Page 29 of Point of No Return

“I think the wedding will do a good job of that.”

He squeezes my waist in emphasis. “He’s right. You look like you’re about to bolt.”

He’s critiquingmyperformance?

I disguise a glare as a smile, standing on my toes and brushing my nose against his. The movement puts our lips just centimeters apart, our breaths mingling together.

“Have you ever considered the fact that it might be because I’m uncomfortable with you touching me?”

He says nothing at that, but I notice that his hands stay rooted at my hips. Gentle but constant pressure.

I think the problem is that I’m a little bittoocomfortable with it.

His warmth, his breadth, the feeling of his calloused hands holding onto me.I shove the feelings away.

“That’s the perfect shot!” Noah squeals. “Hold that!”

“I’m surprised your father isn’t here to watch,” my lips brush his when I talk. He closes his eyes, jaw clenching at the mention of his father. “He usually keeps his leash pretty short.”

My lipstick has smeared across Skar’s bottom lip, and I make a show of swiping it away with my thumb as everyone watches. One of his hands drifts up the curve of my back, tangling in my hair and gripping my neck as he speaks. To anyone else, it looks like a gentle caress, but I can feel the strength in his grip on my nape. A warning.

“Careful, Charlie.” His voice is low, gruff. A promise.

“Perfect, guys. Just a couple more shots.”

I hear a new voice: “This view is amazing!” Aleks calls from behind all the photography equipment.

I don’t look away from Skar, but my smile feels a little less forced knowing that his brother is here. He’s probably the only person here who has made me feel welcome.

Something flashes across Skar’s face. “I’m not the only one on a leash,” he says, and at the look in his eye, the discernable hatred, something twists tightly inside me.

Maybe he’s talking about Aleks and his unwavering- if not feeble- loyalty to Tyson. Or maybe he’s talking about me. About my obvious fealty to my mother. One I’ve made too obvious since the beginning.

He can see it clear as day.

“Can we take a break?” I ask no one in particular, breaking out of Skar’s embrace. “I need a drink of water.”

“Uh, sure. We can start again in a few,” Noah sighs. I’m grateful that without even having to say anything, Josie appears with a bottle of water. I do my best not to drink the bottle down in one go, but with everyone’s eyes on me, it’s nearly impossible.

I can still practically feel Skar’s hands in my hair and his lips against mine.It affected me.That bothers me more than anything else.

I’m here for one reason… and one reason only. It certainly isn’t love or friendship. One reason…and nothing can stop me from getting it.

“You alright?” Josie asks, taking the bottle from me when it’s empty. I swallow a couple of deep breaths before smiling and adjusting my hair and dress again. I prepare for the worst, prepare for the feeling of his hands again.

I will not break. I will not let him see me break.

I flash a smile as I stroll forward. “I’m ready.”

Chapter Fifteen

Skar

“Yield,” I say, sweat dripping from my brow as I tighten my choke-hold. I feel him tap twice on my forearm, and we both pant as I release him, collapsing against the mat. My skin is hot, and I kneel, arms above my head just to catch my breath.

“Dammit,” Crew chokes, though it makes me grin knowing I won.

We both know it was by no small feat. It’s practically chance that I beat him in a round. Most days, he has me pinned to the mat in less than a few seconds. He’s nearly twice my size, and he has a good three inches on me in height. Not to mention his training. We spar from time to time, but he could easily take me in a real fight.

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