Page 135 of When We Ignite

“You’re not wrong,” I conceded with a forced smile.

Chris placed a hand on my chest, and I prayed to God Ethan wasn’t watching.

“You’re here now. Let’s head back to your house,” he said with a smirk, his tone low and suggestive.

I shook my head. “Not tonight.”

“Seriously?” Chris asked, his brows lifting, though he still leaned closer.

“I’m serious. I can’t tonight.”

“Why? Got a one a.m. meeting?” he joked, laughing softly.

“No. I’m taking someone else home,” I told him bluntly.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise before he took a step back, holding up his free hand. “Oh, fuck. Sorry,” he said, his grin faltering for a moment.

“It’s okay.”

“Is he here?” Chris asked, scanning the crowd below.

I followed his gaze, but Ethan and Henry had disappeared from the bar. A pang of worry hit me, and I quickly scanned the rest of the room. No sign of either of them.

Chris’s attention returned to me, his curiosity now fully piqued. “What? Is it a secret? What twisted game are you playing now?” he asked, his grin creeping back as he laughed at my expression. “Fine, don’t tell me. But how long are you staying? Call me tomorrow if you like,” he added with a wink.

“I’m not really doing that right now.”

His mouth dropped open in mock shock. “Are you in arelationship?” he asked, incredulous.

I shrugged. “I’m not fucking around.”

“Ash, are you kidding me? Who the hell got you to commit?” he asked, laughing in disbelief.

Before I could respond, I heard a voice behind me.

“Ash,” Ethan called.

Both Chris and I turned. Ethan stood close by, with Henry behind him. Ethan’s expression was calm, though his smile looked like it was hanging on by a thread. His eyes flicked to Chris. Shit.

“Do you have a minute?” Ethan asked.

“Well, well, well. Who’s this little lamb?” Chris asked, his eyes lighting up with mischief. Fucking hell.

“Ethan’s my brother-in-law,” I said quickly.

Chris barked out a laugh, his gaze fixed on Ethan.

“Are you, now?” Chris asked, stepping forward and extending a hand.

Ethan hesitated for a beat before taking it.

“Christian Hastings.”

“Ethan Bennett,” he said simply, his tone guarded as he turned back to me.

“And where have you been hiding Ethan Bennett?” Chris asked, ignoring the tension in the room.

Henry stepped closer, his expression wide-eyed as he threw an arm around Chris’s shoulders. “Hey, Chris, want a drink? It’s on me,” Henry said loudly, trying to defuse the situation.