Page 101 of Doesn't Count

Khaos stands, “I’ll grab us another drink.”

I nod, watching him walk away and when I turn back around, Blane has taken his seat.

“Ashton, I see you’ve brought a guest.” He smiles cockily.

“I did.”

He leans forward, his elbows resting on the table, his face just a few inches from mine. I can smell the liquor on his breath as he speaks.

“I really thought sleeping with the band would have come with more advantages.”

“Excuse me?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Your blog is weak. I’m bored of it. I’d really hate to create a headline for you. I’m sure you won’t like it.”

“Sir, I write with integrity. I refuse to tarnish my name for the sake of fake news and gossip. The point of this tour is to show the fans why they fell in love with their favorite artist.” I remind him.

“The point of this project is to gain a larger following. Look at Justina, she’s nearly doubled her audience.”

I growl, “You assigned her Taylor Swift. They’re not following Justina.”

He shrugs, sitting back in the seat. “If you were a better journalist, it wouldn’t matter who you are assigned to.”

“Excuse me.” Khaos interrupts, my stomach dropping from fear of being overheard. “I thought we should dance.”

He passes me my drink, then holds his hand out for me to take. I let him drag me away from Blane, his piercing blue eyes never leaving me as we get lost in a sea of bodies on the dance floor.

Khaos looks so out of place, standing still as I sway around him to the nasty beat ofGet Lowby Lil Jon. I let him take my empty glass, deciding to lose myself, forgetting about the possibility of either ruining whatever is between Khaos and me or becoming unemployed. It’s funny how often I find myself in these lose-lose situations.

“Let’s go,” He shoutsin my ear.

Confused, I follow him through the crowd and towards the doors of the ballroom.

“Where are we going? It’s almost midnight!” I shout, the DJ starting the countdown.

We round the corner, hiding in the shadows of the hallway, his body pressing against mine.

8...

7...

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“I want to be able to kiss you at midnight.” He says, pulling his mask down.

4...

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2...

“You’re going to get cau-”

Khaos’ mouth crashes onto mine as screams, cheers, and noise makers clash around us. Instantly, I melt into him, the feeling of his mouth on mine the only thing that’s right tonight. His tongue slides between my lips, greedily tasting my own, lapping up all the words I want to say to him right now.

Slowly, he pulls away, caressing my face.

“Happy New Year, Eris.” He smiles.

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