Page 88 of Hero of Havoc

The red carpet beneath my feet leads down a wide set of stairs, a golden spindle balcony framing the view down to the floor below, where hundreds, possibly thousands, of people fill the space, sandwiched between poker tables, gambling machines, and wide bars, drinks flowing freely.

The energy is a complete shift from the other side of that door, but I already know I prefer it out here. There are a lot more people to contend with, but out here, the corruption doesn’t feel as suffocating. All of the cunning people remain in that room, rubbing elbows and climbing an invisible status ladder, only to lose everything before they reach the top so that those holding down the fortress never lose their position.

“What now?” I breathe, and Archer huffs, his gaze fixed on the crowd below as he replies.

“Now, you guys become my eyes and ears,” he states, and I gulp.

“And you?” I press as he straightens his jacket.

“Now, I become an asshole.”

Before I can ask for any more details, he saunters down the stairs, fixing the button on his suit jacket as all the attention in the room seems to drift to him.

Curiosity.

Desire.

Jealousy.

It bleeds in everyone’s eyes, each wanting something from him in some capacity.

I can feel the sickly green burn in my veins, jealousy threatening to take me captive, when Baron clenches my hand and tugs me from my thoughts.

“Whatever you’re feeling, Firefly, let it pass.”

“I’m not feeling anything,” I insist, falling into step with the others as we head down the stairs, Sax leading the way as Teddy keeps a step behind.

“Of course not,” Baron muses, and I glare at him out of the corner of my eye. “But keep that magic under control when… fuck.”

I follow his line of sight, spying a girl pressing her hand against Archer’s shoulder, batting her eyelashes at him.

I will not let jealousy make me its bitch.

I will not let jealousy make me its bitch.

I will not let jealousy⁠—

Dammit.

My hands curl into fists at my sides, emotions getting the better of me as I consider how to make her suffer, when Archer pries her hands from him, and a moment later, a member of security escorts her away.

“See, Firefly. He’s got this covered.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I insist, and he scoffs.

“You’re a hot mess, and I love watching you burn,” Baron declares, and my jaw falls slack as he winks before dragging me farther into the room.

“Teddy, hold my hand, will you? This guy thinks I’m a hot mess,” I grumble with a pout, and Teddy doesn’t waste a single second before tugging me from the Air Protector’s grasp.

“Don’t hurt her feelings, dumbass,” Teddy chastises as Sax grins in amusement, all while Baron pouts worse than I do.

With a new hated mate at my side, a pep in his step as he guides me deeper into the crowd, I let it swallow me up as I embrace my surroundings, working hard as hell not to look back in Archer’s direction.

“Let’s make you my good luck charm, shall we?” Teddy offers, coming to a stop beside a card table, and I gulp nervously.

He takes a seat, Baron and Sax filling the cushioned stools on either side of him as he tugs me into his lap.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach as he splays one hand over my bare thigh, while the other sweeps my hair over my shoulder before he presses his lips against my skin.