Jaden (Jaded 3)

My eyes lifted to his, and I held my breath.

They had lowered so his gaze was pinned on me now. He had said those two words so softly and he repeated them again, “I see you, no matter what you’re wearing. So,” he took a deep breath, “just humor me? Shelve your need to tear ass and ruffle some feathers tonight. I’m not asking you not to do it. I’m asking for you to wait until Bryce or I are there so we can back you up, if you need it.”

Corrigan had never told me outright he loved me, but he didn’t need to, I felt it then and I couldn’t talk, not at first. After clearing my throat, I bobbed my head up and down in a motion I hoped was some form of a nod. Everything felt too much. The sounds from the party doubled in volume, my smell grew more sensitive, my sense of touch too. I was aware of how close he was standing to me, how he was still holding his breath, how he was watching me, waiting, how his green eyes looked so adorable. They were asking me to touch them, to touch him, and my hands lifted before I caught myself.

I touched the side of his face, and he became even more rigid. I felt zapped, but my touch had the same effect on him.

“Hey, guys . . .”

I closed my eyes. That was Bryce.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Oh, sorry.” He turned and left quickly.

“Shit.” My head fell forward to Corrigan’s chest.

His hands touched my hips, holding me for a moment. His fingers curved into my sides, then he murmured into my ear, “I’ll tell him what I asked you. He’ll understand.”

I felt his lips graze my forehead, the slightest touch.

Before he pulled away and left, he said, “Don’t worry.”

That was easier said than done, but after he went to find Bryce, I waited in the stairway for a minute. I needed to collect myself. I loved them both and I had to laugh at myself. The ordeal of being arrested and framed had pushed that to the side, but no longer. The love triangle had just slammed back into place, front and center.

Killer. I was here to find the fucking killer. That was my main mission.

Love triangle, move aside . . . for the moment.

As I went into the kitchen, I didn’t see Carolina or the guys so I moved through the crowd. They were at one side of the living room. A stage had been placed against the far side of the room, and Corrigan was talking to Bryce. Both of them were nodding, and when they were done, Bryce lifted his fist up. Corrigan met it with his, then both turned as one to the announcer.

Just like that, they were fine.

I shook my head. A twinge of envy started in me. I wished I could make things fine, just like that, with a quick fist bump.

Glancing around for Carolina, I couldn’t see her, but Mena was at the table, munching on the snacks. She seemed fine and content, but she wasn’t. I could tell that right away. As I watched her, she glanced over to the nearest group of girls beside her. A wistful expression appeared on her features and her lips dipped down for a brief moment. Then she would look down at the ground, her shoulders would rise and fall, and she’d grab another chip. It didn’t take a genius to know that she was lonely. She had no friends and she was staying at her brother’s house, where she wasn’t wanted by most of the guests. I felt for her. Mena had never really done anything to me. She just hadn’t earned Bryce or Corrigan’s trust and she faded away after that. Her mental illness took over, but she was back and the feelings of wanting to protect her were surging back up in me.

I was at the table before I realized I had even moved toward her. When she looked up, we were both shocked.

Her eyebrows lifted and she fell back a step. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” I frowned and raised a hand to make sure my mask was still in place. Wait—she shouldn’t have recognized me. Then I studied her again and saw the slight suspicion forming in her eyes. She hadn’t recognized me. I moved closer and said in a quiet tone, “It’s me.”

“Me?”

Ah, shit. I grinned. “Your favorite serial killer roommate.”

Understanding dawned and her eyebrows lifted again as she repeated, “Oh!” She ducked her head down and stepped over so our shoulders were almost touching. “What are you doing here? The guys would freak if they knew.”

I gestured to the stage. Denton was announc

ed as the Alpha Mu Mermaid. “You don’t recognize your own brother?”

She squinted at him for a moment, then cringed. “Are you kidding me?”

She sounded pissed. I hadn’t expected that from her.

“He gets all mad that I’m out and about and look at that. Hypocrite.” Cursing, Mena grabbed for another handful of chips. She shoved them in her mouth and continued to glare at the stage.