Page 88 of Princes of Hollywood

“Fuck, ZoZo, no talk about sugar daddies or any type of daddies.” Wyatt shudders. “We’re brother and sister. Older brothers do not want to know that shit about their little sisters.”

She grins. “Do you know how much money I could be rolling in if I just send some old dude pics of my boobs? Thousands, WyWy, thousands.”

Wyatt stands and glares at Zoe. “I need a drink.”

“Oh, bring me one.” Zoe’s still smiling as she turns back to us. Her gaze goes to Aiden, and the joy dims in her eyes. “Sorry, Aiden. If you want, I don’t have to drink tonight.”

“Just because I have a problem doesn’t mean you have to abide by it.” Aiden lifts my hand and entwines our fingers together before setting our hands on his thigh. “I’ve got Greer to keep me safe tonight.”

“I’m sure she’ll do a great job.” Zoe smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Her gaze pauses for a second on our hands.

I’d nibble on my lip but for the lipstick. Fuck. Am I already losing Zoe as a friend? I was never good at getting to know people at new schools. After a while, I just stopped trying, but I never stopped wanting to be accepted. Part of me really wants Zoe to like me.

“You should come out with me tomorrow night, Greer.” Zoe straightens and laughs. “Drinks and hot bods for days. This new club is opening, and there’s a room of beds as seating.”

My eyes widen. “I don’t think that’s really my speed.”

I’m on a tricycle while Zoe is on a racing motorcycle.

Zoe grins and leans over Roarke’s lap and makes a come-hither motion to draw me closer.

She glances at Roarke, who smirks. “See, Greer, anything can be your speed with a little medicinal help.”

“For fuck’s sake, Zoe.” Wyatt stands over us. “What the fuck are you doing? Talking about drugs right in front of Aiden?”

Zoe pouts and looks up at Wyatt with remorseful eyes. “I’m just trying to make Greer my friend. She’s young like me, and she’s never had a chance to have a wild and crazy life. Maybe she’d appreciate cutting loose and being free for a night.”

When she glances my way, she winks before returning to her pouting face.

“You will not corrupt Greer. She’s what Aiden needs the way she is.” Wyatt hands Zoe her drink before he sits beside her. “She doesn’t need to be fixed.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. I turn to Aiden. “Do you want some soda or water?”

“Sparkling water would be nice.” He brings my hand up to his lips before releasing it. “Thank you.”

I head toward the kitchen. Mason turns as one of the servers starts for me. Mason’s hand lands on my hip, and he guides me over to a dry bar set up in the living room. There’s even a refrigerator behind it.

“You can get your drinks here, mouse.” He leans down next to my ear. “Make sure it’s a fresh bottle when you get more.”

I nod as he backs away, and his blue eyes search mine. When he’s certain of whatever he sees, he returns to the kitchen.

I grab two glasses and a bottle of sparkling water. It fills both glasses.

“Hey.” Zoe’s voice is soft. She hovers next to the dry bar. “Wyatt told me about your mom. I’m sorry I didn’t know, or I wouldn’t have been offering you drugs. It’s just what I do with my friends for fun on weekends.”

She shrugs her elegant shoulder as I lift the glasses.

“It’s okay.” I exhale. “I don’t expect everyone to understand how my life is without knowing the full story. I think it’d be nice to hang out sometime, but maybe we find something more both of our speeds?”

She grins. “That could work.”

But first I have to get through tonight.

Zoe and I walk across the house back to the guys. Aiden’s gaze locks with mine. Zoe is elegance personified. Her hair falls in golden-brown waves. Her makeup is flawless. She just has a grace that I’ll never have. She fits into this world easily. I’m okay with that.

The look of longing in Aiden’s eyes as he takes me in is enough to make my blood sing. I won’t compare to Zoe in the real world, but he likes me. This broken, screwed-up version of me.

Handing him a glass, I lower into my spot between him and Roarke like I belong here. Like I didn’t steal this spot from someone else, but that it was always intended for me. Roarke slides his arm along the back of the couch behind me, and I don’t resist the pull of his body as I rest my head against him.

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