Twisted Stars (Hardest Mistakes #3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

so peaceful. Nothing in the dark, hungry world outside can touch me here.
    “So, you like books?” Jayden asks quietly, his husky voice sending a shiver down my spine.
    I nod and run my fingers over the spines of the books on the nearest shelf. “Do you?”
    He follows me down the aisle. “I love books. The way humans can write things so full of hope and love—it makes me wonder how the world has become such a bad place when people can create such beautiful things.”
    I stare at him. That has got to be the most he has ever spoken to me at once.
    He frowns. “What?”
    “I—nothing. That was just beautiful—that’s all.”
    He looks away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”
    “No!” I jump forward and grab his arm. “Never, ever , apologize for loving something.” He meets my gaze. Something odd glitters in his eyes before he looks away again and selects a book off the shelf.
     
    ***
     
    The night of the party arrives, and I’m still sitting in front of my mirror, staring at my reflection at ten to nine. Dylan will be here any minute, and I’m not even ready.
    Sure enough, the doorbell rings, announcing Dylan’s arrival.
    “Jayden? Could you let Dylan in?”
    I listen to Jayden’s soft footsteps as he answers the door for me. A moment later, Dylan is standing at my bedroom door. “Hey, who’s the guy who let me in?” I shake my head and lean forward to apply mascara. He frowns and then concern creases his brow. “You’re not ready? You’re always ready on time. Is everything okay?”
    “I’m fine.” I am fine, aren’t I?
    I finish up, and we drive to the party in silence. Before I jump out of the car, Dylan grabs my arm to stop me. “Any time you want to leave, just come and find me, okay?” I nod once and pull my arm from his grasp.
    The house is packed. I sink into the crowd, no one giving me a second glance as I pass. I find the kitchen quickly and pour myself a drink. My eyes scan the people around me, searching for something familiar. Brooke is standing in the corner of the lounge, making out with Kelly while people dance around them.
    I lean up against the counter and sip my drink. I miss Sammy. Why did they have to move so far away?
    “This is what people do for fun? Seems kind of boring.”
    I lift my eyes to Jayden and arch an eyebrow at him. “How did you know where I was going?” The corner of his mouth lifts in a small smile, but he doesn’t answer. I roll my eyes and hand him my drink. “Sadly, I think I may have finally outgrown the fun of parties.”
    He trails me through the house and out onto the back patio. There are fewer people out here. Less noise. I lean over the railing and gaze out at the forest bordering the house’s yard. Jayden leans down beside me, our shoulders barely touching.
    I don’t look at him as I say, “I haven’t seen you all week, and now you’re following me?” I’m only joking with him, but he doesn’t catch on.
    “I’ve been…busy.” He doesn’t even sound like he believes himself.
    I smile and nudge his shoulder with mine. “I was only kidding.” He nods but doesn’t say anything. He never really has much to say. “You’re not much of a conversationalist, are you?”
    He shrugs. “I don’t have anything interesting to say usually.”
    I look down at my hands. “Jayden…”
    “Yeah?”
    I shake my head; it was just a silly thought. “Nothing.”
    His fingers twitch. He hesitates and then places his hand over mine. I suck in a quiet breath at the contact and hold still, afraid that if I move he might run.
    “There you are!”
    Jayden pulls his hand away. I turn to glare at Connor, standing in the doorway. He stumbles over to us and wraps his arm around my shoulder. He stinks of alcohol. I grimace and try to push him off me.
    “How ’bout you and me get out of here?” he whispers really loudly. I glance at Jayden. He scratches his head and turns away, embarrassed.
    Even drunk, Connor is too strong. He drags me back to the