"My soulmate is out there somewhere, pushing a pull door...I just know it." — Unknown
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Chapter 20
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Maggie

I finished the final touches of my makeup in front of the mirror. Once I peered back to get a look of myself entirely, I was more than pleased.

"I'd fuck you," I complimented my reflection, grinning. "Hell yeah, I would."

I'd done a natural look for my makeup, specifically outlining my eyes with kohl eyeliner to make the color pop. I'd went with lipliner to dazzle my lips, as well as a sinful red lipstick. My hair was down for the night, but I decided to leave it straight simply because I was too lazy to curl it. Me letting it down was enough.

I, of course, went with the dress I chose. Luke was probably going to curse me all night for it, but fuck him. If it bothered him so much, he could wear the damn dress himself.

Besides, I loved this one. The black dress was elegant, with the ends barely grazing the floor. Thin straps were over my shoulder, so it showed my arms, as well as a slit near the bottom of the dress. The way it hugged my curves was only a plus. There were probably going to be some rich, old assholes there tonight so why not give them a heart-attack or two.

I glanced back in the mirror one final time before tearing myself away from the masterpiece. I grabbed my clutch purse, double checking the contents inside. A pocketknife, my pepper spray, a pack of skittles, light makeup and makeup wipes, a mini bottle of Hennessy, gum, and my phone. I contemplated in tampons, but I hadn't seen my period in nearly a year, and I didn't plan on seeing it anytime soon, so there was no need.

I was ready.

I walked in circles for a moment. I hadn't worn heels in a while, and I wasn't going to bust my ass tonight because of it. I'd already have to hear enough shit from Luke about the dress.

Once I felt confident enough to carry on, I stepped into the hallway, but paused at the voices clashing from the other side of the house.

"I'm telling you, it's all about the tortilla," I heard Jax say. "It can make or break the pinwheel."

"Hold the fuck on, I'm still stuck on what you said," Luke responded with shock. "So, you're telling me...there's other ingredients that you can put inside? Not just ham?"

"Man, you think the ham is good?" Jax chuckled. "Wait until you try my chicken bacon ranch."

"Chicken bacon ranch...what the fuck," he countered. "This is crazy as shit."

"You ever think to try bacon, cheddar, and jalapeño pinwheels?"

"No. Fucking. Way."

"Way, man. Way."

"How the fuck..." Luke's voice fell into his disbelief. "I've never even thought of that."

"Most people don't. A treacherous mistake that should always be avoided."

"You know what? I'll write you a check right now if you make me a platter of them. I don't care how long it takes—"

"No need, man. Food brings people together, all I do is share it."

"Still. I'll give you—"

I groaned aloud. Two idiots in the same space never ended well.

By the time I made it to them, Luke had his wallet out, his fingers lifting a couple green bills out of it. At the clatter of my heels, he paused in the action, his eyes jumping over to me.

Dark eyes ran over my face, then my figure, and lingered there for a moment too long. His lips parted, a single breath falling out.

I squirmed under his gaze. I knew I had a dress on, but with the way he was looking at me, I might as well be naked.

I forced my eyes away from him, and focused on my brother instead, who was leaning against the counter, a big, silly grin on his face.

I lifted the ends of my dress to stop myself from tumbling over. "Pick your mouths up, boys. I know I'm hot, but there's really no need to stare."

I swept my eyes over Luke with a growing smirk. Poor thing was flustered.

He looked devastatingly handsome, as well. A black tuxedo was tailored to his figure perfectly, so it showed the things that would have a girl's morals turned upside down, with a white dress shirt underneath and a pair of sleek, black dress shoes. He had left his tousled hair alone, but it fit in anywhere.

Once he realized I caught him staring, his eyes fell before he cleared his throat. He swept a hand down his mouth, shaking his head.

Jax chuckled, clapping him on the back. "Good luck." Luke jerked a glare his way.

His face had lost any resemble of color over the last couple of seconds. His eyes finally raised to my face, and my face only, his usual cool expression crossing his face. "You ready?"

I nodded, keeping a steady eye on him. Luke passed me so quick, it gave me whiplash. He pulled the front door open for me, his eyes focused on the dead of the night outside.

I frowned. Where was the blowout? The argument? The insults? He was as silent as a mouse, and as much as I had wished for that in the past, it made my skin crawl now with uncertainty. Suddenly, I felt the dress hug at all of my insecurities.

I shook the thought away with an eye roll. What reason did Luke have to make me feel anything, but disgusted? I looked just fine, and I'll be damned if I let a man with a body count bigger than his shoe size tell me any different.

Jax turned from his toast on the stove, wiping his hands across the rag on his shoulder. He approached me with his arms open wide.

"No. Heck no." I shook my head, stepping back from his attempt. "You're not smudging my makeup." It didn't stop him. I attempted to make a hard right, but these heels weren't working with me.

Before I could stop it, Jax had me wrapped me up in his arms. "Look at you. All grown up." His chin rested on top of my head, shaking my body as we hugged. "It's an upgrade, but you'll never lose the ugly little duckling title to me."

I scowled, attempting to loosen his arms. "Get off of me, you freaking—" Picking up my leg, I tried to slam my heel down on his foot, causing him to jump back from me.

I smoothed over my hair with a glare. "If my makeup's ruined, I swear to god, Jax."

Amusement danced in his eyes as he pulled the rag from his shoulder to swat my elbow. "Have fun, Mags."

I rolled my eyes, turning to face Luke. "I doubt that's even possible." Luke snorted in return, shaking his head as he stared outside.

Before I got through the door, I heard Jax holler, "Love you!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Hate you more!"

Luke shut the door behind me, his steps not too far behind me. I descended the stairs, holding the ends of my dress up. I was giving this thing back in the morning, so I couldn't ruin it.

We got to the car, and Luke, for once, was as silent as ever. I cast a quick glance behind me to see him staring at the back of my head. We caught eyes for a moment before he tore his gaze away.

He pulled the door open for me. "Here," he finally said. "I'll get your dress."

I didn't like the idea of him practically staring at my ass as I got in, but I didn't want to leave heel marks in the fabric. He lifted the ends, following my steps until I was in.

"Uh..." I gazed back at him with caution. "Thanks. His only response was shutting the door after me.

I watched him walk to his side in the mirror. And, I may have been obsessed with myself a little too much, because either I was hallucinating, or I just saw him rearrange himself.

I blinked, then shook my head. I was hallucinating, I had to be.

We rode with only the radio humming in background. Tension was building through the car, and the longer it continued, the more edgy I grew. To go so long without hearing any rude comment about my outfit felt wrong.

I cast a glance his way, meaning for it to be quick and effortless, but at the sight of him, I let my gaze rest.

One hand was on the wheel, his knuckles white from the tight grip. The other hand was roughly running along the length of his knee.

His lips parted to blow out a rough patch of air, his expression tight with frustration.

I bit the inside of my cheek, glancing over him. He was nervous about something.

"Uh..." I trained my hands around my clutch to give them something to do. "Everything okay?"

"Yep." He ran a hand down his face, nodding once. "I'm A fucking okay."

"Are you sure? Because—"

"Maggie," my name came from his lips in a strained tone. "Quit talking, and please quit looking at me."

I cocked my head. "The fuck is your problem?"

He clenched his jaw, the muscle ticking under the pressure. "Nothing, just...stop."

I crossed my arms, cruising over his figure. I was nearly finished before my eyes landed on his crotch. Shock rose through me at the sight.

He was hard as shit.

Once he caught my eyes, he directed a scowl at me, shifting away until he grimaced. Humor washed through me at him.

"Wow," skipped past my lips in a chuckle. "Someone's a little excited, huh?"

"Shut up," he hissed. "I'm serious, Maggie."

"So am I. It looks painful." Another chuckle slipped from me before I motioned to him. "You gonna handle it before we go in?"

Luke sighed roughly, pushing a hand through his hair with a shake of the head. "If I handle it, we won't be going to this fucking event."

I shifted my eyes to him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

His long legs parted as he blew out another frustrated breath that was more of a huff than anything. The hand that had been on the knee rearranged himself, again.

"It means," he kept his strangled gaze ahead. "That if I handle it, I'm going to pull this car over, and fuck the shit out of you on the top of this hood."

The smirk fell from my face in shock. I had to pinch the inside of my wrist to make sure that my ears were working correctly. They were.

"Yeah, exactly." Luke caught my shock, shifting his gaze into a glare. "Now. Unless you want me to bend you over, hike that dress up, and make you come until you see stars, then please just give me a minute, woman." Huffing, he dragged his hand over his knee, again.

I didn't realize my mouth was open until my tongue dried. I shook myself out of it, shutting my lips once, and for all. If he needed a minute, I'd give him that. After hearing his confession, I think I needed a minute.

I directed my gaze to the window, willing the colors in my cheeks to still. Warmth swirled through my tummy the longer the silence continued.

The worst part of his confession wasn't that I was disgusted by that. It was that I wasn't.

The thought of him pulling the car over, and taking me right here in the open was tantalizing. No one would hear his groans, or my moans. It would just be us and the building blocks of pleasure. And, with him, he'd surely deliver it.

Hell no.

I shook myself out of the thoughts. What the fuck was I thinking? I was in a relationship with Xander, and this was Luke for fuck sake.

The disgust was beginning to follow up, now. I'd rather sit on pins and needles than touch him, again.

For a distraction from Luke's situation, I opened my clutch, and pulled my phone out. This ride was going to be a long gone.

The ride continued on with Luke's constant shuffling. I ignored him, and focused on my phone instead. I had texted Xander and Quinn, but neither had answered yet.

I opened the group chat with Raven and Kimberly. They'd both already texted a number of times.

Raven: Should I be getting the bail money together?

Kimberly: He's Kade's best friend, but he agreed to help out on your bail.

Raven: Levi, too. We've got your back, Mags.

I chuckled at the texts. I'd sent out an SOS a while ago.

Me: Chill. I haven't even attempted the murder, yet.

Raven responded immediately with, "Good."

Kimberly: Wait...did you just say 'yet?'

Kimberly: Jax, if you're reading these texts, don't let your sister go down this road.

Jax finally responded with, "It's too late, ladies. The sooner we accept it, the better."

I chuckled. He was probably staying at Tonys tonight. He'd been there a lot lately, but that was fine.

Me: Have a little faith in me.

Raven: Is this the girl who trashed, and ruined thousands of dollars worth of a business over a misunderstanding?

Me: Says the girl who thought her boyfriend was in a threesome, and destroyed his Porsche because of it.

Raven: Oh, stop it. I helped get him a new one. Kimberly, what do you got?

Kimberly: Um...I raced for Kade & won 80K on my first try. Does that count?

Raven: You might have us beat.

Jax: Why do you three always risk a jail sentence or death every time I'm not around?

I chuckled at his message; he was right in a sense. If he had been there that night I vandalized Luke's building, I wouldn't have done it in the first place. He was always the voice of reason, I was just too stubborn to listen.

As the car gradually slowed down, I tore my gaze away from my phone and beheld a procession of vehicles, halted in front of what could only be described as a mansion. It boasted multiple stories stacked one upon the other, each exuding an air of elegance and impeccable polish. I couldn't help but imagine that the interior was equally extravagant.

"Oh, shit." I clicked the latch of my seatbelt off, leaning forward to get a closer view. "This place is insane."

"It could burn for all I care," Luke grumbled, following the path way. "I don't feel like taking pictures tonight so I'm going to park somewhere else to stop the photographers. You good to walk, or do you want me to drop you off at front?"

"You trying to get rid of me already?"

"24/7," he responded with nothing but sincerity.

I rolled my eyes at that. "I'll walk with you." I didn't know any of these people; I wasn't going in alone just to be ambushed the next second.

Luke nodded, sending the car through the grass to curve around the line. I kept an eye on the building until it faded from view.

Finally, Luke put the car in park before shutting it off. He remained in place for a minute, glaring ahead.

With a sigh, he turned to me. "You ready?"

I lifted a finger. "Hold on."

I pulled my clutch open, dropping my phone back inside, then pulling the mini bottle of Hennessy out. Luke raised an eyebrow as he saw me down it.

The liquid burned down my throat, but I continued on, nonetheless. I'd need it. When I got to half, the bottle was snatched from my fingers. I scowled, reaching for it. "Give it back."

Luke held me at arms length, pressing a hand to my throat to keep me away. He downed the rest of the bottle with a straight face before tossing it into the back.

He scrubbed a hand down his face. "I'm gonna need more than that after tonight," he huffed.

I sunk against the seat with a sigh. "You and me both."

We stayed in the car until we couldn't until finally, Luke came to my side, and pulled the door open. I thanked him again as he lifted the ends of my dress to help me out.

I landed on the pavement with two feet, then glanced to the reading on the other side of the mansion. Staff.

I looked to Luke with a chuckle. "You really hate pictures, don't you?"

"Mhm," was all he said.

I frowned at him. I knew he'd be an ass, but there was a difference between my version of regular ass and Luke ass when it came to him. He wasn't being a Luke ass right now.

I cast a glance at his pants, again; his bulge had gone down, so that wasn't it. Something else was bothering him.

I paused in step. He paused, as well, keeping his gaze trained on the building.

"You know," I started. "You haven't bitched about me not wearing your dress." I paused before adding, "You know...the one you paid nearly three-thousand dollars for?"

Luke pulled his lip between his teeth, tugging at it with a shrug. "Because, I knew you wouldn't wear it. You never listen."

"Okay..." I trailed off, resuming our walk. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, fully ready for a round of insults. "How do you think I look tonight?"

He shrugged in response.

My patience wore thin at him. "Oh, come on," I pressed. "Go ahead, let it out, I know you've been wanting to all night. Tell me I look awful already."

He sighed, his fist tightening before he shoved it into his pocket. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"Why are you asking me to insult you?"

"I'm not," I shot back defensively, even though he was right. I wasn't even sure why. "Why are you not insulting me is the question."

"Maggie."

"Just say it—"

"I'm not about to—"

I groaned. "Why not? You're—"

He jerked around to face me, his expression seizing over with frustration. "Because I'd be lying, okay?" he snapped, his voice hiking. "I'd be lying."

I wasn't sure which part surprised me the most, his confession or his desperation not to say it. He never held anything back, but this, he acted as if it killed him to admit it.

Cursing under his breath, his chest thumped with a sigh. "Just in case we get ambushed by cameras, we'll have to look the part. Hold my hand."

The moment was over. At his suggestion, I felt like turning, and sprinting right back to the car, heels or no heels.

I shook my head, taking the smallest step from him. "No."

Luke scowled down at me. "Why not?"

"Because, you're you, and I'm me and I have no idea where your hands have been in the last twenty-four hours," I rambled the list off. "Plus, I have really clammy hands. Those little shits—"

Before I could react, Luke had stretched his arm out for me. He grabbed my wrist, but he didn't take my hand. Instead, he looped our middle fingers.

"There," he said, shaking our hands in front of my face with an eye roll. "Better?"

I didn't want to touch him at all but if we started to argue about this, we'd never stop. It was best to just get the night over with.

"Better," I sighed out, shaking the tip of my middle finger. "Fuck you."

Luke's mouth twitched before he dropped our hands. "Keep talking like that, and I will."

I walked right into that one. Prick.

"In your dreams," I rushed out, hating how wavered my voice came out. I rolled my eyes, despite the growing flush in my cheeks. "Let's just get this over with, already."

The staff door that we were going through was only a couple feet away from the actual entrance, where people were flooding in left and right. I saw so many name brands and shiny, priceless jewelry, I thought my eyes would go green from it all.

Luke guided us through the kitchen, which remained deserted as the staff hustled to deliver orders to the discerning guests. Just before we entered the main room, my eyes caught sight of a platter laden with decadent chocolate truffles, temptingly placed on the expansive kitchen island.

I snatched one before we went on. When I bit into it, the chocolate swirled on my tongue like magic. "I'm going back for those as soon as I can." Luke rolled his eyes at me, his mouth twitching before he pushed it away.

He craned his neck to talk into my ear. "Couple ground rules, Norris." Without warning, I felt my skin curl into itself at the husky drawl of his voice. "One: I know it might just kill you, but none of your little smart-ass comments in front of my dad. Two: don't let him know that you saw what happened at the building. Three: stick with me, and four—"

"Luke!" someone exclaimed from behind us. "Your father told me to expect your arrival, but I wasn't too sure."

Luke shut his eyes, breathing in tightly before he jerked around. "Beatrice."

That name held familiarity, I just couldn't find what. His dad mentioned something about a Beatrice.

Luke's arm went behind him, motioning for my hand. Begrudgingly, I wrapped my finger around his before stepping to his side.

I scrutinized the woman over. Despite appearing to be in her forties, she bore the unmistakable signs of extensive plastic surgery, giving her the facade of someone in their twenties. Her petite frame and sun-kissed tan further contributed to this illusion.

Her hair, distinctively dyed a platinum blonde, had been meticulously styled, pinned elegantly atop her head. She was adorned in a rose gold dress that cascaded to her ankles, its every move setting off a dazzling display of sparkles. Matching heels elevated her stature, while an abundance of jewelry adorned her body to the point where she seemed like a walking treasure chest, exuding opulence at every turn.

"I've told you to call me mom, silly boy," Beatrice teased, before her sharp blue eyes went to mine. I pieced it together then, that she had to be the step-mother I heard his father mention. Her smile was so terribly fake, it hurt to watch it grow. "And, who do we have here?"

Luke kept his eyes on her, flicking his head at me. "My girlfriend and my date."

My eyes widened to the size of saucers. I jerked my gaze to him, having to stop myself from ripping his tongue from his mouth. His girlfriend?

If Beatrice went and told someone, and they told someone, then it would get back to the blogs that Luke Vaudest had a girlfriend. And, that fucking girlfriend would be me. Xander was already pissed, and this sure as hell wouldn't help.

Luke never once let his eyes fall from her, but I knew he felt my burning glare become a person on its own. His finger swept across the back of my hand, silently telling me to remain quiet, and go with it.

Beatrice let a piece of shock wipe her expression before she smiled at me. "Well, aren't you a pretty thing?"

"Thank you, ma'am." I mustered a smile, despite the lack of enthusiasm behind it. "I'm Maggie Norris, by the way."

Her grin struggled to stay put, nearly shifting into a frown once my last name came. I wasn't sure if it was because she didn't recognize it as a silver-spooned one, or if it was because she had somehow heard about the history of it.

I hoped and prayed that it was the first choice.

"That is..." her counterfeit smile was locked back into place. "Surely a recurring name." She chuckled at her own joke.

I cocked my eyebrow. What was funny about a name? The first half of her name was literally an insect; the fuck was she laughing at?

Luke squeezed my finger, casting a side glance at me once he saw the shift in my expression. He knew it by memory now; I used it on him time and time again.

I rolled my shoulders back with a suppressed sigh, nodding. Fine. I'd keep it to a medium.

I matched Beatrice's smile. "Well, that's what happens when there's seven billion people in the world. Isn't that right, Beatrice?"

Her perfectly plucked brows shot to her hairline. "Well." Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she nodded tightly with a lazy chuckle. "Yes, I suppose so." I rolled my eyes as she moved her gaze to Luke. "Anywho, let's get you two to the party. Your father is waiting."

I hated people who couldn't take what they dished out. It was only proof that they were using insults, and fake compliments to boost their own, but in all honesty, they were just bitches who couldn't process their own shit and wanted to use someone else's confidence and security to fake theirs.

I think that was why Luke and I continued to argue like we did. We both took what the other dished out, and sent it back without an ounce of hesitation. It was aggravating in the moment, but sometimes, I found myself recalling his insults at night, and chuckling at them.

We followed Beatrice into the main space, and my initial impression was spot on—it was equally as spectacular.

A grand chandelier hung at the heart of the ceiling, casting a warm, rose-colored glow over the meticulously cleaned room. The walls, painted in a soft shade of pale pink, showcased a diverse collection of paintings spanning different eras, forming a captivating tableau that faced the tables and chairs strategically arranged around the room.

From our vantage point, I spotted a decadent chocolate fondue station and a collection of exquisite wine bottles at the room's center. The attendees, a diverse array of individuals in terms of size, race, and undoubtedly wealth, mingled throughout the space. They either faked laughter at their peers' jokes or indulged in sips of bubbling champagne. They were all filthy fucking rich, from the look of it. I had to tear my attention away from the Chanel bags long enough to focus.

I contemplated on kicking Beatrices' knees in as we followed behind her. It would be funny to watch her tumble off her high horse. I bet she couldn't even smell her own shit from up there. Stupid little—

"Don't do that again," Luke hissed into my ear.

I jerked my head up to him. "What? Defend myself?"

"You were being a smart-ass," he countered, plastering on a grin as we passed a group of men in tuxedos. As soon as they looked away, his tone hardened at me, "All she's going to do is run back and bitch to my dad."

My anger skyrocketed to the hanging chandelier before I yanked on his middle finger so hard, he hissed.

"Just because you can't defend yourself doesn't mean I won't." At his harsh glare, I released his finger, entirely. "And, what was that telling her I'm your fucking girlfriend about?"

He rolled his jaw, moving his gaze to the back of Beatrice's head. "There was no way in hell my dad would have let me bring a random chick here."

"Random chick?" I hissed, low enough for only him to hear. "I am a freaking random chick, you lunatic." I scoffed, shaking my head. "You don't even know my favorite drink, my favorite—"

Luke jerked his eyes to mine for a moment, the frustration rolling behind them. "Monster energy drinks. The mango loco."

I scowled. That was too easy. "My favorite candy."

"Skittles or jolly ranchers."

Frustration brewed until it bit me in the ass. Not because of his answers, but at their correctness. "How do you even know this?"

"You bring them to work every single day."

He didn't just remember it by a couple glances. It meant that he had to be paying attention to remember it specifically, and it left me as shocked as ever.

I shook myself out of it. "That doesn't mean anything. You literally told the mayor's wife that I'm your girlfriend. Don't you think that that's going to get back to Xander, you know, my actual boyfriend."

"Look up for me, Norris."

My head jerked up.

"Look down."

I did that, too, before I glanced to the side of his face in confusion.

His mouth twitched. "Did you see it?"

He was losing his mind. "See what?"

His smirk built at me. "How I don't give a fuck."

I huffed, pushing my eyes forward. "You're impossible."

He bit the inside of his cheek to stop from grinning, which only ticked at my frustration. He'd already done more than enough to mess up my life; he wasn't going to fuck with my relationship, next.

"Besides," he started, cocking his head at me. "It's not my fault he's not secure in your relationship."

"He is secure—"

He raised a brow. "Really?"

I jerked my hand away from him, stopping in place. He followed up, but Beatrice kept on like normal. I took the chance to yank him behind the nearest wall by his wrist.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Yes, really."

"Mhm," Luke hummed, moving his eyes to the side. "I can't tell. He seems like a little bitch who is so afraid I'm going to steal his girl that he threw a fit."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "One." I raised a finger in his face. "Don't ever bring his name up in your life, again. Two. I will never, ever be stolen by you, or anyone else. And, three. If, in another fucking alternate universe, I was your girlfriend, would you let me attend a Cinderella's ball with another man?"

He snorted. "Hell no."

I dropped my hand, glaring back at him. "Exactly."

"If you were mine, and even smiled at another man the way you do me." His eyes drug down the length of my body, and when they returned to mine, a smirk had been added to his face. "I'd have those pretty thighs of yours wrapped around my face for so long, your legs would give out on you, Norris."

Heat scoured through me until I was on fire under the dress. Luke leaned back a second later, rocking on his heels as if he hadn't left me flabbergasted.

One hand scrubbed down his jaw before he shrugged. "But, that's the thing. It wouldn't even happen if it were me. He sat his ass in the car, and didn't say a word."

I tripped over my words for a moment, slamming my lips shut. What he said left an impression, for sure.

I breathed in, before releasing. There it was. "You threatened to shoot him, then flashed a gun at him. What was he supposed to do?"

Luke wore a blunt expression. "Get out of the car, and stand his ground against me. I don't give a damn who or what it's against, I'd never sit still while my girl was going out with another man," he responded, crossing his arms. His eyes held traces of amusement as he stared down at me. "But, he didn't, did he?"

It was true, he hadn't. But, who in their right mind would stand up against someone, especially the mayor's son, a Vaudest, who threatened to shoot?

I mean, I did, but I was impulsive and only relied on my anger to get me out alive. Xander was calm and respectful, and Luke was everything but that.

We weren't getting anywhere with this conversation, though. I was sick of having it.

My head tilted at him. "If you bring up his name again tonight," I said with a small smile. "I'll cause a scene so big, they'll think to sedate me."

His cocky grin fell. "You wouldn't."

My smile grew. "Oh, but we both know I would. And, you can threaten the cops, but before they even get here, I'll make sure these rich pricks see a well-demonstrated, loose cannon of a bitch on edge."

Luke leaned in closer, his face shifting with rage. I stared back into his eyes, letting my own expression pull into every ounce of seriousness I could muster.

I was bluffing, though. I knew what the consequences would be if I went through with the threat.

Just as Kade mentioned, the mayor would take any chance he could to put his shit on Luke. I wasn't going to do anything that could aid in that, not purposefully.

"There you two are," I heard Beatrice chirp from behind us. "You both practically flew away." That same fake-ass smile turned to me. "Ryan was counting on meeting you, but he had to go and converse with his old colleagues for a moment."

"Well, isn't that absolutely terrible?" Luke mumbled from behind me.

Beatrice directed a look his way that could have been passed off as nothing, but I knew better. Her gaze returned to me, all traces of baste gone. "Let's get you two seated. There's a free table right by ours."

I heard Luke step up quickly. "We've already booked one."

One arm went around my waist so swiftly, I barely caught it. He glanced down at me, smiling. "Isn't that right, baby?"

I couldn't lie, I'd rather be around Luke, and his bullshit than his family and their fake bullshit.

I reached up to pinch his cheek so hard, his grin nearly broke. "It sure is, sweetums." He pulled my wrist down with a tense chuckle before looking to Beatrice.

Her eyes raked over the two of us with discontent. "That's fine. Just don't disappear, again." She cracked a sick chuckle that she disguised as a joke. "Your father wouldn't approve, would he, Luke?"

Luke pressed his lips together, nodding once. Beatrice forced another grin, before turning and rejoining the event.

I turned to Luke. "She knows?" It didn't take much for him to realize the meaning behind my question.

"They all do."

I shook my head at that. Of course she knew her husband hit his kid. If I could bet on it, she probably aided in it.

I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. "If I ever see him lay a finger on you, again, I'm jumping in."

Luke tilted his head at me, watching over me for a moment before his mouth twitched. He wiped it away with the palm of his hand. "I'm sure you'd help tremendously, Norris, but I wouldn't let you."

"Luke—"

"I'm serious, Maggie," he argued, his tone growing just as tense. "You don't, and you won't get involved in my shit. I've been doing this on my own for years, and nothing's going to change, now." His gaze fell before following up to me, again. "It'll just be more trouble for you, anyway. I'm not letting you put yourself in a position to get hurt."

His words truly came in one ear, and went out the other.

I nodded my head along to confirm, but I already had my mind up. After seeing what his father did to him that day, I could never forget it. If it happened in front of me, again, I was swinging on everyone in the room, regardless.

Wrong was wrong, no matter who it was being done to. Luke would have me in his corner, regardless of how badly I wished to cut his tongue out.

Luke studied his eyes over me for any resemblance of falsehood. I guessed he caught it by his sigh. "You're not going to listen to me, are you?"

I smiled with a shrug. "I am simply a part of a conversation." I lifted my clutch, pulling it open. I pulled the paper spray out, waving it at him. "I'm just saying, with this bad boy, I'm never going out without a fight."

"Okay, okay, I get it." Luke eyed the can with wary. "Put that shit away; I've had enough of it."

"You got pepper-sprayed one time," I rolled my eyes, throwing it back into the purse. "Wuss."

"Have you ever been pepper-sprayed?"

"I'm usually the do-er, not the do-ey."

He cocked his head at me. "That doesn't make any—" With a sigh, he shook his head. "Well, it doesn't feel too fucking nice." He offered his middle finger, to which I took.

"Again, wuss," I chuckled.

"Let me see the can. I'll test it on you, and we'll see who's a wuss, then." His eyes went to my clutch suggestively before I moved it from his view.

"Luke," I smiled, sweetly. "Pepper-spray me, and we'll swap more than a couple insults."

As we dove deeper into the crowd, I felt him tighten his finger around mine to avoid losing me. "Like what?"

I shrugged, glancing over a table of girls who were practically drooling at Luke's backside. They could have him, hell. "A couple punches, maybe a couple slaps."

Finally, we stopped at a table. It was in a corner, shielded by so many people that we would barely be noticed.

I released a thankful breath before sitting. Luke sat next to me, despite the two seats right in front of me.

I didn't pay it any mind. Tonight had already gotten my nerves up enough. At least I had one thing that could help.

I lifted my clutch, again. The pack of skittles were at the bottom of the bag, but I managed to get it.

Luke looked to them, then to me. "No way."

I rolled my eyes, tearing the package open. I deserved them. "Way."

His lips twitched. "You brought skittles."

"I'm glad those eyes of yours are working so good." I rolled my eyes. "If only your mouth could do the opposite."

Luke rolled his eyes, still eyeing my bag. There were silver-plated plates at the table, right in front of each of the chairs, so I pulled two close. I poured the rest of the skittles onto either plate, not even bothering to stop the clattering before giving him one.

"Are you actually sharing with me?" Luke questioned, going for one of the plates. "You're high. Or, I'm high, or—"

I groaned, popping a piece into my mouth. "Or, you can just shut up, and enjoy it."

"Ah," he chuckled, leaning back into the chair. "There she is."

I refrained from offering a retort, instead focusing on the candy. It was my only sanity source at this point. Each sweet taste reminded me that there were more at home, where I'd be in a couple of hours.

I pulled myself back into reality to glance at Luke, who was too busy shoving the candy around. I didn't even realize it until a second later that he was doing it by color.

When he caught me staring, he stopped, pouring the red and green skittles to my plate. "You can have those."

I studied him over with confusion, then caution. I had been daydreaming for too long. Long enough for him to throw some type of acid on them, or something.

"Why?" I asked, slowly.

"Don't like them."

My eyes jerked down to the plate, then to him, again. I'd seen him eat all the colors, before. The red and green were my favorite, though.

If he knew my favorite drink, and candy, then he definitely knew that those were my favorite flavors. So, it wasn't a coincidence.

I bit back a smile, meanwhile pushing down the light feeling in my chest. To help, I continued to eat my side while he did his own.

Moments of silence passed before I heard him.

"You know..." he started. "I don't think you've ever slapped me, before."

"No way." I craned my head back, considering it until I made the realization. "Oh, shit. How have I punched you before slapping?"

His head tilted at me, a brow raised. "Are you not the least bit aware of how insane you just sounded saying that?"

I chuckled, scooting my plate back. "You were the one who brought it up, again."

"I was just making conversation."

"You never just 'make conversation,'" I used my fingers to emphasis my point, mocking his voice. "Did you want a slap or something, just to test it out?"

Luke chuckled at me. "If you slap me, I get one back."

I thought it over for a moment before shrugging. Why the hell not? I was a big girl; I could take it.

One of the staff members passed our table before I waved him down with my clutch. I earned the eyes of several onlookers, but paid them no mind. The man came to us with the silver platter of bubbling champagne, and I took two glasses of champagne off.

I placed one in front of Luke with a grin. He was watching me, an amused glint in his eyes. "What are you up to, wacko?"

"Jax and I used to play this game," I explained, excitedly. "We'd fill our mouths with water and slap each other until one or the other spit it out."

Luke frowned at me, his hand curling around the bottom of my chair. He pulled me closer until the ends of our chairs were touching. His hand went against my forehead.

I pushed him away with a scowl. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to see if you have a fever," he responded. "You're talking gibberish."

"I'm not. Did you never play games as a child?"

"No."

I chuckled. "That explains a lot, but listen, no one will see us since we're so far back." Everyone was far too busy kissing each others' green asses.

I rolled my eyes at his annoyed expression. "Here. Drink. I'll go first." Before he could object, I lifted the glass to his lips until he was forced to drink.

With a glare, he filled his mouth, and I did the same a moment later.

I rolled my eyes at his glower. He was such a buzz killer.

I shoved a finger into his chest, motioning that I was about to go first. He nodded, offering his cheek to me.

Excitement filled me to the brim, but I knew he'd get his revenge. The man had hands larger than Shreks, and with his resent toward me, he'd definitely smack my ass into next year.

Oh well.

I bounced in my seat with deliriousness as I raised my hand. Luke shook his head at the both of us, his cheeks puffing with champagne.

Before he could start another glare, my hand came down onto his cheek.

Luke choked, but not from anger. He was laughing.

Laughter built at the back of my throat before I leaned forward. I gave him my cheek, motioning for him to follow through.

I shut my eyes for the expected impact, willing myself to tough it out. I had asked for it. In school, I'd seen the man smack another guy so hard, it sent him flying to the cafeteria wall, so I knew he definitely wouldn't take it easy on me.

His hand came down on my cheek, but it was so soft, I thought it was the wind.

I huffed, pulling my eyes open to glare into his. He was watching me with a raised brow, his lips fighting back a smile. He gave his cheek again, but I took it easy on him this time.

We continued on for a good while. Neither of us let the champagne slip, but once our cheeks started to ache, I found myself wanting the game to end. I'd only done it with Jax, and he was a softie so he gave up quickly. I never had to go against anyone as stubborn as Luke.

Luke watched me, his lips twitching. A win came my way as he put his flushed cheek out for me. I was sure my own were just as colored by now, too.

Still holding back my laugh, I pulled my phone out. Luke watched me before he got it, reaching for his own at the vibration in his pocket.

Me: We both slap each other on three. My cheeks hurt.

Luke: Wuss.

Rolling my eyes, I dropped my phone back into the clutch. It was technically a tie.

I motioned for Luke to come closer, and with an eye roll, he did. We met the others eyes as I raised my hand, then him.

One.

My mouth twitched.

Two.

He pressed his lips together to stop from laughing.

Three.

We both slapped the shit out of each other.

Champagne went all over the table from either of our mouths at the impact. I tried to conceal my own, but it was no use.

From the smack itself, the ache of my cheeks, and the amusement in the situation, it was impossible. Luke was laughing so hard, it echoed right through me like a melody.

"I think you broke my fucking jaw," he groaned in between laughter, rubbing at the muscle.

My chest began to ache from all of the laughter. "Me?" I exclaimed, gripping my tight stomach. "I think I can taste colors now, because of you."

I didn't realize we'd earned the eyes of several onlookers until it was too late. It didn't stop my laughter. Luke hadn't even noticed them.

His laughter died down into a grin. "You're something else, Maggie Norris," he chuckled, his hand falling from his jaw. "Something fucking else."

Finally, we both died down enough to use one of the dinner cloths to wipe what spots the champagne touched. Luckily, it hadn't hit my dress.

"What can I say?" I settled back in my seat, turning a grin at Luke. "Personally, I think I'm one of the best people to walk this earth." I shrugged, moving my gaze ahead. "Well...that or I'm just extremely conceited."

"Mhm," he hummed, settling his chin on a shut fist. "My money's on the second one, angel."

I chuckled, leaning back into my seat. I thought over my next set of words before finally asking, "Why do you call me that?"

Luke snorted, turning to me, again. "I call you a lot of things, so you're going to have to be a bit more specific than that."

I rolled my eyes. "Angel," I answered. "Why do you call me that? And, Norris. I think I've heard you call me by my actual name less than a dozen times. The only time you ever do is when you're pissed about something."

He cocked a half-grin at me, one that left me fighting my own. "Why do you let me?"

I scowled before turning away. I didn't have an answer.

"I call you Norris, just because no one else does, and I know how bad it irked you at first, so I kept going," he answered. "Now, here the hell we are."

I chuckled at that. It was true; no one else did. From him though, it nearly sounded like my first name every time I heard him say it, now.

"As for the other, the angel costume was what I first saw you in at the Halloween party Levi threw. Plus, it fits you," he added after a moment. "I'll never tell you which angel I clarify you as, but I don't know..." he shrugged, drumming his fingers along the table. "You're not that bad, I guess."

He lifted his eyes to meet mine, and my own held him there. I felt my lips rise.

"I mean...it's fuck you until the day I die, but I agree," I shrugged. "You're not that bad."

I could admit it. I didn't think he was a perfect, golden boy, but there was much more to him than I ever anticipated. It was a weird fact, for sure. I never expected to be around him, nor did I expect to find any type of fun in it, but I had. I think he had, as well.

Luke's hard mask fell, and for a moment, just a moment, I saw his expression soften. He turned his head away, trying to hide the shift before looking at me, again.

"Shit," he teased, bumping against my shoulder. "Get off my dick, Norris."

I scoffed, cupping my arms over my chest. "Shit's so small, I couldn't even find a grip if I wanted to."

"Uh huh," Luke chuckled, his tongue darting into his cheek as he nodded. "You definitely wouldn't be able to keep a grip."

I fought back the flush that followed amongst my cheeks. I understood what he was implying, and instead of offering a retort, I averted my gaze ahead. I wasn't feeding into it. Not anymore.

This was going to be the longest night of my life.