Page 15 of Fated By Fire

“Cool name.” Mara slides onto the barstool beside me, setting her backpack over the backrest. “They walk among us,” she whispers almost inaudibly as she passes my ear.

I kick her when nobody’s looking, but she’s already zoned in on Dorian. “And let me guess. You’re the evil twin.”

Dorian chuckles. “Dorian Craven,” he confirms. “I’m the good-looking one.”

“I can tell,” says Mara, winking before looking around us. “This place looks fun. Who’s up for a drinking game?”

Dear God, Mara.

Dorian grins, clearly intrigued. “Depends on the game.”

“Truth or dare,” Mara says, waving the bartender over. “With a twist. Every time you refuse a dare, you take a shot.”

“I’m in. But only if the dares get interesting,” Dorian says, and the two women nod enthusiastically.

“Oh, they will,” Mara promises, already ordering a round.

Caleb sits down next to me, his presence like a pulsating force. “Do you always let your friends drag you into reckless decisions?” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

“Only when I’m trying to distract myself from other reckless decisions,” I shoot back, surprising myself with my boldness.

He smirks, and for a moment, I forget to breathe.

The first few rounds are harmless enough—Mara’s questions are light, and the shots go down easy. But then Dorian dares Mara to sing a karaoke duet with one of the women at the table, and the energy shifts. Mara takes it in stride, belting out a truly terrible rendition of “My Way” that has everyone laughing.

Then it’s my turn. Mara looks at me, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Truth or dare, Len— Jess?”

I widen my eyes at her, and she coughs into her hand.

Fuck. Close call.

“Truth,” I say, hoping to avoid anything embarrassing because things are ramping up.

“Lame,” Mara says, rolling her eyes. “Fine. What’s the most illegal thing you’ve ever done?”

I freeze, my mind racing. I can’t exactly tell her about the stolen files and fake identity. “Uh, I jaywalked once?”

“Boring,” Mara says, handing me a shot glass. “Take a shot.”

I down it, the liquid burning my throat, and catch Caleb watching me with an unreadable expression.

The game continues, the dares becoming more outrageous, and the drinks flowing freely. Through it all, I’m growing increasingly aware of the brooding presence nearby. Caleb has been silently observing, and I can feel his eyes on me every time I turn my back.

Does he suspect me? Is that why he decided to join us?

Shit!

This is the biggest gig I’ve ever had, and I might be about to lose it. I slant a look his way and lock eyes with him without expecting to. My pulse pounds so hard that I half expect my arteries to explode. But then Brandi is bouncing up against him and he’s turning away again.

Geez. The guy’s eye candy, no doubt about it. Even the line of his throat is sexy. And the way his tanned skin contrasts with the white fabric of his shirt—

“Jessica.” Something tugs at my sleeve. “Hey! Jess?”

Shit. That’s me.

“Yeah, what?” I’m flustered.

“Truth or dare,” Mara presses.

---