Chapter 701

Wayne’s patience had been tested plenty over the past decade, but that didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy messing with him now and then.

“Sorry, Wayne. Got held up with something,” I said, plastering on a half-apologetic smile as I sat down.

“No worries. As long as you’re here, I don’t mind waiting.” His overly sweet tone was borderline cringe-worthy. I ducked my head, pretending to rearrange the utensils so I wouldn’t have to meet his gaze.

Wayne waved a waiter over, motioning for me to order first. But honestly, I was still stuffed from the saucy braised meatballs I’d devoured earlier. Not wanting to seem rude, though, I picked a couple of random dishes off the menu.

When the food arrived, it wasn’t just what I’d ordered. Wayne had taken it upon himself to add a bunch of extra dishes to the table.

“We’re just here for a simple meal, to eat and be full. Ordering this much is a bit much,” I said, gesturing at the spread. “We’re probably wasting food.”

“I only ordered what I know you like,” he replied, his tone easy. “Just try a little of everything. Whatever’s left, we’ll pack up to take home.”

Well, since he’d already gone overboard, arguing was pointless. I decided to let it slide.

“Want some red wine?” Wayne asked.

His offer immediately reminded me of the last time I’d faked being drunk. I’d gone all in with the act, even claiming total memory loss afterward.

Facing Wayne’s expectant gaze—his eyes sharp with curiosity—I forced a cheerful tone. “Sure. But if I drink too much, you’ll have to take me home.”

“Of course,” he replied smoothly, signaling the waiter to pour us both a glass of red wine.

We didn’t have much to talk about, but Wayne came prepared. He steered the conversation toward childhood memories, even bringing up how Jace and I used to ignore him back then.

The mention of Jace brought back the image of him coughing up blood. I couldn’t help but wonder—was it just anger that caused it, or was there something seriously wrong with him?

“Have you seen Jace lately?” I asked.

“No. We’re enemies now. If he saw me, he’d probably go out of his way to avoid me,” Wayne said, his tone calm.

I put on an awkward expression. “In the end, this is all because of me. I’m the reason you two can’t get along.”

“This has nothing to do with you,” Wayne said. “It’s his fault for not cherishing you. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me…” His gaze was filled with affection. “It’s my fault for not controlling my feelings.”

Back when I was clueless about his feelings, his looks didn’t faze me. But now, every time he stared at me like that, it sent chills down my spine.

It was bizarre. Hayden had looked at me like that. Jace had looked at me like that. Even Cole had given me similar glances. But somehow, Wayne’s gaze made me feel the most unsettled.

Dinner dragged on painfully, every moment an ordeal. I couldn’t relax, so I turned to my tried-and-true escape: fake drunkenness.

This time, with some experience under my belt, I sold the act even better. Slurring my words, I leaned back in my chair. “I don’t want you to take me home. I want Hayden to pick me up.”

Before he could react, I fumbled with my phone, pretending to struggle as I dialed Xander’s number. “Hayden,” I said, my voice thick with faked drunkenness, “come get me. I’ve had too much… Hurry, okay? I can’t even stand straight… I’ll wait for you, okay? Mwah…”

Wayne grabbed my arm but didn’t stop me from flirting with the person on the other end of the line. When I finally hung up, his expression shifted, and he tightened his grip. “Rea, think straight for a second. Hayden is gone. That guy on the phone isn’t him.”

I stared at him, wide-eyed, before shoving him hard. “You’re lying! Hayden’s fine! He’s coming to get me… You’re just jealous of him. That’s why you’re saying this, isn’t it?”

Wayne’s voice dropped, his tone low. “Rea, do I need to try a different approach? Maybe then you’ll stop clinging to Hayden and finally listen to me.”

A chill ran through me, and my heart skipped a beat. Without thinking, I turned to bolt.

But Wayne was faster. He caught me in an instant and yanked me into his arms. Before I could even react, his lips were on mine.