Page 135 of Ramshackle
Deep breath.
“Okay. I’m ready.”
He smiles and kisses my cheek. “Let’s go have some fun.” His hand finds mine and squeezes before he leads us out of the bathroom to my room.
Kellan pops off the chair arm he’d been leaning against. His face lights up when he sees me, his smile growing until he sees my hand in Dane’s. “How the hell did you manage that?” His long stride brings him to my other side in two steps. “I was sure your asshole drama ways would give me another few months,” he teases.
Dane scoffs. “It’s none of your damn business.”
Kell’s eyebrows jump up. “No? I’d say it’s all our business now. Or didn’t she fill you in on the rules of the club?”
“Club?” I jump in. “What do you think you’re calling aclub, Kellan?”
He gives me a roguish grin. “Just something Jackson and I chatted about.”
Right. Because Jacksonchatsabout things like this.
I give him a look to express that very sentiment and he rolls his eyes.
“Fine. I did all the chatting. But he didn’t disagree, so it’s all the same.” He leans down to my ear. “You look ravishing, by the way. If I can get Dane on board, should we pause to pregame the party with me devouring your pussy?”
“Fuck’s sake,” Dane grumbles from my other side, clearly having overheard.
I smack Kell in the chest. “Knock it off. Where are Jackson and Aiden?”
Kellan isn’t deterred in the least and slides a hand around my back. “Jack’s on guard duty somewhere, and Aiden is at the party. He had to give the opening speech or whatever boring announcement, and now he’s gotta mingle. Dane and I will be your dates for the evening.”
I smile through the tiny sting of disappointment. It would have been nice to have all of us together for the party, but I get why the other two have other responsibilities. The three of us had a few good times together at Old Red, so I know tonight will be even better.
We make our way to the main area of the bunker, where members usually lounge or eat. The top area still has tables for people to sit at, but there are food and alcohol stations throughout. We pause at the railing to look over the lower level.
All the tables and lounge areas have been cleared to make room for the mass of people dancing in front of a stage. The lighting is dim, giving way to floating colored lights that bob and drift overhead. The music carries easily through this open, two-story room, so even though we’re upstairs, it sounds like we’re right there.
Kellan hands me a drink. “I see Aiden,” he shouts over the music and points downward.
I squint, but it’s still dark, and too many people that I can’t find him. I should thank him for the dress. And maybe ask him why he picked this one. Did he pick it intentionally with my scars? Or maybe he forgot I had them?
It’s Aiden. He doesn’t forget.
I jerk my head to indicate I want to go to him, and Kellan leads the way with Dane at my back. We get down the stairs, and Kell wraps an arm around my shoulders to pull me in close. Dane keeps a grip on my hand as we move through the throng of people. It finally clears, revealing Aiden standing beneath a large tree.
His eyes are already on me.
And where Kellan and Dane are touching me.
Great.
When Kell doesn’t loosen his hold now that we’re free from the crowd, I crane my head back and find him baring his teeth in a grin at Aiden like a damn challenge.
“Stop trying to start shit,” I growl at him, ducking and twisting free. All without spilling my drink, I internally cheer. The movement breaks my hand away from Dane as well. I’m not here for a pissing contest or club rules or any of that crap. We’re here for the party, and I’ve finally given in to having a good time and forgetting life for a few hours.
It feels weird to let my guard down after everything going on, but Kellan made it sound like the bunker is the most secure location in the country tonight. That Aiden has spent months working out the details and putting the necessary measures in place so that this event wouldn’t be canceled. And so memberswould feel safe enough to lower their inhibitions and have a good time.
Who am I to argue with that?
I toss the rest of the whiskey down my throat, swallowing in burning gulps as if I’m downing shot after shot.
“Fuck, beautiful. Let me catch up.” Kellan downs his glass just as fast, and we grin at each other. He takes my empty drink with his and sets them down on the tray of a passing waiter. Then grabs the shots there and passes them to me and Dane.
