Page 56 of Twice as Forbidden

The back door opens, and I snap my mouth shut as Noah walks in.

“How was your morning swim, boys?”

“Just what I needed, Mr. Blake.” My skin crawls at the sound of Vince’s voice. He turns his attention to me, and his lips curl. I clutch my stomach, fighting back the sudden urge to be sick. “What’s up, Georgia? You don’t look so hot. Rough night?”

I feel Jackson’s gaze on me, but I keep my eyes fixed elsewhere. “Probably just too much sun,” I force out.

“Or something else.” Vince winks.

“Dude, leave her alone,” Noah says, opening the fridge and grabbing two bottles of water.

“What? Just playin’ around. Georgie likes it. Right, babe?”

My hand begins to shake, and I wrap my arms tighter around my waist.

Noah tosses a water to Vince before taking a long sip from his, eyeing me. “No offense, George, but you really don’t look great.”

“Thanks.” I roll my eyes and flip them off.

“Maybe some breakfast will help,” Jackson offers.

“Dude, I’dlovesome breakfast,” Noah comments.

“Same!” Vince adds, clapping his hands together.

The thought of sitting and eating turns my stomach even more.

“George, you sure you’re okay?”

“Actually, you’re right,” I reply to Noah, keeping my eyes off Jackson. “I’m not feeling that great. I think I’m gonna go lay back down.”

“Are you sure? Do you need anything?” Jackson asks.

I can barely look at him. There’s no hiding how distraught I am, but I’m praying the sickness ploy will mask it. “I’m fine. Thanks.” I turn around to leave as Vince says, “I gotta go grab my AirPods out of your room, Noah. I’ll walk you up, George.”

I want to whip around and slap him in the face. Instead, I continue walking, feeling his presence behind me.

“Georgia, wait up.”

“Don’t fucking talk to me.”

“Oh, but we have a lot to talk about. Either you and me or Noah and me. Your choice.”

I whip around. “What do you want from me?”

“First, I want you to admit what a whore you are. I mean, come on, sleeping with your boyfriend’s daddy?”

“He’s my ex. We’re not dating.”

“You’re right. That makes itso muchbetter.” His sinister laugh makes me sick.

“What is it I can possibly do for you?” I cross my arms over my chest, clenching my fists.

“I need something. And you’re gonna get it for me.”

“What is it? I don’t have money. And I doubt you need any.”

“What I want… well, let’s just say it’s priceless.”

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