Page 13 of Twisted Secrets

“Almostalways am.”

“Almost.” Riley cracks a smile. “Ya know, I never liked you guys. Still can’t stand Neo. But, you and Jagger are good for Scar. I can see how happy she is now. It’s like you’ve breathed life back into her.”

“She’s done the same for me. Can’t imagine doing any of this without her.”

I spot Neo coming toward us with no hurry in his steps. With an open palm, he shoves a guy out of his path, then another, weaving through the crowd like he owns the damn place.

“What a prick,” Riley clips, referring to Neo.

With a red plastic cup in one hand, he takes a sip. “Spicy,” he says with a click of his tongue.

“Whatcha drinking?”

“Straight scotch, but I wasn’t talking about the contents in my cup. I was referring to your girl's ass that she just bared for all to see. Might wanna get her under control.”

“She what?” The words fly out of my mouth before I can even comprehend what he actually said. I shake my head in disbelief. “No. Scar wouldn’t do that.”

“Scar would do it and if you or Jagger don’t stop her now, she’s about to do it again.”

I follow his gaze to the sound of the chanting, and sure as shit, Scar is pumping her fist in the air near the keg. Without another word, I push through the crowd and head straight for her. “Outta the way, fucker.” I shove bodies left and right. Not because I can, but because I have to. Scar will curse us all tomorrow if we don’t stop her right fucking now.

A minute later, I’m grabbing her by the arm, only to feel resistance that’s not coming from her. My eyes land on Jagger, who’s got her other arm. “Dude. What the hell?”

“Lighten up, man. Let her have some fun.”

I’m all for a good time and I know better than anyone that Scar deserves it, but not tonight. Not when all this shit is going on.

"Scar,” I grit my teeth, mouth ghosting her ear, “you’re gonna regret this.”

“Nah,” she singsongs, “I’m just having some fun. You should try it.”

“Nice. I turn my back for one fucking minute and you let her get fucking drunk.”

Scar laughs hysterically, and as I’m trying to figure out why, she says, “I’m so lame. It took me one minute to get drunk. I really need to do this more so I have a higher tolerance.”

Jagger is no longer tugging her in his direction; instead, he’s holding her while everyone watches me silently, waiting to see if I’ll give in. It’s a rarity when I do, but fuck, she’s making it hard to say no.

“Baby, please.” She begs with pleading eyes. “We can all use a night where we just let loose. Let this be my night.”

Shoulders slumped in defeat, I slide my hand to hers. “Fine. Do your thing. But don’t be pissed at me tomorrow for not stopping you. I tried.”

Pushing herself on her tiptoes, she presses her lips to mine. The bitter taste of beer coats my lips and I dart my tongue out, tasting hers. “I’m not leaving your side, though. You’re already a handful when you’re sober.”

She smiles against my mouth before giving me one lastthank-youpeck. “I’ll be fine,” she says, before turning around and chanting again, bringing the crowd to life. “Keg stand. Keg stand. Keg stand.”

Jagger joins my side, grinning, and I can tell he’s headed down the same intoxicated path as Scar.

Out of nowhere, Neo sweeps through the crowd, bumping into me, then Jagger. “The fuck you are,” he gnashes at Scar, before grabbing her by the waist from behind. He pulls her back, spins her around, then tosses her over his shoulder, pulling her dress over her ass and holding it in place, so no one gets a show. With his eyes locked straight in front of him, he carries her away, parting the crowd as he moves.

Jagger and I share a look of dumbfoundedness before I say, “What the hell was that?”

“Hell if I know.” Jagger shrugs his shoulders. “At least she’s laughing.”

“Yeah. For now. I’m not even sure she knows who’s got her.” I follow Neo’s trail, picking up my pace to try and catch up. I can’t be certain, but I’m sure Jagger is following me. With my neck stretched, I try not to lose sight of them, but he’s moving quickly.

“Hey, Crew,” Melody says, walking in step with me. She’s also heavily intoxicated, and I’m wondering how the fuck everyone got so inebriated already when the party literally just started.

“Go away, Melody.”

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