“Oh, man.” Kim giggles. “She’ll probably tell her friends that she turned you down and you still stalked her.”
“Bloody hell.”
I smile at his comically shocked expression.
We step into Ronan’s house together. After exchanging all types of social media and contact information, Kim and Knox continue joking about his day in RES.
As expected, most of the school’s student body is here. Some Spanish music thumps from the speakers, but it’s not loud enough to drown out the dozen conversations floating through the air.
Ronan’s lounge area smells of alcohol and a mixture of expensive perfumes — but mostly alcohol.
A butler passes us by, wearing a black suit and white gloves.
This is the upper class.
Ronan’s father is an earl. He’s not only loaded like the upper middle class, Kim, Aiden, and Xander, but he’s also a nobility.
I always forget that part because Ronan doesn’t act like an aristocrat at all. He’s more vulgar and spontaneous than commoners.
Kim perks up and grins at me mischievously. “I’m not driving today.”
“Not that it stopped you before.”
She stands between me and Knox and interlaces her arms through ours. “You should drink, too.”
“Pass.” Not only is drinking not good for my heart condition, but I also don’t like the taste.
It’s bitter and burns. No idea why people like alcohol so much.
“Come on!” Kim urges. “This party is in your honour, remember?”
“I’m sure that’s just an excuse Ronan used to throw another party.”
The three of us push through the bodies grinding to the music.
“Isn’t it Ellie and Kimmy?” Ronan cuts in front of us, a sloppy smile painted on his lips. “You can’t be late to your own party, Ellie.”
A strong whiff of alcohol and expensive women perfume comes off his Elites jacket. Is that lipstick on his T-shirt?
“And who are you?” Ronan’s smile drops like a bad habit as he watches Knox quizzically. Almost in the same way Xander did earlier.
Like he’s a threat.
“I’m Knox,” he offers with his signature easy smile. Either he doesn’t feel the threat or he doesn’t care.
I’d be impressed if it’s the latter.
“Thanks for having me,” Knox says.
“I didn’t.” Ronan deadpans. “I don’t remember inviting you.”
“Hey.” I elbow Ronan. “I invited him. Isn’t this my party? I have the right to invite whoever I like.”
Ronan’s gaze slides from Knox to me as if he’s calculating something, then he murmurs to me, “You’re playing with fire, Ellie. You might burn.”
I’m already burning.
Aiden has set fire to my life since the first day I walked into RES.