Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

But it’s already fading.

They’re happy.

They’re good together.

He’s giving her something I couldn’t. Something I don’t want to give her.

Someone steps in front of them, blocking the scene.

Leighton pulls me closer. She raises a brow you okay?

I am. But I don’t know how to put it into words. I don’t know how to do anything but stare into her blue-green eyes.

They’re beautiful.

They’ve always been beautiful, but they’ve never hit me this deep.

“Oh babe, I’m so glad you took my advice.” Dean’s voice booms through the room. It turns a dozen heads.

Casts attention on us.

It feels like time fucking stops.

Like everyone is staring.

No, everyone is staring. Did the jilted ex really show?

“Take your advice?” Leighton makes a show of shuddering. “How disturbing.”

He hands a short, clear glass to her. “That’s all vodka.”

“Shit.” Her fingers curl around the glass. “Thank you.”

That must be three shots worth. I stare at my brother. Try to figure out his intentions.

Leighton says there’s nothing between them.

I want to believe her.

But she’s only close with a few people. Dean and I are the only guys.

One of us must be Mr. Powers.

It’s not me.

That leaves him.

“About your tits.” He slurps his Jack and coke. “They look fantastic.”

She adjusts her straps. “Thanks. I think.”

“Your ass too.” He winks at her.

She rolls her eyes, but she still smiles. Until her eyes catch mine, and her lips curl into a frown. “What do you want?”

“Why do you keep assuming I have complex motivations?” He takes another sip. “I have a drink. I have tits to ogle. I have a train wreck to anticipate.”

“Fuck off,” I say.