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Right there on my screen is the picture Julian took of us lying in bed just before I left the hotel. I’m wrapped around his body with my face against his, both of us smiling into the camera. I knew at this moment, I don’t want to be here or anywhere for that matter, not without him.
I make my way over to the table where Lex and Charlie stand. Both of them have shots in front of them, taking turns as they laugh. Lex drapes his arm around Charlie, pulling her in as they passionately kiss. He leans into her ear and whispers something to which she laughs. Watching them makes me realize who fucking cares if Julian is part of my life. They have each other, they are happy.
Lex slides over a shot, and I don’t hesitate to drink it. He motions for a bartender to hit us up with another round. It’s very rare to see my brother let loose, and judging by the way he’s all over Charlie, he has had quite a bit to drink.
This party has run its course, and even with the extra shots coming my way, I’m no longer entertained by the Hollywood crowd. I take out my cell to see the picture again, but Lex swipes my phone off me.
“If you won’t tell me who the hell you’re seeing, I’m finding out for myself. ” He doesn’t have to search far, and like a slow-motion movie, I watch his face drop instantly, suddenly morphing into anger. His lips are pursed, the vein on his forehead practically jumping out to me and slapping me across the face. The look of pure rage meets me in the eye, and he growls, “Outside now!”
I continue to stand, not giving in to his stupid request until he grabs my arm forcefully and drags me through the crowd. I beg him to stop, his tight grip much like a Chinese burn. He doesn’t even have the decency to ask people to move politely, rudely shoving me until we hit the exit sign. The second we’re outside the side entrance, he lets go, and I catch myself just before I stumble to the ground.
“What the fuck is this?”
I rub my arm noticing the red marks on my skin. “Well, now you know.”
It’s a stare-down, and I refuse to back off. Charlie pummels through the doorway, barely able to walk after the copious amount of shots she’s had. “What the hell is going on?”
Lex has not backed down, his glare is fierce, and his normally emerald green eyes are onyx black. The look of death. I cross my arms, refusing to allow him to think he can control my life.
“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” he shouts at Charlie.
She looks my way, shrugging her shoulders. “Tell you what?”
“Like you don’t know.” He lets out a nasty laugh.
“I have no idea what you are—” Lex shoves the cell into Charlie’s face, and it takes her a moment to register. With her eyes wide, she lifts them to meet mine. Does she understand now? Shocked and confused, she stutters trying to form a sentence.
“Adriana,” she whispers.
“Cut the I-had-no-idea bullshit, Charlie!”
Oh crap, he only ever calls her Charlie when he sees red. How dare the dickhead take it out on her. I can’t believe we’re related, honestly.
“Don’t you think if I knew it was Julian that I’d have said something to you?” she responds exasperated.
“Why would you? You’re probably happy that he’s back in the picture. Always loved him, right?”
Charlie is furious. “How fucking dare you say that about me.”
I know Lex is drunk, which doesn’t help the situation.
“So, let me guess, Adriana, he found you and swept you off your feet? Promised to respect Elijah, told you he was over Charlie.” The anger and hate consume him, turning him ugly. I don’t even dignify him with a response.
I have to stand my ground now. “I’ll tell you what, Lex, you have no idea how hard it’s been for me, and frankly, I don’t give a goddamn shit what you think.”
He follows with another hateful laugh. “So just fuck him and get it over with. I’ll be ready and waiting when he starts his move on Charlie, which I’m sure she will gladly welcome.”
I hear the slap of a palm.
Charlie has struck Lex on the face.
Holy fucking hell!
Lex grabs her forearm, his grip tight, but she doesn’t complain.
“Let go of me.” Her bark warns him to back the hell off.
He lets go, then follows by punching the brick wall, screaming in agony and frustration. Charlie walks over to me and hugs me tight.
