Sullivan's words stuck like a magnet in my mind. I hadn't mentioned my encounter with him to Paula when she finally walked out of the store to meet me. The relief she felt was evident in her expression.

I was confused as to why Paula had reacted such way, but I didn't have time to dwell on it right now. Who exactly was blackmailing Sullivan? With and for what?

Wrapped up in my thoughts, I hadn't realized Faust had led me inside a very familiar restaurant until we were already inside. Pete and Katy's was pulsing with life as families, couples and friends enjoyed their tasty dishes. Faust and I walked past the booth Nico and I had occupied last night and settled on one of the empty tables by the far corner of the place.

"You've been quiet," Faust observed as he took his seat. "Is something bothering you?"

I offered him a smile and took the menu in my hands. "I'm just tired. Thank you for picking me up. What are you getting?"

"You choose. I don't mind."

"We're not going to split the bill if you don't pick what you want to eat."

He laughed. "Fine. You don't play fair."

After Faust and I decided on pork chops, seafood pasta, and two Cokes, the waiter approached our table. My eyes widened a fraction when I recognized him as the same person who'd taken Nico's order last night. When he looked up from his notepad and his gaze met mine, he gasped in surprise. "Hey! You were here yesterday night with the scary guy, weren't you?"

I let out an awkward chuckle as Faust looked at me questioningly. "Yeah, uh, I was. It's nice to see you again."

He smiled after giving Faust a quick glance. "Right...what can I get you?"

After writing down our orders, the waiter left. Faust leaned back against the chair and raised an eyebrow. "So. Scary guy?"

"Nico took me here last night after working on our assignment," I answered nonchalantly. It wasn't a big deal.

"Oh?"

"He just wanted to apologize."

A muscle in Faust's jaw ticked. "And both of you didn't bother to tell me?"

What the hell was his problem? Frowning, I answered quietly, "I didn't even think it was a big deal. Faust, you were at a party. What did you expect me to do? And why are you getting so worked up about this?"

He shook his head and exhaled heavily. "Never mind. Let's just drop it."

I sighed.

We sat in silence for another few seconds before Faust cleared his throat and spoke again. "Beau has been looking for you. I'm starting to think he loves you more than he does me."

Thankful for the subject drop, my mouth stretched into a small smile. "I'd like to see him again too. He's a really cool guy."

Faust nodded. "He is."

Our drinks came. I took a sip from my soda before saying, "Your brother actually invited me for dinner with your parents."

Faust laughed. "Our dining table can't even fit the four of us."

I laughed too, to try and cover my warming cheeks from embarrassment. "Right. Ah, well, I was just wondering why you haven't talked about your parents."

"There's nothing to tell exactly," he said, reaching for his own drink. "But what do you want to know?"

"What your mom is like. Dad. I mean, I know he used to be a basketball star like you, but that's about it. Your relationship with them. You know, the normal stuff."

Faust thought about it as he circled the rim of his glass with his finger. "After Beau was arrested, my mom was fired from her job as a secretary at a successful company. Thankfully, she was able to pick up some shifts as a teacher in a small elementary school, which she now loves. My dad is still a professor at a local college."

"I'm glad your mother enjoys her job now," I said with a smile, reaching across the table to envelope Faust's hand in mine. "Are you close with them?"

Faust's thumb brushed my knuckles. "I'm closer with my dad. He taught me everything I knew about basketball. Beau is closer with Mom—he's her favorite. We don't see them often though, their schedules are pretty packed."

We talked for a bit more about his family before our food arrived. Immediately digging right in, Faust and I savored our meals as conversation flowed easily between us. Halfway through finishing my meal, Faust stated, "I want to talk about college."

I reached for a napkin to carefully wipe the corners of my mouth. "Okay."

He placed his fork and knife down on his plate. "I've got two state universities who offered me full basketball scholarships so far."

I grinned. "I know, Faust. I'm happy for you. You deserve it."

He stared at me, obviously not satisfied with my response. "Thea, do you see a future with me?"

I blinked. "Faust. Think about that question again. We've been together for two months."

"I know," he murmured. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to know."

"We don't know what happens in college," I said slowly, fingers coming up to rub my forehead. "We might not even be together before then. I don't know. Faust, don't make me think about this right now."

He was silent for a moment. "You're right, okay, I'm sorry for bringing it up."

I sagged against my seat. "Thank you."

Faust's lips curved to a small smile. "Are you sure there's nothing that's bothering you? You've been on edge."

I took a deep breath. Despite the warning, I found myself deciding that telling Faust about my confrontation with Sullivan was best. I pushed my plate away. "Faust..."

"Hey." He frowned as he leaned closer, noticing my sudden change in tone. "What's wrong? Tell me."

Deciding to get it over with, I blurted out, "Sullivan went to see me today."

All traces of expression were gone from his face in an instant. Faust pulled back, obviously not expecting to hear what I said. "How do you know him?"

Ignoring the fact that he didn't sound as surprised as I thought he would be, I answered, "Nico and I ran into him the day I went to visit you. He's East Hampton's captain, right?"

Faust's clear blue eyes remained carefully blank. "And someone you shouldn't involve yourself with."

"I already am, Faust, he came to see me. How do you know him?"

The corners of his mouth lifted up to a reluctant smile as he gestured to my half-eaten food. "Don't worry about it. Why don't you finish your dinner?"

I stared at him. "There are more secrets, aren't there?"

Faust picked up his fork and knife. "Thea, please. Drop it."

"Aren't there?"

He clenched his jaw. "Let me handle this, okay?"

"I wasn't even supposed to tell you."

Frustrated, Faust ran a hand through his hair and looked at me with tired eyes. "What does that mean?"

"It means that I chose to be honest with you even when you didn't," I snapped. "What the hell is going on, Faust?"

"This isn't your business—"

"It became mine when he confronted me!"

I'd forgotten we were in a public place. I shut my mouth quickly, sinking into the seat as the customers within a ten feet radius turned to look at us with dirty glances. Faust, however, pinned me with his eyes as he balled one hand into a fist. "And talked to you about what?"

I exhaled heavily. "It doesn't matter. Tell me what the hell is going on."

"If I'm not telling you something, it's to protect you," Faust reasoned, gripping the edge of the table. "And you don't need to know this, Thea. Stay out of it."

"Protect me from what? Faust, come on."

"End of discussion, Thea," he said, narrowing his gaze. "Finish your dinner."

"No. I am not going to be kept in the dark for something I've been made part of, Faust. Tell me now or I'm asking Nico."

"Nico?" he whispered.

I threw my hands in the air exasperatedly. "You're not telling me anything! He's the only other person who knows Sullivan—"

Faust knocked his fist against the wood. I flinched in surprise. "So you run to Nico now when we argue? Is that it?"

I recoiled. My eyebrows furrowed. "Faust, that wasn't what I—"

Faust stood. "I think that's exactly what you meant." My mouth went dry as I struggled for words to say. He took his wallet out and slapped bills on the table. The blue in his eyes had never looked so cold. "I'm sure you know your way to his place. He did take you here."

He walked away without a glance back and left.

It took me a few minutes to process what had just happened.

What had I done?

With shaking fingers, I ran them across my hair as my eyes furiously blinked back the tears threatening to escape.

The waiter shot me a sympathetic look as I asked for the bill. I paid for our dinner with some of the cash I had on me and kept Faust's money inside my pocket.

I stood up and wrapped my arms around myself as I pushed open the door and looked around the parking lot. The Chevy was gone.

He really did leave.

I took deep breaths and told myself not to panic. This was fine. I was fine.

With my mind blank and my hands numb, I didn't know how long I waited outside in the freezing cold while silently hoping that Faust would come back. People exited the restaurant little by little, and the night passed on.

It was only when my phone buzzed repeatedly that I snapped out of my trance. I answered without looking at the contact and hugged myself with my other arm. "H-hello?"

"Sweetheart!" JJ yelped happily. "I've been texting and calling Faust but he isn't responding. You with him?"

"Oh. Um, no," I muttered, looking down at the ground. "He's not...he's not here."

"What? Where is he? We wanted to ask you guys to come with for some beer and pizza, it'll be fun!"

I inhaled shakily and shut my eyes. "I don't...I don't know. Where he is."

The other line was silent for a while. "Thea," JJ said softly, sounding worried now, "where are you? Why don't you know where Faust is? He said you two were going on a date. What happened?"

I swallowed hard. "He, um, he left. I pissed him off and he left."

"You pissed him off and he left," JJ repeated slowly. "Left where?"

"I don't know—home, I guess?"

"Thea. It's late. Do you have a ride—"

There was some rustling on the other end before a second voice calmly demanded, "Where are you? Tell me now."

"Outside Pete and Katy's," I whispered, feeling the first tear run down my cheek. "I'm sorry, I don't—I don't even know why I'm telling you this, I should—"

"Stay there and wait for us," Nico snapped. I winced at the harshness of his tone. "Talk to JJ. Don't hang up so I know you're okay."

Nico gave the phone back to his friend.

To his credit, the curly-haired jock was good at distractions.

Once the Honda Civic pulled up out front, both boys didn't say a word as I climbed into the passenger seat—JJ was settled in the back with grocery bags. I sat pressed against the door as I watched the darkness of the night pass through the window.

My phone was buzzing in my pocket, and I didn't have to look at it to know that it was Faust. For a second, I contemplated on answering it, but thought twice every time my fingers touched the device. Even though it was my fault he got mad, I didn't want to talk to him right now at the risk of arguing again.

JJ leaned forward and tapped my shoulder. "You feeling okay, sweetheart?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Thank you for coming."

"We have chocolates to cheer you up," he said with a soft smile, reaching over to grasp my palm. "We've got you."

My throat closed up. "Yeah." I squeezed his hand. "Thank you."

A loud ring startled me. Nico's fists tightened on the steering wheel as he glanced at the phone resting against the center console.

The contact name read Faust.

The phone kept ringing. Nico pulled over to the side of the street.

"Why are we stopping?"

"I might kill the three of us if I don't," he answered gruffly, leaning over to take the device.

JJ cleared his throat and pulled his hand away as he tried to reach for it. "Maybe I should answer that instead..."

Nico ignored him as he listened to Faust on the other line and leaned back against the headrest. "She's with me," he said in a quiet and deadly tone.

I stared at Nico. His expression grew darker. "No," he answered Faust again, voice lowering. "She didn't."

Silence again. JJ looked as anxious as I felt.

I jumped in my seat when Nico banged his fist against the window. "I can tell you what you weren't supposed to do. You weren't supposed to leave her alone at this time of the night when you know she's vulnerable. She received threats, for fuck's sake, have you forgotten about that?"

Nico's hand tightened against his phone until his knuckles turned white as he listened to his best friend. His green eyes shifted to me, pinning me under his intense gaze. "I'm not going to listen to you wallow in your childish jealousy. When Thea's ready, I'll let her talk to you."

He hung up.

Nico took a few seconds to calm himself down before placing his hands back in the steering wheel to drive the car back to the main road.

JJ laughed nervously. "Ah, that was an interesting conversation."

The other boy stayed silent.

JJ sighed and moved back. "Told you I should've answered instead."

I bit my lip. "It wasn't Faust's fault."

"Don't," Nico snapped, keeping his eyes trained in front of him. "Don't even try to defend him."

"I'm just saying that he had every right to be mad—"

"And you expect me to be okay with the fact he left you alone?"

I shook my head. "No. I don't expect you to be anything. I'm sorry."

Nico's jaw clenched. "Stop apologizing. I'm taking you back to my place until I have to take you home."

"We're going to have beer and pizza!" JJ cheered from the backseat.

"Faust will come to your house," I protested quietly, fiddling with my fingers.

"Let him. My front door isn't opening for him."

Not another word was exchanged between the three of us until Nico pulled up onto the driveway and shut the engine. I rubbed my hands together once I climbed out of the car as the air was chilly. JJ took out the bags from the backseat and I leaned over to help.

"Thanks, sweetcheeks." He winked, carrying four bags with him at the same time as he ventured inside the house.

I smiled and picked up two. Nico came over and grabbed the rest.

Inside, the golden-haired boy was already stocking the cupboards and refrigerator with the goods from the grocery store as if it were his own home. He hummed a song under his breath as he moved and worked. Nico and I joined him in the kitchen and helped put the groceries away.

"Does pepperoni sound good to you?" Nico asked, tossing the car keys onto the counter.

"Yeah," JJ answered.

"Not you, dipshit."

I grinned and nodded. "Yeah."

Nico picked up the landline. "What else?"

"Four cheese—"

"Shut up, I'm not asking you—"

I laughed. "Four cheese is fine. Anything JJ chooses will be fine with me."

Nico grunted in response. JJ sent me a flying kiss.

Still with the same smile, I turned away and dropped myself on the couch.

While the boys ordered the food, I rested my head against the soft cushions and closed my eyes.

*

A hand shook my shoulder lightly. "Thea."

Disoriented, I sat up and ran a hand through my face. "I'm sorry. I fell asleep."

Nico moved back and took a seat on the carpet. Set on top of the coffee table were three sets of plates and paper cups alongside alcohol bottles and Coke. "I told you to stop apologizing. JJ went to get the pizza outside. I didn't want to bother you but I figured you were hungry."

I cursed under my breath when I remembered my stuff had been dumped in the back of Faust's truck before we entered Pete and Katy's. The cash I'd kept with me was used for paying for our meals, and it seemed disrespectful to use Faust's money. "Um, I'll pay you guys back on Mon—"

"Don't worry about it," he said, passing me a plate and gesturing for me to sit on the space opposite him with his chin. "You don't need to."

I nodded and rubbed my palms against my forearms. "Nico. I just wanted to say thank you. For tonight."

"Were you scared?"

The abrupt question made me double take. "What?"

"You sounded like you were," Nico said. "Were you?"

I thought about it. "I think I was on the verge of panicking," I admitted quietly, fumbling with my fingers on my lap. "Mostly, I was hurt."

Nico didn't say anything. The intensity of his gaze made me squirm.

"I was really relieved when JJ called. I was waiting for Faust to come back." I laughed. "Stupid, right?"

"Not stupid," he murmured, shaking his head. Strands of his dark hair fell across his forehead. "He said you had a fight and it got out of control."

I looked down. "I was pushing him too far, I guess. I brought you up too. It's what made him leave."

The front door opened, and JJ entered the house carrying two pizza boxes. "I bring the glorious food!" He took a seat next to Nico. "What're we talking about? Why so serious?"

My lips pulled up at the corners. "I just wanted to thank you guys."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"Well...I could've called Theo."

"You're making it sound like you called us and not the other way around," JJ said, flipping open the first box and dropping a slice on my plate. "Calling your brother wasn't ideal either, sweetheart. That would've caused a bloodbath between him and Faust. I'm just glad I called you at the right time."

I bit my lip. "Still, I feel like I've ruined your night. And now Nico is in a fight with Faust because of me, and—"

"I'm glad JJ called you at the right time too," Nico agreed quietly. "None of this was your fault. Eat up."

"Yeah." A curl fell over JJ's forehead and he flicked it away with a tilt of his head. "We specifically bought chocolates for you so don't say you've ruined our night."

I gave him a grateful smile. He ruffled my hair and reached for a slice, but Nico slapped his hand. "Go pick out a movie first."

JJ huffed and stood. "Fine."

While he turned on the television and browsed through some series, Nico and I ate together in silence. While I chewed, I took the time to survey him.

His shoulders were rolled back and relaxed instead of tense, and the hard edges along the features of his face were gone. His eyes looked at me with nothing but genuine curiosity, as if wondering what the hell I was doing here with him.

Whatever the answer was, I didn't mind.

The three of us spent about two hours talking, eating, and drinking. The movie was playing in the background but none of us were really paying attention to it. I found myself having a great time as I filled my stomach with pizza and chocolates and laughed until my cheeks hurt. While I sipped on my soda, JJ and Nico drank shots. The green-eyed boy took care of JJ's alcohol intake though. I figured that the latter didn't have much of a strong tolerance.

"Where's Alejandra and your dad?"

Nico took another shot. Unlike JJ, he handled his liquor very well. He didn't even look the slightest bit tipsy. "Date night at a hotel. I doubt they're coming home."

I cleared my throat. "Oh. Okay."

The second movie was already playing on the screen. When JJ sloppily went for his third slice of four cheese, he stopped himself and grabbed his sixth pepperoni slice instead. "This pizza is so good," he muttered before taking a bite. "Mm. Yum."

Nico snickered. "He's drunk already."

I grinned. "He'll probably finish that slice before he passes out."

"I can hear you!" JJ yelled, pointing a finger at me. His charcoal eyes turned glassy. "So pretty."

"Thank you," I answered with a grin.

JJ smiled widely before taking another bite. Nico and I watched him in amusement while he finished the last of his pizza and slurred his words in between bites. When he was done, he rolled over the carpet and whined, "Nico. My head hurts."

Nico scoffed and shook his head. "You shouldn't have drank so much, you idiot."

JJ whined loudly again. "You should've stopped me! I'm not allowed to drink so much alcohol..."

"Not allowed? What the fuck does that mean?"

The golden-haired boy didn't answer and groaned once more.

Nico rolled his eyes and stood. "Come on, I'll take you to bed."

I sat up. "Oh, do you need help?"

"Tucking this baby in? Not really." Nico scooped up JJ in his arms like he weighed nothing. "I'll be right back. Don't finish the alcohol."

The duo headed upstairs. "I want to throw up," JJ whined.

"I'll take you to the bathroom," Nico said with a sigh. "Keep quiet."

I bit my lip to resist the urge to laugh as the two boys disappeared from sight. Turning my attention to the television, I leaned back against the soft cushion of the sofa and tried to pay attention, but my eyes stared blankly at the screen as thoughts began creeping into my mind. I knew I could ask Nico about Sullivan but I wasn't sure if pressing for information would get me anywhere. Despite their fight, Nico's loyalty was still Faust's. A dispute wouldn't separate blood.

Besides, there were questions about Nico himself that I wanted to ask. Maybe I was just intrigued by his mysteriousness. Maybe it was just curiosity. Sullivan could wait another time.

When Nico came back and sat on the other end of the sofa, I turned to face him and asked, "Are you as close with your dad as you are with your mom?"

He glanced at me. "Somewhat."

I rested my arm against the back of the couch. "Can you speak Spanish too?"

Nico raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't like asking me questions."

"That was you," I muttered sullenly, facing the television again and folding one leg underneath me. "Fine, then."

He was silent for a few moments. "What time are you supposed to be home?"

I shrugged. "Eleven? Faust told me he was taking me somewhere else after dinner so I asked to stay out until then."

"It's only ten."

I looked at him. "And...?"

The corner of his lips twitched. I watched him as he leaned forward to settle on the carpet and opened a new bottle of alcohol.

"What are you doing?"

His eyes glowed mischievously. "I'm playing the game."

"With that?" I asked incredulously, pointing to the drink. Nico stared up at me and nodded. "Aren't you tipsy enough?"

"Do I look or sound tipsy?"

I frowned. "No."

"Then let's play."

"I don't drink."

Nico's mouth curved, and for a moment I forgot how to breathe.

His smile was mesmerizing.

In all the years I'd known, and in all the months I'd officially known Nico Romero, not once had I seen him smile. This moment right now—I felt honestly saddened at the thought of not witnessing it sooner—gave me a total of four seconds before it disappeared. Despite being exhausted, my brain somehow found the words to describe it: his smile had the right touch of boyishness that made him look more beautiful than he already was. It was enough to bring a girl to her knees.

"And that is precisely why you should," he said, inquisitively inclining his head at my stare. Clearing my throat, I looked down and cupped my face in my hands to hide the faint redness blossoming over my skin. "You want to get to know me, princess? This is the way to do it."

My eyes narrowed. He wasn't going to give answers to anything unless I gave some of my own.

"Fine. Rules?"

Nico scooted over to give me space on the carpet. "Assumptions instead of questions. If I'm wrong, I drink. If I'm right, you drink, and vice versa. No passes. This is personal, and the assumptions should be something we don't know about each other. First person down loses."

I took a deep breath. "You mean first person drunk."

He set the bottle on the table. "If you pass out, I can text your parents and tell them you stayed over at Paula's. Would that be okay with them?"

"Deal. I'll go first."

He clicked his tongue. "Eager."

"You've tried smoking before."

Nico raised the bottle to his lips and took a sip. "Once. It wasn't a pleasant experience. You hate mayonnaise."

I reached over to grasp the drink and grimaced once I swallowed the liquid down. "It's just a strong dislike. You suck at bowling."

A corner of his mouth lifted. "I'm actually pretty good."

"How do I know you're not lying?"

"Go bowling with me and see for yourself."

Clearing my throat, I took another sip. "This tastes awful."

"Then don't lose, princess. Your favorite color is blue."

I scowled and drank again. Nico leaned back on his palms and watched me in amusement. "You're taking business in college."

"Law, actually."

"I'm going to lose this game. Why law?"

"I want to work as a corporate lawyer and focus on human rights as a pro bono," he said softly, looking away. "Mostly to help people of color who are discriminated against. My mother went through it countless of times when we moved here."

I smiled. Nico seemed tense as he avoided my gaze. "That's really admirable, Nico. You love your mother a lot."

When he looked at me, the green in his eyes were as intense as ever. "I'd do anything for her."

My stomach did a funny flip. "She's lucky."

He shook his head. "My dad and I are lucky. You took dance lessons."

I made a face and curled my fingers around the bottle again. "Honestly my worst decision ever. I only ended up humiliating myself."

Nico smirked. "You can probably bust a few moves."

"If I'm feeling generous, I might offer you a private show."

"I'll pay for that."

"It's free. I'm sure you'll enjoy laughing at me."

"Talent isn't laughed at," he countered. "A private show can mean something else."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Stop it."

Nico tilted his head. "You getting embarrassed, baby?"

I ignored that. "You can play the guitar."

He smiled. That was the second time tonight. "Piano."

I let out a noise of frustration before taking another sip. "I'm so bad at this."

"That's okay, princess. Might need you to get a little drunk. You need to loosen up."

"I don't need to loosen up," I muttered, jutting my bottom lip out. "I just don't like the taste."

Nico snickered. "Nobody likes the taste. The feeling is what's good. You're a virgin."

I choked on air.

Seeing my expression, Nico tilted his head in amusement as he kept his eyes on me. "Problem?"

"N-no." My face was redder than a tomato as I drank. "That was—how could you just ask something like that so bluntly?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Does it bother you?"

"No, not really. You just...surprised me."

"There's nothing wrong with being a virgin." Nico leaned back against the foot of the sofa. "Don't be embarrassed about it."

"It's embarrassing to talk about with you," I mumbled. "I thought you were going to say something about not doing it with Faust yet."

"You should wait," he rushed out, eyes widening a fraction. "I mean, your business with Faust isn't any of mine, as well as your virginity, but um, I feel like you're the type to wait until you're sure. So, uh, do that."

I wanted to laugh. "How could you go from cocky to a rambling mess in a second?"

"Shut up," he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's your turn."

Rubbing my chin with my fingers, I said, "You like kids."

He took a sip. "I want kids."

I found that endearing. "I had a feeling."

Nico looked at me. "Do you?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Someday."

A moment of silence fell over us before Nico quietly stated, "You find it hard to say no to people."

Without hesitation, I drank. "There was this guy back in tenth grade who asked me out."

His face remained impassive. "And?"

"I was really uncomfortable with him." I looked down and traced the surface of the table with my finger. "He made me nervous and anxious, but he asked me out on a second date. Then a third. Then a fourth. I really wanted to say no each time."

Nico stayed silent. I sighed. "On the fifth, I made up an excuse. I was panicking really bad and I didn't know how to face him—I felt really awful in his company. Miraculously, he just stopped bothering me. I don't know how it happened but I'm glad it did. I made it a point to muster the courage to say no to guys like him after that, though. It was...it was horrible. The feeling of refusing someone because you'd feel too guilty."

"You don't owe anyone your yeses," Nico murmured. "You don't owe anyone anything."

I smiled at him. "I know. It's taking me a while but I'm getting there."

"You also have to stop apologizing so much. It's really not alright."

"I'll get there too. Be patient with me."

Nico exhaled heavily. "Okay. Your turn."

I bit my lip. "You've been jealous of Faust before."

"Jealous, no," he answered immediately with a shake of his head. "Envious, yes."

I left it at that and watched him while he took another quick swig. "Your turn."

"You can't stand noise when you're studying."

I drank. My head was starting to feel a little heavy. "You can speak Spanish."

He smiled. That was the third time tonight. "You're not letting that go, are you?"

"No."

"Then yes, I can."

"Can you prove it?"

He took a sip from the bottle before returning his attention to me, eyes piercing fiercely into mine. "Mirarte duele. Estar aquí contigo duele. Pero amarte es lo que más lastima."

It took me a few seconds to find my voice. "What does that mean?"

Nico shook his head. "It means you're a weak drinker. Theo taught you how to drive."

I grinned at the memory. "He was so scared I was going to crash our dad's car."

"I bet he was panicking the whole time."

"He was probably praying in his mind."

It was a short one, like his smiles, but for what it was worth, it lasted for about three seconds—his laugh was a deep rumble of his chest and the tremble of his voice sounded like ripples through the treading tides.

It was as lovely as the rest of him.

"You don't really hate me," I whispered once his laughter died down and once I was able to savor the sound.

Nico stared at me. "No," he whispered back, taking the bottle into his hands. "No, I don't."

I blinked a couple of times and held onto the couch to steady my position. "Then why were you so mean to me?"

"Still good? Do you want to stop the game?"

"I'm not drunk yet. Answer me."

"Questions aren't allowed and it's my turn. Oxbridge is your dream school."

I sighed. There was no point in pestering him for an answer he didn't want to give. "Their journalism program is the best. You've...never been in love."

Silence.

Nico inhaled shakily. His voice was quiet when he said, "Drink."

I did. "How did it feel?"

Nico's eyes shut. "Painful."

I wasn't going to push my luck by asking more questions about it.

The game continued until the bottle was empty.