The Rush (The Siren Series) - By Rachel Higginson Page 0,73

them quickly and then launched into an explanation. “It’s my only thing. It’s the only thing that’s mine. And they won’t find out, I swear. I couldn’t…. I wouldn’t let them send me back, I swear.”

They were both oppressively quiet as they took in my explanation. Exie refused to meet my eyes, staring down at the napkin she was shredding apart in her delicate fingers. And Sloane was regarding me with her shrew eyes. She was hot in like the Sexy Secretary way and right now I could feel every ounce of her brain power as she tried to pick me apart.

“We’re not worried about them sending you back to Arizona, ok?” She reached out her hand and laid it gently on mine for just a brief moment before retracting it immediately.

“I know.” And I did know. If I was still a problem there was only one place I would go. And I was afraid I was already on my way. “I won’t get caught. I promise.”

“You won’t get caught because we’re coming with you,” Sloane decided with a smile.

“We are?” Exie’s face lit up and she was back to her bubbly self again. “Yay! A concert!”

Chapter Twenty

We stepped into the Slowdown just as the first band took the stage. The lead singer threw out a welcome and they launched into an amateur version of soulful blues. I smiled. This was perfection every single time. And even though I dressed to impress instead of my usual unimpressive emo digs, I felt great to be back here.

This place was like home base for me, safe, familiar, and so ear-spitting-loud. The far side of the room, where the main stage and pit were, remained blocked off with a thick curtain and the stage lights that lit the smaller stage were bright and blinding, hitting us as soon as we walked through the door. The bar area was packed but the rest of the floor stayed less filled out and felt a bit empty. I could feel Exie and Sloane assess the concert hall with skeptical eyes and almost laughed at their stiff posture.

The music was subpar, and the audience completely teenage grunge meets hipster chic. But that’s what I expected, hoped for. To put it simply, this was so not their scene. It probably shouldn’t have been mine either, except the anonymity of the place held that mysterious freedom I longed for.

“This is the place you’re always sneaking off to?” Exie asked in a horrified whisper.

“Hey, it could be so much worse. Have you ever been to the Sokol Underground?” I shuddered at the thought. While above ground, the Sokol had this old school twenties steampunk vibe to it, the Underground had devolved into something absolutely gross. Decades of spilled beer, sweat, blood and decay had worked the opposite of miracles on the below ground concert hall.

“I’ll have to take your word for it,” Sloane drawled.

I didn’t get it. This was a relatively new building and completely classy. Granted the clientele was different than we usually hung out with, but it wasn’t like creepsville or anything. I glanced at the bar and noticed Neck Tattoos from last time and took a breath of relief. At least I wouldn’t have to explain my addiction to water.

“Ivy!” a muffled voice called out from across the room. My eyes zoned in on the voice and saw Phoenix waving wildly at us. He stood above everyone else in the room and surrounded by his fellow band members and Kenna. Ryder wasn’t with them though and I couldn’t stop my eyes from roaming around the small space searching him out.

I quickly shook my head and waved back, I didn’t really have any right to try to find him here. He wasn’t mine and I was with somebody else. Ok, I was a cruel witch, but not a cheater. I took another quick breath and then grabbed Exie and Sloane’s arms. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Scoob and the gang.”

“What?” Sloane asked.

I didn’t repeat myself, just kept dragging them through the thin crowd. They so did not fit in here, with their four inch stilettos and designer outfits. They were gorgeous, and drew every eye. But they were uncomfortable which threw off their curse a bit. Thankfully. Although Sloane would be more than welcome in a place like this tonight.

“Sloane, Exie, these are Chase’s friends,” I introduced by a general wave of my arm. “Guys, this is Sloane and Exie, um, my friends.” I laughed a little