Page 35 of Alpha Jax

I blow out a breath, reaching out to rub her shoulder. “How bad was the fight? Are you guys, like…over?” I ask cautiously.

If only she could be so lucky. The guy is a colossal douchebag- and she doesn’t even know the half of it. I was never a huge fan of the way Tony treated Kyla, but after last weekend, he’s at the top of my shitlist.

“Nah, he’ll cool off,” she says with a wave of her hand.

Damn. Too bad.I press my lips into a tight line, nodding, trying my best not to show my disappointment that this isn’t the end for them.

Kyla slides off the barstool and onto her feet. “I think I’m gonna get outta here. I’m just not in the mood to be social tonight.”

“Aw, c’mon,” I urge, grabbing her hand. “Have a drink with me, take your mind off of it…”

She gives a little shake of her head. “I can’t take my mind off of it when he’s here. I just wanna go home.”

I heave a sigh. I could continue arguing with her, but I know it’d be no use. When Kyla sets her mind to something, there’s no changing it.

“I’ll come with you, then,” I offer, but Kyla shakes her head adamantly.

“No way. Enjoy your night out! I’m just gonna curl up in bed anyways.”

I stare at her, willing her to change her mind, but she just folds her arms across her chest. Girl isn’t gonna budge.

“At least stay in my room?” I ask, unzipping my wristlet and pulling out my keys. “Then you won’t have to see Tony when he comes back.”

I hold the keys out to her and after considering for a moment, she takes them.

“Fine,” Kyla breathes. “I’ll leave the door unlocked for you.”

I nod, satisfied that I finally got her to bend a little bit.

Kyla steps forward into my arms, giving me a tight hug before she turns to leave. She takes a few steps away, then turns back to call out to me. “Be ready to snuggle when you get home,” she grins. “I call being the big spoon!”

I laugh, tossing her a wave. “Can’t wait!”

~

I should really keep better count of my tequila shots. I’ve got a solid buzz going- I can’t remember whether I’ve had eight or nine. Either way, I should probably cut myself off because it’s getting late and the last thing I want is a hangover tomorrow.

It has actually shaped up to be a really fun night- I almost feel a little guilty, considering Kyla’s night was so shitty. Shortly after she left, Shay showed up at the bar with a few dudes- including Boyd, a guy from Summervale that I went to high school with. The guy’s a total flirt and he’s been monopolizing most of my time on the dance floor tonight, but I don’t mind. He’s hit on me enough times by now to know that nothing will ever come of it.

Vienna and Logan seem to be getting along well, so I guess I should start calling myself cupid or something. Although I’m starting to pick up on the fact that Boyd might have a crush on Vienna, too, which makes things a little awkward. I don’t blame him- the girl’s a knockout. It wouldn’t surprise me if she had guys fighting over her.

I leave my little group of friends on the dance floor to head to the restroom, peeing quickly so I can get back out there to rejoin them. I wash and dry my hands, push the door open, and step back out into the narrow, dimly lit hallway, where someone’s waiting for me in the dark. I almost run right into him- and it takes me a second to even realize who it is. Tony’s leaning sideways against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, a creepy-ass grin on his face.

“Hey, Quinn,” he drawls.

I immediately frown. “Tony.”

I don’t want to engage with him- especially not right now. He’s already spoiling my good mood. I take a step forward to go around him, but Tony pushes off the wall, moving to block my way.

I fold my arms in annoyance. What’s up with guys hassling me lately and not letting me by? First Drew, now Tony?

“Let me through,” I grind out, staring Tony down.

His grin only widens. “C’mon, Quinn… don’t you wanna party?”

Tony reaches out to touch my waist and I jump back, recoiling from his touch.

“What the fuck?No, I don’t want topartywith you.”

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