Page 63 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

"Never have I ever..." I tap my chin thoughtfully, "spent the night in jail."

"Oh come on," Jayce groans, throwing back his shot. "That's targeting."

Jade cackles, lifting her glass. "Bullseye."

"Speaking of targeting," Chase leans forward, eyes dancing as he fills the empty glasses. "Never have I ever written off body glitter as a business expense."

"Now that's targeting!" I protest. Jade clinks her glass against mine before downing hers.

"We've had some good times, haven't we Angel," she sighs nostalgically. "Remember that bachelor party where you—"

"No!" I throw a pillow at her. "We don't speak of that night."

"Speak of what night?" Levi's voice carries an edge that would intimidate someone lesser, but Jade just waves him off.

"Relax, Romeo. Your girl has always been a perfect lady. Unlike some of us." She winks at Ty, who suddenly becomes very interested in his empty glass.

"My turn!" Jade announces. "Never have I ever had a threesome."

The entire room goes silent. I feel heat creep up my neck as I reach for my glass, hyperaware of both Z and Levi's presence. Chase whistles low.

"Nowthatwas targeted." Jayce dissolves into a fit of very non-gangster like giggles.

I catch Z's eye across the room. His usual stoic expression has melted into something warmer, more open.

"Never have I ever," Ty starts, then pauses dramatically, "been caught making out in Colt's truck."

"That was one time!" Jade throws her hands up as everyone laughs. "And technically we were way past making out..."

"I don't want to know!" Chase covers his ears. "Some things should remain a mystery."

"This game is getting dangerous," Jayce wipes the tears from his eyes, his shoulder still shaking from laughing.

The night continues with questions that get progressively more outrageous as Jade leads us through territory that would normally make me cringe. But here, surrounded by people I trust, with Z and Levi watching over me, I'm actually having fun. It feels almost.. normal.

It feels good to be silly. I can't seem to stop giggling. The warmth of whiskey flows through my veins, making everything feel soft and fuzzy. We've migrated to the living room floor, surrounded by empty bottles and half-eaten snacks.

"Never have I ever..." Jade drawls, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "been caught with my pants down."

Chase and Ty both drink, prompting howls of laughter from the rest of us.

"That's cheating!" Chase protests. "Colt’s been telling you stories."

"All's fair in love and drinking games, sweetheart." Jade winks at him, making Chase flush red to his ears.

From his spot on the couch, Levi watches, the disapproval evident on his face. I catch his eye and blow him a kiss, which only makes him frown deeper. But when I look to Zane, who's taken to lounging in the armchair, I find him watching me with intense fascination. It makes my skin tingle.

"Your turn, Angel," Jade nudges me with her shoulder.

"Never have I ever..." I pause, feeling bold. "Had sex in a public place."

Everyone except Jayce and I take a drink. "Y'all are animals," he declares.

"Speaking of animals," Jade purrs, directing her attention to Ty. "Those arms of yours could probably bench press a small car. What's your workout routine like?"

Ty stammers adorably while flexing unconsciously. "I, uh... just basic training stuff..."

"Mhmm." Jade's appreciation is obvious but playful. "Colt has nothing to worry about, but damn do I like to window shop."

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