Page 85 of No One But Us

I know the source is Allison. She’s evil, and she’s holding a grudge, so it doesn’t hurt me.

But the fact that Ginny gave her so much ammunition certainly does.

* * *

I wait until I’m in the apartment before I allow myself to cry.

James holds me while I tell him all the worst bits. “That’s defamation of character. They can’t get away with it.”

“The article will be out Tuesday. I could sue, but the damage will be done.”

“You need to defend yourself,” he argues. “I hope you’re not gonna do what your dad asked.”

I shake my head. “No, but I’m not sure it’ll do much good. Corinne said Edward’s got some heavy hitters in his corner. People are scared to cross him.”

He holds me tighter. “We’re going to fix this.”

I nod as if I believe him, but I don’t. I may be young, but I’m old enough to know some things can’t be fixed.

Chapter 51

ELLE

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” James says when I emerge from the bedroom a few hours later.

After a shower and some time to think, I’ve kind of pulled it together. What’s done is done, and I’ve decided I may as well enjoy my last big dinner out before I become the most famous slut in America. Except I’m wearing the dress my mother left for me—a simple slip dress with spaghetti straps that ends at mid-thigh—and apparently James does not approve.

“Like it’s not bad enough you’re taking Ryan on a date to introduce him to your mom and her fiancé. You’re going to wear that?”

“I think it would be more accurate to say I’m going to a dinner you’re too scared to attend. And don’t even get me started on the real reason you won’t go.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he demands.

The doorman calls up to tell me that Ryan is downstairs, and I walk out with James on my heels. “Because you’re embarrassed by me, James. Probably just my age, but who knows? Maybe you don’t want to be associated with my mom either. I can hardly blame you for that.”

“Elle, cut it out,” he says, following me into the elevator. “You know that’s not what it is.”

“No,” I reply, swallowing through the thickness in my throat. “I think that’s exactly what it is.”

The elevator doors open, and Ryan is there. He smirks as he takes in the anger on my face and James’.

“Wow, Elle,” he says. “You look edible as fuck.”

“Uh, thanks, I guess.”

James turns me back to him, his hands on my hips. “Elle...” he begins, and then he stops himself. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Like admit we’re together?” I ask. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

* * *

“How is it possible,” Ryan says, climbing into the cab behind me, “that your parents had that apartment all along, and we never had sex there?”

“Well, for starters, I never knew when my dad was going to be in the city using it,” I reply.

“He’s not there tonight,” Ryan grins, waggling his brows at me.

“No, but my boyfriend is.”