Page 9 of Shattered Mind

A beautiful prick, but a prick, nonetheless.

The first thing I noticed about him were his eyelashes. Long and thick lashes encasing emerald eyes full of haunted darkness. Everything about Grayson screameddark.Even down to the tattoos that decorate his muscular forearms. His hair was covered by a cowboy hat but judging by the dark beard he’s sporting I’d guess his hair is just as dark. I spent the majority of the time I spent next to him on the Ferris wheel trying to picture how he’d style it without the hat.

The younger brother, Noah, is cute. He had this adorable little blush as he crouched down in front of Reign and gave her the teddy bear before introducing himself to me.He was the perfect gentleman, although I get the sense that he’s the player out of the three of them.

But as sweet as all that was, my eyes kept coming back tohim. Something about Grayson instantly drew me in.Like an unexplainable pull that had me wanting to know him.

Until he opened his mouth.

Are you always this annoying, or do you just not get out much?

He had said it with such nonchalance… suchboredom,that I almost looked around in search of the audacity he seems to have found.

By the time we climbed off the ride I’d come to the conclusion that he’s just a miserable asshole. And if that’s the way he speaks to women, then it’s no wonder he’s single.

I storm away from Savannah, her high-pitched laugh following me, and fall in step with Hunter. “Your brother is a bit of a dick.”

He shakes his head, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I probably should’ve known better than to let you ride with him. My other brother is much more approachable.”

“Hmm. Don’t worry, cowboy. I can handle an overgrown manchild just fine.” I pat him on the shoulder and head towards the sheltered stall labelled ‘Bar’, giving Grayson the finger and a sugary sweet smile as I pass.

Is it petty? Yes. But is the deepening scowl on his face worth it? Also, yes.

I find Noah and Killian sitting at a bench with the pretty blonde that introduced herself as Bella earlier. I take a detour to the bar, ordering myself the largest glass of wine they sell.

My cheeks twitch with a sly smile as the bartender returns with my drink and I lean across the bar. “Hey, do you have any fruit juice behind there?”

The young man tilts his head in confusion. “Like a juice box?”

I nod my head vigorously, my smile full on cheesy now. “Yes,” I snap my fingers in glee, “exactly like that.”

“Sure thing.” He turns away to retrieve the drink and I singsong a thank you before skipping my way over to the table where Hunter, Grayson and Savannah are now seated with the others.

I place the juice box in front of the grouchy dickhead as I pass. “One grape juice for the man-baby,” I flutter my lashes at him innocently as his eyes slowly raise to mine, fury burning in his dark irises. Laughter erupts from around the table and the petty part of me swells with pride.

Grayson shakes his head, but reaches for the juice box, not breaking eye contact with me as he raises the straw to his lips and sucks the entire contents down in one.

Touche`.

I take a seat next to Bella as she beams at me. “I think I love you.”

I shrug nonchalantly. “I’m very lovable.” I extend my hand towards her, “I’m Liv.”

She shakes my hand, her smile still in place. “Bella.”

“Well, Bella. My bestie has been kidnapped by a handsome cowboy. Wanna get drunk with me?”

She lets out a loud laugh. “Yes. I do.”

I lift my glass towards hers in a cheers before chugging the entire thing in the least ladylike manor.

***

I roll over in bed and let out a long groan as the throbbing in my head becomes unbearable. My body is slick with sweat and the contents of my stomach threatens to make an appearance as I slowly pull myself into a sitting position.

Holy fuck, I’m hungover.

I slowly open my eyes, blinking against the harshness of the light filtering in between a gap in my curtains, and a breath of relief whooshes out of me when my own bedroom comes into focus. At least I didn’t go home with some random stranger last night. Although, it wouldn’t have been the first time.

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