Alexander spun me around and forced my chin up to meet his eyes with mine. A delicate game we played ever since he assaulted me in the stadium’s bathroom. We never spoke of it or spoke much at all, but he and Sloane whispered about me in the backrooms.

Sloane hated me for how Brent pined over my attention. They were back to their classic games of explosive arguments in public. She and her family pushed hard to get her married to him to have stakes in Chamberlain Industries, but something told me that Augustus wasn’t interested.

And for that, they had tricks up their sleeve to undermine his company.

“Hello, Alexander.” I almost spit on him but refrained.

“I come with good news for the both of us. Deals have gone great, and after this semester, we’ll become a great pairing. I even have a birthday present for you.” The smile plastered on his face was sickeningly sweet.

Patting his arm and looking for a way out of the exchange, I eyed the bar.  “That’s sweet of you. I think I’m going to head off and get a drink.”

He snatched my arm. “Don’t go far, baby girl.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I ripped my hand away and smoothed out my skirt.

“Isn’t it my favorite patron! Fallon Montgomery back again.”

“What’s up Mr. J?”

The same guy lived to frequent the parties serving drinks. My favorite bartender.

“What can I get you?”

I laughed and sat at the bar. “Give me another one of those blazing nipples. Been thinking about it a lot lately.”

Serving me up, I drank my nostalgia in one go, motioning for another.

Lately, I drank a lot. If I was going to upchuck, I may as well have something to blame it on, and alcohol seemed like a fine choice for that.

A familiar perfume wafted around me and a woman stood next to me, donned in her best attire. She ordered a classic martini and leaned into me. “Did you hear the news?”

“What’s that?” I kept my eyes forward, holding the drink in my hand while I leaned up with my back against the bar.

Her hand came into view—her left hand. On it was a beautifully large princess cut diamond on a golden band. Her manicured hand was expertly crafted to host such a gorgeous ring. “Brent and I are going to get married.”

Not bothering to look at her still, I took a drink of my fourth round. Whiskey. “Congrats. You two will make an excellent pair.”

“I’m excited to hear of your engagement,” she said quietly, sipping from her glass. “You and Alexander will make a great pair as well.”