“Uh, I’m not sure it will take long,” I admit as his fingers gloriously resume their stroking. “You’ve already got me hot and bothered… Oh… right there… If you stop, I might just rip your arms off and beat you with them.”
His deep laughter fills the room. “Fuck, Raven, you really are perfect!”
I’m runningshort on time, and when I finally do try to walk out the door of Finn’s hotel, he’s slipped on a pair of sweats that hang dangerously low on his sexy hips and insists on walking me out. He wanted to walk me back to the house, but God knows I’ll never get to work on time if he does.
As soon as we’re out the door, he pulls me back in for a quick kiss. “Hey, when can I see you again?”
Shrugging, I give him the most honest answer I can, “I’m not sure. Between work, my family coming into town, and the wedding, it’s a bit crazy…”
He interrupts with, “I get it.” And presses another kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you soon though.”
“Okay…” I agree slowly after he kisses me once more. “I’ve really gotta go.”
After pulling me in for one last hug, he kisses my neck, then pushes my hips away and smirks, “Go… get your sexy ass to work so you’re not late.”
With an extra sway in said ass, I get about five steps away before turning my head to see his reaction. His heated gaze doesn’t disappoint, so I throw in one last tease, “See ya soon, Finn.”
It’s only a few blocks to my house, but as I contemplate our night and how it just ended, I laugh. I still must be in a sex-induced fog. Clearly, under normal circumstances, I’d never commit to seeing someone so soon.
I’m not looking for a relationship, but one more night with Finn might be just what I need to get him out of my system. I’ll set the record straight with him next time.
The door to my room slams against the wall, and I instantly bolt up in bed.
Sloane rushes through, screeching like I haven’t heard in years. “What the hell have you done?”
Accosted by her sudden rage, I match her energy by barking out, “The fuck? What’s wrong with you? It’s practically the crack of dawn, and all I’ve done is work late and try to sleep.”
Sloane’s eyes are wild as she waves a paper in my face. “This… this is what I’m talking about!”
Of course, she shoves it so close to my eyes that there’s no way in hell I’m focusing. Ripping the paper from her hand, I glare at my twin. Whatever this is, it’s huge. I haven’t seen her act this unhinged since we were kids.
Without looking at the paper, I look her dead in the eye and say the only thing I can think of. Knowing there’s no use saying anything if she’s worked up like this. She’s dead set on being pissed at me and until I can crack through that barrier of rage, I won’t get to the bottom of what’s bothering her.
I whisper, “Breathe. I’m not sure what has you so worked up, but we’ll get through this. We always do.”
She heavily breathes in and out. Her cheeks are pink, and if I weren’t her best friend in the world, I’d think she was plotting my murder.
Holy shit! What the fuck happened?
Slowly, I glance at the paper in my hand, and my eyes nearly bulge out of my head when I catch the headline. “Jax Cartwright’s Fiancée Strays Just After Announcing Engagement!”
Then those creepy bastards have a photo of Finn pulling me back in for a kiss outside his hotel. It’s sensual and clear as day what we’ve been up to. Clearly, I’m doing the walk of shame. My hair is tousled, and I’m wearing my clothes from the day before. But we’re not doing anything wrong. We’re both adults, enjoying one another.
Then I read the captionunderthe photo and want to find this journalist to throat punch them. “Straight-laced Sloane slums it this Summer in Seaside.”
How dare they write shit like this about my sister…
My eyes try like hell not to read the trash on the page, but that’s like asking someone not to watch a trainwreck. My eyes just can’t look away. Before I know it, I’m filled with rage, just like Sloane.
“What the actual fuck? Who writes this shit?”
For the entire article, they go on about Sloane’s unkempt look. They made fun of my messy bun, ripped jeans, and graphic tee. Sure, it’s not Sloane’s typical attire, but I didn’t look as hideous as they make out.
“Oh, the fuck they didn’t…” flows from my lips when I catch the line “Sloane’s obviously Finn’s new treat. Jax should reconsider his choice in bandmates.”
My mouth hangs open in shock as I dart my eyes to my sister. I’m sure they’re wide as saucers as I say the first thoughts in my mind. “Obviously, this isn’t you.”
“No shit, Sherlock.” The words roll off her lips bitterly. “I was having dinner with Jax’s freaking grandparents, and Jax knows better… But everyone… and I mean everyone…” she eyes me pointedly before continuing, “is waking up to this shitstorm in the tabloids. How did this fucking happen, Raven? You know I don’t care who you sleep with, but did the two of you have to be so… so public about this? This is a nightmare for the record label with Finn officially becoming a member of Jax’s band. Rumors like this could wreck their new album.”
