Chapter 24

Miles' POV

The rhythmic bass line thundered through my bones as I stood outside the nightclub, inhaling the crisp night air.

This detested feeling of being dragged to celebrate still needled at me, despite my cousin Elliot's insistence.

"Come on, Miles! It's my birthday - you have to let loose for once," he had pleaded earlier that evening with an impish grin. "This new club is supposed to be off the hook. Who knows, you might even meet someone who can finally melt that rock around your heart."

I had rolled my eyes at his attempts to play matchmaker, but allowed myself to be swept along, if only to spend time with one of the few relatives I still tolerated.

As the evening pressed on, however, the incessant Beat of music and throngs of intoxicated revelers only renewed my usual disdain for such pedestrian indulgences.

Stepping outside had provided a welcome respite - a chance to collect myself and avoid the sidelong glances of curi