“I love it,” I said, shooting him a full smile. “Thank you.” I hugged him hard. “Will you help me put it on?”

He nodded, and stepping forward, fumbled at the back of my neck for a beat before he got the clasp clicked into place. It was heavy and expensive, that much I knew for sure, and the “Bulma” hung just above my breasts. I noticed that there were diamonds embedded along the L, and I just loved everything about it.

Beck strolled closer, his eyes glued to my chest. “Bulma? What does that mean?”

I snorted, and Evan and I shared a brief amused look before I turned back to Beck. “It means that I’m the coolest Dragon Ball character, and you all better watch out when I get pissed off.”

Dylan and Jasper both laughed out loud. “Looks like you finally found a nerdy friend, Evan,” Jasper said, holding his sides. “I’m happy for you.”

Evan just flipped them all off, and I stepped into Beck, who shot my necklace one last look before wrapping his arms around me.

Eddy popped champagne nearby. “Time for a drink,” she shouted, breaking the mood.

I laughed. Oh yeah, there were parts of this life I could definitely get used to.

The pre-party with my friends turned out to be a ton better than the main event. I was currently wishing we’d never left our apartment. The main party was being held at some kid called Brian’s house—mansion—and the whole place was packed with drunken, sweaty college kids from the neighboring town. A mid-twenties dude with designer stubble attempted to DJ but really just played tracks from his iPod while wearing headphones and chatting up chicks.

“This party sucks,” Dante observed as we sipped from solo cups and watched a wasted guy egg his friend on to jump in the pool fully clothed.

“Agreed,” Eddy cringed. “Brian’s parties used to be way better than this.”

Not to mention that Beck and the guys had been waylaid the moment we got there, and I’d barely had a chance to see them. Sure, they were close, always keeping an eye on me, but I wanted them even closer. I didn’t like all of the darkness—and assassination attempts—hovering around us; it made me nervous.

“We should at least dance,” Eddy said, jumping to her feet. “Right after I get another drink.”

She looked between Dante and me. “You two want a refill?”

We both nodded, and when I went to follow her, she shook her head. “All good, I’ll be right back.”

There was a moment of awkward silence, and I couldn’t get my suspicions under control. Dante was my oldest friend. I could barely remember a time when he wasn’t in my life.

Speaking of…

“Do you remember how we first met?”

I’d been young and my memories of those days weren’t that clear. It sort of just seemed like one day Dante was there. Hanging out wherever I was in our neighborhood

His green eyes were confused as he met my gaze. “I mean … I don’t really know. We lived in the same neighborhood, and you were outside all the time, and I just started to hang out with you.”

He’d repeated my thoughts almost exactly, but there was something I was missing.

“Yeah,” I nodded, having no idea why I was asking this anyway.

“Is something wrong, Riles?” he asked, turning to face me fully, legs slightly spread as he rested both elbows on his knees. “You’ve been really quiet ever since I showed up. I know birthdays are not your favorite time, and this is your first one without your parents, but … is there something else?”

Questions bubbled up, as I desperately tried to ignore his words. I couldn’t think about the fact that my parents weren’t here today. I’d break down into a sobbing screaming mess if I did that.

“Nah, all good. Was just feeling slightly sentimental.”

Dante smirked. “Happens with old age.”

“Did you know that Beck fixed up the butterfly?” I sat a little straighter. “She’s beautiful. Not a mark on her.”

Dante’s smile faded. “He did? I asked him a while ago what happened to her, hoping I could find it for you, but he wasn’t exactly forthcoming with the answer.”

I snorted. “Sounds like Beck.”

“What sounds like me?” he said, sliding in behind me, legs on either side of me as he pulled me back into him. I relaxed against him.

“Just discussing how you’re a control freak,” I teased, leaning back to see his face.

He pressed his lips to mine, and Dante coughed. I turned to find him glaring. “You didn’t tell me that this was back on again,” he said, sounding a little too accusatory for someone who’d basically told me to forgive and forget.

“You’re going to have to let the jealousy go,” Beck drawled. “Riley belongs to me.”

I smacked Beck’s arm before turning back to Dante. “I thought you’d figure it out after our last conversation. I told you I was losing my battle in being angry at them. You told me to forgive and forget, and … I took your advice. The guys explained everything that happened, and I … I guess I understand why they did what they did.”

Dante shook his head. “Forgiving them isn’t the same as jumping straight back into bed with Beck. You five are a team that should stick together, but the romance part just complicates everything.”

“You would know, wouldn’t you?” Beck said darkly, his eyes locked on Dante. “You’ve been mixing business with pleasure for years.”

I waited for Dante to tell him to fuck off or something. That wasn’t the sort of accusation he’d normally let slide, but he just got to his feet, muttered something about needing a drink, and hurried away.

My heart was pounding hard in my chest, my palms clammy. That hadn’t looked good.

I spun to see Beck. “He’s definitely part of something,” I said softly. “Or he at least knows a hell of a lot more than he’s letting on. I know Dante better than almost anybody, and that was not the face of an innocent person.”

Beck cupped my cheek, his fingers rough as they tightened against my skin, pulling me into him. I forgot about Dante as I slid up so I was straddling Beck. By the time he was finished kissing me, I could barely remember my name.

“Whatever game Dante is playing, we’ll figure it out together,” he said softly.