Chapter 13
833 Words
I waved to the bartender, signaling for another drink, deciding that one more wouldn’t hurt. The warmth of the alcohol had settled pleasantly in my veins, making the night feel looser, more surreal. Lucas leaned in, his arm draping over the back of my chair.
“You’re braver than most.”
“Or just foolish,” I quipped, earning another chuckle from him.
Cassian’s smirk deepened as he took a slow sip of his drink, eyes flicking between me and Lucas like he was thoroughly entertained by our dynamic. I shifted under his gaze, suddenly feeling warmer than the alcohol could account for.
“You know,” Lucas drawled, leaning back against his seat with a lazy grin. “Why don’t we just continue our little game?”
Cassian arched a brow. “I do enjoy a good challenge.”
“Oh, I bet you do,” I muttered under my breath before finishing off the last of my drink. Cassian’s lips twitched in amusement, but he said nothing.
Lucas knocked back the rest of his whiskey, setting the glass down with a decisive clink. “Alright, I believe it’s my turn.” He steepled his fingers, looking far too pleased with himself. “One – I once went skinny-dipping in the Seine. Two – I can play the piano. Three – I’ve been arrested.”
I squinted at him. “You definitely play the piano. I refuse to believe otherwise.”
Cassian hummed. “And I can certainly imagine you being arrested.”
Lucas clutched his chest theatrically. “You wound me. I’m a respectable citizen.”
“Uh-huh.” I pointed a finger at him. “I’m calling bullshit on the skinny-dipping.”
Lucas laughed, shaking his head. “Wrong. I have gone skinny-dipping in the Seine. It was freezing, and I may or may not have traumatized some unsuspecting tourists.”
Cassian chuckled. “That is deeply unfortunate.”
Lucas smirked. “For them.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Then which one was the lie?”
“The piano,” he admitted. “I wish I could play, but alas, my musical talents are nonexistent.”
“Well, now I’m just disappointed,” I teased. “Alright, my turn. One – I once tried to dye my hair platinum blonde, and it went horribly wrong. Two – I have a tattoo. Three – I’ve never been in love.”
Lucas studied me, head tilting slightly. “Blonde, huh? I need to see that.”
Cassian’s golden gaze lingered on mine, thoughtful. “I think the lie is the last one.”
I blinked at him, heart skipping for reasons I didn’t want to analyze. “What makes you say that?”
He lifted his glass, taking a slow sip before murmuring, “Because I don’t think someone like you could go through life without ever falling in love.”
The weight of his words pressed into me, something unreadable flickering behind his gaze. I cleared my throat, looking away. “Well… you’re wrong.” I forced a grin. “I do have a tattoo.”
Lucas raised a brow. “Oh? Where?”
I smirked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
His gaze darkened, lips parting slightly as if he was imagining all possible answers to that question. Before he could speak, Cassian leaned in slightly. “What was the tattoo?”
I hesitated, suddenly aware of how close he was. “It’s… a crescent moon. On my hip.”
Cassian’s gaze flicked downward, lingering just a second too long before he met my eyes again. “Fitting.”
My breath hitched. I wasn’t drunk enough for this.
Lucas chuckled, breaking the tension. “Alright, one more round, and then I say we dance.”
I blinked. “Dance?”
Lucas grinned, pushing away from the table. “Come on, Eloise. You’ve had just enough to loosen up.”
Cassian swirled the last of his drink, watching us with amusement. “This should be interesting.”
“Oh, you think you’re too good to dance?” I challenged, emboldened by the alcohol.
“I never said that.”
“Then prove it.”
Cassian chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re trouble.”
Lucas grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the small, dimly lit dance floor. The music pulsed around us, and before I could process it, Lucas had spun me into his arms. His hands rested low on my waist, and I let myself sink into the rhythm, swaying against him.
“You’re having fun,” he murmured against my ear.
“Shocking, I know.”
Cassian joined us a moment later, his presence immediately shifting the air between us. He didn’t touch me, but I felt him there – watching, waiting.
Lucas smirked. “Care to join us, boss?”
Cassian’s lips quirked. “I think I’ll let you have this one, Lucas.”
For now.
And that unspoken promise sent a shiver down my spine.
- Writer
