Page 30 of Ghost

I scan the bottles behind the bar. “Gin and tonic?”

“You got it.” He winks. “Anything else? Maybe a nightcap later?”

I laugh at the ridiculously lame attempt to hit on me. “Just the drink.”

“You break my heart.” He slaps his hand over his chest, taking a step back like he’s been hit and stumbling a step.

“I’m sure.” I roll my eyes. “Can you bring it over there?”

I point to the other end of the bar, where Tempe is still standing.

Venom nods. “Sure thing.”

He turns to start my drink, and I cut through the crowd toward Tempe. It’s not my fault she happens to also be standing next to Ghost, who’s showing Steel something on his phone.

“Luna, you’re here,” Tempe cheers, moving to hug me, but Steel won’t let her go, so it’s sideways and awkward.

My body bumps against Ghost, and the small bit of contact heats my cheeks.

“Sorry.” I step back.

Ghost doesn’t bother looking up. “You’re fine.”

Fine.

There’s that word again.

Everything isfinewith Ghost. I’m burning up from the slightest bit of contact, and he’s utterly unaffected.

Turning to Tempe, I try to ignore the fact that every person added to this packed room pushes me closer to Ghost.

“You don’t have a drink.” I look at her empty hand. “Want me to ask Venom to add another one to my order?”

“No, I promised Austin we’d make waffles first thing in the morning, and that’s easier when I’m not hung over.” She plants her hand on Steel’s chest, and her new engagement ring flashes under the lights. “But if you’re up early and want breakfast, you’re welcome to come by.”

“If all goes well tonight, that won’t be happening.” I laugh.

“Well, have fun for both of us.”

“Will do.” I grab my drink from Venom and take a sip.

I’m not a heavy drinker. Even when I take shots, I stop after the first one and switch to something lighter. But tonight, I could use something to take the edge off, especially with Ghost ignoring me.

I’m on my second drink by the time Steel and Tempe disappear to meet up with Soul and Havoc, so I slide onto the empty stool next to Ghost. One of the perks of his constant frown and fuck-off glare is that people usually give him space, leaving an empty seat for me to sit down in the packed room.

I glance over at his phone, but he has it angled so I can’t see what’s on the screen.

“For you, beautiful.” Venom slides me a shot. “You look like you could use it.”

“You have no idea,” I mumble, lifting it to my lips and draining the glass.

From the corner of my eye, I feel Ghost watching me—judging me.

“Thanks.” I slide the empty shot glass back to Venom, but he doesn’t walk away.

He leans on the bar, bringing himself closer to me. “I’m almost done back here. Ricky’s taking over when he gets back from the strip club, so do you wanna hang in a few?”

Venom’s gaze skates down my body, making his intentions clear.

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