Page 77 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“So how’s Colton in bed?” Nyx inquires.

“Amazing,” I respond immediately then slap a hand over my mouth, mortified by my frankness.

“You’ve been intimate with him then?” His eyes narrow as he assesses me.

“Many times,” I confess and internally cringe. Something isn’t right. I’d know better than to say that when we’re trying to keep everyone happy. “Nyx, what did you do to me?”

I halt our dance, awaiting his explanation.

“I might have asked the bartender to add a touch of truth to your cocktail. There are things I need to know for this...arrangement to work,” he admits. As I attempt to distance myself from him, he tightens his grip on my waist, steering me deeper into the crowd, probably out of Colton’s line of sight. “There is no ‘arrangement’ between us,” I say, and realize that in my current state I can only speak the truth.

“Did you ever love me?” he presses.

“Yes,” slips from my lips before I can even process the question. The realization stuns me. I have to get away. “Was this truth serum only in my drink?” I demand.

“Yes,” he confirms, subtly encouraging me to keep dancing with him. Although I’m fuming, the cocktail’s effects keep me relaxed. If not for the drink, I might have found an instrument to stab him with or taken a shot at a low blow before bolting.

“Are you still in love with me?” As I twirl, trying to dodge his question, he grabs my hand, drawing me back.

“I don’t know,” I admit, cursing myself internally. But deep down, I do know, and the answer is no.

“That’s more hopeful than a flat no. Are you in love with Colton?” he continues, his question making my eyes widen.

My treacherous mouth replies, “I think so.”

His expression remains unreadable, but he seems neither angry nor pleased, “That could be problematic.”

I bite my lip, torn between the urge to escape and a morbid curiosity about what he’d ask next. “Do you believe we’re fated to be together?” he asks.

I respond candidly, compelled by the potion’s effects, “I’m still trying to figure that out.” He hums in thought.

“Did you ever lie to me when we were together?” The weight of the question makes my stomach twist, but the truth refuses to be caged.

“Yes,” I confess.

A brash dancer tries to cut in, hoping to dance with me, but Nyx growls, positioning himself between us. The dancer, reading the room, turns away.

“Did you deceive me more than once?” Nyx persists. I intend to shake my head, but the words slip out against my will.

“Yes.”

“So you resent me for the pain I caused, for my lies, but you’re no better, a hypocrite,” he remarks, more an accusation than a question.

Yet the answer forces its way out. “Yes.”

“Perhaps I’ve met my equal. Maybe we truly are destined,” he muses. His grip tightens around my waist again, drawing me nearer, his breathing irregular. One hand ventures to the slit in my dress, caressing my thigh. “Do you enjoy that sensation?” he inquires.

“Yes,” I whisper back.

“Last question,” he murmurs, his lips almost brushing my ear, intensifying the intimacy of the moment. “What do you desire right now?” His fingers dance lazily over my skin, sending shivers up my spine.

Struggling to maintain composure, I admit, “I wish it was Colton’s touch, not yours.”

He abruptly releases me, and I catch a chilling glimpse of his eyes—hues of gray with enlarged pupils that make his eyes look almost black. Without waiting for his response or reaction, I weave through the crowd, darting out into the cool embrace of the night. Gulping down air, I take a few steps and lean against the side of the building.

I realize I’m not even angry with Nyx for his actions. In a strange way, I’m grateful. That potion forced out confessions I’d never have had the bravery to utter on my own. Now, he knows how I truly feel about Colton. I don’t plan to flaunt those feelings, but neither will I suppress them. He deserved the truth, and my fears had held it captive. I’m relieved he didn’t question me about our tether. That revelation might’ve pushed him too far.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Colton asks, appearing beside me outside.