a scientist, and I have no idea how to do that.”
Having seen the results of Tally and LaRoche’s “science,” Jolie had a hard time believing there was no magic in it. For them it seemed inadvertent, though, unlike Ananke’s ritualistic spellcasting.
“Shop’s ready,” somebody yelled from the hallway.
With a worried glance back at Jolie, Hauk carried the unconscious Catrina out of the common room.
Jolie sat back down as she watched them leave. Brayden and Travis joined her. Amidst all the goings on that horrified her, the only thing she could voice was the inconsequential. “She was bringing the bartender tonight. No orgasmic gin gimlets.”
Brayden’s face was frozen into a panic she’d never seen there before, but his voice was calm. “I can man the bar. Hauk’s a better bartender, but he wouldn’t like that much attention.”
She shook her head. “It’s okay. My building’s concierge will find somebody.” Her shoulders slumped. She cared more about Hauk than anybody, and yet she’d barely cracked the surface of who he was, what he liked, what he was good at. “Hauk’s a good bartender?”
“Yeah. He can even do the little curled peels and shit.” He puffed an amused breath. “And he does great flaming drinks. Go figure.”
“I didn’t know.” There was so much she didn’t know about him. So much she wanted to learn. Jolie wasn’t the praying type, but just in case anyone was listening, she whispered her hope that she and Hauk would have enough future to learn each other right.
Chapter Fourteen
Bass thumped, drinks flowed and bodies gyrated in the packed living room of Jolie’s sky-high palace. Hauk was unused to being in a crowd. At least the lights were dim, but still he felt uncomfortably exposed in the crush.
Jolie had him on the living room floor, cleared of furniture to make room for dancing. Her body pressed against his as her tipsy laugh rang out. Not everyone here was from the Underlight, but their hysterical edge had infected the energy of the party. People drank and danced like it might be their last night on Earth.
His bag was in Jolie’s room. Benoit’s jet wouldn’t be ready until the morning, so they felt safe that nothing would blow tonight and had decided to spend it here, where they could be truly alone. After he made it through this crowded hell of a birthday party, he’d have her to himself in private luxury for the rest of the night. He couldn’t wait.
Or at least that’s how he’d felt before that asshole Paul, her ex, showed up. The pretty-boy had been hovering the whole party, getting in a dance whenever Hauk left Jolie’s side.
She tugged at his neck, and he leaned down so her lips could reach his ear. “You okay? Having fun?”
He nodded a lie then waved at Brayden for another drink. His friend had spent the entire damn party at the bar. Hauk was worried about him.
“Is he okay?” Jolie asked, noting the direction of his stare.
Hauk shrugged. Thinking back over the week and a half he’d been out of the hospital, Brayden had been uncharacteristically quiet. “Maybe I should check on him.” To make sure he wasn’t giving himself alcohol poisoning, if nothing else.
Jolie gave him a squeeze. “I’m heading for the bathroom. When I’m back, flag me down if you want more of an intervention.”
Hauk kissed her on the top of the head. Even touching her in such a simple way made him feel like he was on camera, as if the whole room must be watching and laughing as the ugliest guy there dared to touch the most beautiful girl.
But Jolie pulled his face down and planted her lips on his. “You’re mine. I’m yours. Everybody here should know that.” Eyes sympathetic, she traced his jawline with her thumb. “And thanks for lying about having fun.”
A lump built in his throat, and all he could do was nod. He didn’t like being in public. He didn’t like being stared at, and people did stare. He’d always claimed he was worried about getting caught and hauled off to jail, but deep down he knew that was just an excuse. He hated strangers looking at him.
But maybe it was okay when he was with Jolie.
He forced his chin up and shoulders back, military straight as he marched to the bar where Brayden was overindulging. He leaned on the counter where the bar had been set up, encroaching into his friend’s space.
Brayden handed him a cider. Hauk had made the switch from beer