Page 309 of Fatality

“Charlie,” I say deadpan, closing my eyes and tilting my head toward the ceiling as I pray for spontaneous combustion.

Not for boots.

For Charlie.

“One drop of alcohol on those boots, and I swear to whatever god is listening, I'll make a fur coat out of your hair.”

“She gets compliments and I get threats?” Charlie grimaces. “You're not fair.”

“You're sexy. You're gorgeous. You could have any man—or woman—you want.” I pause, pointing at her feet. “But my boots.”

She gasps dramatically before skipping toward the couch like an overexcited child and taking another drink.

“Your turn girl, let’s see what you’ve got.” Jules challenges.

She knows I love a challenge, that I never say no.

“Alright,” I grin and yank my wine in one shot “You want to see what I’ve got huh?”

The music is deafening, people are packed shoulder to shoulder, the air reeks of sweat, sex, and alcohol.

Charlie dragged Jules and me to that new club that opened a week ago—The Nexus.

Neon lights sweep across the crowd while holograms of the artists drift overhead, pulsing in perfect rhythm with the music.

I still don't know if I like it.

It's weird.

The club sits right on the border between the Lower and Upper Layers, so people from both are here.

Not that I have a problem with that, I have a problem with potential threats.

In clubs, there's always some asshole trying something stupid and here there could be a gang leader I don't even know exists but could know for me.

Since Kyle’s files, I’m paranoid in public places. The fact that they reopened the case could mean people who are not happy with it—or with what Evren and I did at the ball—could try anything.

Jules yanks on my arm, snapping me out of my paranoia that makes me yelp in surprise and smile.

I should focus on our girls' night, not on everything that could go wrong.

Anything can happen in a club anyway.

I head to the bar and order a round of Green Neon and Red Blood shots—Devil’s Shot.

I wire the credits, grab the tray, and bring it back to our table.

“And here we go!” I exclaim.

Charlie claps her hands and immediately grabs both shots.

Jules does the same, I take mine last.

You're supposed to drink the Green Neon first.

It tastes like fucking acid, hitting you with a sharp slap to the face. Then you chase it with the Red Blood, that one sends you straight to the stars.

Just those two and for the next couple of hours you're laughing, dancing, and drunk without completely losing yourself.