Chapter 2

2.

"Summer, I've never actually seen a real-life lapdog before. You'll have to introduce me sometime."

Zander Thorne, who had been focused on his phone, finally looked up and pulled Summer into his lap.

Summer giggled and leaned against his chest. "No problem, babe."

Watching their blatant intimacy sent a sharp, throbbing pain through my chest.

I knew Summer was only with Zander because his family was wealthier than the Sterlings.

But at least Zander actually had her.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and finally pushed the door open.

Summer's face went pale for a split second, and she scrambled out of Zander's arms.

She tried to act like nothing had happened.

She was terrified that if I saw her with another man, I'd get jealous and become harder to control.

Seeing my gaze fixed on her, she cleared her throat. "When did you get here? What are you doing here?"

I walked toward her with a faint smile and handed her the garment bag draped over my arm.

"Didn't you text me to bring your coat?"

Summer looked at the cashmere coat, then back at me.

"I never sent a text. If you wanted to see me, just say so. You don't need to make up such a pathetic excuse."

My heart hit rock bottom as I looked at the contempt in her eyes.

Zander stood up and took the coat, his eyes full of mockery. "Actually, I sent the text. Thanks, man."

"Summer mentioned you're working as a server now. I bet leaving mid-shift cost you a chunk of change. Here, let me cover your loss."

He pulled out a thick roll of bills and tossed them into the air, letting them scatter at my feet.

I fought back the urge to scream. "Thanks, but no thanks."

Zander sat back down next to Summer, looking smug.

Summer glared at me, her voice dripping with irritation. "Mason, what is wrong with your attitude? Zander is being generous. Don't be an ungrateful prick."

I stared at her for a long time. Finally, I knelt down and picked up the scattered cash.

"Thank you for the tip, Mr. Thorne. I'll get out of your way now."

I couldn't breathe in that room for another second.

Clutching the money, I bolted for the exit.

As I walked out the door, I heard Zander's voice trailing behind me. "Acting all high and mighty for a guy with nothing. What a loser."

Summer let out a sharp laugh.

"I have no idea what Snow Sinclair sees in him. If he weren't useful, I would have blocked him ages ago. He's honestly so freaking annoying."

My heart felt numb.

I had always known she was using me.

I just wanted to give her one last chance to prove me wrong.

But now, I was truly done.

I decided then and there that I would give her exactly what she wanted.