Page 6 of Poison's Promise

“Coming right up,” the guy says, winking at us before turning to grab bottles from the shelf behind him.

“Who knew a house party could have its own bartender?” I joke, trying to shake off the lingering tension from my encounter with Rachel.

“Only the best for us,” Lila laughs, nudging me playfully. “Besides, a few drinks never hurt anyone.”

“True,” I say, watching as the guy pours our drinks with a flourish.

He hands us each a red solo cup filled to the brim with a potent-looking concoction.

“Enjoy, ladies,” he says, smiling as we take our first sips.

“Thanks,” I reply, feeling the burn of the alcohol slide down my throat.

It’s strong, but that’s exactly what I need right now, especially after dealing with Rachel’s psychotic ass.

“Cheers,” Lila says, clinking her cup against mine.

We both take another long sip, the warmth spreading through my body.

“Let’s get back on the dance floor,” I suggest, feeling the buzz start to kick in.

The music is infectious, and I want to lose myself in it, to forget about everything else.

“Lead the way,” Lila agrees, and we move back to the center of the living room where the crowd is thickest.

The beat pulses around us, and we start to dance, our bodies moving in sync with the music.

“Dang girl! Look at you!” Lila shouts over the noise, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Girl!” I yell back, laughing as we twirl and sway.

For a moment, everything else fades away—the disappointment with my dad, the frustration with Asher, even the confrontation with Rachel. There’s just the music, the lights, and the feeling of being alive.

“Hey, mind if we join you?” A voice interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to see the two guys from the bar standing beside us, drinks in hand.

“Why not?” Lila answers for both of us, sending me a mischievous grin.

I give her a quick glance, a silent warning that I don’t really want to be too close to these guys.

Lila is single, while I am very much in a committed relationship.

Before I know it, they’re right against us and I’m biting my tongue, trying to be a good wing woman for Lila.

“To new friends,” one of the guys says, clinking his cup against ours.

“To forgetting about old problems,” Lila giggles, taking another drink.

The guys are decent dancers, their movements fluid and confident.

It feels good to let loose, to laugh and flirt without any expectations.

“Having fun?” One of the guys asks, leaning in close so I can hear him over the music.

“It’s all right. Just wish my man was here to enjoy it with me,” I reply, politely dropping the hint I’m in a relationship. “You?”

“Best night I’ve had in a while,” he admits, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Glad to hear it,” I say, taking another sip of my drink.

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