Page 13 of Hell on Wheels

“Why… Why do you have a belly ring?” I pretend to be stirring my drink, so I’m not looking at Archie, but I’m curious.

“He lost a bet,” the twins answer in unison. They glare at one another again, but this time, it’s with humor.

“Can you two control that at all?” I tilt my head as I look at them, wondering if that’s why they get so annoyed.

Angelo presses his lips together, looking like he’s resisting hard as Damon says, “Sometimes.”

“If you’re going to ask us questions all night, little sis, I think it’s only fair we get to ask you some as well.” Rebel turns, leaning back against the couch with my feet in his lap as he observes me. “Yes, yes, don’t call you little sister, I know.”

Dick.

“Fine. I’ll answer your questions if you answer mine.” I study each of them carefully, noting the change in demeanor after my response. Something about the way Reb shot that back so quickly makes me suspicious; it was almost like being at a girly slumber party instead of sitting with the guys on a deck in waning sunset. I know none of them would be intentionally hurtful, but with Mina’s betrayal fresh in my mind, I can’t help feeling on edge.

Nothing good comes from lies, but it doesn’t always come from the truth, either.

Young Wild & Free

Rogue has always been forbidden fruit.

My twin and I had crushes on her long before Archer admitted his, and Javi was the last of us to fall. But none of us have ever acted on it, even as kids, because we could see what neither she nor Rebel seem to understand—they’ve been into one another since the day he moved in.

Their inability to recognize that fact stems from the unforgivable way he entered her life. The Kellys broke her heart when they sent Reck away and at first, all she could do was spit venom at the boy who replaced her twin. I can’t blame her; I’d burn the world down to get Angelo back. But once she accepted his presence, he stubbornly insisted on putting her in the ‘little sister’ box.

Hell, he still does it, and I think it’s keeping himself from giving in.

The more Rogue tagged along with our friend, the deeper she wormed her way into the group. She’s been the unattainable gold standard we held every chick we dated up to, and it explains why not a single one of us has ever had a serious girlfriend or boyfriend.

Okay, that last one only applies to me, but the guys have never given a shit that Rogue and I are controversial.

Honestly, I think Rogue is pan like me, but she doesn’t like labels. Once she was old enough, Reb’s sister seemed determined to give us a run for our money in the casual sex arena. I can’t help wondering if that’s because she’s never been able to find someone she connects with like she does with her stepbrother.

The game Rebel proposed has all of us staring at one another quietly.

Javi finally stands, his face unreadable as he walks over to the outdoor bar cabinet to pull out several bottles of booze. He grabs shot glasses as well and strides over to the group, pushing one of the ottomans close to where Rogue, Archie, and Rebel are sitting. Angelo stands, jerking his head at me, and pulls another foot rest next to the bartender.

Shit. Now my only option is to sit next to Archie and I’m not… fuck.

“Come over here, dude. Put your tech down and play ‘never have I ever’ with us,” Archie says as he pats the cushion.

Rogue twists her lips in an impish grin. “I feel like I’m overdressed as it is. Don’t make it awkward, too, Damon.”

I roll my eyes, but when they all stare at me, I get up to join them. “Okay, Sparkles. This could get even weirder. I’m glad King got the tequila.”

Javi holds the shot glasses out to us and we each take one. He peels the plastic off and uncorks the Patron. “To those about to die, I salute you.”

Once he pours a shot for us, Rebel bobs his brows. “I’ll go first. Never have I ever… cheated on a test.”

Everyone but me takes a shot and I glare at the green-haired Fae. I don’t know what his plan is, but knowing Rebel, he definitely has one. “I hate all of you,” I mutter.

“Your turn!” Rogue grins, biting her lower lip. She almost looks happy, and if this takes her mind off losing her best friend, I’ll play along.

“Never have I ever gotten a speeding ticket,” I say as I toss my shot back.

Archie groans as he’s the odd man out this time. “Just because my mom would skin me alive doesn’t make me lame, you criminals.”

Smirking at him, Angelo shrugs. “Samara isterrificante. I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side, either. Your dads are easier.”

“Preach, bro,” the lion shift replies. “My turn… never have I ever slept with a girl.” Everyone drinks, and he snorts. “Shit, I forgot Wheels is a baller. Okay, never have I ever… had a threesome.”

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