Page 41 of The Bittersweet Bond

Bas shifted his weight and forced a laugh at something Dominic said. Still, his gaze kept dragging back to her.

And then she saw him. Their eyes locked—and right after, Evin rolled her eyes.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

He could’ve stayed with the boys. Or could’ve walked up to her, said something—anything.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he pushed off the wall, straight for Cat, straight for the easy choice.

Still, he made sure to walk past her.

Let her see him. Let her feel it. Part of him hoped—no, needed—it to sting. Even just a little.

He barely registered whatever he whispered into Cat’s ear, barely cared when she laughed.

His mind was still on Evin—the way her lips had parted like she wanted to say something, the way her shoulders had stiffened when he brushed past her without a second glance.

He hated himself for it.

But hurting her felt safer than letting her close again.

Evin

Her lips parted, just about to respond—

But then, he walked right past her.

“Hey,” she mumbled under her breath, the word slipping out before she could catch it.

Without even looking directly at him, she knew.

It wasn’t her he was walking toward.

Of course not.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Bas approaching Cat, who stood just a few steps behind her in a tight summer dress. He leaned down, whispered something in her ear.

She laughed.

Evin rolled her eyes.Ugh. Just what I needed.

Rooted to the spot, a sharp pang twisted in her stomach.

Pointless. What did you expect?

A weak smile formed on her lips. She laughed softly at herself.

Damn it, I still want him.

But nothing was going to change.

He still knew exactly how to make her feel like nothing.

Just like back then—

inthat stupid classroom where words had hit harder than any shove ever could.

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