Page 113 of Bitter Prince

I mimicked an offended gasp while Athena and Isla laughed. My sister studied me with a furrowed brow and worried expression.

“Come on, Phoenix. Stop giving me that look.”

“I’m supposed to worry about my little sister,” she reasoned.

“She’s twenty months younger than you.” Isla took a sip of her drink. “Hardly a baby.”

“And oftentimes, she acts more responsible than the rest of us combined,” Athena added, winking at me.

I swallowed a laugh at their playful berating.

The guests were still lingering, drinking, and dancing. It was amazing how fast Dante and Amon managed to put this party together. I appreciated it, but it wasn’t necessary. Even though it seemed like my girlfriends were enjoying it a great deal.

I watched my friends and my sister begin to sway and dance. They laughed loudly, chatting and lip-synching, ignoring all the glances thrown our way. It was always like this with us. Our group was in our own little bubble.

Smiling, I made my way to the bar. “Can I have a San Pellegrino, please?”

“Coming right up.”

I watched him open a bottle and pour a glass of sparkling water before sliding it across the bar. I downed it in one gulp.

“Thank you.” I smiled. “I was parched.”

“Another?” he offered.

“Please.”

“Can I get you something else to go with that?” I tensed at the unfamiliar voice before turning my head to meet a pair of light brown eyes. Wrong shade. “Or maybe buy you a drink?”

“It’s an open bar.”That my boyfriend paid for, was what I didn’t say. “I’m good.”

“You can’t be,” he said dryly. “Because you’re missing me.”

A smooth talker, I thought wryly. I had to stifle an eye roll at the cheesy comment.

“I assure you,” I retorted in a cold voice. “I’m not missing you. My boyfriend will be back any second.”

Amusement touched his lips. “I don’t see a boyfriend here,” he said. “Only you, here by your lonesome.” His hand grabbed mine. “Let’s dance.”

I stiffened. “No, thank you.”

The guy’s grip tightened, and it was only then I noticed his dilated pupils. From the looks of it, he was drunk and high. His other hand came around my hip and I startled at his boldness.

“What the hell are you doing?”

He grinned and slurred his words. “I’ve always wanted to bang an American.”

His hand slid down my back and just about reached my ass when I shoved him away.

“I told you, I have a boyfriend, and I’m not interested in you.”

He smiled wickedly. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him.”

A warm, familiar hand landed on my shoulder.

“Her boyfriend is right here.” Amon’s voice, dark and turbulent with so much tightly leashed anger, came from behind me and I thought it would combust into flames. I smiled before turning around. “Now take your hands off her or I’ll break them both.”

Unfortunately, the guy was too drunk or too high to pick up on the anger rolling off Amon. Instead, the idiot said, “Well, you can have her after I’m done with her.”