“You know what your problem is?” she snapped, stepping away from Nate to get in my face. People in the living room and on the patio were taking notice now, beginning to gather closer for a look at the fight. “You’re so convinced that the world revolves around your little finger, but it doesn’t, Jessica. The only thing people are revolving around is your cunt, since apparently, you’ll give it away to any creep off the street.”

Manson made a guttural sound, and I glanced over to find him laughing. He didn’t care about his reputation, or gossip, or even the fact that there were people here willing to physically do him harm just for being present.

That was far sexier to me than any of these people mindlessly following the crowd.

I’d known Danielle for years. We’d shared secrets, we’d shared our dreams. But we’d also fed off each other’s toxicity, we’d encouraged the worst in each other. That wasn’t a friendship. Our relationship with each other had been parasitic, not supportive.

I had to wonder why I made her so angry. I didn’t want her man; I’d never intruded in her space. But then I thought of all the people I’d hated without reason. The horrible things I’d said about people I barely knew. How I’d judged people so harshly without ever giving the benefit of a doubt.

It made me feel powerful. It felt good to be the gatekeeper, to hold power over the social lives and decisions that others made. Doubtlessly, Danielle felt the same way.

“Maybe you should take some of your own advice,” I said. I didn’t want to hate her. But if she kept pushing me, I wouldn’t hold back. “The world doesn’t revolve around you either, and neither do I.”

“God, you are pathetic!” Her voice lifted to a shriek. “You’re whoring yourself out to Wickeston’s trash. Four guys at once, Jessica? How many more do you need?”

“Apparently Manson likes to get cucked by his own boyfriend.” Alex sneered, encouraging some jeers from the people around him. “Where is your dog anyway, Reed? I thought Lucas was always sniffing around your heels.”

“Can’t bring him around crowds,” Manson said. He’d leaned his elbows back on the countertop, so chill you’d think he owned the place. “He bites. Apparently, people get pissed about that.”

Alex’s face darkened, his hands clenching. The tension in the room was thick, and people were starting to get antsy. They were all exactly where they needed to be, focusing on us rather than anything happening at the front of the house.

Danielle’s lip curled as she said, “Maybe you want to put on a little show for everyone like you did a few years ago, huh? At Daniel Peters’ house?” She pulled out her phone. “I still have the video.”