Page 168 of The Perfect Wrong

Normally, I’d be scared to call her out like this, but I’m sick of her crap.

We’re friends.

I’m not the butt of her jokes.

“...right. Sorry, Cordie,” she says with a huff. “It’s just been forever since we caught up. Seems like you’ve been busy all summer ever since that beach party.” She cocks her head. “Oh, and when are you inviting us out there again? Remember last year? We had liketenbarbecues under our belt by now.”

I slouch in my chair, unsure how to feel.

She’s trying to be nice, conciliatory, but I wonder when the hell Marnie might decide to grow up. Or maybe hanging around Chris so much just makes me realize who I’ve been surrounding myself with.

“Lots of family stuff going on lately, like I told you. Plus, Dad’s been keeping things kinda private. You know how he gets when people are coming and going for business,” I lie, desperate to cover up the fact that I’m totally under my stepbrother’s spell. “I mean, fall will be here before we know it. Maybe we should do one more bash.”

“Hell yeah!” That perks her up. She pulls on boy toy’s arm, and he gives her this smile that looks way too much like a drooling golden lab. “How about a house party? Your folks are still going out of town a lot, right?”

I hesitate.

While I’ve hinted at the problems in Dad’s new marriage, I’ve kept it light on details, other than Evie’s overdose.

I also don’t want to pile more stress on our staff who are already walking on eggshells thanks to Evie. The last thing they need is cleanup duty left by Hurricane Marnie and a few dozen party animals. I can’t find every broken beer bottle and used condom when the music stops.

“I’ll talk to Dad, okay? He said something about a big conference in Atlanta soon. Maybe then. But I’m not sure if Evie will be tagging along. She’s been going through some crap lately.” I clench my jaw, side-eyeing Chris.

The last thing I want to do is remind him of his ruined mother.

But Chris looks at me sharply and says, “Don’t let her hold you ladies back. Believe me, she’ll be too damn whacked out of her gourd to know what’s going on if you do decide to host.” Chris waves a hand through the air and then looks at Marnie, his brows still furrowed. “I’ve got a big job coming up soon. I’d love to have some fun before I’m sent to kick asses to the moon and back.”

Marnie laughs drunkenly.

The bodybuilder chuckles too, then drains his drink and smiles. “Yeah, me three...or is that me four? I lost count.”

“It’s settled! Let’s do it ASAP, Cordie, if daddy dearest approves. Let me know what’s up. I’ve got a new bikini I’dloveto show off.”

Best of all, Chris never even looks at her.

His eyes are hung on me when he leans in and whispers, “You should listen to your friend, Delia. I’d love to see you on the beach, looking hot as fuck. Nothing with too much skin—this is for my eyes only.”

His hand slides down my thigh, squeezing firmly.

I gulp my margarita so I don’t flipping whimper and choke.

God, he’s bad.

And I love every bit of it.

Now, if only I can keep him without destroying every other thread of my life.

* * *

Later,we’re strolling up and down our slice of beach, the same place where I first saw him emerging from the waves like a sea beast heaved up by the deep.

The bar is dark and quiet tonight with nothing going on, and so is the boathouse, but I remember how my body tingled the first time he dragged me there, pushed me against the wall, taking what was always destined to be his.

What always will be.

I hope.

I never want this to end.

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