Page 190 of Losing Faith

Hazel puts a hand up before I can fight back. “We’re not doing this with you two today.” She glares between the two of us. “We’re taking family pictures to send to our parents. You’re going to wear the cute sweater my boyfriend picked for you and neither of you is going to fight about your sobriety.”

She turns to Sire now. “She’s here and that’s what counts. It doesn’t matter if she’s drunk or high—” She points at Sire when he opens his mouth. “It doesn’t matterright now.”

She keeps her glare on him before Vidia takes his hand. “You two have been at each other’s throats all week. I know you’re both exhausted from fighting. Give it a rest.”

I look around at them and let out a defeated breath because they’re right and the last thing I want to do is ruin this.

“Fine,” Sire and I speak at the same time and a smile grows on Vidia’s face.

“Good.” She sits up straighter before focusing on me. “Now that everyone is here…” She watches me with a smile that rings an alarm in my head.

“Do you want to share with the class who Santa wrapped in a cute bow for you this year?” I bite back a smile and she breaks into a laugh at me. “You’re blushing.”

“Shut up, V.” I roll my eyes at her and beside her, Sire bites back a smile.

“Wait, you’re seeing someone?” Hazel looks intrigued now. “You talk about boys like you hate them?”

“That’s because she’s not seeing aboy. He screams man.” Vidia shoves Hazel’s arm as she raises her brows at me and I feel my face flush.

“Oh my god.” Hazel’s jaw drops. “Who is this guy?”

I shake my head at Vidia’s obvious excitement and I’m surprised August hasn’t told her. “You’re so annoying.” I try to play it casual as I sit across from them and toy with a loose yarn in the sweater.

“One hint.” Vidia holds Hazel’s hands. “DILF.”

Hazel’s brows furrow before her jaw drops again. Her head whips to me and I bite my cheek so hard I can taste the blood in my mouth.

“Jackson?!” She watches for my reaction and I nod once before they both squeal.

“You’re both so irritating.” I stifle a laugh at the pair.

Hazel sits up in her seat as she watches me like a telenovela. “How’s the sex?” She keeps her tone hushed although right beside her, August’s brows furrow.

“I beg yourfinestpardon?” He looks between the three of us before focusing on his girlfriend. “Why on Earth would you care?”

“Hush.” Hazel waves him off as she focuses on me. “I don’t care about any dick other than mine. This is standard girl talk.”

August opens his mouth before his brain catches onto what she just said and he bites back a smile as he sits back in his seat.

Vidia pipes in from beside them. “He seems like he’s good.” She nods like she’s impressed.

“How the hell does heseemlike that?” Sire asks next.

“Because he walks around with your confidence minus the cocky ego.” Vidia rolls her eyes at him before turning her attention back to me.

Sire stifles a laugh and like the whipped bitches my brothers are, neither of them speaks up against their girlfriends. Both girls are waiting for my response, but I don’t give them one.

“Can we get these pictures started? I have things to do.” I rise from my seat before pulling my sweater on.

“Things to do or a person?” Vidia taunts me and my cheeks are on fire.

“Things.” I roll my eyes at her and she squints her eyes at me. “I’m going to the bathroom. When I get back can we start?” I look around the room and Sage nods in agreement, her cheeks filled with whatever Liam is feeding her.

Escaping to the bathroom, I immediately let out a breath of relief when the door shuts behind me. I stare at myself in the mirror, convincing myself no one can see through me.

If Sire asked if I was sober then I look sober… right?

Taking a step closer to the mirror, I study my reflection before deciding I don’t look drunk. Turning on my heels, I take a step to exit, but at the sound of my family’s laughter, the guilt begins to seep in.

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