Page 322 of Evil Hearts

“Brian,” he says, while Scott lifts his hand in an awkward wave. I knew the guys would be a little hesitant about him.

Not because of the gay thing, but because he’s a new person and they’re both very protective of our friend group. Nyx is new, and he’s an outsider and he’s different. If only they knew how different he really was… I can’t imagine what they would do or say.

“So, are we ready to get the game going?” I ask.

“Yep, we’re already got everyone’s names in,” Miranda says.

“You’ve never played before?” Hailey asks, looking at Nyx.

“I have not.”

“Well, Scott is awful, so it’s possible you do better than him.”

“I heard that!” he shouts with a smile. She feigns innocence.

Nyx looks at me, and I lift up on my toes to give him a quick kiss. We head over to get some shoes before returning and putting them on.

“Let’s get started,” I say as I get to my feet.

Brian is up first. Then me. For some reason, they put the names in alphabetical order. Probably because they couldn’t decide who got to go first. When Nyx goes up, I hold my breath. He chooses a ball that feels comfortable, then walks to the lane, trying to find a comfortable position.

“He’s hot,” Hailey whispers to me.

“Oh, don’t I know it?” I say. She nudges me with her shoulder.

Nyx throws the ball, and it goes to the side, but he knocks two pins down. He turns to us, smiling from ear to ear like he got a strike. It’s adorable.

To think… there is a creature of the darkness hiding under that friendly smile.

And he’s all mine.

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