Page 40 of Vexatious Queen

Ivy and Chantry scooted past. Jennifer and the other two minions, wisely, left as well. Vicky crossed her arms and glared at me.

“What do you want?”

“I want for this, whatever it is between us, to stop. You didn’t come here for Volatile, no matter what you say. I know that you came here to promote yourself, or cause trouble, or both. And honestly, if you just want to be clickbait, then go for it. Who am I to stop you? What I care about is that you didn’t think about the consequences of pretending you were drunk.”

“Oh my god, Ren, just stop. Nash doesn’t need you to be his savior. Besides, if anyone asks or questions the video, I’ll say I was acting for the live. No one was losing their liquor license or getting shut down over this. You’re blowing it way out of proportion, and probably because it’s me. If Ivy walked in here with that guy, would you have reacted the same way?”

Okay, she had me there. I shook my head.

“Vicky…I don’t know what to think about tonight. That is part of the problem between us. You’ve hated me or been angry at me since day one. What the hell am I supposed to think?”

She looked away, and I sighed, hating the animosity between us.

“Look, we’re family now, and I’d like to put all the crap behind us. But before that happens, I think you need to get real about what you’re actually angry about. You can say it’s me, but it’s obvious you’re drowning and lashing out. You have been for a while. I’m just an easy target. I don’t want to play this game with you anymore. I’m so tired of the bullshit.”

I stepped toward her, but she backed away as if my touch would burn her.

“Vicky, I want to try and be…sisters, and maybe one day, friends. But you have to stop acting as if I came here to destroy your life. You know that’s not true.”

Her lip quivered, and she turned away.

“Go to hell, Ren. I don’t want to be your anything, least of all call you family. Just stay away from me and let me live my life the way I want.”

Vicky yanked open the door and disappeared into the noise and flashing lights.

Sighing, I leaned against the wall to collect my thoughts. My phone vibrated, and I expected it to be Myles wondering if I was okay. But when I pulled it out, the screen glowed with Sabastian’s name.

Sabastian: Hey, I just wanted to check on Ivy, make sure she is okay. Is she alright?

R: She’s okay, but why are you texting me and not her?

Sabastian: Figured she wouldn’t answer me.

R: Fair enough. I’m not sure it’s my place, and I’ve already been accused of interfering tonight, but….she really does love you and never meant for this to happen.

Sabastian: Loves me so much she kissed another guy.

R: I can’t talk. I’m with five guys. Maybe you and Zigzag can find a way to share her?

Sabastian: LMFAO! Not a chance. I love her, but no. I don’t share, and certainly not my girl.

R: Anything you want me to tell her?

Sabastian: No. Thanks for letting me know she’s okay.

R: You’re welcome, and for the record, I hope you two work this out.

I had just locked my phone when a series of texts came through from an unknown number.

“What the hell,” I mumbled as I clicked on the message.

Unknown: Twinkle, twinkle, in your bed,

All the lies inside your head.

When the lights go out tonight,

I’ll be waiting out of sight.