“And what are you going to do about it? Throw me over your shoulder and force me on a plane?”
“If it’s what it takes.”
“Why? You hate me. You’ve made it clear time and time again that you don’t want me there. Isn’t this exactly what you wanted the second you found out my name?”
“Calli wants you back. T-Toby… he needs you back.”
My eyes narrow.
“Toby? You expect me to believe that you’re doing this for him?”
“He’s your brother.”
My breath still catches, hearing that.
“He told you?” I whisper.
His jaw tics as he stares at me.
“I think it’s time we banished the secrets, don’t you?”
I can’t help myself, I throw my head back and laugh. Although it stops abruptly when Seb’s fingers close around my throat and he moves so close our noses brush.
“Fuck you, Seb. You’re a fucking hypocrite and the biggest liar of the lot.”
His eyes bounce between mine. “That’s a pretty big accusation when we both know that title belongs to your father.”
There’s some commotion behind him, but with his huge body crowding me, I can’t see what’s happening. Although I soon discover that I’ve been totally played when four familiar faces appear beside us.
“Glad you could make it,” Kyle says to Seb as if they’re best fucking friends.
“You’re right, Stel. He’s hotter in real life,” Harley announces, much to Kyle’s annoyance.
“You knew about this,” I seethe, looking between the four of them, “and you didn’t think to warn me?”
“You’re a big girl, Stella. We all know you can fight your own battles,” Ash says, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Now, are you two going to kiss and make up, and are you coming for breakfast?” Ruby asks.
Pressing my palms to Seb’s solid chest, I push him away from me. For some reason, he takes pity on me and actually releases my throat and backs up.
“I’m having breakfast. He can fuck off, though,” I shoot over my shoulder as I walk away from him, ensuring I have plenty of swing to my hips.
His groan makes me smile as I march toward my friends.
“We all need to have words,” I tell them, but I can tell by their smiles that they don’t take it very seriously.
“You’d have done the same for us. Actually, come to think of it, you might have already meddled,” Harley said, quirking a brow. “A photograph of me in a red bikini ring any bells?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, sweetie,” I purr innocently.
Turning toward Ace’s, I head for the door, knowing they’re all going to follow me.
“You’re a lying little shit, Poppy Thorn,” I announce, sitting down opposite her this time and sliding my milkshake to me, taking a long sip as I beg my heart to stop racing from his touch.
“I’m sorry, they said I had to—”
“It’s fine. I can’t believe it’s taken him two weeks, if I’m honest.”