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“He called me a princess, like, the first time we met.”
“Hot,” says Remy.
“Remy!” Charlotte scolding people honestly never gets old. “Inappropriate.”
“It wasnothot. It was annoying.” I can feel Lydia rolling her eyes.
“I was right.” Nate, still deadpan.
“See?” Lydia says. “He’s the worst.”
Charlotte gasps. “Lydia.”
“I like that show.” Gabriel’s arm tightens on my waist. I don’t think he’s actually using me for balance. I think he just wants to touch me. “Let’s go watch it.”
“Not a chance. You’re going to bed.”
“I’m not tired.”
“Hey.” I’ve been looking at the floor, so I don’t see Jameson at the open archway leading to the bedrooms until he speaks.
I don’t think Mason does, either. “Jameson. Where the fuck have you been?”
Jameson steps out into the light. He…doesn’t look good. His eyes are red, like he’s been crying, and he has dark shadows underneath. “Went to my cabin.”
“I called. I texted. You can’t go off the grid like that, asshole.” I’ve been to Mason’s house many times, but I’ve never heard him soundthisworried. It’s so obviously different from anger, or irritation.
“I know.” Jameson doesn’t laugh. He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t tease.
“You don’t have to share every detail of your goddamn life with us, but you at least have to tell us if you’re still—” We’re almost level with Jameson. “You know.”
Jameson dips his head in the most subdued nod I’ve ever seen from him. “I know. I’ll text you back next time.”
Mason’s eyebrows draw together. “Is something going on with you?’
“I’m fine.” Jameson grins. I don’t believe it for a second. That’s about how long it takes for the expression to fade. “I didn’t jump out of a building.”
“It’s an act for the brave,” Gabriel says. “For those with iron hearts and steel souls.”
Jameson peers at Gabriel. “Is he high?”
“I amnothigh.” Gabriel’s tune is surprisingly beautiful. “I’m not going to get high.”
“Yes, you are.” I give Gabriel a stern look.
“Oooh.” Jameson’s heart just isn’t in this, and it breaks mine a little. “She’s serious.”
Our procession ends in Mason’s guest room. Mason deposits Gabriel on the bed, and Jameson goes to get Gabriel’s medicines. He brings them to me in the palm of his hand, along with a glass of water. Then Gabriel’s brothers leave us alone.
I offer the pills to Gabriel. “Time to get high.”
“I meant what I said. I’m not getting high.”
The glint in his eyes says he might in fact be suspicious. Does he know what I’m planning?
No. He’s just being stubborn.
“Take these, and I’ll take your pants off.”
