Page 38 of Shattering Nash

Penny grabbed Charley’s pocketbook on the bar and handed it to her.

“I think that you shouldn’t take advice from your drunk friend.”

From out of nowhere, Keely made a beeline for them, stumbling on her feet.

“It’s over?” Keely bumped into Charley, wrapping her arm around her shoulder.

“Yeah girl, it’s after three,” Penny said, leading them toward the door. “Come on.”

“We’re leaving already? Aren’t they required by law to do a last call or something?” Keely whined but surprisingly, Charley was in agreement.I could go for one more purple drink.

This night had taken an amazing turn since she’d walked through the doors a few hours ago. True, there were some low points, but she’d bounced back. She couldn’t remember, if ever, she’d felt more free or had more fun.

“By law? No.” Penny hooked the strap of her pocketbook over her shoulder. “Look around, Keels, it’s closing time.”

Keely’s jaw dropped, and she turned, grabbing Charley’s arms and bouncing on her toes. “We closed down the X-Lounge! Do you know what this means?”

“We have to leave now?” Charley innocently asked.

“Charley.” Keely grabbed her forearms, shaking her. “We’re like friggin’ legends!”

“Oh hell,” Penny said with an exasperated breath.

Charley wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing, and she was getting mixed messages from Keely and Penny’s polar opposite responses.I’m just going to feed off Keely’s energy.

“This was the best night ever!” Charley shouted, raised her hands above her head, and shook her hips. It was a chain reaction with Keely imitating her moves.

“You two are an absolute shitshow.” Penny laughed, grabbing each of them by an arm and guiding them to the exit.

Being so dark in the hallway, it was hard to navigate. Every time Keely would bump into her, they both broke out in laughter.I don’t want this night to end.They’d made it to the main hall when Penny stopped, staring past them.

Charley turned to see a man walking toward them. He was the same guy who’d escorted them to their table when they’d arrived. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen Cyrus. Of all the security, he seemed the most laid-back. Though, that didn’t say much since he was still brutally frightening. Had she been in a sober state, she would’ve remained silent. But instead…

Charley waved, and his head jerked, scowling.

“Hi, Cyrus! Do you remember us?” She pointed to Keely, but they were standing so close, Charley slapped the back of her hand on Keely’s head, causing her to stumble backward. Penny reached out, but from out of nowhere, Caine stepped behind Keely, grasping her arms and steadying her.

Keely chuckled and glanced up at Caine. “I’ve always wanted to fall and have a hot guy catch me.”

Without thinking, Charley muttered, “Me too.”

It might have been outdated thinking, but the chivalrous gesture had Charley’s blood warming.

“Oh fuck me, this is gonna be a long night,” Penny said, grabbing Keely’s arm and straightening her. She tugged on her arm, but Keely seemed enamored with Caine. Charley took a lingering look. He was handsome.Sort of.He had a harsh profile, and his thick dark brows seemed to be permanently set in a scowl. She cocked her head, trying to envision him smiling. She drew a complete blank.

Keely spun around and stumbled again, but this time it was Penny who steadied her. Caine hadn’t moved, but his gaze was locked on Keely in a harsh glare.

“Can I ask you something?” Keely smiled.

“No.” Caine growled.

Keely scrunched her face. “Really?”

Penny grabbed her arm, pulling her down the hall. Charley followed behind and smiled up at Cyrus when she passed. It wasn’t returned, but she saw his gaze soften. They’d just turned the corner when Keely abruptly stopped, yanking her arm from Penny’s hold.

“Ugh,” Keely groaned and sneered. “What the hell is she doing here?”

Charley was still smiling, riding her drunken high, but Keely’s mood had swiftly shifted. Charley stared at the woman as they got closer. She was roughly her age with long dark silky hair and a dress that left little to the imagination. Compared to her own, this woman made Charley look like she was wearing a plastic garbage bag with the arms cut out.

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