Page 89 of Feverburn

Dane’s eyes lit up, then squinted indesire.“Who is that?”he asked in awe.

Azalea chimed in,“That’s Maisie. She’s Kaylee’s bestie from Texas. She’s super cool.”

Noah chuckled, patting Dane on the shoulder as he walked towards her, like a moth to a flame.

After a couple of hours, my back hurt after standing all day at work and then at the party. I escaped the crowd, going to the side of the cabin for a quieter place to sit. The wrap-around porch faced the forest and had a nice, empty rocking chair. I plopped down, rocking myself into a trance while staring at the trees. They began to rustle, and Dane stumbled out, fixing his belt with a red face.

“Hey Rose, what are you doing way over here?”

“Resting.”

He snorted, getting closer to the porch. “You’re in a friendly mood.”A hard look washed his face.“We can cut the shit. I know you like Carson.”

I stopped rocking.“Why would you say that?”

“You ghosted me after the solstice party, so I started thinking about how he acted when he barged in on my tattoo and interrupted our date by cutting the power. I didn’t want to believe it.”He shrugged with an arrogant smile.“Then I got distracted with people whoactuallywanted to date me, so I didn’t think about it much until now.”

I blinked drowsily, unable to deny it, not willing to lie anymore. I'd almost be relieved if he ran screaming through the engagement party about it. I drew in a deep sigh, sitting up straighter in the chair.“You’re right. Ilovehim. We’ve been secretly together for months, keeping thingsprivate. My feelings for you couldn’t progress because of how I felt about him.”

“He’s cursed. He killed my sister.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. I am. But it sounds like she was struggling with sobriety. Carson didn’t make her drink or drive. I heard all about it. He was playing at an away game, and she was driving to see him, then crashed.”

“Since you know everything, do you know about Whitney?”

Feeling defensive, I stood up from my chair. On the porch, I was at eye level with Dane, who stood in the yard, the railing between us.“Accidents happen. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve happiness. He didn’tkillthem. And it’s cruel that you blame Whitney’sdeathon Carson but not Harley. Seems pretty fucking unfair.”

“He has a track record. We all call him Cursed Carson behind his back. Kissing him is like kissing your grave.”

“That sounds like bullying. I don’t like bullies. It would be a shame if you pushed him to do something more thanmasterstoicism.”

“Well, darlin’, I don’t like liars. I take it Kaylee and Harley don’t know?”

“We are waiting for the dust to settle. We didn’t want to steal their moment with our news. I’d appreciate your support or, at the very least, your discretion.”

He shoved his blackened hands in his pockets with a grunt.“Discretion? Is that a fancy word for ‘Hey, I’m fucking yourbestfriend’s brother. Can you do me a solid and not tell anyone?’”

My leather jacket creaked as I crossed my arms.“Yeah, it’s also the word I will use when I refrain from telling Kaylee you fucked Maisie in the woods during her engagement party.”

Dane’s eyes widened for a second before he sucked in a breath. He didn’t try to lie. He’s an honest man; I’ll give him that.

Bracing myself on the railing, I leaned forward, adding,“I know that’s what you were doing. Why else would you be in the forest? Girl talk is real andwicked. I will gladly ruin any future chances with Maisie if you fuck this up for me. I’m sure you already have a scheme on how to fuck her again at the wedding next May.”

His eyes shifted to the side before he snorted. “Where thehelldo you come up with these things?”

I gritted my jaw.“Tell me I’m wrong.”He swallowed hard, so I continued,“I will tell her cute pixie-ass that you fuck anything with a pussy and a pulse. Carson isn’t the only one around here with a reputation.”

Dane shifted his weight, turning to leave.“Fine. But it’s your funeral. You know, Rose, you’re not the girl I thought you were.”

“My name is Rosie, not Rose. And you’re right. I’m not a girl who fell for yourbullshit. Leave me alone and keep my man’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Me: How late are you working tonight?

Roisin: Who knows! Thisstupidreport isn’t updating, and I can’t close it without saving the data. Dani just left. If you want to sneak in through the back door, you’re welcome to keep me company.

I decided not to make a joke about the back door comment. She brought me into the office with akiss. I was so fucking hungry and addicted to my woman. That witchy pussy hits differently. Loving a woman in her power was thegreatestgift. I enjoyed being intimate with her before, but everything beforesexmagicpaled in comparison. Now, we had an even deeper instinctual bond.

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