Page 32 of The Fight

I nod. “Okay. And he just popped up out of nowhere? Is that normal?”

“It isn’t really uncommon but a little odd for Saint Bipal. We’re small in the fight scene compared to other places.”

“So what does he want, then?”

I can see the slight uptick of his lips as he says the next word. “Me.”

I scoff and raise a brow. “Doesn’t seem like he was too happy tonight, though—about you losing. So, are you sure about that?”

“He’ll get over it. Everyone has their days.”

Don’t I fucking know it. Hell, I’ve seen Shay’s good and bad days. Been the target of both too.

“So what’s his endgame, then? Get you signed or whatever and scoop you away?”

The thought enters my mind as quickly as I say it, and I don’t like the way the words even taste. I feel now Shay and I are at a decent spot. Where we’re going, I don’t know. But I know I don’t want to lose him. Not yet anyway.

Shay laughs. “Don’t worry, sis. We’re family, remember? Even if he does manage to get me a big break, I won’t be going far.”

I gag, promptly forgetting the conversation and the nasty feeling the thought of Shay leaving evoked. “Ew. Don’t ever call me sis again. Fucking nasty.”

He laughs again, making one last turn down our road, then creeps into the driveway.

Most of the lights are off sans the porch light. As soon as the Jeep is in park, I open the door and slide out. I move slowly, letting Shay catch up to my side before I start up the front steps and open the door.

Everything is quiet as soon as we step into the foyer. Mom and Henry must already be in bed. We pad up the stairs quickly, then move across the landing until we’re outside my door.

Even if we’re on good terms now, right now feels awkward. Do I go to bed? Do we stay up and talk? The last few nights were different. My mom had me helping with various wedding tasks, so by the time I made it to bed, Shay was already locked away in his room. Now, though? We’re both here, just standing, waiting for the other to say something. And for once, I’m speechless.

“I, um—” I start, but Shay cuts me off.

“Sleep with me.” His statement is simple, said coolly and effortlessly.

I glance down the hall, making sure no one is watching or listening, even though I know for a fact it’s just us.

“What?” I laugh.

“In my bed. Sleep with me.”

I let out a sigh. “We can’t risk them finding us together tomorrow.”

Shay rolls his eyes. “I don’t like when you’re right.”

I shrug and bat my lashes. “But I do.”

He studies me for a moment, looking at me down the bridge of his nose with a small smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then, Dollface.”

Leaning down, he presses his lips to mine. As much as I don’t want to break the kiss or let him leave, I know we can’t do this. Not here.

“Tomorrow,” I breathe, pulling away.

I don’t even open my eyes. I just reach behind me blindly, grip my doorknob, and turn it, then back into my room swiftly.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

SHAY

Iwake up to the usual dull thrum of my alarm. My head is pounding, a reminder of the fight last night but also the mess I’m no doubt going to have to clean up today with Blake. I drag myself out of bed and waste no time heading downstairs, hoping a cup of coffee will help in some way.

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