Page 111 of Tainted Romance

ZANE

Fuck Ebony and Taylor for dragging me out. I wasn't in the mood for dancing and drinking. I was in the mood for working on my car and listening to loud, pissed off music because that was how I felt.

Pissed off.

Ryder got wind of me hanging out with Allie and of course went to the parents. Scoring me a lecture.

So, I did as they asked. I stayed away from her all week which felt fucking impossible, and was impossible.

I ignored her welcoming smile on Monday, and by Wednesday she was over me, and instead of smiling at me or looking to make conversation, she was turning her head or staring down at her feet.

"This is just what I need. A loose night with my best buds." Ebony linked her arms through mine and Taylor’s. "Come on, this is going to be awesome.

I scanned the floor as we moved towards the stairs and, just like a sucker punch to the stomach, I saw Allie.

Allie and Blake.

She wasn't on him. She was basically in him.

The people around them were like a blur, as all I could see was her and him.

"Hey, Harris, you moving or just planning on standing there?" Ebony tugged on my arm.

I nodded my head to the floor. "You alright with your mate all over mine."

Her head snapped, and I watched her eyes widen with rage.

What she was feeling was nothing to what I was feeling.

"Mine? What happened to her being dead to you?"

"Not in the mood for judgment." I strolled past her and took the stairs two at a time. My blood was fuming. It was hard enough being apart from her all week, but seeing her all over him was just a knife to the fucking heart.

Thanks to Ryder telling mom and dad I was seen eating out with Allie, scored me a dinner with the folks outlining the arrangement again.

I knew the facts.

I wasn't meant to be near Allie.

Wasn't meant to talk to her.

Wasn't meant to care about her.

I was meant to forget her.

Like that was going to happen.

"Didn't expect to see you out." I stood behind her and screamed over the music.

She turned in Blake's arms, her eyes wired with alcohol. "Zane. Didn't expect you to be talking to me."

"What would have you thinking that?"

Her eyebrow arched. "Because you haven't all week." She crossed her arms. "Can I help you with something?"

"Wanna dance?"

"No."

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