Page 145 of Bonding with the Beta

“Hey.” I smile at him when I notice his gaze resting on my champagne glass. “Would you like one?”

“Um,” he says softly. “Sure, thanks.”

I ask for another from the bartender and turn to him with the flute.

“You’re Kayden’s girlfriend, right?”

“Yeah, I am.” I grin.

“You guys look cute together.”

“Thanks. How do you guys know each other?”

The boy clears his throat. “Jaxon and Kayden basically saved me from hell. I live with them now. I’d probably be dead otherwise.”

My heart thrashes in my chest at his saddened words. “What’s your name?”

“Evan.”

“I’m Kayleigh.” I hold out my hand, and he takes it delicately.

“Nice to meet you,” he says, his eyes flicking down to my nose ring. “I like your piercing. I’ve always wanted to get mine done, but I’ve never really had the chance.”

My lips part. “You should get it done! It would look so good on you.”

Evan’s eyes light up a little. “I don’t know any piercing shops.”

“There is a really cool one by my university. I’ve had a few ear piercings from there.”

“You’d take me?” His voice sounds hopeful.

“Sure.” I nod.

“Do you think guys would like it on me?”

I nod instantly. “Hell, yeah. Everyone thinks piercings are hot. Any guy would think so.”

Evan’s eyes light up a little. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Kayden says as he wraps an arm around my shoulder.

My head twists towards him slowly. “Just that I’m going to take Evan to get his first piercing.”

Kayden’s brows raise to his hairline. “That’s cool.”

Evan pats his pockets and then points towards another table. “I’ll go get my phone so I can grab your number,” he says hurriedly.

My lips twitch. “He’s really sweet.”

“Yeah, he’s been through a lot. Think he’s finally managing to settle here.”

“How old is he?”

“Eighteen.”

“He seemed nervous. I better go see if he’s found his phone,” I say as I slip from beneath Kayden’s arm.

“Hurry back,” Kayden says with a playful expression.

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