Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

CHAPTER 81 LUKE

Prom night. The pinnacle of teenage dreams. The night everyone looked forward to-the night everyone was supposed to remember for the rest of their lives.

"What a fucking waste of my time," I grumbled, hiding behind a goddamn pillar, bored out of my skull. At the same time, Tiffany hunted me like some over-enthusiastic predator to drag me onto the dance floor.

I took another swig from the flask, letting the whiskey burn its way down my throat, then tucked it away before someone saw it. I pulled at the tie to breathe better, and this fucking suit wasn't helping either.

Josh leaned against the pillar next to me, his shoulders slumped, looking as defeated as ever. Laura hadn't shown up, and Jess...well, I hadn't expected her to come. At least, that's what I told myself. But there was that tiny, nagging part of me that hoped she'd walk through those doors, look around, and find me.

Stupid.

"Fucking hell, this night sucks balls," Josh muttered, his words slightly slurred. He glanced over at me, his eyes bleary but determined, as if he'd reached some kind of epiphany. He grabbed my shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong, and turned me to face him. "You know, man-I don't want you to feel like

CHAPTER 81

this. If you love her, go get her. I sure as hell tried-failed-but at least I tried."

trying to process his words. Love? Why the fuck was

Do I love Jess?

at the idea. He said it like it

off a ticking time bomb, waiting

know I can't, man." My voice was low. "I'm bad for her. Look at my father-what

turning serious as he stared me down, his eyes sharp despite the alcohol. "You will never

was his son, wasn't I? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I'm destined to be just like him, to ruin everything I touched.

more resolve. "You're better than that. Better than him. Jess...she deserves someone who's gonna fight for her. Someone who won't

whisky for you. You sound like a teenage girl, Love conquers all bullshit." I joked, trying

11 238 Movers

repeat my father's mistakes. But the fear was always there, lurking in the back of my mind, whispering that I wasn't good enough

yourself all you want, but don't

were swaying under the dim lights, lost in their own

cheeks warmed when I ... Those tiny breaths

I was about to suggest we ditch this whole scene when suddenly, the double doors to the ballroom burst open. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, cutting through the noise of the crowd. Josh and I both leaned out from behind the pillar, trying to get

sight of Sam. Her face was twisted in panic, her eyes wide with fear. She was pushing through the crowd, her steps frantic,