Page 100 of Poison Aches

I catch the worried glances everyone gives him from time to time.

I see the way Noah, who’s as sober as a newly appointed priest, stays close to Emmett, watching him like a hawk.

Alex also watches but doesn’t hover as much as his wife and Noah.

And me? I pretend not to care why everyone hovers around Emmett while trying not to be obvious about it.

I keep my mouth shut even though I want to tell them that the person they’re concerned about doesn’t care, nor does he appreciate their hovering.

As a matter of fact, I’d bet my entire life that he wants to tell them off, but he never does. He just wears his mask and pretends to be polite and considerate.

And me, I stay seated, pretending like I don’t do what he does…

Like I don’t count like he taught me.

Like people and their happiness don't annoy me.

Like Emmett Easton is now just yesterday’s song.

But there are days when I’m overcome with this insane need, almost like a crazy itch—hell, I think it’s an obsession—to listen to his heartbeat.

But that’s over with too.

Today is a rare occasion where we’re both in the same space, so I do my best not to give him any more attention than I have already.

I don’t dare look at him.

If I do, I’ll betray it all.

As if to drive that point home, Samuel comes to sit right next to me.

As casual and laid-back as ever, he leans over and murmurs so low, for my ears only, “Do you still have those ridiculous feelings for him?”

I quickly whip my head around to look at my brother, almost choking. “What?”

He glares at me. “I saw the way you were looking at each other. Everyone else did!”

“Well, did you also catch the murderous glare he’s been giving me all night?” I whisper.

“That’s because you reminded him that you are a target!” Please, as if Emmett ever forgot. “We’re at a crucial point now, there’s no need for you to remind him or else he might find out.”

“I know that, stop putting pressure on me,” I hiss.

Samuel stares at me. “Then I guess you’re the one that needs reminding of why we’ve been friends with this lot for all these years. The real reason why we came back to this town.”

“Samuel—”

“You need to always remember that little ‘crush’ you had on that boy and made it obvious for everyone to see, it was all a ploy!”

I tremble all over as a shiver knocks through me. We glare at each other, but I’m feeling weak all over.

“I remember the game!” I murmur. “And game well played, asshole!”

“You can curse me out all you want but, Ivy, I’m just looking out for you. I don’t want you to get hurt later.”

Well, it’s already too late for that.

“I can look after myself!” I seethe under my breath. “And let’s be clear here. Ihada crush. Why is everyone on this topic tonight?”

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