Page 28 of Stone Seduction

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I clutched my rose quartz bracelet, beginning the usual ritual of snaps to sidestep my anxieties.

Dane ran his tongue over his top lip. “Not happening.”

“But what if she does? What if I’m powerless to keep Luke safe and…” I paused, lungs freezing.

“Easy, bro.”

The room spun, the ice in my chest spreading.

“Breathe, Asher.”

Can’t breathe. Can’t breathe.

“Come on, bro.”

The ice cracked, a long exhale breaking the panic. “Shit…”

“You good?”

I massaged my ribcage, every breath sharp. “I’m alright.”

For now…

Dane got to his feet. “You okay to stand?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Up.” He gestured with his hands like a magician floating a body off the ground. “Arise, my dear bro.”

I snorted. “Really?”

“Did I mispronounce arise? Get on your feet, man!”

I obeyed. “Why?”

“Now come here.” He spread his arms. “Come hug it out.”

“I’m good.”

I wasn’t anywhere near good.

“Get over here,” he demanded. “You need one of my hugs. You know how much they rock the casbah.”

“They do what?”

He rubbed his chin in puzzlement. “I was listening to The Clash at Tom’s earlier and there’s this song called ‘Rock the Casbah.’ It’s amazing.”

“Yeah. It’s a banger. But what’s this about Tom? You were over at his place?” My panic eased, my lips spreading into a smile. “Have you made a move?”

Dane folded his arms. “No. We were just hanging out.”

I tilted my head. “You blushing, buddy?”

He straightened his spine defensively. “Why would I blush? I told you, I think he’s cute. We’re just hanging out. Nothing more than that.”

“Yet?”

He shrugged, grinning, saying nothing else.

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