Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
He came up beside me and then touched my arm. “Look,” he said, pointing to his right.
I turned, and my breath caught in my throat. It was stunning. There were no trees or buildings blocking the view, and with the mountain in the distance, it looked like a painting.
“It’s beautiful,” I said.
“Right? I love to see it from up here.”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed a sunset. Much less one like this. I tucked my hands into the front pockets of the hoodie I was wearing, and we stood there in silence, watching nature’s beauty. There was no need for words, and it felt as if talking would be almost irreverent. A show this spectacular deserved one’s complete attention.
Seeing something like this reminded me of King. I wanted to watch this with him. But he wasn’t here. He was at a party with Scotlin May. My mood began to sour, and I tried very hard to push that thought away.
Had he ever stood here and seen this? I wanted to ask Sebastian, but I decided that remaining silent was best.
Storm was still in the lounge room when we returned. He was standing at the bar, pouring a glass of whiskey. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a tight smile.
Had I done something wrong?
“I’m about to head to the club. You going?” Storm asked, shifting his gaze to Sebastian.
“I don’t think we should leave Rumor here alone.”
I opened my mouth to tell them I’d go to the room and read, but Storm’s gaze locked on me again. He seemed to be studying me hard or thinking it through.
Finally, he sighed. “Yeah. Probably not a good idea.”
He walked over to the sofa and sat back down with his drink.
“You’re not going?” Sebastian asked him.
Storm glanced back at him. “And leave you here alone with Rumor? No. I think I’ll stay.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sebastian demanded, sounding angry.
Storm picked up the remote control. “It means that I would like to keep you alive.”
“Whatever,” Sebastian said with annoyance thick in his tone.
I took that moment to interrupt whatever was going to be said next. “I can go upstairs and read. I have several new books.”
“Not necessary,” Sebastian replied.
“Good idea,” Storm said at the exact same time.
Now, this was uncomfortable.
I stepped back and glanced nervously at Sebastian. “I think I should go.”
Sebastian shot Storm an annoyed glare. “No. You shouldn’t have to stay locked up in that room. He’s being dramatic.”
“No, I’m not,” Storm said with his eyes glued to the screen.
“Yes, he is. Let me make you a drink, and we can find a movie to watch.”
I glanced warily over at Storm, who didn’t look at either of us.
“Ignore him,” Sebastian urged.
I was torn. I didn’t want to let my friend down, but then I also didn’t want to be somewhere I wasn’t welcome. Chewing on my lower lip, I tried to think of a good excuse to leave so that Sebastian was okay with it.
“It’s fine. I’m staying. Pop some popcorn or some shit, and I’ll find a movie,” Storm said, glancing our way once again.
“See,” Sebastian said, nudging my arm. “He was just being pissy because he’s got a thing for a new dancer at the club and he thinks he can’t go because King will be mad if I’m here with you alone.”
“I don’t have a thing for her,” he snapped.
“Yeah, you do.”
“If I go read, then you can both go.”
“No,” they both said in unison.
Confused, I looked at Storm.
He gave me a small smile, as if understanding my confusion. “We leave you alone here, and that would be just as bad as you being here alone with Sebastian.”
King hadn’t explained this all to me. He hadn’t said that my being here was going to make it hard on the others. I should have asked more questions. Thought about the situation.
“Take me to Maeme’s,” I told them.
Storm let out a sharp laugh. “Fuck no.”
I turned to look at Sebastian, who shrugged.
“King comes back, and you’re not here?” He shook his head. “He’d lose his shit.”
Right now, I wasn’t worried about what King would and wouldn’t do if I wasn’t here. I was frustrated that he’d put me in this position. I didn’t like inconveniencing anyone. It gave me extreme anxiety.
“He will be tired from his party tonight,” I said bitterly.
Storm laughed again. “Tired of listening to Scotlin’s mouth.”
Sebastian chuckled beside me, as if he, too, found that funny. Hearing them talk about King not liking Scotlin helped. I was jealous of her. I could admit it. Who wouldn’t be?
“He’s right. King will want to see you after an evening with her.”
I had needed to hear that more than they could ever know. Suddenly, popcorn and a movie sounded perfect.
“Okay then, popcorn and a movie it is.”
Storm turned to look back at the television. “You like action, horror, thriller—please do not ask for a chick flick.”