Chapter 5

Lina's POV

Ethan's expression visibly darkened, a flash of shock and anger crossing his eyes.

Maya hadn't expected me to admit it so readily either. After a stunned moment, she excitedly pressed on. "Is it someone we know? Quick, tell us who!"

I set down my glass, my gaze sweeping past Ethan before finally landing on Maya. Then I smiled. "Secret."

Ethan slammed his lighter down on the table. The glass surface let out a sharp crack.

"Lina! You'll make up anything just to piss me off?"

His friends chimed in. "Yeah, Lina. Everyone knows you used to have eyes only for Ethan. Saying you'd be interested in other men-who'd believe that?"

"Exactly! Who could compare to someone as high-quality as Ethan?"

Everyone took turns with their teasing commentary, none of them believing I could be interested in any man besides Ethan.

They all thought I was just throwing a tantrum. I silently sneered but offered no explanation.

The Truth or Dare continued. The pointer spun and stopped in front of me again.

Maya smiled. "Let's do dare this time."

"Call the first male contact in your recent calls and tell him: I miss you, come pick me up."

People around started egging it on.

"Everyone knows Lina's contacts are just Ethan and delivery guys. This call's probably going to some food delivery driver, right?"

I took out my phone.

First in my call history, labeled: Mr. B.

As in, Adrian Blackwood.

Ethan glanced at the screen and sneered.

"Mr. B? Well, well. Lina's learned to keep a backup, has she?"

He jerked his chin. "Call him. Speaker."

I pressed dial and turned on speaker.

The phone rang only once before being answered. A low, cool male voice came through. "Hello."

The room quieted slightly.

I spoke into the phone, tone flat as I recited the script. "I miss you. Come pick me up."

"Address is Azure Bay."

Two seconds of silence on the other end. Then a short reply. "Okay."

Click.

The call ended.

The whole room went quiet for a moment, then burst into mocking laughter.

"Lina, you found yourself a pretty good actor! Great teamwork!"

Ethan laughed even harder, sprawled back on the sofa, dripping with contempt. "Lina, you're really going out of your way to upset me. Is it fun, hiring some random guy to put on a show?"

He tapped his watch. "If nobody shows up, you're drinking everything on this table."

I ignored their mockery, picked up my bag and stood. "Then let's go to the entrance and see."

The whole group followed in a mighty procession, waiting to watch me make a fool of myself.

Ethan walked in front with his arm around Chloe, a confident smile on his face.