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He laughed. “I asked you to this party first. And you shot me down. All you do is shoot me down. So I’m trying something new.”

“So you think hurting me is going to help? I’m already in pain.” My voice cracked.

“Because you refuse to move on.”

“I can’t move on!”

“Yes you can. If you just...”

“Stop.”

“Not until you fucking wake up...”

I slapped him hard across the face.

He glared down at me as he grabbed my wrist. “Slap me again, Aphrodite, and see what happens. I dare you.” He released his hold on me and waited.

But I had a feeling that if I slapped him again, he’d kiss me.

I turned around, but he grabbed my waist, pulling my ass against him.

And just like that, I was back in that club. The smell of alcohol in the air, the lights dim, and the music blaring. And his hands on me, making me forget the man I’d originally been dancing for. I closed my eyes for a moment, getting lost in the beat of the music.

It was hard to picture Mr. Halifax’s eyes on me. Each day, it was harder to picture him at all.

Adonis’ breath was hot on the side of my neck. “You’re killing me,” he whispered in my ear.

I opened my eyes. I didn’t want to be thinking of Mr. Halifax. I didn’t want to hurt anymore. But I didn’t know what to say to that. Because I felt like I was dying inside too. “The Triple Gs look pissed that you’re dancing with me.”

“I don’t want the Triple Js. I want you.”

I laughed at him calling them the wrong name.

“Tell me you’re awake now, Aphrodite.” One of his hands dropped to my thigh.

I swallowed hard. Every inch of me felt alive.

And I didn’t step away when he lightly kissed the side of my neck, exactly where he’d left a hickey before.

Jacob appeared in the crowd with two cups. He’d stayed far enough back not to disturb me. But he was staring at me, waiting to know what I wanted him to do.

“I’m okay,” I mouthed silently at him.

He nodded and handed one of the cups to Axel instead. But it seemed like all my friends were on high alert.

I turned away from them, letting Adonis’ lips graze my neck again.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he whispered.

I was terrified of what would happen if my heart broke again when it was already broken. But Scarlett’s voice was in the back of my head. Reminding me that Jacob helped her forget the pain. I wanted to believe Scarlett. I needed to believe her.

I didn’t want to forget about Mr. Halifax. But if I kept thinking about him, I was worried I’d lose myself. This wasn’t me. I barely even recognized myself.

I took a deep breath and said the words before I could change my mind. “You said you had an idea that might help.” And I desperately needed help. “I trust you.”

“You really shouldn’t, you barely know me, Aphrodite.”

I laughed. “Are you trying to change my mind?”