Chapter 25
Collins POV
The kiss felt electrifying, and for a moment, it was just Joanne and me. Everything else mine. I was still processing what had just happened when I noticed her smirk.
e faded away. She pulled back, her lips lingering close to
“Looks like someone’s watching us,” she said playfully, directing my attention behind her
I turned and felt my heart sink when I saw Poppy standing there, her eyes wide with disbelief. She looked like a deer caught in headlights, and I felt a surge of panic. “Uh–oh,” I muttered under my breath.
out teasingly
voice low and
Joanne glanced back and smirked even more, enjoying the moment. “You okay over there. Poppy” she called out ter Poppy’s face morphed into a seething glare as she took a step forward. “What do you think you’re doing. Collins?” she spat, her v intense. “How could you do this to me?”
“I wasn’t doing anything to you I defended, feeling a mix of guilt and annoyance. “This was between Joanne and me. Besides, it’s not what you
think!
“Between you and her?” Poppy echoed incredulously. “Kissing like that in front of everyonel Were you hoping I wouldn’t see it! Also, not what I luckin think?! Let me guess, bee lips just grew wings and latched themselves on yours huh?!”
“Poppy, chill out.” I said,
said, trying to maintain my composure. “This is a party, and things happen,”
“Things? You call that just things?” Poppy shouted, her face red with anger. “What were you thinking? What happened to us?”
“Maybe we should start thinking about what you dismissively called her a moment ago!” I shot back, my voice rising as frustration boiled inside me “You have no respect for her, and I won’t let you belittle her!”
Joanne stood beside me, watching the situation unfold with intrigue. She seemed amused, and I could feel a new confidence rise in me. I was tired of Poppy’s accusations.
“Don’t take her side, Collins Poppy demanded, shaking her head furiously. “She’s not worth it! You’re cheating on me right in front of everyone? “Cheating?” I barked, feeling the anger burn through me. “You have no idea what you’re talking about and where is this fucking everyone? This is a private room you’ll drag people into with you screaming”
“I don’t have to listen to this!” Poppy shrieked, her voice piercing the air. “You think this is okay? I trusted you!”
“Then you shouldn’t have acted so shallow!” I yelled back, feeling the tension in the air tighten. “You called her a commoner. You made this about
Joanne crossed her arms, observing the whole exchange with a satisfied smile. “This is getting good,” she whispered to me, but I kept my focus on Poppy
Poppy’s eyes narrowed, filled with rage. “This is what you wanted all along, isn’t it. Colling To run back to her?”
“No! I didn’t want to run back to anyone! I was just trying to figure things out!” I said, trying to keep my voice steady but feeling my patience wearing thin
“Figure things out! You think kissing her and flaunting it around will solve everything?” Poppy snapped, ignoring my words. “I’ll make sure everyone knows what you’re doing. You’ll regret it!”
1 could feel the anger and frustration babbling over. “Don’t you dare threaten her! I shot back, pointing a finger at her. “You have no idea how strong she ist
“Strong! You think she’s strong” Poppy scoffed. “Just look at her! All she does is flaunt and act like she’s better than everyone!” “Maybe she is!” I yelled, the intensity rising “She’s proud of who she is, Poppy! Something you should learn to be as well!” “What I should learn is how to keep my mate from ranting back to his past Poppy shouted, her voice filled with rage. “Running back to his past? You’re seriously deluded!” Lexclaimed, throwing my hands up in frustration. “You have no right to claim me when you
people like thair
Joanne stood a little taller beside me, eyes glinting with defunce as she watched the scene unfold. “You’re making this worse for yourself, Poppy,” she called out, “You need in reflect on how you treat people, even if they’re not who you think they should be.”
“Don’t lecture me?” Poppy screamed, her face scarlet. “You’re nothing but a nuisance in my life! I’ll deal with your Even if it’s the last thing I do, I will fuckin ter you down”
11.30PM
Chapter 25
“If you want to deal with me,” I said, moving closer to Poppy, “then you better take a good hard look at yourself first.”
Poppy’s cheeks shook with rage. “You think you’re so clever! I’m done with you both! You’ll see how this ends!”
“Poppy, stop!” I warned, feeling the weight of what was at stake. “You don’t want to make enemies here. You’re just hurting yourself in the long run!”
“Go ahead, keep defending her!” Poppy shouted back, her voice trembling. “Maybe you really are meant for each other!”
“Just go!” I yelled, tired of the drama. “Leave me and her out of it!”
Joanne stepped closer to me, her presence steadying. “Don’t let her get to you,” she said softly, “Just focus on what you want.”
“I know,” I replied, looking into her eyes. “The question is: what do you want?
“Right now?” she said, her voice suddenly lighter. “I want to enjoy this party without all the noise which the both of you keep making so get the fuck, out of my way. Good bye and goodnight.” And with that, she walked away and I was stunned.
“Huh. huh?!”
As she turned back toward the party, I could see Poppy moving away, humiliation etched on her face. I felt a mix of emotions–frustration, anger, relief–but mostly, I felt a sense of clarity. I wanted to figure this out, and I didn’t need to deal with Poppy’s drama.
AD
