Page 108 of Savage Ambition

“What happened?” Trent asked.

“Sorry, I wasn’t aware you were home. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

He stepped closer. “What happened?”

Speaking the truth aloud would make everything real. It would cement the reality of Jace with Dante. The thought of what they might be doing turned my stomach rancid.

“Shaw, please tell me.”

“I can’t.” They had been friends since elementary school. I had become part of their group in high school when I moved in with my cousin after my parents died. I couldn’t let my problems poison their friendship. “Not right now.”

“Did you fight with Dante?”

“No.”

He followed me to the kitchen. “Did you fight with Jace about Dante?”

I shook my head. “Can we please talk about this later? I can’t do this right now.”

“Sure. I’m always willing to listen.”

I gave him a small smile to reassure him. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

He lingered in the kitchen. I couldn’t bear the silence, so I asked, “How was your night?”

“Fine. I’ve been working on that annoying group project. Nothing exciting.”

Heavy fists pounded on the front door.

“Don’t answer it,” I told Trent.

“Damn it, Shaw! I know you’re in there,” Jace yelled, striking the wood again. “Come out here and face me.”

“Maybe I can tell him you’re not home?” Trent offered.

The door slammed open with a loud thud. I winced when I realized I had forgotten to lock it.

“What, are you too ashamed to face me?” Jace yelled, his voice echoing through the marble-floored foyer.

I stormed back to where he waited under the crystal chandelier. “Get out.”

“No.” Jace slammed the door shut. His eyes were wild, and a thin sheen of sweat covered his flushed face.

“Get out of my apartment before I call the cops.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s not your apartment. It’s your uncle’s.”

“That doesn’t matter. Get the fuck out.”

Trent walked over. “Could someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“Why don’t you tell him, Shaw?” Jace goaded. “Tell him how you’ve been taking it up the ass from Dante Gennaro.”

“Leave Trent out of this,” I snapped, my nails biting into my palms.

Jace ignored me. “Shaw’s been betraying all of us by fucking that filthy whore Dante behind our backs.”

Trent’s expression hardened. “Watch your mouth, Jace.”