Page 20 of Reckless Hearts
“Hey,” he says, his voice sounding choked off.
“Hey Little Kleggs.” I deliberately keep my voice casual. “Nice costume.”
He shifts from foot to foot, his fingers plucking at the fabric. “Thanks.” Then he raises his gaze to give me a once-over, his eyes lingering on my bare chest. “I like yours too.”
I grab the beer the bartender has served me and take a long swig of my drink, using the moment to steady myself. I’ve spent the evening playing my usual role—flirting, charming, being exactly who everyone expects me to be. But it’s not easy to pretend to be composed and in control when Seb’s staring at my throat like that.
Shit. He really doesn’t understand the idea of subtle.
Although if Saskia is watching, she’d just interpret his behavior as a continuation of his crush on me. She wouldn’t see any other reason behind it.
I drain the rest of my drink, my eyes scanning the room for an escape. I spot Saskia on the dancefloor, her arms raised above her head as she sways to the beat.
“I should get back to the birthday girl,” I say, setting my empty glass on the bar. “Catch you later, yeah?”
I don’t wait for Seb’s response before I push my way back through the crowd.
Saskia grins when she sees me.
“There you are!” she shouts over the music. “I thought you’d abandoned me.” I force a smile, my hands finding her hips as I pull her close.
“Never.” Even as I say the words, my gaze is drawn back to the bar, to the spot where Seb is still standing, eyes fixed on me.
Saskia and I dance, our bodies moving in sync, but I can’t seem to lose myself in the music like before. Every time I spin Saskia, my eyes find Seb watching us from the sidelines. He looks lost, out of place among the glittering costumes and pulsing lights, and something twists in my gut, a feeling I can’t quite name.
I’m so focused on Seb that I don’t notice Liam until he’s behind me, his hands sliding over my shoulders.
“Mind if I cut in?” he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. I turn to face him, a smirk playing on my lips.
“Be my guest,” I say, stepping aside to let him dance with Saskia.
Liam starts a slow and sultry dance with Saskia, but his gaze is on me.
And when Saskia is dragged away to dance with another group of friends, he edges closer to me.
A slower-tempo song comes on, and Liam uses the chance to grind against me, his body flush against mine.
“I’ve been thinking about your offer,” he says, his voice low and rough in my ear. “And I think I might want to try making a wish.”
Fuck. This is what I wanted at the start of the evening, but my eyes flick back to the bar, searching for a glimpse of gray robes and a pointed hat before I can help myself.
Luckily, I’m saved from having to respond by a sudden commotion on the dancefloor. Taylor and Ana have appeared, carrying a tray of shot glasses filled with a vivid green liquid.
“Birthday shots!” Taylor announces.
Saskia’s immediately looking around for me.
“Marcus! If I’m drinking radioactive stuff, you’re doing it too.”
I seize the opportunity to extract myself from Liam’s embrace, clapping him on the shoulder with a forced grin.
“Looks like I’ve got to do the best friend thing.”
He nods.
When I reach Saskia’s side, the first shot is already in her hand. She throws her head back and downs it in one gulp, her face scrunching at the taste.
I take the shot glass Saskia thrusts at me, the green liquid sloshing over the sides and dripping down my fingers. It smells like lime and regret, but I toss it back anyway, wincing as it burns down my throat.
