Page 11 of Forbidden Bond

Max reaches me around the same time two girls appear at my side.

“Hey, you’re Topher, right?” the first one asks.

She’s wearing a short blue dress that just screams “look at my tits.” I respectfully keep my gaze at her eye level. She’s pretty, both of them are, but I didn’t come to this party to get laid. It suddenly hits me that I’m almost 25 and the thrill of partying, getting wasted, and all that shit is fading.

Damn, Christian’s dreams are coming true. I might actually be maturing.

“Yeah,” I say slowly. “And you are?”

“I’m Dana. This is my friend, Darla,” she introduces.

Dana and Darla, not confusing at all. They start talking to me about how great the party is and how Jameson’s so amazing for even throwing it at all. I have no idea who Jameson is. Max finally loses his patience and interrupts Darla mid-rant about how expensive the drinks at clubs are. And how lucky it is that guys like Jameson know how to throw good parties these days. The girls are actually good company.

“Sorry, ladies, but Toph has to help me out with something,” Max says, leading me away.

“I’ll find you guys,” I promise, throwing in a little wink that makes Darla giggle.

Maybe I am in the mood to get laid.

“So, where’s your girl?” I ask as he leads me to the pool room, where a couple of guys are playing beer pong. I grit my teeth at the sight. I graduated college three years ago—should I really be here?

“She’s not my girl,” Max says in frustration. “And I’m pretty sure she’s avoiding me. I was talking to her before you arrived and now she’s gone.”

I clap him on the back. “Ease up, Maximus. It’s just a girl.”

He glares at me. “Don’t call me that.”

“Okay, someone’s prickly. You need a drink.”

One of the guys next to us hears that and points at the keg.

“Aren’t you Topher?” he asks, his brown eyes wide and curious.

I swear if I have to hear that question one more time tonight.

“Yeah,” I say with a forced smile.

“I heard you chugged down an entire beer keg while hanging upside down at that Hamptons party last year. Dude, you’re legendary.”

“Thanks, man.” At least I know if I die tomorrow, I’ll forever be known as the guy who chugged a beer keg upside down. A real mentor for college kids around the world.

“What do you think about showing us your moves? There’s a beer keg over there,” the kid asks.

Shit. I should have seen that coming.

Unfortunately, the entire room’s watching our interaction. I can’t simply say no. Plus, Max is too busy sulking in a corner to care. I let out a soft breath and head toward the keg. Chants of my name start up as I get into position and do handstand. When I nod at the keg, someone brings it forward, and I spend the next few minutes of my life chugging cheap beer.

When I’m done, the room erupts in cheers. I want to revel in it, but my gaze is drawn to the doorway of the room. Blue eyes are on me, widened in surprise. It takes me only a second to place her and when I do, a real smile spreads over my face.

Found you.

I hadn’t even realized I was looking for her. This was the last place I thought we would meet. Katherine’s eyes narrow for a fraction of a second before she smirks and walks away. I manage to maneuver away from the crowd, toward her. She heads for the kitchen area and I follow her in, leaning against the doorway.

“Are you stalking me?” she questions after a few seconds, acknowledging my presence.

There’s no one else here but us.

“I was about to ask you the same question. This doesn’t seem like your scene, princess.”

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