Page 116 of The Devils They Are

Red horns poke out of his head, matching perfectly to the dyed tips of his hair. But that seems to be the extent of his outfit, like he couldn't be fucked trying any harder. Though, I'll never admit it out loud, but he looksfine. He's dressed in black fitted jeans and a black buttoned-up shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, his bulging forearms sticking out looking like God himself carved them. In an alternative universe, I'd say he looks hot. But in this lifetime, no chance of that.

"Harley Quinn doesn't have purple and pink hair."

Sighing, I'm just about running out of patience for this walking butt plug when another voice chimes in.

"Well,myversion of Harley does."

We both turn at the same time to find Tai, grinning widely at me. His eyes run slowly down my dress appreciatively, but I'm too stunned to react to that.

"You're fucking kidding me," I mumble, taking in his costume.

Gone is his silvery ash hair. Bright green strands are slicked back; white makeup smeared messily over his face with red lipstick climbing up his cheeks. Dressed fully in a royal-purple suit and green tie, I'm both horrified and impressed to see the Joker standing before me.

"I'm going to kill Sophia," is all I manage to say.

Tai laughs, ignoring Hunter as he snakes his arm around my waist and yanks me into him. "Don't be mad," he muses. "Just get even."

Hunter makes some type of gagging noise, muttering, "Gross," before turning and walking off. Well, I guess that answers that question about how much the three of them share news of their bed conquests. I'm actually surprised Hunter didn't murder them, but I guess he's outnumbered anyway.

"Come dance with me, Pumpkin Pie," Tai grins, dragging me toward the dance floor.

"I thought I was Peach Queen," I laugh.

"That too," he answers, blissfully unaware of the confused and alarmed eyes on us. "But tonight, you're my partner in crime."

Chapter forty-two

Bexley

Imanagetofinallyslip away from Tai after a few songs, needing to get off my feet. Whoever invented heels knew what kind of torture they were inflicting and if my calves didn't look so good, I'd curse them with lukewarm coffee every day.

There's still no one at the table when I sit down, and that alone makes me happy. Things must be going well for the new couples, even if Arch and Parker are probably fighting for their lives on the dance floor. Poor souls.

Steele walks past at one point, and I have to do not one, not two, but three takes at the person on his arm. He gives me a shy grin as he passes, seemingly impressed with his companion.

Peyton has her arm threaded through his, blushing nervously as they head into the sea of people. For a moment, I question just how strong the vodka is in the punch and whether I should have had a third cup. But no, it's not a hallucination. One of Liv's besties is dancing with Steele toLook What You Made Me Doby Taylor Swift, and I can't think of a more fitting song. The head cheerleader would have a meltdown if she saw.

I'm surprised I haven't seen her yet. She seems like the type to be the center of attention at a function like this. But I'm not complaining. Any time spent away from her is a victory I welcome.

Hopping up from the table, I head outside the auditorium in search of the restrooms. My eyes light up when I spot Millie outside the restroom door, leaning against a locker while chewing her nails.

"Mills."

She glances over, relief flooding her face as she kicks off from the locker, running over to me. "Bex, thank God you're here."

"What's up?" I ask firmly, immediately on guard.

Millie's eyes dart to the door with a frown. "Jenna from freshman year just told me that she overheard a conversation in the restroom. I'm trying to see if they come back."

"Who?"

"She didn't know. She was in the stall when she heard them come in and start talking about our school."

My face scrunches up in confusion. "What were they saying? I'm sure it's not uncommon that someone from Willowbrook would be ranting about us tonight. We're crashing their dance."

Millie shakes her head, and it's the most worried I've ever seen her. That alone puts me on edge. "They were talking about the fire."

"What did they say?" I ask with a hint of urgency. Shit—the people who lit the fire could be here right now.

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