The Trouble With Us: A Second Chance Love Triangle (The Forbidden Love 2)

“Ava,” I grumble, closing my eyes to draw any patience left within me. “Cut the small talk. Has she texted back?”

“Hmmm, yeah, something about a sports bar, and…” she trails off, then continues. “I can’t make out what she is saying.”

“You’re not helping at all,” I almost bark. “C’mon, you must know where she hangs out? You’re her sister, for Christ's sake.”

“Yes, I am her sister with my own life, thank you very much,” Ava snaps, then releases a breath. “Look, there’s a sports bar right next to Andy’s studio. I’ll text you his address, maybe try there.”

“Thank you,” I mutter, about to hang up when she calls my name in a softer tone.

“Will, Millie

moved on. Austin is a great guy. I’m not sure why she felt compelled to hide your union from me, but I will say it probably has everything to do with Dad.”

“No, Ava.” I sigh, allowing my shoulders to fall. “We accidentally ran into each other at Mom’s office tonight. It was all a coincidence and possibly a shock for her as it was for me.”

“If that’s the case, then knowing Millie, it was a shock. Explains why she is wasted.”

“I should go make sure she is okay.”

“Will?” Ava calls again. “Don’t hate her, okay? It wasn’t easy when you left. In fact, Millie got into a car accident when she left your place that morning. Mom and Dad were called to the hospital. It was awful.”

“What do you mean she got into a car accident? Why didn’t anyone tell me?” I panic, unable to process what Ava is telling me. “I wouldn’t have boarded that flight.”

“Exactly why you were never told.” The call goes quiet, and I assume we’ve lost connection until Ava’s breathing echoes through the receiver. “It was a difficult time for our family. So, despite what you may think, that Millie moved on so easily, she didn’t, okay?”

My chest tightens as heaviness weighs it down, leaving me with nothing else to say. To think Amelia was injured in a car accident and to know that I had something to do with it—the guilt bears too much. I need to find her tonight, make sure she is okay. That’s all.

We hang up the phone, and within minutes, I am out on the street, hailing a cab since it’s late and I don’t want to wait for my driver. My car is parked beneath the hotel in the garage, but I didn’t need the nuisance of looking for a parking garage near the bar. That’s even if they are at the bar Ava mentioned.

Fifteen minutes later, I enter the crowded place and see Amelia at the bar with two unknown men surrounding her. She’s throwing her head back, laughing at some joke, oblivious the men are eyeing her like fucking candy.

My footsteps are heavy as I storm over, muttering beneath my breath, “De-Ja-Fucking-Vu.”

I grab the shot from her hand, pulling it away. “You need to stop.”

Amelia doesn’t appear disappointed to see me, yet her glassy eyes would have her anything but sober.

“Hey! Look who is it, William Romano—billionaire extraordinaire,” she slurs, pushing my chest.

Andy pulls up beside us, resting his hand on my shoulder while chuckling. “I told you to ignore Millie’s text. But since you’re here, join us. The more, the merrier.”

“How many has she had to drink?”

“I don’t know, man, she was pretty toasted when I got here,” Andy admits with a grin on his face like this is some god damn joke.

What the fuck is wrong with these two? Just like when they were kids, always getting up to no good.

“What about you?” I berate Andy, trying to ignore how Amelia is touching my arm now. “How much have you had to drink?”

Andy shrugs his shoulder. “Dunno, she made me drink.”

“What?” Amelia laughs loosely. “I did nothing of the sort.”

Andy is pulled to the dancefloor by some girl dressed in a short white dress. She appears to have some friends with her, and they all tag team him in which he seems to enjoy.

My attention moves back to Amelia. She’s dressed in the same attire as earlier in the evening, only her perfectly pinned back ponytail has some loose ends sticking out. My eyes gravitate toward her neck, admiring her skin and wondering if she tasted the same. I shake my head to rid myself of the thoughts, refusing to take advantage because of my own selfish needs.

“I mean it, you need to stop,” I warn her, still holding onto her drink.