to ever exist. Not that I believe in that emotion. After all, love is just an illusion made up by empty people who crave companionship. In reality, it doesn't exist. My skin prickles and

hind my rib cage and my fingers turn clammy around my glass. Breaths whoosh out of my lungs in fractured intervals. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "Does a kiss count?" Ava asks him, and he nods. Eyes on me. Stop looking at me. Just stop. I think I'm going to throw up in front of everyone and humiliate myself in the worst way possible. "Well, screw it." Ava takes the shot. Remi gasps like a drama king. "This bitch is really looking to get herself killed tonight." Killian raises a shot and Glyn watches him with a questioning gaze. "Don't look like you'll faint, little rabbit. Do you really believe all those kinks were done with only women? I used to experiment a lot." As he drinks, she also picks up a shot and takes it in one go. What...? My sister did what...? "Don't look surprised, Killer. I used to experiment a lot, too." I release a breath. Okay, so that was a lie to mess with Killian. She would've told me if that were the case. We're close. I think. At least, I hope we are. "No one else?" Nikolai toys with his empty shot glass, shooting a provocative look in my direction. I stare at Remi and Ava bickering, then at my feet, and my focus stays there. Looking at the ink swallowing my shoes. And yet I can feel his eyes on me, intense and unapologetic. Tick. You're going to make a fool out of yourself. Tick. It's game over, Bran. Everyone will see you for the fraud you are. A low humming sound falls from him and I can't help stealing a glimpse as he shoves a cigarette between his lips and stands. "Fucking bore. I'm out of here." I have to tighten my grip on the glass to stop it from shaking. My gaze tracks his nonchalant movements as he stalks to the