My hand jerks, nearly spilling my coffee as I choke on it. I cough hard, trying not to make a complete fool of myself. The hot liquid burns a line down my throat as I struggle to keep my face neutral. “What?”
Austin leans in, his usual smirk spreading wider. “Went homealone, did you?”
“The rook is spewing bullshit,” I lie, rolling my eyes to try and mask the lie. “I didn’t get laid last night.”
God, I’m a terrible liar. My heart’s pounding in my chest like it’s trying to escape. I swear it’s gonna blurt out the truth for me. But I can’t let that happen.
“Bullshit,” Austin says, crossing his arms over his chest, his brow arched. “Who was she?”
I grumble, grabbing a piece of bacon and stuffing it in my mouth like it’ll somehow make them back off. But deep down, I know better than to think they will ever shut up.
Austin grins, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Look at him. She must be special if you’re hiding her from us.”
I roll my eyes, trying my best to act unaffected, though I can already feel the heat creeping up my neck. Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I freeze the second I see the name on the screen.
Isabella:
You gave me a hickey!
I almost drop the phone trying to lock the screen, hoping the guys don’t catch a glimpse.
“Was that her?” Logan asks, leaning in too close.
I shoot him a look and turn around, swiping her text open before typing a reply.
Me:
You gave me one last time. Thought I’d return the favor.
Isabella:
Aurora noticed.
Me:
Yeah? What’d you tell her?
Isabella:
What do you think? I can’t lie to her.
I have to wear a high neck top now. There’s no way I can cover up this bruise.
I feel the smirk tug at my lips before I can even stop it. I like knowing she has my mark on her.
A throat clears behind me, and I glance up to see Logan, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Bro, you’re smiling again.”
I try to force the smile away, but it’s no use. “Don’t you guys have anything better to do?” I ask with an eye roll.
Austin scoffs, dropping his half-eaten bacon on his plate and giving me a once-over. “Nah, this is more interesting.”
Nathan leans against the counter, his arms folded and a grin spreading across his face. “We’ll find out who she is eventually,” he says, which makes my gut churn.
Trust me. You don’t want to know who she is.
I force my lips into a thin line and push the tension down as I brush past them. “I’m heading back upstairs. Need a shower.”
Their laughter follows me as I climb the stairs.
