“Yeah,” I answer. “That stuff is really good!”
“You’d be surprised, kid,” Bobby says. “There are all kinds of special gems you can find down here in the West End.”
Neither one of us looks at Lexa, but I know that’s what Bobby means from the way her eyes dart to the younger woman.
“Don’t worry, Bobby,” I say. “I know I’ve found some extremely valuable things down here, and I’ll treat them with care and respect.”
“See that you do,” Bobby answers, filling the glasses again. “Now, let’s see how many of these we can get into you.”
I tilt my head back, letting the sweet, spicy rush of bourbon flow across my tongue. “You’re on, Bobby,” I gasp, smacking my glass down. “My wallet is open, so you just keep ’em coming.”
“Dangerous words, son,” Bobby says, grinning as she pours another shot. “I’ll teach you to challenge me!”
I wink at her, toasting with my glass before I slam the shot down. I look over at Lexa, and I see her eyes sparking with amusement, a big smile on her face as she tries to hold in her giggles.
Seeing Lexa so happy has lifted my spirit, and I feel more connected to her than I ever have before.
I had no idea there was so much fun to be had on the wrong side of the tracks.
I’m having the time of my fucking life!
Chapter 15 - Lexa
The kiss really shook me up.
It’s the second time my urges have overpowered me, and I know I’m getting into dangerous territory. I can’t deny the hold Kit has over me, and I know I won’t be able to hold out forever.
I needed to blow off steam in the worst possible way, and even though a cheap night with greasy food and cheap drinks was top of my list, I never expected Kit to agree to it.
Watching him laugh with Bobby, downing shot after shot, I almost don’t recognize him. His dark brown hair is unruly, falling around his face in twisted tendrils. His clothes are smudged with dirt and grease, and his hands are dirty.
Looks like he just did a ten-hour shift in the factory, then six hours of straight drinking.
Kit turns to look at me, his blue eyes burning with excitement. “Thank you for bringing me here,” he says, the cultured tone of his voice clashing violently with his rough look. “I’m having a really good time tonight.”
“I think you’ve had enough of that rotgut,” I reply, putting my hand over the glass so Bobby can’t fill it again.
“Oh, come on,” Kit protests, jiggling the glass. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” I shake my head, grinning. “You’re fucking drunk.”
“Pretty sure you are, too,” he laughs. “And your glass is full.”
I knock it back quickly, then show the empty glass to him. “Now it’s empty.”
“You’re no fun,” Kit groans. “You seriously want to go home?”
Even with my senses blurry and my mind a bit numb, I still don’t want to get stuck sitting in Kit’s living room. Or worse, curled up next to him in bed, trying not to touch him.
“How about darts?” I suggest. “Are you any good?”
“Never played,” he answers. “But I’m willing to try.”
“How about some dark ale?” Bobby asks, putting two big jugs in front of us. “And some mixed nuts and jerky?”
Kit grabs a slice of jerky and bites into it, making noises of approval as he follows it with a handful of nuts and a big swallow of dark ale.
“Oh my God.” He shakes his head, his eyes rolling back in pleasure. “Bobby, this stuff is amazing. I want you involved with the annual event.”
