Page 124 of Burning Daylight

“Did you?” She quirks a brow. “Seems like you were having fun without meandnot filling me in. I feel like I should be mad.”

I twist my lips. “You didn’t tell me you broke up with Keagan, either, so let’s just call it a truce.”

She narrows her eyes and then nods. “Fair.”

“Andyou’re sworn to secrecy.”

“Obviously.” She sips her drink. “Although it’s my duty to let you know that if you were going for incognito vibes, you both suck at it. I thought he was about to bend you over the bar.”

I glare at her. “I’m serious, Felicity. This can’t get out. You know what would happen if my family knew I was hanging out with a Montgomery.”

She tilts her head, eyes wide. “No, actually, I don’t. What would happen, Jules? They’d get mad at you?”

Is she mocking me?“It’s not that simple.”

She shakes her head. “You’re so afraid of being disowned by your family that you’re letting them dictateeverythingabout your life. Aren’t you tired of that? So what if you can’t live in their gaudy mansion and you have to get a job? What’s on your plate otherwise? Marrying that douche nozzle Preston and becoming your mother?”

I swallow around the barbs she’s throwing. “I’m not marrying Preston. Be so for real right now.”

She sighs and nudges me with her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’m being a bitch.”

I snort. We both know she’s not sorry. “No, you’re not.”

Her mouth cocks up in a half grin. “True. Still, it’s a downer. Let’s talk about something else.”

Something in the corner of my eye catches my attention.

It was just a flash, but I could have sworn it was Lance I just saw disappear into a dark hallway. My chest tightens, anticipation lighting me up and making my heart bang against my ribs.Is he here right now? Did Art lie to me?

“Hey, I’ve gotta use the restroom,” I say. “I’ll be right back.”

“Sure.” Felicity spins in her stool, leaning over the bar top to grab a napkin.

I’m off my own chair and pushing between the tables before I can think better of it, making my way to the small hallway next to the stage.

Goose bumps spring to life along my arms when I walk toward the back exit, like the air conditioning is turned on high.I continue around a corner, where I think I saw Lance, but stop short when it’s a dead end.

And there’s no one here.

I could have sworn.There’s a door with no window at the end of the hall on the right.

Moving slowly, I make my way to it. I probably should hesitate before walking around in a bar I’ve never been to, in a part of town I know isn’t the best, but the liquor pumping through my bloodstream is making my vision a little hazy and my mind a little numb and propelling me to take risks I normally wouldn’t take.

I reach out and grasp the handle of the dark door, my heart suddenly pounding in my ears.

Why is everything back here so ominous?

I pull on it.

Immediately, it catches on a lock. I sigh and try again, like I can force it open through sheer will.

“I don’t think you’re strong enough to break it.”

The voice is a deep rasp, and it sends shivers down my spine.

I spin around, a gasp stuck in my throat, my hands splaying flat against the door. My eyes lock on Roman’s.

He’s close to me, andGod damnit, I hate the way my body flares to life just from knowing he’s near. I shouldn’t be back here with him. Not with the alcohol making me uninhibited. And especially not when we already forgot about the world and flirtedin frontof it.