“I agree,” I said dryly, staring out the window. “But you only got yourself to blame.”
Her head snapped toward me. “Me? I wouldn’t even be in this mess if it wasn’t for you.”
“No,” I said, not looking her way. “You wouldn’t be in this mess if you didn’t throw that damn party.”
She scoffed. “And why do you think I threw it?”
I looked at her then. “You did all that bullshit just to get under my skin?”
“If you ruin my night, I’ll ruin yours. If I can’t sleep, you can’t sleep.” She wasn’t even ashamed.
“You’re fucking insane,” I shook my head. “Now look at you. You did all that just to end up working to pay it off. You feel good about yourself?”
She shrugged, unapologetic. “I don’t always think things through.”
“I can tell,” I muttered, leaning my head back with a groan, then frowned. “That’s because you can’t stand the word no.You’re spoiled, entitled and young. I did reckless shit when I was young too. Still… when I was your age, I never…wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait a damn minute… How old are you again?”
“Twenty-four.”
I blinked and sat up. “What?”
“I’m twenty-four.”
“You said you were over twenty-five!” I raised my voice.
“I’ll be twenty-five in like two months, so that counts, right?”
“Aurora.”
“What? It’s not like I’m a minor.”
“Aurora,” I repeated, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Please.Please! I need you to stop talking for a second.”
“But I?—”
“Please. I think I’m gonna be sick.”
She rolled her eyes, dragged her shades down, and muttered, “Fine.”
“Thank you,” I exhaled, settling back into my seat.I understand it now. I fucked a twenty-year-old and this is my punishment.
But this wasn’t entirely on me.
I was a victim of circumstance. Her wild and vindictive ways lured me in and her cunning trapped me.
I couldn’t change the past but the smartest play for me right now was to avoid her. Teach her the ropes, get her up to speed and then let Lav take over. She’ll get bored of me quick, a girl like her?
Once she got to the vineyard and realized I couldn’t offer her the excitement she’s accustomed to, she’ll work through this punishment as quick as possible and beg her father to take her back.
Then she’ll be out of my life for good.
I just needed to start paying her dust. Starting now.
It lasted all of two minutes.
“So,” she said casually, “do you have any kids?”
“What?”
