After a few more drinks, a warm buzz settled in, loosening the tight knot in my chest.
“And you know what, Lark?” I said, my words starting to blur at the edges. “Who cares if he’s getting married? I didn’t even want that asshole. He’s a lying, cheating son of a bitch who was never worth the three years I spent with him.”
“Yes, girl!” She lifted her glass, and we clinked them together, finishing off our fifth round.
Two years. That’s all it took for him to decide she was worth forever. So what had been wrong with me?
I shook the thought away before it could take root and ruin my whole night. I didn’t care, not really, because it wasn’t about him and Lala getting married.
I just… I missed it.
The feeling of being wanted. Of connection. Of being seen. Of having someone stand beside you when the world got heavy.
That didn’t feel like I was asking for too much.
As if summoned by my depressing thoughts of love, Nathan appeared beside Lark, his expression tight and voice strained.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going out tonight, babe? I would’ve taken you. Kept my eyes on you.”
Lark jumped in her seat, then turned to him with exaggerated slowness.How long does it take for you to get used to your vampire boyfriend popping up out of nowhere?
She propped her elbow on the bar and rested her chin in her hand, trying to give him a hard look, but her lips wobbled as her eyes lit up. She reached out and poked his nose, grinning when his eyes went big, like he was the most adorable thing she’d ever seen.
“Well, Mr. Meeting-with-my-maker,” she teased, words lilting, “I was out with friends from work. Then I ran into Via outside the club, and we decided to celebrate. She won! Tell her congratulations!”
Her wide, sweeping gestures nearly clipped a girl passing behind her before landing on my face and giving me a little pat. Nathan’s gaze flicked to me, sharp and accusing, like this was somehowmydoing.
“Are you drunk?” he asked, softer now, but the words were edged with something that made my chest ache. He stepped closer, cupping her face so she could only pay attention to him. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t have more than a couple if I wasn’t with you.”
I was seconds from jumping in, ready to take the blame for her, when Lark let out a light, airy giggle and began caressing his cheek like she was calming a fussy child.
“Don’t worry so much, Natey.” Her head tipped sideways, loose and unsteady. “It’s fine. We’re fine. Everyone’s fine.”
She lost her balance when she tried to turn away, but Nathan was there, catching her and spinning her back around to him. His hand extended, palm up, his eyes locking onto hers.
“Come dance with me.” The shift in his tone was immediate—low, controlled, leaving no room for argument.
Lark’s lips curved, slow and knowing, but she shook her head. His jaw tightened.
Oh shit! I’d never seen a mad Nathan. WasI going to have to beat up her vampire boyfriend? How was I going to do that? I looked around for something sharp and stabby.
“Prove it,” he said, voice darkening. He threw his head over at the small dance floor. “Prove you’re fine.”
I sighed in relief. I didn't think I could take on an angry vampire feeling this tipsy. I mean, Iwould…but I wouldn't win.
He tugged her forward, pulling her off the stool too quickly. She wobbled on her heels, but his arms were already there, steadying her before she could fall.
Her gaze dragged over him, taking her time, before she glanced back at me, clear-eyed and sharp despite the alcohol.
“You good, Via?” Her attention flicked between us, torn between staying with me and going with him. “I can stay,” she offered, but with the way she squeezed his hand, I knew what my best friend wanted to do.
I shook my head, lifted my glass, and tipped it toward them, giving my blessing. “Go. Have fun.” When her brows pinched, Iadded a wink. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll find someone to dance with.”
She rolled her eyes, knowing I meant it sarcastically. Grabbing his hand, she tugged him to the dance floor, ready to burn all that energy inside her.
While my best friend and her vampire boyfriend made up, I settled back onto my stool and finished my drink, savoring the last sip before ordering a water. I felt good, loose and light, but I wasn’t about to tip into full-blown drunk. I didn't trust the world enough to be that inebriated.
Closing my eyes, I let the warmth settle through me, that soft, floating ease loosening every tight edge. I let go of the pressure from Manshu’s threats nipping at my heels. I let go of the sharp sting of seeing John with perfect Lala.
