Page 110 of Prey Tell
“So? She’s not going anywhere. If you guys can put a stopper on your tension for eight years, you can wait five more days. But maybe now’s the time to pull the romance card. Make sure she remembers that you’re coming home toher.”
I crane my neck and look at him. “Why are you so good at giving advice?”
He gives me a shit-eating grin. “Because I’m your big brother, Chasey.”
“Don’t call me that,” I grumble, frowning at his nickname for me. “And maybe take your own advice every once in a while, yeah?”
He laughs. “Right. The difference between you and me is that you have someone to go home to. I have no one.”
“You’ll find her,” I assure him.
“It’s too late now. Gotta find someone to fake it til I make it, according to Dad. No time for love and all that shit.”
“Fuck Dad,” I growl. “Seriously, fuck him. Is he the one putting the pressure on you?”
Miles shakes his head, grimacing before plastering a fake-as-fuck smile on his face. “It’s fine. He’s not wrong.”
I open my mouth to argue that point when my phone chimes. Thank god for plane Wi-Fi. I glance down at the name, picking it up as I read my best friend’s text.
Last of my things are all moved out. Take care, Chase.
I groan and set my phone down. I see Miles lean over and read it in my peripheral.
“Looks like you’re going to have to romance two people,” he mutters, laughing. “I don’t envy you.”
I glare at him. “Wow, thanks.”
Miles shrugs and gives me a cheeky grin. “I gave you my opinion. I never said it was going to be easy. Every dragon has to clean up the ashes from their fire at some point.”
I ignore him for the rest of the flight, deciding on another two glasses of scotch as we descend into New York City.
It was going to be a long fucking five days.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN
THE EXPLANATION
Juliet
For the second time in a month, I am standing in Ravage Castle, this time before the double doors of the south wing. Straightening my spine, I wipe my sweaty palms on my corduroy skirt and look down at my boots as I take a steadying breath. Onwards and upward… isn’t that the saying? Jackson might tell me to fuck off, and it would break my heart, but I had to try. We’d never gone this long without talking, and seeing as it’s now Thursday evening, that means he’s been giving me the silent treatment for five days. Rightfully so—I never intended for him to find out how he did.
I tamp down the anger at Chase as I reach forward and knock.
“Who is it?” Jackson asks from the other side of the door.
“Jax, it’s me.”
Please let me in.
Please let me explain…
“Go away, Jules. I’m busy, and I don’t want to see you.”
“Please let me come in. I wanted to tell you, I swear.”
“But you didn’t,” he says, and I hear him unlock the door as he pulls it open.
I gasp when I look up at him. His hair is a mess, there are dark circles under his eyes, and he’s wearing pajamas.
