Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 153544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
This isn’t fair. I’m supposed to be trying to get him out of my head tonight.
“What are you doing here?” I slur, then place a hand on my mouth.
There’s a single tap of his index finger on his thigh, then he physically pushes his company to the forefront. “Nikolai was bored, so I took him out for a stroll.”
“Eat shit, motherfucker. I’m not a dog. Also, he was the one who was so bored that he started vandalizing shit,” Nikolai tells me. “I was dragged out against my will because he refuses to admit he misses you.”
“Semantics,” Killian says casually. “Can we join you?”
Careful silence has fallen over the table.
They’re used to Killian, but Nikolai is a different story altogether. They think he’s terrifying, and I agree.
He was bubbling with the need to avenge Killian after the kidnapping and torture Lan performed. Killian, however, waved him off and said he’ll deal with it himself.
I know he did it for me, because he realizes I don’t want Lan hurt, but that barely dulled Nikolai’s need for vengeance.
He’s brutal, and it shows in each of his actions.
But I’ve been seeing him every day and listening to his entertaining retellings of his childhood adventures with Killian, so I don’t really view him in that light. Much.
Everyone at the table most definitely does. Probably because of his permanent scowl and all the tattoos.
Annika has physically distanced herself from sitting opposite Creighton’s side and sneakily changed seats so that she’s beside Ava.
And for the first time since we got here, Creighton raises his head, flips his phone facedown on the table, and looks between Annika and the two newcomers.
“Yeah, sure!” It’s Ava who announces, definitely high on liquid courage. “The more the merrier.”
Killian drags a chair from a nearby table and glues himself to my side, and Nikolai joins him, appearing solemn-faced.
I poke Killian, squinting so I can have a better look at his handsome face. “You said to have fun on my night out with friends.”
“Never said I wouldn’t pay a visit.” He winks.
“Shouldn’t you be busy with school?”
“Never too busy for you, baby.”
“Aren’t you the charming one?”
“Only with you.”
“Why have you brought Nikolai?” I whisper. “He’s terrifying them.”
“He’s not that scary.”
I raise a brow.
“That being the operative word.” He smiles, then says in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, “So what are we playing?”
“Never have I ever,” Bran says, sounding a bit choked. “And Glyn will start.”
You know what? I’m just going to have fun and forget it all tonight. Screw Killian.
I raise a shot. “Never have I ever done something illegal.”
Nikolai lifts a shoulder and downs a shot. Creighton does it without a word.
“What did you do…” Annika asks, then backpedals, swallows, and stares at Nikolai. “Nikolai?”
“You know the drill.”
Ava takes a shot and Cecily and I stare at her dumbfounded.
“What illegal things have you done?” Ces asks.
“Sorry, bitches, there are no rules that say I have to explain. Should’ve set that beforehand.”
Remi downs a shot. “Drugs, those nasty little shits.”
“Why aren’t you drinking?” I ask Killian.
“Because I’m not admitting to doing anything illegal. My father and grandfather are lawyers, thank you very much.”
“That’s not how it works.”
“Do you have proof that I committed illegal action?”
“Ugh, whatever.” I roll my eyes.
“Don’t do that,” he whispers low so I’m the only one who hears.
I make a face at him and a strange fire brightens in his eyes, as if he’s amused but also doesn’t like it.
Jeez. He’s a conundrum.
“Your turn,” I murmur, suddenly nervous for what he’ll say.
He has a tendency to be unpredictable with no care in the world for others’ feelings.
“Never have I ever…been in love.”
My heart squeezes and I think I’m going to throw up. Is he doing this on purpose because he feels the change?
Does he see it on my face, too? Like when I look at myself in the mirror?
Ava and Brandon are the only ones who drink to that and they get shit from everyone and deathly glares from Nikolai.
Or maybe the glare is only for one of them.
But all the noise is downed by my internal ticking bomb.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
I raise a shot with shaky fingers to drink, but before it can meet my lips, Killian snatches it and downs it with utter ease.
“You’re drunk, I’ll take your shots.”
“I don’t need you to.” And why the hell does he sound so unapproving for?
“Swoon.” Annika puts her hands together, watching us with an expression full of awe.
“We need to take this game to the next level.” Nikolai holds out a shot. “Never have I ever fucked or experimented with someone of the same sex.”
Then he drinks his shot.
Well, that’s weird.
Nikolai could’ve just picked something he’s actually never have done.
“Does a kiss count?” Ava asks, and he nods.
“Well, screw it.” She downs a shot.
Remi slams a hand on his chest as if he’s about to have a stroke. “This bitch is really looking to get herself killed tonight.”