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CHAPTER 017: May !?

CHAPTER 017: May I?

My heart skips several beats at once. And not in the cutesy, butterflies-in-the- stomach way. No, this is the kind of beat- skipping that punches you square in the chest and makes your lungs forget how to breathe.

Every memory from last night comes flooding back like a filthy little slideshow behind my eyelids. My thighs clench on instinct. My mouth is dry. My pulse is chaos.

"You know Sloane?" Victoria asks, reminding me that there are, in fact, other people in the room.

Knox doesn't look away. "I do."

"From New York?"

He moves away from his mother and drops into the nearest couch with that lazy grace he always carries. At least his eyes are no longer on me, and I can finally exhale.

"Actually," he replies, "we met for the first time yesterday."

I swear I hear Finn inhaling deeply and holding that breath. Although I can't get a good look at his face from this angle, the stillness of his posture confirms it.

Victoria turns to look at me. I try my best to seem innocent, hoping she doesn't read everything that went on last night from my face. After a few seconds, she shifts her gaze to Knox, who's smirking on that couch. Then to Finn. With the way she goes back and forth staring, you'd think she's trying to solve a Rubik's cube.

She eventually returns to her seat, not saying a word.

Knox, of course, must be feeling uncomfortable with the tension, as we all are. So he breaks it by addressing Finn.

"Hello, little brother," he says.

Finn doesn't respond.

But Knox goes on anyway. "You look refreshed this morning. What's the secret? Threw one or two punches?"

"Shouldn't you be helping Hunter prepare for his rehearsal dinner?" Finn replies, not hiding the irritation in his voice.

"Delilah's more than happy to take charge."

"And the bachelor party? You should be planning that."

"Are you chasing me away?"

"Just an observation."

“Right. Because planning a bachelor party is so hard. All you need is a venue with overpriced drinks, deafening music, and women who are willing to take off their clothes for money. Isn't that right, Sloane?"

My fork clinks against the plate. I'd managed to eat my breakfast in peace so far.

"What?" I croak.

"A bachelor party. Don't those sound like the essentials?"

"Leave her alone, Knox," Finn says.

"I've never been to one," I mumble, gripping my fork like it can shield me from this moment. "So I wouldn't know."

"That's sad," Knox says. "You should come to Hunter's."

"She's not coming," Finn snaps.

My face is on fire. I can feel Victoria's gaze sliding over to me, then to Knox, then back again like she's watching a ping-pong match.

Her voice is gentle but pointed. "Is there something I should know about last night?"

"Like what?" Knox says, tone innocent enough to win an Oscar.

"I don't know," she says. "You tell me. Did something happen while I and your father were away?"

"It's fine, Mom,” Finn says quickly, tapping her knee.

She nods, but her eyes turn to find mine. The way they linger a second too long

on my face tells me she doesn't believe anything they said. Mercifully, she changes the topic.

"How are you holding up with this sudden charge Find your destined and all?" she says. "You and Delilah were

Successfully unlocked! together for so long."noveldrama

Finn smiles, but it's all teeth and no warmth. "I'm here, aren't I? Gracing the wedding. It's really okay, Mom."

"Knowing Delilah," Knox adds, "she'll probably call it off and crawl back to Finn. Why should he be worried?"

"Don't say that, Knox. I'm happy she no longer has a hold on your brother. You have to make sure she marries your friend

CHAPUR017 M***?

and slays memed to hum

"1A67"

"Yes, you'

") can't make any promises, Mom"

I glance at Finn. His expression has gone dim Clouded. I know that face. It's the one he wears when he's trying to swallow something bitter without choking. And for once, I'm not reaching to offer him water. Even his mother knows Delilah's toxic for him Thank God. Maybe that would put a halt to his plans.

The sound of Knox digging into the plastic bag he's carrying fills the room. He pulls out a small box. It's matte black and shiny around the edges. Definitely jewelry.

He stands and walks over to his mother, handing the box to her

"What is this?" she asks, her voice soft with suspicion.

"A retirement present"

She takes it from him, opens it, and gasps. "Is that...?"

"Diamonds"

"Honey, it's beautiful"

"Not as beautiful as you are."

Finn rolls his eyes so hard I hear it.

Victoris stands and wraps Knox in a tight hug. "Thank you, baby. I love it. But why

do I feel like you want something in return?"

"Can't I do anything for my mother without ill intent?"

"No."

Knox sighs, "Fine. I'm hoping you can keep Dad away from me throughout this

trip."

,

"Come on, Knox. He's your father,"

"And I'm trying to be good this weekend. He's going to paint me as a villain in front

of people I admire."

His eyes slide over to me.

"Admire?" Victoria asks, blinking at the word. "Who might that be?"

"Just... keep your husband away, Mom."

She laughs. "Then you'll need to be out before 2PM. He'll be done in the library by

then."

"Deal,"

Knox grabs another box and tosses it to Finn, who catches it out of reflex.

"An apology gift," he says. "To you, my little brother."

"Apology?" Victoria asks. "I thought you both said nothing happened."

"You know how it is, Mom. The good ol' sibling rivalry."

"Knox..."

"It's nothing. We're cool now."

Finn opens the box, tilting it enough for me to catch a glimpse of a watch glinting

in the light-sleek, masculine, designer. The kind you wear to silent auctions or

exclusive clubs.

From the look on Finn's face, he likes it.

"Go and sin no more, Knox," he says, eyes still on the watch.

And right then, Knox decides to include me in his shenanigans.

"I also have something for the lady over there who seems to eat really slowly."

I stare at him and the bag still hanging by his side. I want to say something-

anything-but my voice is gone. He a present?

"You can give it to me, Finn says eyes narrowing. "I'll give it to Sloane."

"I got this, brother."

And then he walks.

Closer.

And closer.

ht me

CHAPTER 017 May 17

Every step makes the room feel smaller, the air thinner

He stops in front of me. Takes out a small box and opens it.

A necklace. Dainty. Elegant. Sparkling like stardust.

"May 1?" he asks.

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