Page 76

Story: Cinder & Secrets

“Don’t be a buzzkill.” Jackson clasps Kai on the shoulder, giving him a cheeky grin.

“You forget you’re sleeping on my couch tonight, and I will not, under any circumstances, be cleaning up your vomit when you inevitably start puking.”

“And let’s not forget that the only reason you’re even here is to come to my game in the morning,” Maisie reminds him. “If you miss it because you’re too hungover, I will kick your ass.”

“Like to see you try, little sis.” His eyes flare in challenge. “And for the record, I came tonight so I could have a good time. If I just wanted to see your game, I would have driven over in the morning,” he says matter-of-factly, like he’s just shown her. “Again?” He tilts his head in my direction.

“I’m game. It’s your wallet that’s going to be empty,” I warn him.

“Double or nothing,” he slurs.

“Even better.” The smile that slides across my lips feels too easy, thanks in large part to the alcohol buzzing through my veins, but right now, I’ll take it. Anything to keep my mind off...

Nope.

I shake off the thought before his name even crosses my mind, focusing instead on the handsome blue-eyed man across from me.

Jackson is hot. There is no mistaking that. But since I’ve had enough of messing around with my friends’ brothers to last me a lifetime, I will not go there, no matter how easy it would be to do just that.

“Jackson,” Maisie scolds. “She handed you your ass already. Are you really so eager to lose all your money?”

“It was a fluke.” He cracks his neck by no more than twisting his head from side to side. “And I’m gonna prove it.” His gaze comes back to me.

“It’s your money.” I shrug, handing my cup back to Lyric, who happily fills it, then fills Jackson’s from the same keg.

“Ready?” He holds his cup up in front of his face.

“Ready.” I smile, victory already mine.

“Go.”

We both tip back our cups. Ever since I was little, I’ve had the unique ability where I can pretty much just pour liquid down my throat without barely swallowing a single drop. Because of this, my cup is empty in a matter of a few seconds, whereas Jackson still has at least a third of his cup left when I finish.

“You are insane!” Maisie squeals, holding up my hand to declare me the winner.

Jackson throws his cup down as soon as it’s empty, scowling at me like the sore loser he is.

“I believe you said double or nothing.” I reach out my hand as soon as Maisie releases it, wiggling my fingers at him.

“Fucking sorcery is what that is,” he grumbles, pulling out his wallet to hand me two more twenties.

“Thank you very much.” I giggle, tucking them into the back pocket of my jeans with the other twenty. “Easiest money I’ve ever made.” I burp... loudly. “Excuse me.” I grin.

“I’d say so.” Kai chuckles, shaking his head at me.

“I wanna dance,” I announce abruptly.

“Yes, please!” Maisie wiggles her hips next to me, nearly as intoxicated as I am.

Meanwhile, Lyric is leaning into Kai’s side like he’s the only thing keeping her standing upright.Lightweight. The thought makes me laugh to myself.

“Lyric?” I arch a brow at her.

“Hmm...” She taps her chin. “Only if you’ll come with me.” She looks up at Kai, batting her thick lashes at him.

He grins, trapping her chin between his finger and thumb before pressing his mouth to hers.

The sight feels like a hefty punch to the stomach, and it takes everything I have not to bend against the impact. Jealously slides through my chest, spreading like a lethal poison, reaching every single one of my extremities in seconds.