Pretend You're Mine (Inked Hearts 3)

“How do you see it?”

“How do I not? It’s everywhere. He cooks you lunch every day. He gushes about you nonstop. He looks at you like you hang the sun.”

I bite my lip.

“He’s fucking obnoxious. Like Walker.”

I shake my head.

“He is. He does love you. Trust me. The guy’s my brother. I’ve known him for twenty-five years now.”

“I can’t.”

“Leigh—”

“I have to go home.” I have to be alone, in my apartment, away from everything that confuses me. And right now, everything confuses me.

I hug Dean goodbye.

“You sure?” he asks.

I nod.

“Let me know when you get in.”

“Let me know he’s okay.”

“He’s not. I guarantee it.”

“L

et me know he’s alive.” I hug my purse to my shoulder. Wrap my fingers around my suitcase.

He stares at me like he’s going to ask me to stay again.

But he doesn’t.

It’s a good thing.

I’m not sure I have another no in me.

Chapter 48

Ryan

After an hour of silence, my cell sings with a text from Leighton.

Leighton: Are you still going to the wedding?

My exhaustion fades into nervous energy. There’s a right answer to that question. But I’m so fucking past not going to Penny’s wedding.

I need to make her understand that.

Ryan: No. Where are you?

Leighton: Going home.

Ryan: I’ll come.