The Summoning

XXIV - Sugar

I won my first round and it took me a second to realize it as I looked at the card before me. My head was feeling heavy, but I felt like I was floating. I hadn't been this drunk in a while.

Feeling more emboldened, I looked over the men in front of me and pushed down the nerves. I hadn't thought about kissing any of them until literally minutes before. It was strange to think of asking II since I didn't really think of him that way. I was sure Vessel didn't like me, so no go there. III was almost passed out. 

"Four." I stated, looking up to him from where he stood leant against the counter. 

He nodded his head and sauntered over with a small smile. 

Vessel poured himself another shot, but nearly filled the glass this time before downing the whole cup, baring his teeth as he set the cup back down.

When IV crouched in front of me, I was beginning to regret my decision. This man was out of my league. He rested his elbows over his knees as he tilted his head, a smirk playing over his lips and blond hair a wave around his face.

"Nervous, Hayley Baby?" III slurred as he rested his chin on his elbow. 

I barely passed a glance at III with a glare before sitting up straight and raising my hand to IV's cheek. He responded by angling his head minutely up, still as if I would scare easily. 

"You don't have to do this." He whispered, the sweet smell of wine on his breath fanning over my face, but as he said this, he lifted a hand to my jaw.

I surged forward and let my lips graze his. He took in a breath of surprise just before our lips fully met. His hand slid up my jaw and into my hair before departing completely. 

"Hot." III mumbled. I didn't even know he was still awake. 

I blinked away stars in my vision as he stood and straightened his shirt. 

Vessel filled his cup once more and gestured to the table, gaze intense as he looked to III, IV and II before eyes landing on me. 

II nodded and laid another set of cards on the table. It was hard to keep up with the alcohol in my system, but I giggled as I slapped a hand down on the table. The same card Vessel chose. 

Eyes darting to mine, Vessel picked up the card. 21.

Oh shit.

"Chicken!" II and III called. III had apparently woken up more with the promise of high stakes.

Vessel leaned his elbows over his knees and made the motion for rock, paper, scissors. He was giving me a way out. 

Clenching my teeth and biting my lip, I stood instead. He followed my movements with a quirk of his brow. I planted my hand over the armrest to stop myself from swaying on my feet.

"Hayley, you know, you don't have to do anything you don't want to." II scooted to the edge of his seat, holding his hand up as if to stop me.

Vessel stood, head quirked to the side and brow furrowed. 

"I know." I looked to II before taking in a breath and dropping my pants. 

Thank Sleep I was wearing underwear.

"Alright, I'm awake." III sat up, but covered his eyes. 

"Oh, here we go." IV mumbled. 

Vessel turned a smirk to him before shrugging and dropping his own pants.

Oh, dear God.

"Okay, you win! You win!" I covered my eyes.

Did he really not wear anything under there???