Page 39 of Lawless Sinners

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress, Sera.” Ronan takes a step back, gathers my hand and turns me under his arm. “I can’t take my eyes off you.”

“You’ve never seen me naked either,” I tease.

“That could be arranged.”

He slides his hand around my waist, and Fionn takes a slow drink of his whiskey. “The bedrooms are off limits.”

“This is what they do,” Eilish explains. “They flirt with each other all the time but never follow through. Why don’t you two just fuck already.”

I roll my eyes at her and hook an arm through Ronan’s, even though I can’t take my eyes off Fionn. His full lips are wet from the booze, and his gold watch catches the light as he lifts his glass.

If I didn’t hate him so much, I’d think he was gorgeous. But I do hate him.

So that’s that.

“Let’s leave the happy couple to get acquainted,” I tell Ronan, tugging him away because I need air. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, Eilish.”

Ronan grins. “Oh yeah. Got something on your mind?”

I don’t look back as we move away from Fionn and Eilish. Despite knowing better, my heart is racing, and deep down, I know it’s got nothing to do with Ronan.

He steers me toward the edge of the room and tells me about his father’s latest investment, his sister's pregnancy, and some cousin who’s bought a membership to an elite sex club in Belfast.

I laugh when he laughs. Drink when my glass is refilled and let the champagne loosen the knot sitting behind my ribs.

Every so often, I glance across the room to check on Eilish.

Fionn stands beside her with one hand resting on her elbow while they talk to guests, faking the act of a perfect couple.

A silly wave of jealousy creeps over me. I can’t understand why seeing them together has me so ridiculously angry.

It shouldn’t bother me, other than my best friend is marrying an asshole. But watching them stand side by side, smiling, seems to hit deeper.

As I’m staring, Fionn’s eyes find mine. My fingers tighten around the stem of my glass and just like that, he turns away.

My phone rings inside my purse. I slip my hand into the small satin bag and pull it out far enough to check the screen.

Rafe.

His name burns up at me, all capital letters and bad timing, and I stare at it until the call goes to voicemail.

“Everything okay?” Ronan asks.

“Fine.” I shove the phone into my purse and force a smile. “Just Rafe calling. He can wait.”

“I’m surprised they let you come alone tonight.” He leans into the side of my face, his breath warm against my ear. “Don’t you need back-up in this place?”

My phone buzzes with an incoming text message.

I pull it back out of my purse and clench my teeth as I read.

I know where you are. Phone me now.

Fuck.

Ronan’s hand brushes my cheek. “Sera?”

“I need to call him back.”