Page 42 of Stay Toxic

“Hey, coz,” some guy in a white tux calls. “We’re upstairs tonight after the auction, if you and the lovely lady want to join us.”

His date, a beautiful brunette in black, grins as he twirls her away from us.

“That was my cousin Marius, and his Sarah. Which you would have known, of course, if you’d come last week. Everyone wanted to meet you, you know.”

“I doubt that.” These people don’t know me from Adam. “What’s the auction everyone’s talking about?”

His chest rambles as he laughs. “Well, there are two versions of it. I’ll give you the official one. Members of the Raventhorn Society are auctioning valuable items, and the funds raised will be used to build facilities for the youth club in southie—a ramp is the primary goal, but if we reach a high enough amount, which is likely, they’ll extend it to a gym.”

"What’s southie?”

“Thorn Falls is divided into a few areas; we’re in the riverside now, and there’s west side, across the river—a poorer neighborhood. And of course, you know the campus. Most businesses’ head offices are located in southie. And so are the night clubs, the prostitutes, the druggies. It’s rather quiet during the day, but at night, it’s another story. There aren’t many residential areas in southie, but most of them tend to be a little unsafe. Hence the need for a youth club, to get the younger residents out of the gang, drug, and illegal fighting circus.”

“I would never have guessed Thorn Falls has that sort of thing. The town just seems so posh. What I’ve seen of it, anyway.”

“You’ve stayed around campus and the riverside. A night in southie and you’ll change your tune.”

A part of me I didn’t even know existed is strangely intrigued. Gangs and drugs or illegal fights don’t sound like my cup of tea, of course, but I’ve never really had a night out at a club. I didn’t realize it was an option here. Maybe I can convince Ari to take me.

And Sebastian.

It sounds like it might not be safe; having a colossal guy with us wouldn’t be the worst idea. That’s the only reason why I’m considering him. Not the nonsense he’s peddling about wanting me. I know that’s a trick. Something to get me to trust him and?—

And what? What could he possibly gain from it?

“You’re considering it, aren’t you?” he observes. “Well, well. I guess you’re not as much of a scaredy-cat as I assumed.”

“I can handle a night club.” I think.

Everyone my age has been to one, no reason why I wouldn’t.

“Very well. I’ll take you, soon.”

“Please.”

“It’s a date.”

“It’s really not. We’ll take Ari, and Tanya if she’s free.” Before he can retort something flirty and unsettling and likely completely false, I add, “And don’t think I haven’t noticed you said the auction was twofold. You only gave me the official side. What’s the other?”

Sebastian crooks an eyebrow. “I’d tell you, but you’d have to sign an NDA first.”

I snort and roll my eyes. “Right.”

18

SEBASTIAN AURELIUS

She’s as adorable as she is frustrating. I try not to take the fact that she doesn’t believe a word I say personally. After being lied to and betrayed by everyone close to her, everyone who should have loved her unconditionally, of course she’s not going to take my words at face value. Not until she sees actions to back them up.

We’re soon called to the front of the room to attend the auctions; one, led by Auntie M, for baubles, paintings, weekends at someone’s private home, and other items on display. But there’s also another auction taking place online, on the Heritage app.

“What’s everyone doing on their phone?”

I grin. “I can only tell you after you sign on the dotted line.”

“Seriously?”

“Oh, yeah.”