Stuck On You novel Chapter 24

The next day, I didn’t wake up until the last minute. I got up and got dressed. Hayden had been up for hours before me but he let me sleep in. Practice was like a wakeup call. I wanted to just stay in bed with Hayden all day, but here I was, around people. We stretched before we started. Sophia was still here. We worked on lifts; today of all days. I hissed in a breath as Hayden pulled up on my waist for the millionth time. My bruises were really tender. I balled up in the air before I pulled Hayden’s hands off of me. I sighed and put my hands to my face.

“What’s wrong?” Hayden asked worried. I sighed and just lifted a corner of my skin-tight tank top that I strategically wore to cover the bruises trailing across my flat stomach. My hickey was still showing though. He chuckled and kissed my cheek. “Oh yeah, I almost forgot,” he said. I rolled my eyes and looked at the others spread around the room working the same thing. I saw Sophia walking towards us. She put her hands on her hips as she neared us.

“What’s the problem?” she asked loudly, drawing attention to us. “No more fire?” she smirked. Hayden was practically glaring at her.

“This is hurting her,” Hayden seethed. The others were walking over now. I put a hand on his chest gently.

“It’s okay,” I said softly. I turned back to Sophia. “I’m fine,” I lied. Sophia shrugged her shoulders and took a few steps back.

“Let’s see it then,” she said. I sighed and took a beat before I spun into Hayden and leaped. His hands held my waist and I winched again. I stopped and Hayden lowered me to the ground. I sighed and rested my hands on my back as I looked away from the crew and Sophia.

“Jo, what’s wrong?” Quinn asked worried. I shot her a fake smile.

“Nothing, I guess I’m just tired,” I lied.

“I’ll take you home,” Hayden offered. I shook my head.

“We can just work the routine without the lifts for now,” I said. Luca walked over and lifted my tank top. I sighed and closed my eyes briefly.

“What the hell?” Luca breathed. I pushed my shirt back down and took a step away from him. Everyone was silent for a moment before Jason broke out laughing. Everyone looked at him confused. He couldn’t control it. He was laughing so hard, tears were coming out of his eyes. He only pointed at Hayden.

“Dude, you banged her, didn’t you?” he finally got out. Hayden smirked and looked away from everyone, trying to hide it. “I was wondering where you got those scratches from,” Jason said as he started calming down. Hayden looked at him curiously.