Page 74 of Hard Rock Deceit

"Hope you've got the money tospare."

Seth smirked and nodded to Cameron. "Yourturn."

With no hesitation, Cameronspokeup.

"I'm going to ask Lily to marry me,"hesaid.

Noah's face nearly turned purple with the effort it took to keep from blowing up, but his eyebrows didn't so much astwitch.

"Damn, I really thought that would get you," Cameron saidmournfully.

"Are you really asking Lily to marry you?" Ianasked.

Cameron's eyes turned soft, wistful. "It's not like I've picked out a ring yet, but yeah, we've talked about it. We'll probably wait until she's done with school, though." Cameron turned to his lead singer and poked his cheek. "You're gonna explode if you keep it in anylonger."

Noah swatted his finger away, keeping his faceblank.

Next was Hope's turn. "I'mpregnant."

Damon and Ian's jaws both dropped at the same time, eyes wide. While Damon looked dismayed, Ian's expression was mostly full ofterror.

"Kidding," Hopeadded.

"Shit." Damon cursed. "Fucking scared me for aminute."

The terror slowly faded from Ian's face. Oddly, I could sense a hint of disappointment in hisgreeneyes.

Hope sensed it too. She snuggled into his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck. She whispered something in his ear. He stared at her before nodding silently, hugging her tight. Shebeamed.

"Great," Damon muttered. "I'm going to be an uncle in nine months, just watch." He tossed back his shot and went next. "Me and Ian switched places when we signed our record label contract. Technically, since we forged our signatures, the contract isinvalid."

August's mouth popped open, ready to lecture. He narrowed his eyes. "Notfunny."

"I'm not joking," Damon said with a wickedsmirk.

August muttered under his breath as he took his second shot. "Idiots."

"Your turn, Cassie,"Sethsaid.

I had been thinking hard this whole time, trying to come up with something. I didn't know much about the people at this table. Not enough to be able to get under their skin. I supposed I'd have toshockthem.

I screwed up my face in disgust and flinched back, pointing to a bottle of pure white rum. "Is that a deadmouse?"

Everyone automatically turned their heads, following myfinger.

"Ha," I said triumphantly. "Gotyouall."

Theygroaned.

"Take your shots," I saidgleefully.

The game continued. By August's seventh shot, I thought he'd be hurting, but he was still goingstrong.

"I thought you said he was a lightweight," I whispered toDamon.

He was staring at August, worried lines between his brows. "Heusuallyis."

"Maybe he's cheating and not really drinking," Isuggested.