CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE

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JANUARY

     "Nico!" I gasp, my eyes darting to his face

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     "Nico!" I gasp, my eyes darting to his face. Just as I realize his eyes are closed, they snap open and fill with panic. They focus on me first before he turns to look at Brittany and jumps back, dropping the bottle of beer he was holding and stumbling over a step.

     He manages to stay on his feet and for a few seconds no one speaks. The only sound in the frigid winter air is the thumping of an EDM rendition of Auld Lang Syne coming from the party behind us.

     "So close." Brittany mutters under her breath, breaking the silence as she crosses her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes. She smirks evilly at me as Ryker and Asher step forward, standing slightly in front of me.

     "What the hell is going on, Nico?" I turn to look at him.

     "Isn't it obvious?" Brittany snorts.

     "Shut up, Bitchney." Asher and I say at the same time.

     "She asked you a question, Hardt." Ryker growls, his voice low and dangerous. The sound makes my eyes widen for a second before I school my features.

     "It's not what it looks like, baby. I swear!" Nico says quickly as he steps towards me.

     "Don't even think about it." Ryker tells him, his words are a command.

     "Baby, please." Nico looks at me desperately, holding his hands out in surrender. "I swear it wasn't what it looks like. Just let me explain, please, baby." He holds his hands up in a prayer position.

     "You better have a damn good explanation." I say through clenched teeth, willing myself to keep my cool in front of all these people.

     "She tricked me!" He says, pointing at Brittany. "I didn't know she was going to kiss me."

     "What the hell are you talking about, Nico?" I sigh and roll my eyes.

     "We were just standing here talking and I was telling her that the dress thing was uncool and I apologized for-" He rambles but I cut him off when I realize what he's saying.

     "You apologized for me?" I seethe on an angry breath. "Are you seriously telling me, in your defense, that you were out here apologizing to her," I jab a finger in Brittany's direction, "for what I did, after everything she's done to me?!" By the time I finish speaking I'm yelling.

     "NO! No! I didn't mean -" Nico says quickly, trying to backtrack. I don't let him get far.

     "The hits just keep on coming." I mutter bitterly as I throw my hands up in frustration. "You know what? I can't do this." I turn my head to look up at Ryker. "Are you good to drive?"

     "Haven't had a drink all night." Ryker says gruffly.

     "Perfect. Will you please take me home?" I ask quietly.

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