Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The morning after a hangover meant a splitting migraine. I rubbed my temples and opened my eyes—only to see Owen’s face.

The world crashed down around me. I slept with my best friend’s brother. I’d never been with anyone before, but the soreness in my body told me exactly what had happened. Recalling last night’s chaos, my face burned. He was… really good.

I awkwardly pulled my hand off his chest, slipped on my clothes, and tried to sneak away like nothing had happened. But he opened his eyes, grabbed my wrist, and yanked me back onto the bed. His dark eyes bore into mine.

“Sister, use me up and then act like nothing happened?”

“We’re adults—we used each other. No strings. I don’t need you to take responsibility, so don’t feel guilty.” I forced a smile.

“Is this what you always do?”

I froze, too cowardly to answer. After a long silence, he spat out one word: “Go.”

“O-okay.” I scrambled up and ran out, not daring to look back. Behind me, I heard him roar: “You actually left? Perfect.”

Outside, I leaned against the wall, gasping. I’m such a heartbreaker, I thought. But I’m a lifelong single!

I hid at my own place for days, too scared to go back to Owen’s. Finally, I asked Lila—and found out he’d gone out of town for research, gone for weeks. I exhaled in relief. Safe.

On a sunny day, I went back to collect my things. The apartment felt different, like a lifetime ago. I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door—only for it to swing open from the outside.

Please don’t be Owen, I prayed.

It was Owen. With his friends.

One of them looked at me and grinned. “Owen, is this the heartbreaker ex you were talking about?”

I felt like I was on the executioner’s block—all the guys stared at me, eyes glowing. Just smile, I told myself. If you can’t say something nice, say nothing.

Ex? We never dated! …Well, we did what couples do. For one night. Kinda an ex?

Owen glanced at me. “Yeah. Total heartbreaker.”

Great. You’re spreading lies about me. Awesome. I stared at him coldly. “How did I ‘break your heart’?”

“You led me on. Refused to take responsibility.”

The guys’ eyes widened, and they scattered. Soon, it was just the two of us.

Fine. I did it. I admit it. I’m screwed. I’d slept with a guy who lied about me.