Page 12 of Claimed by the Fallen
“It’s my birthday,” I blurt without thinking. I manage to not cringe away from my thoughtless admission. This guy doesn’t know me. He couldn’t care less about mybirthday.
Adrian’s eyes illuminate. He looks like he just solved an unknown mystery. He observes me with renewed interest, scanning me from head to toe. I try to ignore the rush of heat flowing through mybody.
“Let me guess,” his eyes finally land on mine. “You’reeighteen.”
I’m surprised at first. Then, I consider the fact I probably look young compared to other concertpatrons.
“Good guess.” I’m proud of my cool, levelheadedresponse.
His mouth widens, and I’m stunned silent by his bright smile. How can he possibly look even morehandsome?
“It wasn’t too hard,” he reveals, tipping his head down. “I saw the black X on your hand. I had a thirty-three percent shot of getting itright.”
I look at the mark the bouncer had made with his thick, black sharpie. Only people under the age of twenty-one received the mark, and since the venue was only eighteen and up, I understood where Adrian got his oddsfrom.
“Still, kudos.” Again, I’m proud that I am able to speak with Adrian. I would’ve expected myself to stutter and make a fool of myself. “How old areyou?”
Adrian laughs. Instantly, I regret the question. He probably thinks it’s hilarious that I should even ask. As if I’d ever have a chance with someone like him. I’m barely anadult.
I can feel my cheeks heat, and I pray he isn’t able to detect my blush like he’d detected my eye color. I stare over his shoulder to avoid his humiliatingamusement.
Still chuckling, Adrian answers, “I’m older than I look.” Again, he’s probably finding it beyond funny that I should even think to be on the same level as him. But that’s not even what I meant. I’m just beingfriendly.
Besides, he’s the one who talked to mefirst.
With a renewed sense of indignation, I meet his gaze. I prepare myself to say goodbye and escape to the restroom when I’m interrupted by a familiarvoice.
“Ronnie?”
I rotate and see Joey walking towards me. He frowns when he sees Adrian. His eyes flit between us, trying to figure out what I’m doing talking to him, wondering if I knowhim.
Abandoning the idea of going to the restroom to dry my shirt, I turn back towards Adrian. My forehead creases when I see his sharp glare. I look back over my shoulder and realize his hostility is directed atJoey.
My friend arrives at my side. He standsclose.
“Hey, Joey,” I greet, shifting slightly away from him. “What’sup?”
He’s looking at Adrien when he answers, “Annie sent me to find you because she said you’re taking too long. The concert is about tostart.”
I glance at my smartwatch, pressing the light button to read thetime.
I nod and look up at Adrian. He’s still scowling at my friend. A peek at Joey reveals he’s glaringback.
“Well, uh… I better go,” I offer lamely. “It was nice meetingyou.”
Adrian moves his gaze back to me. His expression softens. “Yes, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you around soon.” I’m confused by the remark. After all, I’d just told Adrian that I rarely venture into thecity.
“Sure. Thanks. Have a nicenight.”
Adrian dips his head and saves me from being the one to break away from his enigmatic gaze by turning on his heel and walking towards thecrowd.
I watch him leave and notice the bundle of muscles shifting beneath his tight, white shirt. His shoulders are broad, broader than Preston’s, and his waist is obviously toned andtight.
Before I can move my admiration to his lower half, Joey clears his throat and says, “Come on, Ronnie. We need to get to ourspot.”
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I take Joey’s offered hand and let him push the way through the sea of people, choosing to ignore my friend’s disapprovingexpression.
Five
