Page 119 of Jolt's Vengeance

"Did you really do all this?"

Jolt's eyes twinkle with mischief, "Surprised?" he asks, a smug satisfaction in his tone.

"Completely," I admit, my heart swelling until it feels too big for my chest.

This wasn't what I expected—not by a long shot.

Cobra's voice comes from out of nowhere. "Come on, birthday girl! Let's get our drink on!"

With all eyes on me, I let Jolt guide me over to the large bar area.

I look Cobra dead in the eyes, “I wasn’t gonna drink. Have classes first thing in the mornin’.”

On the other side of the bar is Siren, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

Cobra chuckles deeply. “Come on, live a little!”

She leans forward against the counter, revealing her colorful dragon and Kraken tattoos that snake around her toned arms.

"C'mon Aggie," she drawls out my name in a way that makes everyone laugh.

"All right, fine, I give in! It is my birthday after all. Guess it’s okay if I go a little crazy tonight." I say, pulling away from Jolt, who gives a playful squeeze on my arm before letting me go.

Moving closer, I hop onto one of the tall stools.

As soon as I do, Siren picks up a bottle of Jameson whiskey.

With an expert flick of her wrist, she opens it and pours out three shots; one for Cobra, one for Jolt, and one for me.

As she hands them out, her lips curl into a wicked grin. "To our little Scottish firecracker!" she announces loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

There's a chorus of 'hear, hear!' and laughter bounces off the walls of the clubhouse.

I can't help but chuckle as I lift my glass.

"Ye all best remember," I begin as I glance at each of them in turn. "You lot are stuck with me now."

The laughter and banter continue as we clink our glasses together.

The warmth of the whiskey spreads like a wildfire through my chest, leaving a trail of heat that sets my nerves alight.

I slam the shot glass down on the counter and shake my head, chasing away the sting.

Cobra bellows. "Another round!"

Siren doesn't hesitate, pouring the amber liquid, and I have no doubt in my mind I’m about to get plastered tonight.

"Here's to not rememberin' a thing in the mornin'!" Cobra declares, and we all knock back our shots, the fiery liquid now a welcome burn in my throat.

Laughter fills the room again, mixing with the rock anthems blaring from the Bluetooth speakers.

"Let's get some games goin'!" someone yells from the crowd, and before long, we're in the thick of it. A deck of cards appears, and a round of poker starts up at one of the tables.

The stakes are low, but the competition is fierce.

I play my hand with confident smirks and the occasional bluff.

Honestly, I’m having a great time fucking with the lot of them.

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