Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Marcus gestures discreetly toward a corner of the room, and I follow his gaze. My eyes narrow as I spot two figures in elaborate masks, standing amidst the partygoers. It takes a moment for me to make out who they are, but then it becomes clear as day.

It's Ethan and Gianna.

I feel a surge of anger and frustration. What are they doing here? I hadn't invited them, and I certainly don't want them at the party.

"I can kick them out,” Marcus says, his eyes flitting knowingly between me and Abby. “But you were gone, so I wanted to wait...”

Marcus’ offer is tempting, but I hesitate.

I can't deny that this is a potentially explosive situation. Kicking them out could be worse than just letting them stay, no matter how good it would feel to boot them both out into the snow after everything that's happened.

But instead, I take a deep breath and shake my head. “No, Marcus,” I say quietly. “Let them stay and enjoy the party.”

Marcus looks surprised but nods in understanding. He knows that there's more to this than meets the eye, and he trusts my judgment.

As Marcus walks away, Abby turns to me, shooting me a quizzical expression behind her mask. "Are you sure about this?” she asks, glancing over at Ethan and Gianna. “After what they've done?” I sigh, running my hand through my hair. It's not so much what Ethan has done, but rather what Gianna has done; Ethan is just a misguided, and perhaps even a little bit of an idiotic, fly caught in her web.

"It's the easiest route to just let them stay,” I say quietly, following her gaze. “And besides, causing a scene and kicking them out would just ruin this party. And this party is for you, after all.”

I can see Abby blush a bit beneath her mask. “And for the election,” she says cautiously, as though trying to gauge my reaction.

Her words almost make me frown, although I manage to hide my disappointment.

I hate that it's come across this way; that this party is just to make myself look good in the election. Yes, that's part of it, but it's mostly for her. I wanted to remind Abby what she was missing, remind her how important she is to me.

I wanted to remind her that if she comes home to me, where she belongs, then she'll get to live the life she deserves.

But then again, at the same time... I can't help but wonder if she even wants that. It seems as though this restaurant life of hers has her by the throat, and there's no convincing her to leave.

I restrain myself from sighing and decide not to mention it. Not now, at least. Instead, I put my arm around Abby, pulling her close to me as we continue walking. I lean in to whisper in her ear.

“Just stay by my side tonight,” I murmur as I continue guiding her through the crowd of people. “That's all I ask; don't leave me.”

Abby's cheeks flush, and she nods, her gaze flicking up to meet mine. “I will,” she says softly, leaning in a little closer against my side. “Just for tonight.”

I smile beneath my mask, grateful for her understanding and support. The night is far from over, and I have a feeling that things are about to get complicated with Ethan and Gianna in the mix.

But for now, all I want is to enjoy this moment with Abby, to hold her close and feel the warmth of her presence.

Because who knows how long it'll be before I lose it all again?