Page 71 of Fated

“Layla’s five, Keo.” Fin rolled his own eyes.

“And?” Keo said.

I chuckled, shaking my head as we all made our way outside together.

Once we reached their bikes, I pulled both Fin and Keo into a hug, thanking them for spending the evening hanging out with us.

Keo smirked and promised he would beat me at one of the other games next time.

Even Ash gave the boys a friendly clap on the back before they left, and as they waved goodbye and disappeared into the night, an unexpected warmth glowed in my chest.

Tonight had been more fun than I could ever have imagined.

Chapter 18

With Keo and Fin now gone, a sudden shyness fell over me.

All alone with Ash, I found myself fumbling awkwardly with my hands as memories of the moment shared in the arena flooded my mind. I stole a glance at Ash, and sure enough, a faint smile played on his lips as if he knew exactly what I was thinking about.

The all-too-familiar warmth crept up my neck, betraying me once again.

Ash chuckled. “Have a drink with me, Areya. There’s a bar just a few buildings down.”

I nodded, swallowing the nervous flutter rising in me again. “Maybe you should apply for the job of official tour guide since you seem to know this place better than the locals.”

He grinned, wordlessly taking my hand in his.

We walked together down the dimly lit street, the cool night air brushing against our skin. His hand in mine felt like a lifeline, grounding me in the moment, as if all the tension and uncertainty that had been oppressing me dissolved in his presence.

“I really like Cresinthia. It wouldn’t be so bad living here,” I said, contemplatively.

Ash sighed, his grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly. “No, it wouldn’t,” he agreed, his voice carrying a hint of something unreadable.

We soon reached the bar, a small, cozy tavern with booths lining its walls.

The dim lighting gave it an inviting glow, and although a few people dined, it was mostly empty. In the center of the room was the bar where only one man sat, nursing a drink.

We took two seats farthest from him. A large man, his back to us, was working behind the bar, a towel slung over his broad shoulder as he poured a drink. When he finally turned, his bright eyes caught Ash, and a familiar spark lit up his face, his mouth curving into a wide grin.

“Ash! Good to see you back so soon,” the man said, his eyes shifting to me. “And you must be Areya.” My name on the stranger’s lips surprised me.

I shot a questioning glance to Ash.

“I met Joe last night,” he explained.

Joe let out a laugh. “Yeah, I served this heartbroken son of a bitch while he rambled on about you. Finally, I had to kick him out so I could go home and get some sleep.”

His eyes shifted between us. “Glad you two worked things out.”

Heartbroken?The word struck me hard. The idea of Ash confiding in anyone, especially about me, shocked me. Had our fight really bothered him that much?

“I already know what you like,” Joe said and nodded to Ash. “And for the lady?”

He looked at me expectantly.

I had absolutely no idea, having never even drunk alcohol before. “Whatever he has is fine,” I said politely.

Ash quirked an eyebrow at me.

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