Page 34 of Hostile Secret
“Did I just hear that right?” Valeria joins us, her glossy black hair scraped into a high ponytail and her full lips stained glossy pink. “Is it your birthday, India?
“Well, I guess that’s my big secret out of the bag.” I smirk, thankful I don’t have to deny anything.
Typically, my birthdays were an over-the-top extravaganza. Reno would wake me up early for a top secret, pre-planned adventure. The apartment ceiling would be crammed full of helium balloons, and every surface covered in pink tulips. He went all out every year and always bought me cool presents.
But it wasn’t the gifts or the lavish places we’d travel to that made my day. It was being with him and the guys. My birthday was a non-negotiable, business free day for all of us to kick back and have fun. And that we did.
Unfortunately, even though I’d morphed into an adult overnight, I would rather this birthday came and went unnoticed. My only worthwhile wish is for my life to go back to the way it was––for Reno to show up after school, give me another weapon to add to my collection, and whisk me away.
But that's not going to happen. So, what’s the point pretending I'm thrilled about the direction my life has taken?
“Why didn’t you tell us? We would have organized a cake or something.” Valeria combs her ponytail.
“I don’t like fuss.” I shrug, popping out another lie while trying to ignore the knot in my chest.
Valeria elegantly perches on the vacant chair in front of us and angles around, so we’re face to face. “You're lucky. I’m not eighteen for another month. My parents still think I’m a tween. Happy birthday, girl!”
“¡Felizcumpleaños, new girl.” A masculine voice silences all three of us immediately by wishing me a happy birthday.
“Fabian…” Ana flicks a curl behind her shoulder, her doe-eyes trained on the guy whose thick black lashes frame exquisitely dark eyes with a killer dimple denting his clean-shaven cheek.
“Feels good to be eighteen, right?” He smiles, staring right at me, his teeth so white they dazzle me dumbstruck.
He’s dressed in a loose fit polo shirt, the front of it casually tucked into dark jeans that hang low on his hips. I nod a few times and suck in my lips.
Out of the corner of my eye, Valeria mouths the words, “Oh my fucking God.”
“Yeah, feels the same as yesterday,” I say playfully, unable to take my eyes off his sharp, swarthy features and how he wears his collar popped up like the preppy guys from my old school.
He glances over his shoulder briefly, then brings his moonless eyes back to mine. “We’re all heading toElysianlater. You guys should come along.”
Closing my textbook, knowing it's the end of the school day, I offer him a friendly smile. “Thanks… but… I can’t tonight.”
He draws in his lower lip and hums from the back of his throat, low and sexy. Granted, he is good looking and typically my type, given his choppy, ebony crew cut, and bad boy vibe, but I don’t get any shivery tingles, not like the dark sparks Giovanni ignites within me.
My blood heats when my mind drifts, recalling the feral way he’d kissed me in my bedroom. That kiss would forever haunt me in the most wicked way. Not even my first make-out session was that memorable.
As I mindlessly pat my lips, Ana nudges me under the table. “Of course, we’ll be there, Fabian. Thanks.”
He shrugs once and prowls over to the two guys sitting at the back of the room while Valeria tries to mute her squeal.
“What the hell just happened? Isn’t he into Celeste?” She leans back in her chair and not so discreetly fans her face. “That guy can have my babies any day.”
“That guy’s father would sell your ugly babies.” Ana giggles. “Didn’t you hear? He called it off with Celeste last night.”
Valeria’s eyes widen. “Really… I had no idea… but what I want to know is why the hell you blew off one ofthehottest guys in Thornhill, girl?” She frowns at me, shock all over her expression.
“Because I can’t go anywhere tonight.” I sigh. “I have to go home.”
“Ohhhh my God!” Ana leans in. “Is your brother planning a party for you and if he is, why aren’t we invited?” Her brows snap together, looking hurt that she didn’t get an RSVP to a nonexistent party. “Birthdays are important female bonding occasions. We should go back to your place now. Your brother can stop off and buy champagne… if he hasn’t already got bottles on ice.”
This is not happening.
“Actually, wait… I’ll need something to wear. Val and I can get a lift to your place later. What’s the address?”
“There’s no party… my brother is away on business tonight,” I say in a rushed breath. “We’re celebrating tomorrow instead.”
“Oh my god, you have a free house tonight!” I groan when Valeria claps her hands. “Even better.”
