“Stay with one of us at all times, honey. Even if you need to use the bathroom. And don’t you dare accept a drink from anyone but me, Axel, or Nik. Got it?”
“Got it,” I agree easily. I have zero interest in being drugged or assaulted tonight.
As we slip into the dark, thumping house, Axel and Johnny both reach for my hands again, one on each side. The music inside is deafening, the lights are strobe-bright and flashing, and the air is thick with sweat, sex, and alcohol. Bodies grind together on the makeshift dance floor in a way that stirssomething inside of me. I’ve never been to a club, but I’m guessing it’s a lot like this.
Johnny leads us steadily toward the lit-up kitchen, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. It doesn’t take long to spot Nik, beer in hand and leaning casually against the counter.
“Lina!” he perks up when he sees me. He straightens and walks over, but stops just shy of reaching me, arms open in invitation. I step into his waiting arms willingly, wrapping my own around his neck. There’s no hesitation on his end. He wraps me up tight and lifts me off the ground, making me squeal as my feet dangle in the air.
He sets me down gently, but doesn’t let go.
“Hey, you,” he murmurs close to my ear, and his voice is warm, almost raspy. It makes a shiver run down my spine.
“Hey, you,” I echo, a little breathless.
Axel’s voice cuts through the moment like a knife. “Hey, asshole. How much have you had to drink?”
Nik raises a cool brow. “Not enough to put up with that attitude.”
He releases me, sliding his hand to rest protectively on my lower back. Axel’s jaw tics. The tension crackles. Helping myself to Nik’s cup, I take a long sip of the disgusting beer just to have something to do.
Thankfully, Johnny, ever the peacekeeper, steps in like a lifeline. “They’ve got drinking games out back. Be my partner?” He doesn’t wait for my answer, just laces his fingers through mine and guides me away.
We step out onto the back patio, the fresh air hitting my face like a balm. The backyard is just as packed as the front, but the energy’s completely different. It’s more organized. Tables are set up for games, and there’s an actual rhythm to the crowd.
To my disappointment, Johnny releases my hand as we move through the groups, and a few people call out greetings to him. I notice most of the backyard is filled with college-aged students, leaving the high schoolers to rule the inside and front yard.
“Want to play?” Johnny asks, nodding toward one of the folding tables.
“I’ve never played before,” I admit. “I don’t think I’ll be any good.”
“It’s easy.” He leads me over and gestures toward a table where red cups are already arranged. “This one’s called flip cup. You drink the beer in the cup as fast as you can, then set the empty cup near the edge of the table so it just hangs off.” He points at a guy mid-play. “Then you try to flip it upside down using only your fingers. We play in teams. First team to finish wins.”
I watch the players with wide eyes. It actually looks kind of fun and low pressure.
I drain the last of my beer. “Let’s do it.”
Chapter 21
Two games later, I’ve got a solid buzz going. The solo cups were only filled about a third of the way, but between my lack of experience and the pace of the games, I’m definitely flirting with drunk territory.
“You’re a natural,” Johnny praises, tossing his empty cup into the grass as we win our second round.
I shrug, trying to downplay my pride. “All you have to do is flip the cup at the right angle with the appropriate amount of pressure. You said it yourself, it’s easy.”
He groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “Jesus. I have no idea how, but you just made ‘angles and pressure’ sound sexy.”
I snort. “Come on. I want to find Axel and Nik.”
We head back inside through the kitchen, and sure enough, they’re right where we left them. They’re leaning against the counter, mid-laugh, like nothing ever phased them. Jessie’s pouring herself a drink and practically bounces when she sees me.
“Lina!” she squeals, eyes gleaming. “Come dance with us!”
She grabs my wrist and starts tugging. I hesitate for half a second, remembering Johnny’s words about going nowhere without them, and glance over my shoulder. Three sets of eyes meet mine. Axel, Johnny, and Nik. All watching. All waiting.
“Someone bring me a drink?” I ask, my eyes bouncing between them.How could I possibly choose?
Jessie pulls me toward the living room, and I let her, trusting at least one of them will follow. The beat of the musicthumps through the floor, the crowd is thick, and the air smells like sweat, cologne, and cheap beer.
