Page 25 of Midnights
I hate losing. And I really hate being bad at something, which means I officially hate darts.
“You clearly need to be more observant,” I giggle despite myself. “I’m absolutely terrible at this stupid game, so of course I’m going to be a sore loser.”
I gesture toward the board, “Like, how does one just get good at darts? Do you just wake up one day and decide, ‘Yup, today’s the day I become a dart-throwing legend’?”
I throw my hands up for emphasis. “Is this even a real game?”
Rachel snorts behind me. “You’re asking the real questions now, Rave.”
Kane just shakes his head, chuckling like he actually finds me amusing, which somehow only fuels my irritation. Then, that slow, devastating curve of his lips that has to be illegal, makes an appearance.
There’s no way he doesn’t know the effect that smile has on people. And if he knows it? That makes himenemy number one. The exact kind of guy I need to stay far, far away from.
“Clearly, it's natural talent,” he says, laced with pure smugness.
Oh, for the love of…
“Who would’ve guessed you were all talk?” Kane muses. “Looks like you don’t get that drink after all.”
And then the bastard winks. Oh, he’s enjoying this way too much.
I huff out a dramatic sigh, though I can’t stop the grin tugging at my lips. “Okay, fine, full transparency? I’ve never played darts in my life.”
He raises an eyebrow, giving me a look that practically screamsyou don’t say.
“I'm sure you’ve gathered that by now,” I add, flashing him a sheepish grin. “I am, without a doubt, all talk. Guilty as charged. Thank God I didn’t bet anything worthwhile.”
His smile deepens, and I swear, for half a second, I catch something flicker in his eyes.Amusement?
Which, frankly, is rude, considering I’m the one who should be amused athisexpense, not the other way around.
When he moves toward me, my entire body is suddenly hyper-aware of how close he is. His presence seems to eat up every inch of space between us.
I know the pub is small. But it sure as hell feels like he’s doing it on purpose.
He holds out his hand and for a second, my brain completely short-circuits.Why is he holding out his hand?Is he trying to—
Oh.
Heat creeps up my neck as I quickly recover with a forced laugh before I can dwell on whatever the hell that moment of stupidity was.
“Here you go,Princess.”
I nearly drop the dart. Princess? Where the hell did that come from?
I blink up at him, searching for any reason he just decided to call me that. But he just stands there, watching me with that infuriatingly unreadable expression.
Okay. Sure. We’re just handing out pet names now.
Snapping out of it as quickly as the moment came, I snatch the dart from his hand, narrowing my eyes. “I wonder how accurate my aim is when I’m aiming it atyourhead. Maybe you should go stand over there with an apple on top and see if I miss.”
Kane chuckles, completely unfazed. “You can try. But this is your last turn, I wouldn't want you to waste it.”
Then he leans in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make my stomach flip.
“Take your turn. I'm ready to collect my prize.”
Oh, absolutely not.
