Page 125 of Playing Dirty

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We boarded the bus in groups.

Noise immediately filled the space again.

Luggage overhead. Seats shifting. People claiming space.

I took a seat halfway down.

Window side.

Serena sat beside me.

Caleb was two rows behind.

Mason…

was further back.

I didn’t look directly.

I didn’t need to.

Because I already knew where he was sitting.

That was the problem now.

Serena leaned back. “You’re doing the thing again.”

“What thing.”

“The awareness thing.”

“I’m not aware of anything.”

She smiled slightly. “That’s worse.”

Mason

Bus started moving.

City blurred slowly outside the window.

New York didn’t feel real yet.

Just loud.

Jace stretched in his seat. “This is going to be long.”

“Three hours,” I said.

“That’s not what I mean.”

I knew what he meant.

I didn’t respond.

Because I was already aware of where she was sitting.

Halfway down.

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