Page 121 of 12 Months of Mayhem

Theo is the first to give me a hug. “We’re going to run this fuckin’ county. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

“If I live long enough. This shit had me spinning.” Theo’s attention moves to the crowd of club pussy walking toward us with liquor bottles in each hand.

“Fuck yes.” Theo moves to put an arm around two of the girls at the same time while three of them surround me. Even though not a single one of these girls compare to Charli, I let them lean and grope on me while the guys all voice their congratulations. I even take part in the body shots the girls offer joining in on the comradery of these guys I barely know. It doesn’t take long for the alcohol to start leading some of the conversations and that’s when I start to really pay attention to what’s being said. Theo steps beside me, two different girls now draped against him. He nods for me to step away from the crowd.

“You doin’ okay?”

“Nah. I’m here though.”

“I know this is a lot to deal with but I know you can handle it. You know I’ve got your back til’ the end.”

“This was a cake walk compared to what he had me doing. Things will be different now. We’ll make sure.”

“Yes, we will.” We walk down the dock until we’re away from everyone else.

“I can’t say I would’ve chosen the same if I really thought she was in danger.” I will only ever share this weakness with Theo. I would hope he would be the one person who would not only respect it… but also expect it.

“I know, brother.”

“Do I give her up just to never have to choose?”

“How did that work for you the past four years?”

“I was fuckin’ miserable.” Just the thought of going back to that makes me want to go on a killing spree.

“Can you deal with letting her go and then not putting her through the push and pull for the rest of your life while you pretend that you’re not already past the point of needing to have this conversation. We both know you’re not capable of giving her up.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Fuck. We’re going to be related one day.” He’s as happy as I’ve ever seen him.

“I feel like we have been this entire time.”

“Me too. You want to go with me to break up a bonfire? I’ll drive someone’s car that’s parked out back. I skipped all those shots you were taking.”

“You already know my answer.”

Chapter Seven

Charlise

“That’s seven for me. I need to slow down or I’ll be passed out in the sand.” I usually don’t drink like this but Zayne has me in my head big time tonight. Nicole was happy to help distract me. Bryce is here somewhere but I’ve been avoiding him. It’s not like I owe him any explanation as to why us talking anymore would be a bad idea but I thought I would go ahead and have the conversation with him. Even if nothing becomes official with Zayne, I know I won’t be capable of being present with anyone outside of Zayne. My thoughts have been consumed by him for far too long and now that he’s back, it’s gotten worse.

“I should just go get this out of the way.” Nicole nods her head and hands me another solo cup filled with the fruity drink I’ve been drinking.

Bryce is sitting near the fire with a small group of people. When I get close, he moves so that there’s space for me to sit beside him. He tucks me against his body with an arm over my shoulder and a quick kiss to my temple. His demeanor is calm and collected and he makes me feel the same. As I sit and stare into the fire, I realize I’m completely absent of the intense chaos that Zayne resonates and creates inside me. That should be a good thing but I’ve felt the mess of us for so long, it feels lonely when it’s not there.

“I need to tell you… I have a situation.” I stop talking because I don’t really know what to call this thing I have with Zayne.

“Okay. We’ve never claimed to be exclusive.”

“I know.”

“Do what makes you happy.” He squeezes me a little tighter, reassuring me and the stupid weight I was feeling earlier fades away. I’m not even sure why I felt the need to break things off with him. I guess it’s a loose end that I have out there, not to mention I’d hate for Bryce to see me somewhere and talk to me with Zayne around. He is probably serious about making him disappear.

I lift my arms to hug him, but before I can do that, I’m somehow plowed into and scooped up at the same time. Zayne has me draped over his shoulder, bouncing with each step he takes. “Hope you said your goodbyes because I’m done being tested with the boy toy.”

“He’s not my boy toy.” I’m too drunk to be upside down and I’m definitely too drunk to have a shoulder wedged into my stomach. “Zayne put me down. I’m going to throw up.”

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