So much for being alone.
Almost everyone's here in the living room, and I can't move. How am I supposed to deal with this many demons at once? My mind's gone blank, honestly. I even almost jump when I feel Paige's hand gently guiding me forward. He must've noticed, because he gives me a worried look."Are you okay?" he asks.I just smile in response.
It seems like everyone's caught up in their own business, which is probably why no one's noticed us yet. I quietly tug on Paige's shirt, and he turns to me."Paige, I think I should go."He looks confused for a second, then smirks—that infamous smirk."Nah, I told you. I'm not letting you go a second time."
He tightens his hold on me and leads me toward the sofa. That's when everyone finally notices us—and they just stare.
"Woah, Paige, you could've told us you were bringing a guest," Thoven says, setting his laptop aside and strolling over to me. He takes my hand and kisses it."Name's Beethoven Yellic. Pleasure to meet you." He flashes a dazzling smile.
"As in the Yellic Industry?" I fake surprise, just to stroke his ego a bit. It probably shot straight through the roof."The pleasure's really mine," he replies, still holding onto my hand—until Paige shoves him off.
Then I feel something being draped over my shoulders. A jacket.
"You shouldn't let a girl be out this late wearing just that," the guy says, scolding Paige.It dawns on me—I'm still in a bikini top and shorts.
"Kaizer. Nice to meet you," he says with a smile.I just nod and return the smile.
"Here we go..." someone suddenly lifts me off the floor and drops me onto the sofa."I'm Curtis," the guy says.
Then my legs are lifted and rested gently on a footstool."I'm Calvin."
I blink in surprise."You're twins."It's all I manage to say. They both beam.
"Yeah, yeah—Tweedledee and Tweedledum," Paige mutters, then pushes both of them to sit on either side of me like a territorial boyfriend. Poor guy.
"Then that guy over there—" Paige starts, but the guy interrupts himself."Name's Zeff," he says with a nod.
"Like Zeff, the drummer from Deluxe Navigation?" I ask excitedly.He just smiles, and everyone goes back to what they were doing.
Well, not everyone. Something—or someone—is missing.
"You've got a lot of friends, Paige," I say.He looks around and scratches the back of his neck.
"Aww, is someone shy talking about his crew?"
"I guess? Zeke and Montier are out. Wait—I'll grab the kit," he says, disappearing down the hall.So that's why the room felt incomplete.
"What's your name?" Curtis asks, snapping me from my thoughts."KD," I reply without thinking.
Suddenly, all heads turn toward me.
"Wait—what's your name again?" Kaizer asks.
Paige returns with the first-aid kit and answers for me."KD."
They all stare like I just revealed I'm a royal. I look around, confused.
Then Curtis jumps to his feet, beaming."Like the KD who left Vaughn cuffed and naked?"
I shift uncomfortably."Vaughn?" I repeat, feigning confusion.Meanwhile, Paige is busy treating my ankle.
"Yeah! Quiet guy, looks like a nerd. Well, is a nerd—but you get me," Curtis laughs.
I pretend to recall something and lower my head shyly."Oh... him. Sorry about that."
"You really are that KD," Thoven chuckles.
"This might be a reach—but are you the one who left Paige butt-naked in that club?" Zeff chimes in.
Paige freezes, then shoots him a glare."Stop it."
"So you are the one, huh?" Kaizer snickers.
"That was my fault. So shut it," Paige snaps, finishing up with the bandages."There. All done."
"You're being unusually sweet, Paige. What's up?" Kaizer teases.Paige glares back like a flustered teenager.
"Shut it!"Everyone bursts into laughter.
Then my stomach growls—and silence hits the room.
"Sorry," I say, cheeks flushing.
"No worries. Let's eat," Paige offers.
But Calvin ruins the moment."Dummy, Zeke and Vaughn are out. Who's cooking?"
Realization hits Paige."Oh. Right..."He turns to me."You okay with pizza?"
And that gives me an idea.
"Pizza sounds great. I'll order," I offer.
Paige immediately protests."It's a guy's job to handle stuff like that—"
"Paige, I insist. Besides, I still feel kinda bad about what I did to you."I flash him a sweet smile. It works.
I head into the kitchen, pretending to get water while dialing. I go through the usual pizza-order script but type discreetly:
To: Synpep pizza, s.p.
—
Just as I hit send, Paige shows up at the doorway."You okay? Sorry about my friends."
I walk toward him and smile sweetly."They're fun. Don't worry about it."
"But I kinda wish we were alone right now," he says, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"But we are alone," I reply.
He smirks, pulls me into his arms, and kisses me."I really did wait to see you again," he whispers, his lips trailing down to my neck."God, you're beautiful."
He starts to corner me against the counter. We're still making out when—
"Paige! Pizza's here!" Curtis yells.
Paige curses under his breath and looks at me like someone just popped his balloon. Poor guy. Between the puppy eyes and the jealous-boyfriend vibes, I almost feel bad for him.
We return to the living room, where everyone's already eating. Paige snatches a slice from Curtis and takes a bite.
I excuse myself, saying I forgot my drink in the kitchen. When I come back...
Everyone's asleep.
Good job, Arsyn.
It's my chance to leave.
I open the door—
And someone's there.
Zeke.