Me: Hey I won’t be needing your help after all. Thanks though, I’ll see you in a few hours. . . I’ll be the one in the dress that matches your eyes.

I don’t wait for a reply, rather I slip my phone into my clutch and watch the elevator descend slowly to the lobby.

“I love you too, Ads,” he says as he strides out of the elevator.

I’m glad I’m behind him so he can’t see that my steps falter.

Almost two hours later, we finally have everything set up. We even had time to deliver everything to Connor’s for the “after party” that will be just the four of us. It’s been a tradition for the guys since they were kids and I started crashing them after the accident. By crashing, I mean dragged, of course, but I’ve been going willingly after the first two years. The only reason why I didn’t want to go in the first place is because I thought I was intruding on a guys’ night type of thing.

As guest filter in, I text Connor asking their e.t.a. I want to make sure that we’re all ready when he arrives with Logan. Jax and I worked too hard for the surprise to be ruined.

I find Jax talking up a leggy blonde, big surprise there. I tap his shoulder a little harder than necessary. “Connor said they’ll be here in twenty, but I can see you’re busy so I’ll let everyone know.”

I lean to the side and smile brightly at the blonde. Gosh, she reminds me of the skanks Connor usually bags. Jax rushes to my side when I start to walk away.

“Don’t be silly, Ads, we’re in this together,” he says way too loudly, linking our arms together as if we’re best friends.

Once we’re away from Jax’s blonde, I pull my arm roughly out of his. “Um no, that’s not going to work for me. I’m not here to be your wing woman.”

He laughs. Wrong move, Jaxon. I yank his face down by his chin so he’s forced to look at me.

“I’m not here to help you dodge unwelcome sluts! Connor will be more than happy to fill that role for you.” I pause, not wanting to make a scene. I stand up on my tiptoes so I can whisper into his ear. “We’re not friends anymore. You’ve made that abundantly clear. I’m only putting up with you because of my brother.”

Well, there goes all pleasantries. I didn’t even know I was going to say all that. I opened my mouth and the words spilled out, my tone sounding more pissed with each syllable. Jax hisses in a breath as if in pain. I grip his massive bicep with my dainty hand, because I’m not done. I’m going to get all of this out now.

“If you want to go back to being friends, you can let me know. But until then, I’m only tolerating you because of Logan. That’s it. I will not be your doormat anymore. I will not let you pretend to be here for me when we both know you’ll leave again once the condom is off.”

I step back, glad that I finally told him that it’s not okay to treat me that way. I’m surprised how true every word is. I march to the opposite side of the room without waiting for a response.

The surprise goes flawlessly. I even surprised Logan and Connor by capturing the whole thing. Logan’s delight when he saw the camera around my neck made me smile shyly at him. It’s wonderful moments like when I’m taking pictures of everyone having fun that I’m reminded how great of a friend Jax has been to me.

He pushes me to do things that I would never have been able to do without him. It hurts that much more since he’s been avoiding me all night. I know what I said was harsh, but it was the truth and I don’t regret it. I just wish life were like a movie or a book. He would whisk me away to proclaim his unbreakable love. Or at least say he’s sorry and that he wants to still be in my life. Of course neither will happen, life isn’t that simple, or that cheesy.

Before my mind can carry on with more unrealistic expectations, Kohen pulls me into his side. I snuggle into him and kiss his neck. Without turning around, I sense Jax scowling at us. I can feel his eyes on me, like I’ve been able to all night. I rub my hand down Kohen’s chest and make a show of slipping it into his back pocket. Pleased with my affection, Kohen kisses me square on the lips. Even the feel of his lips on mine isn’t enough of a distraction from Jax’s eyes boring into my back.

As Kohen helps Connor load the presents into the car, Jax joins them. Tension between him and Kohen has escalated throughout the party. I stand wide-eyed as Jax practically shoves a heavy present into Kohen’s stomach. Kohen grunts, but surprises me by setting it calmly into the trunk. Still his back stiffens, all the muscles tight, anger radiating off him in waves. Jax’s fist tighten at his sides, he makes a move to step closer but halts when Connor places his hand on his shoulder. Connor whispers to him, and then those green eyes are trained on me.

I become trapped by his predatory gaze. It feels as if I’m being drawn towards him. I’m vaguely aware of my feet moving in his direction. Jax attempts to step around Connor, but freezes in his tracks. It takes a few seconds for my mind to work again. I flick my gaze away from Jax’s face to see Kohen seething. With no thought at all, my fake smile is in place and I march over to him. As I near him, I hope that he doesn’t lose his temper in front of the guys. That would be stupid on his part. I sigh in relief as his begins to relax. He takes a deep breath and as he exhales, all the earlier tension leaves his body. He pulls me into him. I don’t hesitate as I kiss him on his lips.

This kiss is unlike any of our past ones. It’s possessive, forceful, jealous even. I feel badly that I’m the reason why he’s acting like this. If I could get over my unrequited love, then we wouldn’t be in this position. As I hear footsteps retreating, Kohen squeezes my hand until I yelp into his mouth.

“Do I need to remind you who you’re dating?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His eyes darken and I know I need to say something to lighten the mood. I do not want to be the reason to ruin my brother’s party. I swallow my fear and hold his hand again.

“I’m here with the only person I want to be with.”

He gives me a charming smile, but underneath it hides something darker. I can relate. I’m not as well put together as the world thinks I am, either. He folds his arm around my shoulders and leads me over to my brother.

Logan stands near Jax’s car, with the passenger door open. It takes a second to realize that he’s waiting for something . . . me. For some reason, I know I’ll be riding with Jax back to Connor’s. My suspicions are confirmed when he waves his hand for me to get in. The one time Jax decided to drive one of his many cars and I’m forced to ride with him. Kohen stiffens beside me but luckily he doesn’t say anything. I think it’s because of my brother’s presence.

“There’s no room for you in Connor’s car with all the presents so Jax offered to drive you over,” Logan explains when I make no move to get in.

“I can take her.” Kohen says.

“I thought you had to be at the hospital . . . five minutes ago.” Jax leans over the center console to talk to us.

I give Kohen a quick kiss on the lips to stop his protest. Jax is right, he’s late. He reaches behind me and shakes Logan’s hand.

“Happy birthday,” Kohen says.

Logan nods. “Thanks.”

Kohen gives me a hug before helping me into the car. He closes the door with more force than necessary. As I watch him climb into the cab in front of us, my anger emerges. My hands shake at my side with barely controlled temper. I’m fed up with the games Jax likes to play. Jax has no right to treat Kohen like he did today. Kohen isn’t the problem here; he is.

“You could have at least said goodbye to him.”

“I’m sure the boyfriend doesn’t mind.”

Uncomfortable silence fills the rest of the ride. I hold my breath as much as possible because his scent wafts all around me, invading my senses. Thankfully the ride doesn’t take as long as usual. When he parks in an empty space, I sigh in relief.