Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(25)

“What the fuck?!” Justin booms, poking my chest once he hauls himself up. “What’s your problem, Nico?”

“Beat it, kid. She’s not yours.”

“How do you know? Maybe she is.”

Like hell.

“I told you I’m not interested, Justin,” Mia says, quivering like a two-day-old puppy whisked from the litter, her cheeks white for a change.

She’s a better actress than Kaya, I’ll give her that. Her unease rings genuine, but I’m not falling for that. It’s a fucking play. She’s in character. Acting the same way Kaya did.

Justin turns to her, but I grab his collar and shove him against the bar. “I said beat it before I lose my patience.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Mia, pale like a ghost, sink to her knees and rummage through her bag. She pulls out a travel-size bottle of mouthwash and unscrews the cap with trembling hands, inhaling the minty scent.

“Out,” I clip, pushing Justin toward the door.

He readjusts his t-shirt, shooting me a dirty look. Not as dirty as the one he shoots Mia, though.

I crouch before her, reaching for her shoulders to haul her up, but she jerks away so suddenly that she spills half the mouthwash down her dress.

“Don’t make a fucking scene. You let him touch you. Don’t act distraught now.” I reach for her again, and she falls back on her ass, scrambling away, those big eyes searching for a way out. It only pisses me off more. “Get up. I’m taking you home.”

“No, no, I-I—” She pauses, inhaling at what’s left of the mouthwash.

She glances past me. I look around, too, remembering Aisha’s here. She should be the one to escort Mia home, but a quick scan of the bar tells me she’s gone.

So are Toby and Adrian.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Great. Just fucking great. Looks like I have no choice but to deal with the little diva.

NINE
Mia

OBE EVENING. That’s all I asked of Aisha. One evening together to catch up. I thought she’d endure a few hours since it was my birthday yesterday.

Unfortunately, I was born the same day as Aisha’s new boyfriend’s friend. Not even the peacock feather can grant me time with my sister anymore. I know it’s childish, but it represented something important when we were younger.

Not now. If not for Dad making her promise she won’t move out till I graduate, she’d be long gone. And she probably wouldn’t keep in touch.

I’m surprised she hadn’t stayed in London with Mom since it was the only place Dad couldn’t forbid her from moving to.

“Not good?” the bartender asks when I place my almost untouched drink on the bar. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Oh, no. Nothing, I’m just leaving.”

He offers me a curt nod, snatching the spritzer off the counter. Before I take five steps, someone wraps their hand around my middle, pulling me back.

“Not so fast, Mia,” Justin purrs in my ear, grinning when I spin to face him. “I’ll get you a drink.”

“No, thank you. I’m leaving.”

“Come on, one drink, sweetheart. Let me take you back to my place tonight. You won’t regret it, I promise.” He spreads his fingers over the small of my back, making me shudder.

“Let me go, Justin. The answer is no, and you have—”

“Until you count to three, right?” He dips his head, speaking into the crook of my neck. “I won’t be such a fucking ass about this as Brandon.”

My heart thumps faster, jinxing my ability to focus and assess our position. “One,” I mutter, though I can’t concentrate enough to plan how I’ll break free. His hold isn’t strong, but he’s angled his body away like he knows my best shot is his groin. “I’m not interested, Justin.”

“Don’t make such a big deal out of this. It’s just sex. An hour with me, and Brandon will stop plotting how to get you in bed. He’s getting creative, you know?” He drags his free hand down the line of my waist. “You won’t enjoy what he has in store for you next.”

“What does that mean? What’s he planning?”

“I wish I could tell you, but I like my teeth too much. Believe me, I’m trying to do you a solid here.”

“Two,” I say, shuddering at the thought of Brandon’s creativity. “You’d be doing me a solid if you convinced Brandon I’m not worth the hassle.”

He chuckles softly. “What’s the fun in that? I’d much rather have you so I can rub it in his face that you chose me. He’ll break you, Mia. It’s just a matter of time. You’re not escaping this.” He grips my butt, squeezing hard. A ball of nausea sinks into my stomach.

“Three.” I brace against his chest, my hands weak, mind in tumult.

I’m more concerned about Brandon’s newest idea than Justin. He won’t hurt me. He’s actually the only decent guy among Brandon’s friends.

Point invalidated by his hands groping my ass, but still... there are worse guys in Brandon’s shadow.

“We’re in public,” I remind him. “You won’t get away with touching me against my will here.”

His hold loosens before I even try to shove him back. He’s not stupid enough to manhandle me while dozens of people watch—bartender and security guard included.