“Hey!” A man she hadn’t seen before lifted his hand, gaining everyone’s attention. “Got a brilliant fucking idea. They should fight it out.”
His friend beside him raised his bottle of beer. “Yeah, and they should do it topless.”
The joke seemed to amuse everyone. Except Cleo.
When Gent walked to the middle of the room, she thought hemight shut down the ridiculous and disgusting suggestion. He looked between her and the two girls, then his sinister smile emerged. “Good old fashion fistfight. Winner gets the flowers.”
Was he serious? Fighting wasn’t an option. If she lived the rest of her life never getting hit again, it wouldn’t be enough to dissolve the pain she’d suffered at someone else’s hands. Her stomach twisted and a thick knot formed in her throat. Old memories coming to the surface had Cleo retreating.
The dark-haired girl sauntered over to Gent, wrapping her arm around his waist, curling into his side. “I’m game.”
“What do you say, darlin’?” Gent slapped the girl on the ass and winked at Cleo. “Love a fucking girl fight.”
He was serious. Pure panic had set in. Cleo ran from the room and down the hall. The main area was a packed house, but she was desperately seeking out help. Maybe she should’ve let it go. Most people would.But they’re mine!
Ghost would’ve been the best ally in her position, but he rarely stayed long at parties, opting for solitude. He could’ve been in his room, on the roof, or out for a ride. Cleo didn’t have time to go looking. It would be too late. She hiked up on her toes scanning the room. Her next best option would be Cypher. A quick glance and she didn’t see him. Cleo raced up to the bar, wedging herself between two groups.
“Joker!” she shouted.
He glanced over his shoulder and immediately rolled his eyes when they made eye contact. For a brief second, she thought he’d ignore her. If Joker had a shit list, she had no doubt she was on the top of it. Begrudgingly, he walked over.
“What?”
“Have you seen Ghost?”
He shook his head, continuing to grab a few beers. She scanned the room, but it would be impossible to find him in the crowd, especially if he was out back.Plan B.
“What about Cypher?”
“Before…” Joker turned, and she reached out, grabbing the sleeve of his shirt.
“Where?”
Joker glared down at her hand, but Cleo refused to let go and tugged him a bit. “Please, just tell me where he is.”
“Upstairs, I think. Don’t bother him. You got enough violations walking in on people fucking.”
Cleo could have taken it as a dig, but Joker was being honest, and it almost sounded like a warning or reminder. She let go and bit her nail, darting her gaze through the sea of people. Cross and Ace were on the opposite side, but she knew better than to ask either of them for help in a situation they’d probably deem ridiculous.
She continued to scan the room and locked eyes with Wraith, who was sitting at the main table. Had he been watching her? He curled his finger, calling her over to him. He would definitely find it incredibly silly.Right?
As she made her way through the crowd, Wraith had kept his eyes trained on her. Nervous energy swarmed her belly. She stopped a foot away.
“What’s wrong?”
She licked her lips, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. “C-can you help me, please?”
Wraith immediately stood, pushing his chair back with so much force, it slammed into the man behind him. Wraith didn’t even look back. He stepped in front of Cleo, a breath away.
“What the fuck’s wrong?”
She cleared her throat. “It’s going to sound silly, I think, but…”
Wraith slid his hand over her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “Tell me.”
Ohhh.Cleo’s mind went blank. She was solely focused on Wraith’s hand on her face. A heat swept over her skin and her heart began to race.
“Cleo.” He said.
