Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver shot Finley a glare sharp enough to cut through the thick tension in the room. "You think you can compare to Josie?"

Finley threw up his hands in surrender. "Man, I can't hold a candle to your precious Josie, alright? I was just running my mouth. My bad, I'll zip it. Happy now?"

Just then, the door to the private booth swung open.

Shay sashayed in, decked out in a plunging black cocktail dress that hugged her curves. Her lush waves cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was done to the nines, turning every head in the room.

"Sorry I'm late, guys."

Finley's jaw nearly hit the floor as he stared at Shay, unable to blink. "Shay, look at you! Late? You couldn't be late if you tried."

Oliver set down his wine glass with a clink, his gaze cool as he turned to Finley. "Thought it was just us tonight?"

Shay quickly chimed in, eager to clear the air. "Oliver, don't be mad at Finley. It wasn't his idea to invite me. I heard you guys were hanging out and I just... showed up."

An icy aura seemed to radiate from Oliver as he locked eyes with Shay, his words cutting like a blade. "Shay Cunningham! You're not family, so cut the 'brother' act. It's nauseating!"

With that, Oliver stood up, his anger carrying him swiftly towards the door.

blocking his way with a defiant lift of her chin. Her eyes brimmed with tears, her gaze soft and pleading. The delicate skin exposed beneath

do you have to be like this, Oliver? I never wanted to make you angry. That's not why I'm here, I

to the

just chill out, okay? Sit down, have a drink

glare was icy as he shot back.

fathom why Oliver had such a vendetta against

of the fathers out on

Oliver grabbed a throw pillow from the couch ande thrust it at Shay with

eline

her

the ground without blink:

laying a linger on

her s

fragile as a

no chance against Oliver's

fell, her tear-streaked face looking up at him her

Oliver didn't spare a glance

as if chased by demons only