Page 33 of Unwrapping Ember
"You hooked up with Koda?"
I nod, lifting the vodka bottle to my lips. "Yeah."
With a tinge of jealousy, Ev takes a shot of the Jäger, clutchingthe bottle so tightly that his knuckles turn white. "Ember, wanna go next?" He asks, his eyes glimmering with playful mischief.
"Sure, why not?" I shrug, wondering how bad it could really be.
"Remember, I can ask youanything..."
Doubts begin to creep in as I nod, taking another swig of vodka. "I know, Ev."
Koda's grip around me tightens protectively, but I lean back against him, relishing his comforting embrace.
"You sure about this, Em?" He asks, concern lacing his tone.
"Yeah, it's just a game, Koda. I'll be fine."
He shakes his head, letting out a low chuckle. "Have you met Everest? He's fucking filthy."
"Yeah, I am." Ev interjects, wiggling his brows and urging me forward.
"Ask away, Ev. I'm ready."
"How about I let you ask me something first, and then I'll ask you? You look a bit nervous, little Vixen."
"Works for me," I reply, and Baine laughs, shaking his head.
"You just bought yourself some time, doll...for now."
As the game unfolds and the questions grow bolder, a sense of unease settles in. I can feel the tension rising, and I know that my honesty could bring unforeseen consequences. Yet, I realize I can't stop now. I draw in a deep breath and lock eyes with Ev.
"Okay, Ev. My question for you is... what's the one thing you regret the most?"
In an instant, his playful demeanor shifts, and a flicker of vulnerability dances in his eyes. He hesitates, draws in a breath, and then opens up. "Letting my ex-wife drive with my kid while she was drunk."
An immediate hush envelops the room, leaving me in shock, unsure of how to react.
"If I hadn't allowed her in that car, my son would still be alive."
Thesilence is so profound you can hear a pin drop; my heart aches for him, tears glistening in his eyes and mine as he smiles through the pain. But the facade is thin, and I see the hurt so clearly beneath the surface.
I realize that this game serves a purpose far beyond mere amusement. It's a channel for us—a way to delve deeper and forge connections that run beneath the teasing and facades. Despite everything, a sense of camaraderie begins to take root between us.
Just as I start to gather my thoughts, Baine shatters the silence, his boisterous laughter cutting through the heaviness. "Well, damn, Ev. Talk about bringing the mood down. I thought we were all about fun and games."
Everest shoots him a glare, and Koda tightens his embrace around me, shielding me from the unintended awkwardness that glows like a neon sign in the room. It’s as if Baine didn’t even register the somberness that settled in, and I wonder if that’s just his way of deflecting—laugh it off, move on.
I catch Koda’s gaze; his brows furrowed slightly. There’s an intensity between us that seems to spur my heart into a rapid rhythm. I lean in closer to him instinctively, grounding myself in his presence. His hand moves to mine, fingers intertwining without hesitation, and it's incredibly soothing amidst the chaos.
I can see Everest’s smile faltering as he crosses his arms, a hint of irritation flashing in his gaze. Koda squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. It’s a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes, especially right now.
“It’s your turn, Baine,” Everest relents, though the bite in his tone barely disguises the warmth in his eyes.
“Alright! I choose…” He scans the circle and latches onto me with a teasing grin. “Little Vixen, truth or dare?”
“Dare… Bring it on,” I challenge, emboldened by the energy in the room, despite the twinges of vulnerability still swirling within me.
“I dare you to kiss Koda right here, right now,” Baine laughs, leaning back as if he’s done an impressive magic trick.