Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 186

ALLISON’S POV

Celeste tilts her head, staring at me like I just said the dumbest thing in the world. “What?”

“Let me make it clearer,” I say, my voice tight. “Why did you rip my dress?”

She scoffs, then flicks her gaze to Justin, giving him a look like I’m being dramatic. Like I’m crazy.

Is this girl actually serious right now?

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she says flatly. “You shouldn’t just make things up, Allie.

It makes you look crazy.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, curling my fingers at my sides. The anger in my chest is hot, begging to explode but I force it down. Causing a scene right now would only give her what she wants.

Still, I step closer, jabbing a finger at her chest and she looks down at my hand like I’ve just contaminated her.

“I saw you,” I jab her shoulder. “You ran right after stepping on my dress. You weren’t fast enough, not even close.”

Justin moves up behind me, resting a hand on my back, and leaning in slightly. “Allison, let it go.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m done with her bullshit.”

“What bullshit?” Celeste snaps, her face twisting into a scowl. She jabs a finger toward Justin. “Are you doing this for his attention? Because this is the lowest you’ve ever gone.”

“You-”

“Don’t talk about her like that.” Justin cuts in, and both of us pause.

He steps fully beside me now, his gaze locked on Celeste. The edge in his tone makes her falter, her confidence slipping for the first time tonight. If I’m shocked, she’s downright stunned.

Guys usually avoid girl drama like the plague or at least, that’s what Sean always did. Anytime I needed him to step in, he’d brush it off, and say it wasn’t his business. So hearing Justin defend me so easily isn’t something I’m quite used to.

“Allison doesn’t make things up for attention,” he continues. “So the real question is, are you going to apologize for ripping her dress?”

Celeste’s mouth opens, then closes again, like she’s glitching and I don’t even bother hiding my smirk. So much for her something with Justin. Whatever she thought they had, it clearly doesn’t measure up.

I tilt my head, folding my arms. “Go on.”

“Why are you taking her side?” she finally blurts. “She’s lying and I can’t-”

“There you are!” Aaron’s voice echoes as he strides toward us, a wide grin on his face. “Time for dinner, people. I’m starving.”

He stops beside Celeste, his eyes flicking between us before settling on me. “You’re with me, tonight. Lead actress privilege.”

“Me?” I ask, instinctively glancing at Justin.

Somehow, his arm has tightened around my waist, his jaw clenched, and eyes dark as he stares Aaron down. And suddenly, it hits me. I’ve seen this look before. So many times.

Whenever Sean showed up around me even when we were dating, whenever a guy got too close, whenever Justin snapped at me and I thought I’d done something wrong. He always had this expression on his face.

He wasn’t being annoying. I always thought he was just broody and rude. No, he was actually jealous and possessive.

The realization knocks air out of my lungs, heat rushing to my face as I stare at him.

“Allie?” Aaron’s voice pulls me back. I blink, and steal one last glance at Justin before turning to him. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Um… I’m cool with anything,” I say, then gesture at Justin. “He’s with me tonight, so—”

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