I sighed and pulled a stool up next to Nick at the bar. “Bartender, give me a beer.”
Nick laughed. “Hard times, little lady?” He nudged my shoulder.
“Everything’s changing.” I glanced around, locating Jace. He was talking to Devon as he set up the stage. “Honestly, I feel like we don’t have much to worry about from the Narcos.” I sat up straighter. “I mean, yeah, I want to keep sparring because I love it. But I’m not sure we have much to fear from them anymore.”
“Yeah.” Nick nodded. “I’m not so sure Jace would agree, but I get what you’re saying.” He pressed his palms on the counter and hopped up, swinging himself over to the other side. Then he grabbed two glass mugs and filled them with beer, the brass contraption puffing steam above his head. “I love my little brother, but he gets carried away with his obsessions.” He winked, and handed me a mug. “But between you and me, I think if he had a girlfriend he’d chill the hell out.”
“Jace? A girlfriend?” I laughed. “Right. She’d have to be one pretty badass girl for him to take notice.”
Nick craned an eyebrow. “Yup, she’d have to be.” He set his beer on the other side of the bar and jumped over, then scooted his barstool closer to me. “So, just how badass is your power since the—” He broke off as Jace sat down on the stool before he could. “Oh, hey, bro. What’s up?” he said, taking the seat next to Jace, instead.
“Nick, giving a minor alcohol?” Jace reached for my beer, but I snatched it out of his reach.
“Don’t start, Jace.” I glared at him. “It’s been a long week, and I deserve one.”
Gently placing his hand over mine, he tilted the mug toward his lips and took a sip. I eyed him curiously before taking a sip myself. “So you haven’t even asked about sparring,” I said. “What’s up? Afraid I’ll kick your butt on even terrain?”
Jace spun my barstool so that I faced him. “Nothing’s up. Just want to have a good time tonight.” He lowered his head closer to mine. “Is that cool?”
I stared at him, taking in his smile—the squinty-eyed Jace smile. “Okay. Where’s my friend and what have you done with him?”
He laughed. “Come on. Let’s go open the doors for Devon.”
I leaned against the far wall of the club, watching Lana slow dance with Devon. He’d let Marty take the lead on guitar and vocals so he could spend time with her before she went off to the Academy. Although, it wasn’t like we were really going off. It was right down the street from Cogs, but attending the Academy meant we’d be practically locked away. We’d only leave the grounds on the weekends—and would have a curfew.
The Academy was a rite of passage. Devon had gone. My mom ha
d—all Shythe went. Even Narcos had to go to their own Academy in their haven. It’s where we’d get our work assignments—which humans we’d be placed around to serve, even though they didn’t realize we were helping and protecting them. And it was where most Kythan met their mates.
I hugged my waist and glanced around the club. Narcos danced alongside Shythe, and no one fought. It was completely crazy and exciting. We were on the verge of everything changing. My chest swelled with hope that eventually the races would accept each other. Tonight it seemed like a possibility.
A hand slipped into mine, and I spun around. Reese smiled and tugged me behind the black curtain. “What are you doing?” I craned my neck, making sure no one had seen him.
“You knew I’d be here.” His lips brushed my cheek, tracing downward toward my neck. “Admit it. You were waiting for me to come steal you away.” He drew back slightly, keeping his face close to mine.
Heat rushed my cheeks. “I figured you’d show, but I didn’t think you’d press your luck.” I shrugged. “Okay, I knew you’d press it. But I hoped you wouldn’t.” The corner behind the curtain was near pitch black. Even with the glow of his red eyes, I couldn’t make out his features. “What are you thinking?”
He laughed, deep and sultry. “Thinking about dragging you out of this club. Right now.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, swaying us to the music. “Where would you take me?”
He lowered his head, resting his forehead against mine. “To my airship.” His hands slowly felt their way along my waist and down to my thighs, sending tendrils of shivers over my skin. “I’d take you out flying. Then…I’d probably try and cop a feel.”
I laughed. “How come I’m not surprised?” I tightened my hold around his neck. “But, I’d love to fly with you.”
He lifted his head, his eyes glowing deep red. “Come on, let’s go dance.”
“Out there?”
Reese huffed. “Yes, out there, Dez. Everyone’s dancing. I think we can get away with it.” He pulled me behind him as he parted the curtain and stepped into the club.
I searched the crowd. I didn’t see Jace or Nick, but Lana was still dancing with Devon. As I followed Reese, I jerked my hand from his grip. He glanced back once, making sure I was still behind him.
When we found a spot, he grasped my waist and pulled me to him. My heart drummed against my breast bone, aching. Slowly lifting my arms, I wrapped them around his neck, and he buried his head in my hair.
I was losing myself in the feel of his body pressed to mine when I peeked around his shoulder. Lana stared at me. She didn’t look angry or even upset, just confused—her eyebrows knit close together. I gave her a strained half-smile, and she returned it.
Reveling in Reese’s embrace, I fought the urge to glance around—see if anyone else watched us. Reese suddenly pulled away. Jace stood beside us. My face tingled, cold and pinpricking, as the blood drained from my face.