Page 97 of Broken Lies
“We’re FREE!” She jumps up and down while still clinging to me. “The semester is over, baby!”
“Thank God.” I laugh as I hug her back.
“You’re coming to Carter’s party tonight, right?” Lucy pulls back, narrowing her eyes at me.
Somehow, she still manages to look put together despite the fact she was also up all night studying. She even put on a full face of makeup and a cute outfit, whereas I look like I spent the night sleeping on the streets.
“No excuses. I haven’t seen you indays.”
I adjust my bag on my shoulder. “Sure. I’ll come with you.”
She blinks. “Really? Just like that? I don’t need to bribe or threaten you?”
I grin. “Take the win, Luce, before I change my mind.”
The truth is, I can’t think of anything I would rather dolessthan go to a party filled with sweaty frat boys and cheap beer.
But it sounds better than lying in bed replaying Kieran’s voice in my head.
“You’re the one who forced me to marry Riley in the first place, so forgive me for trying to find some sort of way to make it tolerable.”
I must flinch because Lucy’s expression suddenly shifts from excited to concerned.
She reaches out and grips my hand. “Hey. Are you okay? I feel like I haven’t spoken to you since you got back from Vegas.”
“I know, I’m sorry. There’s been a lot on my mind.”
Lucy glances down at our intertwined hands and eyes the thin gold band on my ring finger.
“Does this have anything to do about your lawfully wedded husband?”
“Please don’t refer to him as my husband. I don’t need reminding.”
“We can go and grab coffee and talk about it if you want?”
“Uh…” I look around and spot Jace hovering near the exit.
Lucy follows my gaze, and I roll my eyes when she spots Jace.
“Who isthat?”
“My babysitter.”
“Seriously? He is hot.”
“Lucy.”
“Can he come to Carter’s party too?”
“You are insatiable,” I sigh. “My point is, where I go, Jace goes.”
“I am more than okay with that.” Lucy’s gaze is still fixed on Jace.
“I’m being serious.”
“So am I!” She laughs.
“He’s been instructed to bring me straight home after my exam.”
