I strip Emma slowly. Take my time laying her on the bed. Tasting every inch of her sweet cunt.

Driving her to the edge.

Pushing her over it.

She groans my name as she comes.

Then she tears off my clothes, climbs on top of me, and rides me hard.

I come too quickly.

But she's there right after me.

And, fuck, it really is beautiful watching pleasure spread over her expression.

After we're finished, she collapses next to me.

I pull her comforter over us. Wrap my arms around her. Hold her close.

My breath slows.

My heart steadies.

My eyes get heavy.

I don't mean to fall asleep in her bed.

But I do.

I don't wake to the sliding glass door.

Or footsteps.

Or Kaylee's voice.

No.

I wake to Emma shrieking as she pulls the blanket to her chest.

To horror streaking Kaylee's eyes.

Brendon staring at me like I'm pure scum.

"Brendon." Kaylee's fingers curl around his wrist. "Maybe we should…"

He pulls his hand back.

His fingers curl into fists. But he just stands there. Still. Angry. Patient.

It would be easier if he was hitting me.

If he was calling me an asshole.

This…

Fuck, the disappointment is worse.

"Brendon—" I try to reach for an explanation, but there's nothing I can say. I've been lying to the guy for weeks. I've had time. I've had chances. I've had nothing but bullshit excuses.

"Don't." He turns and slams the door shut behind him.

Emma's eyes turn down. Her lips curl into a frown. Her fingers skim my chest. "You don't have to go."

"Em—"

"Please."

She sees it in my eyes.

How much this changes everything.

It shouldn't.

But it does.

It's so fucking clear from the way he looked at me.

I'm still a piece of shit.

I'm fucking up her family. Her job. Her friends.

She presses her lips to mine. It's short. Fast. Needy.

I want to stay.

To give her every ounce of my affection.

But I can't.

Not right now.

I shift off the bed and into my clothes.

"Hunter, please."

"I'll see you soon."

"When?"

"A couple days." I grab my wallet. My cell. My watch.

"But—"

"We need to let this blow over."

She shakes her head. "He needs to get over himself."

"Maybe. But he's the only brother you're ever going to have."

"Fuck him."

"Em—"

"Don't say it like that."

"Like what."

"Like you're breaking up with me."

I can't.

She gathers the blanket in her hand. Holds it to her chest as she slides off the bed. "Really?"

"We can do this later."

"Fuck you."

"Em—"

She pulls the door open and motions for me to leave. "Go to hell."

I could say I'm already there.

But I don't have the snappy response in me today.