Page 116 of Shadow

“Yeah. I mean, if you want.” She gave me a wide-eyed, innocent look. “I have my room to myself if you want to come over.”

“Thanks, Lucy, but I’m good,” I said awkwardly. “I have Sirena.”

“Well, if you change your mind…” she said before getting up. I followed her gaze to see Sirena coming back to us. “You know where to find me.”

I scoffed and shook my head. There was no way in hell I’d be looking, that was for damn sure.

“Dude, I can distract Sirena if you want to get laid. Practice up and shit,” Jack whispered in a rush. “You don’t want to look like a novice in the sack. Chicks remember that shit. Plus, your competition would fucking drown you. You don’t stand a chance against them.”

“He’s right. We won’t say shit about it to Sirena. Man, go,” Vic urged.

I said nothing as Sirena slid back onto my lap.

I was beyond irritated that anyone would suggest to me that I cheat on her. Of course, I hadn’t actually asked her to be my girlfriend. Maybe I should. Given everything that was happening, it was assumed we were together.

Sirena snuggled against me, but I didn’t touch her.

Devon gave me a knowing look before they all started teasing one another about sucking at games and life.

I caught Lucy’s eye from across the room, and she cocked her head at me.

I breathed out and closed my eyes, my head spinning from all the alcohol I’d had. Sirena kissed along my jaw as the room spun. The corner of my lips. Her hand ran along my abs, making goosebumps pop up along my skin.

“I drank too much,” I muttered.

She chuckled softly as her hand moved beneath my shirt. I loved the way her hand felt against my stomach.

“Bryce. Shots, man.” Devon thrust another drink into my hand.

“I’ve had enough,” I said, opening my eyes and staring at him.

“Come on. One shot.”

I sighed and slammed it back, knowing damn well he wouldn’t go away until I did.

He whooped as I grimaced.

I did two more shots within the hour, knowing I was going to get way too wasted if I kept it up.

I played another round of Mortal Kombat as Sirena stayed in the chair, watching me and silently cheering on my wins.

I glanced over to see she’d fallen asleep. A hand moved onto my thigh, and I looked over to see Lucy had moved beside me.

“Hey.” She gave me a tentative smile.

“Uh, no.” I moved her hand off me. “I’m with Sirena now.”

“Are you though?” She wrinkled her nose. “How? She doesn’t even talk.”

“She does,” I said. “She signs and speaks sometimes. Besides, I like being with her. I’m not about to ruin that.”

“She doesn’t have to know?—”

“I would know.” I got up, feeling uneasy. Lucy was never this girl. Granted, she was drunk too, but so was I, and I still knew right from wrong. And this was very wrong.

I went to Sirena.

“Cupcake,” I mumbled, shaking her gently. “Hey. Come on. Let’s go.”

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