They stared, some leaning in and whispering to each other, and it might’ve been because I was here or because of how I looked, but I didn’t care.
My feet moved on autopilot, taking me farther into the room as I stepped in my heels through the noise, the dancing, and the looks.
Normally, I’d run. I’d escape into my phone or a book or another room. Normally, I’d—
But just then…he was there.
And I stopped.
He leaned against the wall, surrounded by his friends, away from the crowd and looking amazing in a black suit with a white shirt and no tie.
He hadn’t seen me yet, and I waited, suddenly paralyzed.
I wanted my phone or a handbag or something to hold. Something to not feel so alone and vulnerable, but I’d left my school bag with my wallet in Martin’s police car, as well as my glasses which were probably lying on the floor somewhere. My phone was at the cathedral, turned off.
I walked toward him, his scent and arms and smile beckoning me like food, because I was dry and hungry and empty.
I hated home. I didn’t love the gazebo anymore. I was tired of school and tired of never seeing anything that didn’t drain me, no matter which way I turned.
I wanted to see him. I wanted to feel his hand in mine.
Ignoring the whispers of others as I passed, I watched him talk and nod, one hand in his pants pocket and the other holding his keys like he was getting ready to leave.
I didn’t see a date anywhere.
He looked away from Kai, noticing me as he met my eyes, and stared, unblinking as he took in my appearance. The pink party dress, the blood and bruises… Nothing was funny about Reverie Cross’s demise, as there was nothing funny about mine.
Tonight I could be seen. Let them all see.
His friends turned and looked, following his gaze.
“Wanna dance?” I asked quietly, my heart beating so fast it made the words shaky.
I saw the guys shift out of the corner of my eyes, breathing out a laugh that didn’t really sound mean. Just surprised.
Will stared at me, and it took everything I had not to chew on my lip or squeeze my fists.
I’d gone too far. He might not be alone. I knew he’d probably have a date, and here I was, stalker girl. I was constantly messing with his head, sending him mixed signals, and yes, he pushed too hard and no means no, no matter how many times I’d changed my mind, but…
He and I both knew I wanted this. He just didn’t understand why I was holding back.
And maybe he was finally realizing that I wasn’t worth the trouble.
But to my surprise, he pushed off the wall, coming toward me with a soft smile playing on his lips.
He took my hand, looking down at me as he led me to the dance floor, and I could see his eyes trailing over the dried blood streaming down from my eyebrow and the bruises on my body.
“Part of my costume,” I explained.
I searched his eyes, unable to look away, because just the sight of him made my heart ache.
I had one night. Just one night with him.
“You didn’t dress up?” I asked.
His green eyes held mine. “I didn’t want to make it hard for you to find me.”
I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, and I smiled. He came alone then.