Page 312 of No Need to Run
“I did.”
“You said it was a mistake.”
She stares at me.
“You’re right,” I continue. “You made a mistake.”
For the first time, her composure cracks.
“And you made another mistake coming here.”
She blinks.
“You had him,” I say, my voice frigid. “You didn’t want him.”
Drew stills across from me.
“And now that he’s not available…” I tilt my head slightly. “You’ve reconsidered.”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
I stare her down. “You walked away.”
Her lips part.
“I didn’t.”
That lands.
She shifts, uncomfortable now.
“You don’t even know him,” she snaps.
I smile. “I know him better than you ever did.”
Her mouth drops open and a familiar hulking figure strolls in.
Drew pales, staring at Smoke.
I reach over and grab his hand, squeezing gently.
“Look,” I say lightly. “My cousin’s here.”
Drew chokes. “Smoke is your cousin?”
“Yes.”
Drew blinks. “I thought he was your ex.”
“Horrifying.”
Then I stand, stepping into Julia’s space.
She nearly trips over her heels as she backs up.
I grab Drew’s hand, pulling him up beside me. I slide my arm through his, claiming him.
