Page 73 of Bonds of Pain
I remember our drinking game from before, how she matched me shot for shot without even getting tipsy. One more beer won’t hurt. It’ll keep her happy while I settle the tab, and then we’ll be on our way.
The old bartender slides another dark bottle across the counter with a knowing smirk that I choose to ignore. Maya takes a long pull from the bottle, then sighs with contentment.
“This is so good. Why don’t they serve this at the palace?” She takes another swig, then giggles—actually giggles—at nothing in particular.
Wait.
I narrow my eyes at her. She’s swaying slightly on my lap, her movements looser than before. When she reaches for a bowl of nuts on the bar, she knocks it over instead, sending them scattering across the counter.
She dissolves into laughter, as if it’s the funniest thing she’s ever seen. “Whoopsie!”
“Maya?” I touch her shoulder. “You okay?”
“I’m fantastic!” She spins on her stool to face me, nearly toppling off before I catch her. “Everything is just...just wonderful!”
Holy shit. She’s drunk. How is she drunk? Two beers shouldn’t do this to anyone, let alone someone who can handle hard liquor like it’s water.
I grab the bartender’s arm as he passes. “What the hell did you give her?”
The old man’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “Just my special brew.”
“What’s in it?” I demand, tightening my grip.
“Nothing dangerous.” He shrugs, unfazed by my threatening posture. “It’s one of the few types of alcohol that actually affects Omegas. Most booze doesn’t hit their system right, something about their metabolism. But my recipe? Works like a charm.”
Well, shit. “You could’ve warned me.”
“You didn’t ask.” He collects Maya’s empty bottles. “Besides, she seems to be enjoying herself.”
He’s not wrong. Maya is currently running her fingers through my hair with a dreamy expression on her face.
“Your curls are so bouncy,” she says, tugging one and watching it spring back. “Like little springs. Boing, boing, boing!” Each word is punctuated with another tug.
“We need to go,” I tell her firmly, removing her hand from my hair. “Right now.”
“But I’m having fun.” She pouts, then leans in close, her lips brushing my ear. “You’re so handsome when you’re serious. Has anyone ever told you that? All broody and dangerous.”
Her hand lands on my thigh, sliding upward with unmistakable intent. I catch it before it reaches its destination.
“Maya, you’re drunk.”
“So?” She leans in for a kiss, but I turn my head so her lips land on my cheek instead. “Don’t you want me? Everyone else does.”
Logan is going to kill me. Not figuratively—but, literally—kill me. Like, I’ll be lucky if there are enough pieces left to fill a coffin. I’ve taken his Omega to an illegal fighting club, gotten her drunk on some special Omega-affecting alcohol, and now she’s trying to seduce me in public. There’s no scenario where this ends well for me.
“We’re leaving,” I announce, standing up and pulling Maya to her feet. She sways dangerously, so I scoop her into my arms.
“Ooh, so strong,” she coos, nuzzling into my neck. “Mmm, you smell like chocolate cupcakes. I could just eat you up.”
The bartender chuckles. “Good luck with that one.”
I shoot him a glare that would make most men wet themselves, but he just waves cheerfully as I carry Maya toward the exit.
“Bye, Mr. Bartender!” Maya calls over my shoulder. “Your beer is magical!”
I’m so absolutely screwed.
Chapter Nineteen
