Page 52 of Undone

Not a chance.

Little Sis: Feels like that’s not enough, to have just helped out that one time. What about all the bad blood between our families? They tried to steal from us, King. She’s one of THEM

Now I’m riled up, anger bubbling inside me. I hate how everyone lumps Juliet in with her family just because her last name’s Capelli. She’s not like them, and I know it. I’ve seen it time and time again.

King: Only by blood. She can’t help her family ties, Pops. You know that

Little Sis: Damn, you must have it bad for her

Heat rushes to my face, but I ignore the jab. Nothing good will come from responding.

Little Sis: She must be really good in bed

Okay. Now Poppy’s crossing the line.

King: Shut the hell up

Little Sis: So you’re admitting you’re sleeping with her. Fabulous

Little Sis: Seriously, King. You could have any girl in town. Why her?

Because she’s cute, and sweet, and sassy. She fits beneath the crook of my arm perfectly, and I love the way her face lights up when she laughs. Her scent’s intoxicating, and she’s the most free-spirited person I know besides Poppy.

Also, my mother loved her. She was the only person who knew about the baby, wrapping her arms around Juliet after the miscarriage, drying her tears and murmuring everything was going to be okay.

But I’m not telling my little sister any of this. It’s none of her damn business.

King: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Also very doubtful I could have any girl in town, judging from my past dating record

Little Sis: So you’re settling for a Capelli?

Ouch. That one stings. And is unfair—and untrue.

If anyone’s settling here, it’s definitely Juliet.

I growl down at my phone, tapping out several responses before going with:

King: Stay out of it, Poppy

Mercifully, she doesn’t respond. She’s either super pissed or super busy. Either way, I’m off the hook. For now.

But tough conversations need to be had, and I better figure out what I’m going to say.

My cell vibrates again, and I squint at the screen in aggravation. If Poppy keeps coming after me, I’m going to end up saying something I regret. I know it because it happens every damn time.

Push. Push. Push. Until she shoves me right over the edge.

But it’s not from Poppy.

Rose Queen: Can I come over again tonight? That way we can get an early start in the morning

I feel my frown relax, turning into a grin as I stare down at the phone, my gut unclenching.

King: Of course. When will you get here? I’ll wait up

Rose Queen: I finish my shift at 10, then I have to swing by my apartment and grab my stuff. So probably won’t be there until 11

King: Okay. Want me to pick you up?