The only rule of the game is that whoever falls is the loser.
My shots supplier is Xander and Cole is Ronan’s reluctant one.
In the beginning, I don’t really know what I’m doing until the buzzing of energy gets into my veins.
During the first shots, almost all the team is on Ronan’s side, chanting his number and his name.
Then, after a few rounds when I keep up with his pace, slamming one glass over the other, many of the team start chanting my name.
There’s something contagious about having so many people shouting my name and cheering me on.
“You’re going down!” Ronan slurs as both of us sway.
“No, you’re going down!” The ceiling is spinning, but I blink, bringing the shot to my lips.
I miss it and break into a fit of giggles when alcohol falls down my neck.
“He’s out!” The entire team yell, catching a falling Ronan.
“Hell yeah!” Xander shouts at a few guys by his side. “Pay up, bitches.”
“I won?”
Cole smiles, shaking his head. “You won.”
“I won!” I scream and jump.
Bad idea.
The ceiling spins round and round as I fall backwards. The cheering and hooting stop altogether.
Strong arms clutch me and I crack my eyes open, looking at the face that’s been torturing me for two weeks.
Pale blue eyes stare down at me as if I’m the most beautiful thing on earth.
And it does shit to me.
That look. Those eyes.
It hurts knowing I don’t have this in my life anymore. Why did he come in if he planned to leave all along?
I slap his cheeks with both my hands. “Oh, you’re real.”
Tears blur my eyes as I giggle. “Is this a dream or a nightmare?”
“Both, princess.”
44
Astrid
Why is it impossible to hurt you?
* * *
When I open my eyes, I have two thoughts.
Where the hell am I?