I clear my throat, feeling oddly unsettled by the whole thing. ‘You ready?’ I say to Taylor.
‘Wait.’ Theo’s eyes dart to mine, Sadie’s head lifting off his chest as she pins me with the same inquisitive stare. ‘You’re going to bed too?’
‘I’m just gonna see ’em up safe.’
‘Yeah,’ Taylor drawls, sending me an eye roll, ‘because you never know who might ambush us on a private island with its very own security detail. Or is it the bats you’re worried about?’
‘Shut up and move, Stone.’
She gives a low chuckle and I’d like to say I’m pleased she’s back to her teasing old self but Theo and Sadie are still giving methatlook.
I shake my head and move, sliding my hand into the small of her back and encouraging her to move with me. I feel hertense, half a beat where her body heat teases me through the flimsy fabric, and then she’s moving.
To get away from me, or to do as I say, I don’t care, my hand stays.
‘Night, lovebirds,’ she calls back. ‘Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.’
They laugh and I glare down at her.
‘What?’ she says.
‘You want everyone to know?’ I say through my teeth.
‘You don’t?’
I don’t answer her. I don’t need to.
Of course, I don’t want them to know.
I don’t want anyone to know.
Because everyone would have an opinion on it, and I don’t care what they think.
Especially when every single one of them would see we ended it before I’m ready.
Like you’re ever gonna be ready…
Screw you.
I am you.
Fuck.
Taylor
I don’t know why I want to provoke him, but I do.
Maybe I’m craving anotherBaby Girlscolding.
Sweet Jesus. I need to a get a grip. I’m on Aunt Tay-Tay duties. I’m supposed to be drawing up a rulebook. I’msupposedto be getting this under control.
But then, he was the one who pushed to do it tonight when I’m in no fit state.
Like a fevered pendulum, I swing from wanting to rip his clothes off to wanting to rip his head off.
And I’m not even sure why I’m angry at him.
The man is offering up everything I asked for, and I want him.
