Page 119 of Life of the Party

He knew instantly what I was referring to, but Grey just nodded his head, playing dumb, amused by my question. “I think it’s pretty special.”

“Me too.” I cleared my throat. “But that wasn’t really…what I was getting at.”

“Oh, really? What were you getting at?” He teased.

I rolled my eyes at him. He was going to make me say it, I could tell. “I know Charlie picked up some…stuff, and I was wondering if we could do some.”

Grey paused thoughtfully. His blue eyes opened eagerly. “Yeah, that’d be okay.”

“I’ll go get it.” I offered excitedly, sitting up in the bed and searching for my clothes.

“Mackenzie?”

“Yeah?”

“That’s not really necessary.”

“What isn’t?”

“You getting dressed.” His eyes, lazy and shining blue, raked up my naked form.

“But, I thought you said…”

“I know. I’ve got some in my bag.” Grey chuckled sheepishly. “I guess you weren’t the only one who couldn’t hold out.”

“Oh.” I grinned. “Anything to keep me naked, huh?”

“Hell yeah.” He laughed.

Excitement raced down my spine. I had to stifle my glee. “Do you have the sniffing kind?” I wondered hopefully. Grey shook his head.

“No. It’s the needle kind. Is that enough to deter you?”

“No,” I answered quickly. “I mean, not if you’ll do it for me. Will you?”

Grey grinned. “Of course.”

He grabbed the stuff and heated us up a batch, taking some supplies from his suitcase and mixing it all in one of my spoons. I watched him, my hands sweating in anticipation, knowing I’d be free as a bird in mere moments, riding a wave of sheer bliss that would crest and crash down on me. I couldn’t wait.

“Mackenzie.”

“Yes?” I lifted my eyes from Grey’s hands and met his sober gaze.

“Do you remember me telling you how addictive this stuff can be?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I thought we decided this was a special occasion.”

“We did. It is.” He smiled. “But do you think that you could…not do this with anybody else? Even Charlie? I mean, unless I’m around?”

“How come?” I wondered lightly.

“I don’t know. This stuff’s so volatile. I just…it would make me feel better if I knew…when you were doing it and how much you were doing, you know?” He shook his head. “I know I sound like an asshole, but it would keep me from worrying.”

I grinned. His concern touched me. “You don’t sound like an asshole, Grey. Besides, as much as I can help it, I’m going to be with you anyway.” I leaned over and kissed his shoulder, smiling up at him. “So it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“That sounds good to me.” He smirked and kissed me softly on the lips. “Thanks.”

He turned then and filled the syringe with the dark, tar-coloured drugs.

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