Page 4 of Sins of Winter
“He’s…” I hesitated, not wanting to get into the gritty details right then. I decided to borrow a page from his book. “Just someone I used to know.”
His dark eyes searched mine, trying to glean more information. “In what way? He’s staring pretty damn hard.”
I tried to keep my tone nonchalant, but I was sure he detected the strain. “It's complicated.”
Without waiting for further explanation, he tightened his hold on me, drawing me even closer. “Whatever he wants,” his lips brushed the shell of my ear as he whispered, he should know better than to stare at what's mine.”
The possessive edge to his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I tried to pull back slightly, wanting to see the depths of his eyes, to gauge what was truly going on in that closed-off mind of his. But he held me firmly in place, his grip on my waist unyielding.
“Lucian...”
“Are you not mine anymore, Winter?”
Swallowing the sudden lump in my throat, I responded, “I'll always be your friend, Lucian. Even if you did vanish and leave me without so much as a fuck you. But things are different now. We've grown. Changed.” My eyes traced over him, taking in the solid, muscular form that his outfit did little to hide.
The tattoos peeking out from beneath his collar spoke of stories and experiences I wasn’t privy to. He'd transitioned from an adorable, nerdy kid to a man who would make any woman go a little bit feral. Me included. The glances he received while we were dancing didn't slip past my notice, and a tinge of jealousy began to rear its head, as if he belonged solely to me.
“You went from a Sandlot kid to this.” I gestured vaguely at him, from head to toe. “You’re…” I trailed off, at a loss for words.
He grinned, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Is Winter Astor speechless? That's gotta be a first.”
“Shut up.” I playfully swatted his chest, feigning annoyance, but unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.
He leaned closer. “Not everything’s changed.” A momentary silence hung between us, filled by the crooning vocals of Sting. “Or maybe it has changed, because now… now, I feel. I feel too much.”
I swallowed, unsure how to reply to that, or if I should. Before I could gather my thoughts, Lucian stepped away, maintaining a loose but firm grip on my hand as he guided me through the crowd and back to the table. The closeness and warmth from moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by the festivities around us.
I turned my head, trying to spot Liam once more, but he had vanished into the crowd, leaving only the pulsating energy of the bar's patrons. I noticed the distance between Mara and Thorne had decreased considerably. Their heads were tilted toward each other, engaged in what seemed to be a deep conversation punctuated by bouts of laughter. As we reached the table, Mara broke their connection and glanced at her cellphone.
“Last calls in a few. We should probably start heading out.”
Thorne, seizing the moment, pitched in. “Why don't you both come back with us? We've got a room at the Evergreen. It's not far from here.”
Mara shot me a questioning look as if seeking my permission. Still caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions from my dance with Lucian and seeing Liam, I was momentarily disoriented.
Lucian leaned down, his lips almost brushing against my ear again. “Up for a little more adventure? I’ll make it worth your while.”
I turned my head and met his arresting stare, the memories of our past, the pain of his sudden disappearance, and the undeniable chemistry of our reunion swirling inside me. I wasn't ready to end the night, to let him slip away once more. I still had so many questions.
“Promise?” I teased.
He grinned in return. “Only one way to find out.”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “All right, let's do it.”
Lucian’s answering smile hinted at secrets yet to be revealed. As Thorne and Mara exchanged a loaded glance, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were heading into uncharted territory.
CHAPTER TWO
The brisk wind greeted us as we exited the bar. The moon, nearly full, cast its silvery light on the streets, and the sounds of distant laughter reminded us that it was Halloween. Groups of costumed revelers passed by, making their way to various after-parties now that the bars were shutting down.
“Did you two drive?” Lucian’s voice cut through the crisp night air.
Mara shook her head, causing her long, inky black hair to catch in the breeze. “We took a rideshare. Thought it best, especially tonight. Last thing we need is a DUI.”
“Smart.” Thorne nodded approvingly.
We crossed the street and set off through the Townsquare. Old brick buildings, strung with orange and purple fairy lights, framed the cobblestone streets. In the center stood a fountain, currently turned off but surrounded by pumpkins and hay bales.