“She convince him to take her back?”

“Not yet,” I say.

On the other side of the room, Val is running her fingers through Stephen’s hair while her gaze is glued to Brent on the dance floor. Her strategy hasn’t changed. She’s still hoping to make him jealous enough to cave.

“Do you think he will?”

“For his sake, I hope not.” There’s a funny twinge in my chest at the thought of him going back to her.

“You’re not tempted to extend your fling beyond the weekend?”

“Nope,” I say. “Boyfriends are overrated. He’d be a terrible one, anyway.”

“I used to think Sebastian would be a terrible boyfriend too,” Natalie says.

“What changed?” Brent is chatting to the bridesmaid in his arms, and our dance is still at the forefront of my mind. I’d gladly switch places with her.

“To me, he ended up being worth the risk.” Across the room, their gazes lock, and Sebastian grins. “No regrets.”

Their connection is palpable, even from a distance. The song changes, and on the dance floor, Wyatt and Ellie sway to the music, oblivious to everyone else. Wyatt appears to be singing in Ellie’s ear, and her expression is one of absolute contentment.

God, to be loved like that.

“May I have this dance?” Brent asks, appearing in front of me.

“I’m going to snag my own dance partner,” Natalie says while Sebastian weaves his way through the crowd to us. “Talk to you later.”

“Another dance?” I pretend his request is scandalous. “What will people think?”

He takes my hand and spins me onto the dance floor. I laugh as I twirl into the center of the fray. When we stop, we’ve carved out our own section of the floor, and Brent draws me close. His warm hand settles over the bare skin on my back, and desire rushes through me. Just like when we were outside, his proximity is enough to make me crave more intimate contact.

“I was thinking,” Brent says.

“I don’t know you well enough yet to determine if that’s a good thing or an ‘oh shit, here we go’ thing.”

“I have a proposition for you.”

“Oh,” I say, and I bat my eyelashes at him. “I like the sound of this.”

“I’m going to be very busy when we get back. My schedule is packed, but Val must have it tattooed on her somewhere. She always knows where I am.”

“Want me to guess where she tattooed it?”

“I’ve checked everywhere,” he says. “I’ve never found it.”