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Ghost took her hand. “I told you—I don't run anymore.” Her heart squeezed because she wouldn’t run anymore either.

A microphone squealed, and everyone groaned. Monster stood on the bar. “Attention, assholes!”

Ghost closed his eyes. “No.”

Angel laughed, and Monster continued. “It is time to announce the winner of the annual Toxic Monsters Halloween costume contest.”

Hammer whispered, “He invented this yesterday.”

“I heard that!” Monster pointed at him. “And you're disqualified.”

“Why?” Hammer asked.

“Disrespecting the judge,” Monster said.

“You're the judge?” Hammer asked.

“Obviously,” Monster said.

“This contest is rigged,” Ghost called.

“Absolutely.” Monster picked up an envelope. “The winner receives two hundred dollars, a bottle of whiskey, and the honor of having their picture taken with Larry.”

Angel looked at Ghost. “I want that.”

“No,” he breathed.

“I want the picture,” she insisted.

“No,” Ghost said again.

Monster opened the envelope. “And the winner is⁠—”

He paused dramatically, and someone threw a napkin at him. “Get on with it!”

Monster glared at the prospect. “Angel!”

The clubhouse erupted. Angel's mouth dropped open. “What?”

Hammer lifted her off the floor, and she screamed. “Put me down!”

“Nope,” Hammer said.

Ghost actually clapped. “You voted for me?”

“I voted six times,” he admitted.

“That's cheating,” she insisted.

“Monster said there were no rules,” Ghost said.

Monster pointed at him. “Correct!” Hammer carried her toward Larry. Angel laughed so hard her stomach hurt. Someone shoved the whiskey bottle into her hands, and Monster placed Larry's crown on her head. Ghost reluctantly joined the picture. Hammer still wore his devil horns, and Monster stood behind Larry as the camera flashed. Angel knew immediately she wanted that picture. Not because it would be flattering; it wouldn't be. Ghost looked annoyed, Hammer was laughing, and Monster looked insane. And then there was Larry—he was a plastic skeleton. Plus, Angel probably had her mouth open mid-laugh. But it was perfect, because it was them. They were messy, ridiculous, and real. Hammer and Ghost were her home now.

The party lasted another two hours before Angel decided she'd had enough of people. Or maybe she'd had enough of Ghost touching the small of her back every time someone got too close. Hammer wasn't any better. Every time he passed behind her, his fingers skimmed her hip. They'd been doing it all night and driving her insane.

Angel finally caught Hammer's hand. “Stop.”

He smiled. “Stop what?”