Page 24 of Lethal Attraction

Connor’s eyes flicker to me, and we both roll our lips in. He snorts, quickly covering it with a cough.

“This isn’t funny!” Alana throws her hands up as her lips twitch. I can see the humor of the situation is winning over her anger as she finally giggles and covers her eyes. “You’re getting another AirTag.”

“Oh, come on!” I proclaim.

“You had us all worried sick about you,” Connor says. “The AirTag is for the best.”

God, I feel like I’m getting scolded by actual parents. It’s nice to know I’m cared for, but I’m just going to ditch the new tracker the moment I take another hit.

Alana’s eyes trail down my clothes. “Who’s shirt are you wearing?”

I grab the chest of my shirt, turning my body possessively as I shield it from her. “No one! It’s mine.”

Her expression softens. “Wait, did you meet someone?”

“No,” I respond quickly—defensively.

Connor slaps a hand on the table before rising. “I’ll give you two a minute.” He kisses Alana’s forehead tenderly, cupping her cheek as they share a heated moment.

My chest pangs at the sight. I’ve always been Alana and Connor’s biggest fan, but sometimes I’m a little envious of the connection they share. After growing up with parents who rarely held an ounce of kindness or affection, it was hard to rewire my brain to recognize the signs of true love and companionship. Alana and Connor have been the blueprint ever since.

Connor may be an ass at times, but he’s soft for my best friend. He dotes on her endlessly and knew that the way to her heart was through her very close-knit family. They accepted him with open arms, and he’s made every day a dream for Alana.

If I ever want a relationship, I know I want it to be as consuming and passionate as theirs. I won’t take any argument on that end.

I almost laugh at the absurdity. To think I could ever have anything that comes close to their bond is a pipe dream. My mother made sure to destroy my confidence around every corner, ensuring that all I am is a pretty face. No man will ever see me for who I really am and think I’m a catch, but it’s still something my dreaming heart tries to weave together. Can’t blame a girl for imagining her fairytale ending is a reality.

As Connor leaves us, I’m left staring at the floor with my fingers drumming on the table. Alana slides into the chair beside me, resting her hand over mine.

“Did you meet someone?” She asks quietly.

I absently lift Reed’s shirt to my nose, taking in his scent again as comfort washes over me. “Yeah…”

My best friend’s head tilts as she chases my eyes. “Do you want to talk about it?”

I swallow past the emotion in my throat, smacking the perfect, playful mask back on as I finally look at her. “No—”

“Don’t do that,” Alana scolds lightly. “Don’t pretend to be okay when I know you aren’t.”

She’s always seen right through me. I’m thankful for the friendship we harbor, and I’m even more grateful when my shoulders sink and I feel the tears pricking my eyes. She won’t judge me. “He was just…” I throw my hands up before slapping them on my thighs. “I feel like I screwed everything up.”

Alana shakes her head. “You didn’t screw anything up, Thalia. There’s still a chance—”

“No, there isn’t.” I laugh humorlessly. “I stole his car.”

My best friend blinks. “Come again?”

“I stole his car!” I turn to her, my expression a little unhinged as I giggle wildly. “He’s bound to hate me now.”

“Well, you haven’t completely ruined this. Why don’t you return his car?”

My eyes flicker to her. “He’s a traveling surgeon. Would you be able to track him?”

Her eyes light up as she leans towards me. “He’s a fucking surgeon?! Thalia!”

I smile. “He’s a damn good one, too. He took the bullet out of my shoulder. He fucks like a god—”

“You two fucked?!”