reverie by Kenneth's voice, which broke thro

at the empty glass before me. Even though I still felt a burn in my chest,

ing more composed th

to the bartender. There was something about him that attracted people without their conscious effo

l," he stated in a playful but w

was, drinking with him in this darkened pub. It wasn't prearranged. I had traveled aimlessly after leaving Derek's place in

d in knowing?" I looked

y m

the wine as I gently breat

ed as his face became

ook my head, my rage stoked by Derek's lack of concern. "I have n

's my friend, but that doesn't mean I condone his

nner because of something in his

e as the bartender slid them toward us. "Here's

t his, the sound sharp an

s burden settled between us. Kenneth, however,

With a cunning smile pull

eyebrow. "Ma

as he moved closer. "How are w

in years until his words ignited

l amount of retribution wouldn't hurt, but I

chuckled in spite of myself. "A

us, "we could start with making him jealous. Nothing

orrifying. It was risky, impulsive, and utterly ou

?" My question was hardly

went evil. "Le

-

ugh the streets as the city lights flickered. Through the open window

At last, my curiosity ov

is hands calm on the

al events, and we drove up to one of them. As we entered, Kennet

The throng was a mix of well-dressed aristocrats and cas

n't mind that he ordered two drinks without asking what

drink and said

But before I realized it, Kenneth was guiding me i

icating. Kenneth walked with a smoothness that was both frustr

ry out of my mind. The music, the warmth of the space, and t

ar, he said, "See?" "Told

e, sincere chuckle.

ng. A familiar face caught my attenti

th an inscrutable face. Even if my heart s

" I said in a s

ng me, and his eyes followed mine.

ing to the small of my back. Now, his actions were purpose

I d

ke me and swayed in sync with Kenneth. Derek's eyes we

h went closer and kissed my ear. "Yo

altering at the proximity. "Is ev

le playful. "However, I'm havin

, Derek arrived, his countenance a

tern as he cont

moved between us. Derek, take a step

yes tightening, "This

ut menacing as he answere

tween them was evident. I looked around and became acute

s arm, I murmur

able to guide him away fro

breath until we got to the stre

hair, Kenneth laughed. "I t

ut genuine as I lau

in as the adrenaline started to wear

time to think about it. His face har

it?" I

g, his voice low. "Derek.