Ch.4

Rhys

Fuck.

The second Sabrina’s annoying, high-pitched voice cuts through the bass, the absolute high of that kiss instantly evaporates.

I look at her, my jaw tightening as I see the anger in her eyes. Shit! She's pissed.

We had a casual fling for like three weeks, and suddenly she thinks she owns my schedule. Of all the parties in this damn city, she had to show up to this exact one.

Beside me, Jami—the girl whose mouth I just completely devoured...freezes. I can feel her shaking against my side, her big, innocent eyes blinking up at me in total confusion.

I need to cut this down before she starts putting the pieces together. If she finds out I'm not Reid right now, this entire fun game is over, plus…I might be getting myself in trouble already, she does taste incredible.

“Reid?” Jami whispers, her voice small and confused. “Who is she?”

“Don't worry about it, Sweetgirl,” I say quickly, keeping my voice smooth as I slide my arm off her waist. I turn around and look at Marcus, shooting him a lethal glare that says *fix this right now.*

“Marcus, take her and your girl back to the VIP booth. Get them some drinks. I have to take care of some... business,” I lie smoothly, flashing a quick, reassuring smile at Jami. “I'll be right back, okay?”

Marcus doesn't even hesitate. He grabs Jami’s arm, his face pale. “Yeah. Come on, Jami, Chloe. Let’s go get some space. Let him handle it.”

He leads them away through the crowded dance floor, though Jami keeps glancing back over her shoulder at me with those anxious, beautiful eyes.

The moment they are out of sight, I turn back to Sabrina, my expression dropping into a cold, irritated stare. I grab her wrist tightly, forcing her to walk with me as I drag her out of the main room and into a secluded, dimly lit VIP hallway near the back exits.

“Let go of me, Rhys!” she screeches, wrenching her wrist away once we’re in the quiet hall. “What the hell is your problem? You ignored my texts all week! You told me you were staying in, and now I see you here? Kissing some basic, boring girl?”

I lean my back against the concrete wall, crossing my arms over my chest, and let out a cold, sarcastic chuckle.

“First of all, drop the damn attitude,” I drawl, my voice dropping into a flat tone. “Second of all, we are done, Sabrina. I told you from day one—I don't do relationships. We only get to fuck since you wanted it so badly, now you started getting clingy, checking my location, and showing up where I am. You know damn well I hate that crap.”

Sabrina’s face turns bright red with embarrassment and rage. “You’re a piece of trash, you know that? You just use people and then throw them away when you get bored!”

“I was completely honest with you,” I shrug, entirely unbothered. “You wanted a fun time, I gave you one. Now, stop making a scene and go back to your friends. If you mention my name out there again tonight, we’re going to have a real problem.”

She stares at me, her chest heaving as tears of frustration well up in her eyes. “I hate you, Rhys Morton! I swear to god, I hope someone absolutely shatters your heart one day!”

She spins around on her expensive heels, cursing loudly under her breath, and storms down the hallway toward the exit.

I just shake my head, letting out a breath. Women, they're never satisfied even when you give them exactly what they want.

I run a hand through my hair, and walk back out into the loud hall. Honestly, the drama just made my adrenaline pump harder.

Making my way back to the VIP booth. The moment I slide back into the leather seat, I look across the table. Marcus is sitting there, arms crossed, giving me the most intense, curious, and deadpan gaze I have ever seen in my life. He looks like a detective trying to solve a crime.

I can’t help it—a loud, amused laugh escapes my lips at his expression.

“What?” I ask, leaning back and stretching my arms across the top of the booth.

“Nothing,” Marcus says, his voice flat, though his eyes are screaming.

He’s my buddy, and I know damn well he's dying to know how I met Jami and what game I am playing again.

I ignore him and turn my attention straight back to Jami sitting next to me. She looks relieved to see me back, but she's still a little tense. I decide it's time to completely make her forget about the blonde girl.

I slide closer, my thigh heavy against hers, and reach out to play with a strand of her soft hair. “Miss me?” I murmur, my voice a flirty, low whisper right against her ear.

Her breath hitches instantly. “Who was that girl, Reid?”

“Just an annoying neighbor,” I lie easily, my fingers brushing against the soft skin of her neck, making her shiver. “She always throws a tantrum when she doesn't get a favour. Don’t worry about her. You’re the only one I’m trying to be with tonight.”

A blush creeps up her neck, her eyes widening as she bites her lip. She is so incredibly easy to fluster, and watching her completely melt under my touch is doing wild things to my chest. She completely forgets about Sabrina, her innocent eyes locking onto mine with total devotion.

Suddenly, a heavy hand clamps down on my shoulder.

I glance up. Marcus is standing over the booth, his face hard, zero trace of humor left in his eyes.

“Dude,” Marcus says, his voice tight and commanding. “We need to go grab a fresh round of drinks. Now.”

I roll my eyes. “We have drinks on the table, man.”

“Now,” Marcus repeats, his grip tightening on my shoulder.

I let out an annoyed sigh. If I don't go with him, he’s going to make a scene right here in front of the girls. I turn to Jami, giving her a quick tap on the nose. “Be right back, Sweetgirl. Don't let anyone steal my seat.”

She nods quickly, smiling softly.

I slide out of the booth and follow Marcus as he leads me through the loud crowd. But he doesn't stop at the bar. He keeps walking down a dimly lit hallway behind the main hall.

The moment the noise fades Marcus spins around. His face is furious.

“Are you completely out of your mind, Rhys?” Marcus barks, stepping right into my space. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Pretending to be Reid? Chloe told me Jami had confessed to Reid, but the moment I saw you, I knew you were at it again…what kinda shitty game are you playing, kissing Jami in front of the entire city? Do you have any idea how messed up this is?”

I just lean against the wall, casually pulling out my phone to check the time. “Relax, Marcus. Reid is gone for the entire holiday break. The girl wanted a chance with him, so I’m just giving her one. No harm done. Besides, I took a violent slap from someone he offended…so I’m just collecting the reward.”

“This isn't a game, Rhys!” Marcus yells, his fists clenching. “Jami is a good girl, and she actually likes Reid because she thinks he’s a safe, sweet guy! You are a reckless playboy! When Reid gets back and finds out you used his face to mess with the girl he’s always liked, he is going to absolutely despise you!”

“Oh please, don't be too serious,” I wave my hand in the air. “I’ll break it off before the break ends and let Reid know too. She gets her little holiday romance, and Reid gets a clean slate. Stop being a buzzkill.”

Marcus freezes as he continues looking at the direction we just came from. I turn to follow his gaze and my eyes widen in horror.

Standing in the dim light of the hallway, clutching her phone tightly to her chest, is Jami. Her face is completely pale, her lips parted in total disbelief.

My heart hits the bottom of my stomach.

Fuck, how long has she been there? How much did she just hear?