Page 100 of Ink & Stardust

“Actually, I just said that to get Char to leave,” I admit, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “She’s a bit overprotective of me. I get the feeling she doesn’t think I can take care of myself.”

“She’s a good friend to worry.”

“I know, but sometimes I wish she wouldn’t.” I take another drink. “Though now that I’m thinking about it, I probablyshouldgo to the bathroom.”

“Breaking the seal.” He grins, rocking back on his heels.

“I guess so.”

“I’ll walk with you.”

“You really don’t have to.”

“I promised Char I’d stay with you. What kind of man would I be if I just left you to fend for yourself just a few seconds later?”

“Fine.” I roll my eyes, stepping past him.

He follows me to the bathroom at the back of the house, where I have to wait a good ten minutes to get inside. I finish my drink while I wait, listening to Owen talk animatedly nextto me. I’m convinced that man could carry on an hour-long conversation all by himself.

When I exit the bathroom a couple of minutes later, Owen is still in the same place I left him, waiting for me.

I nod a thanks, turning left to head back up into the main part of the house, scanning every room I pass for any sign of Maisie or Char.

“Do you see her anywhere?” I ask Owen as we reach the last room at the very front of the house.

“Shit.” Owen stops so abruptly that I end up running into the back of him.

“What is it?” I ask, gripping his shirt to keep myself upright, the collision nearly toppling me backward.

“So, um, I know you said you guys weren’t together and all, but what are the odds that he’s going to break my nose if he sees me with you?”

“Who?” The question is off my lips before realization dawns.

Owen quickly turns back toward me, confirming my assumption without a single word.

“Kai’s here?” I feel every ounce of color drain from my face in an instant.

I pull in a hard breath, my heart kicking against my ribs like someone has just stuck the organ with a shot of adrenaline.

Owen nods. “Should we...” He gestures to the hallway behind me.

“No.” I shake my head, the pump of alcohol in my veins fueling behavior I’d otherwise find unacceptable.

Stepping around Owen, my heart sputters when Kai comes into view, reminding me of how frustratingly beautiful he is and how devastatingly much I miss him. He’s just inside the front door, scanning the room like he’s looking for something...Or someone. I dare to hope, shaking off the thought as soon as it hits.

It takes less than a second for Kai to spot me, his eyes flaring as they collide with mine before honing in on the man standing behind me.

The anger that crinkles his forehead is enough to spur me on.

He doesn’t care about me, so he won’t care if I do this...

I spin on my heel so fast that I damn near end up face-planting into Owen’s chest.

Without a thought, I wrap my hand around the back of his neck, push up on my toes, and press my mouth to his. His lips part in an instant, the warmth of his tongue filling my mouth. And while it feels wrong on every level, I kiss him back with as much fervor as I can muster.

It’s not about who I’m kissing. It’s aboutwhy. And the why comes in the form of the brooding asshole behind me who showed me his heart and then snatched it away.

I want to hurt him.

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