Page 82 of Faking Ties

“How isthatyour concern? We could end up injail.”

“I mean, I do look sexy in orange.”

I hit his shoulder, or at least I try to, but I miss and hit the couch instead. “This isn’t a time to joke. This is serious.”

“It is, but we’ll be okay. Only a few people know, and no one will talk. Not if their ass is on the line, too.”

“But what if someone suspects something?” I ask. “What if they find out? I can’t go to jail.”

“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen. If someone starts running their mouth, I’ll find a way to stop them. If that doesn’t work, we can become fugitives and hide out on a fancy island.”

He says it so confidently, that I have no choice but to believe him.

“I didn’t know,” I whisper, “when I signed. Rachel and Stella lied to me, insisting it was all legal.”

“I’m so sorry.” He cups my cheek and kisses my forehead.

He doesn’t try to defend her or tell me that it’s not that big of a deal. It’s exactly what I need. To lean on his strength and confidence while processing Stella’s secret. Tears leak from the corner of my eyes.

“Why are you crying?” he asks, alarmed.

“Because I’m drunk?” I laugh and it’s more than a little unhinged. “And I think Stella might be surrounding herself with people who aren’t looking out for her best interests. I want to hate her for putting me in this position, but I can’t, especially when I just found out she’s my twin.”

“Twins?” he repeats, shocked.

“Yeah, I’m so happy that we’re related. But it also makes it all so much more confusing because I feel this connection to her and understand why she lied. It’s hard to hold on to my anger because of it. Also, how can I hate her when switching with her is what brought me to you?”

“Meeting you has been the best thing to ever happen to me, too.”

Warmth blooms inside my chest at his declaration.

“Have I told you lately how much I like you?” I close my eyes and yawn again. “I like how calm you are. Your career is on the line by being with me, and you made a joke about orange being your color.” I chuckle and say, “But I also like that you take care of me, how you have my back, how you’re always down for a good time, and how kind you are.”

“I like you too, more than you know.” He brusheshis lips against mine in a whisper of a kiss. “Come, let’s get you to bed.”

“Bed?” My eyes open. “But I just got here, and I don’t want to sleep. I want to spend time with you.”

“I know. And it’s the best surprise to have you here. But you’re drunk and tired.”

“So? What about sex?” I sit up suddenly and unzip my black dress. It pools around my waist and his gaze dips to my chest. He pulls off his shirt and helps me into it.

“Drunk sex can be fun,” he says. “But since I don’t have your consent while sober to do that, we’ll wait until tomorrow.”

“I bet I can change your mind.”

“I’m sure you can.” He lifts me into his arms and carries me to his bedroom. “But there’s no need to try. Sleeping next to you would make me the happiest man in the world.”

“You’re easy to please.”

“Only when it comes to you.” He helps me get ready for bed and forces water and painkillers on me. His arms band around me as he cuddles me from behind.

“Good night, love,” he whispers.

“Good night, love you…” I say as I drift off to sleep, happy I could finally tell him I love him.

HUNTER

Iwasn’t expecting to see Elodie until next week on her tour, but now that I have her, I don’t want her to leave. Last night, I couldn’t tell if she told me she loved me or if she was saying good night and then starting a new sentence with the wordyou. Either way, I was too happy to sleep.

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