Page 15 of The Obedient Lie

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Heat bleeding into my palm.

Jawtight.

Kingston was still smiling. “She’s cute.”

I looked up. Slow.

“Say that again.”

He raised his brows. “Relax. I didn’t mean it like that.”

But I didn’trelax. Because I knew that look in his eye. I’d seen the way his gaze tracked her hips when she walked into a room.

And the worst part?

I wasn’t even surewhyit bothered me.

Chapter Seven

BASTION

Shesangin the shower again.

It was past midnight. The house was dark. I’d gone to the kitchen for water, but the sound stopped me in the hall.

Soft, breathy notes.

Not perfect. Not even close.

Butreal.

Carefree.

Like she wasn’t in the middle of a war zone with our name carved into every wall.

I leaned against the doorframe, closing my eyes.

I hated that I liked it.

I hated that Iwaitedfor it.

I hatedher— how she moved into our dorm and made it feel smaller.

Made itsmelllike vanilla and rosewater and shampoo that cost more than my motorcycle.

Took up space in our rooms, our routine, ourbedroom— without ever asking.

And worst of all?

No one stopped her.

Not even me.

The water shut off. I stepped back, into the shadows, just as the door creaked open.

And then I saw her.

Satin.

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