“I’m fine. Were you sleeping?” she asks in a chipper voice, which makes me frown.
“No, I was … yeah …” I laugh, deciding not to lie. “Just getting in a nap.” It’s only Saturday, but it’s already been a long weekend.
“Well, get up. Let’s go out tonight.”
I stretch, yawning. “Where to? And what time is it?” I didn’t think this girl was that big of a partier. I stand corrected. Seems she’s got a little touch of freedom and has decided she likes it.
“It’s still early. Not even eight yet. And I was scrolling through social media and saw where that new night club just opened up. It’s eighteen and above, but I know the bouncer. He can get us in.”
I frown. “That sounds boring. We can get in, but we can’t drink. At least at a house party, we can.” Listen to me, I’m still hungover, yet alcohol is on my mind.
“Oh, he’ll totally give us wristbands. We’ll get drinks. All night.”
I run a hand through my hair. “Okay. I can be ready in two hours.” I need another shower and time to do my hair and makeup. If we’re going out to a place where I don’t know anyone, I have to look my best. Not to mention older than seventeen.
“Okay. Let’s do an Uber. I don’t want to chance driving.”
_______________
Four hours later, we’re drunk and dancing on a small dance floor. Men have been buying us shots since we entered the doors. I took an Uber to her house, picked her up, and then we came here.
I’m spinning around in circles when I spot a blurry figure over in the corner. I come to a sudden stop and sway a little bit. “Motherfucker,” I hiss.
“What?” Lacey asks, laughing.
Placing my hands on my hips, I storm over to the back corner where a round table sits. “Just what in the fuck do you think you’re doing here?” I demand.
Scout sits back, taking a sip of his water. Law just smirks, smoking a joint.
“Seriously? How did you know where I was?” I shout.
“We’ve always got eyes on you, doll,” Scout answers.
“Don’t call me that.” I slam my hands down on the table, leaning over it.
Stupid on my part. It just gives them a perfect view down my very low-cut dress. Law licks his lips while dropping his eyes to stare at them, and Scout smiles.
“What the fuck?” Lacey hisses, coming up beside me.
My thoughts exactly.
“You keep surprising me, Lace.” Law winks at her. “I like being kept on my toes. And I’d like to keep you on your knees.”
“Not happening.” She rolls her drunk eyes. I’ve come to notice that Lacey has a lot more confidence when she’s intoxicated. I wish she was like this all the time. Instead, she hides at school. I want to think that I have had something to do with this. That I’ve helped her come out of her shell. Even if it is just for a short time.
“Scout!” I growl, getting back to the point. “How did you find me here?”
“It’s not important.” He shrugs it off.
“Of course, it is.” They have keys to my house. They know where I’m at any given second of the day. And they know my weakness. She’s standing right next to me.
“Hey, sexy. There you are.” The guy I was dancing with three songs ago comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He pulls my back into him. “Fuck, I missed you.” He licks up my neck, and I watch Scout’s careless attitude instantly turn dark, and the fire begin to burn in his green eyes.
Instead of pushing the much older stranger away, I pull him closer, knowing it’ll piss Scout off.
RYAN SCOUT
I see fucking red as I watch the guy old enough to be her father pull her into him. She turns her head, whispering in his ear, and laughs as he pulls her back onto the dance floor. Her ass bounces as she practically skips in her Gucci heels. Her dark hair is down, and she tosses it over her shoulder so he can lean down and whisper into her ear. Her fake fucking laughter makes my skin crawl.
“Law, I think it’s time to take Lace home.” I drop the hint that I know he’ll understand. I’m about to beat the fuck out of a guy, and I don’t need an audience.
“Yep.” He stands from the booth. “Same thing I was thinking.”
Lacey starts to walk away from the table, but he grabs her and drags her toward the exit. She tries to call out to Henley in warning, but he’s got her out the door before she gets the chance. Thankfully I had him meet me here instead of riding together.
I can’t make a big scene, though. I’m underage and paid the bouncer a hefty amount to let us in. I’m not here to drink. I’m here to watch my doll. To see what she’d do without being supervised. She has proven that she’s going to need around-the-clock supervision. I’m going to have to change things up a little.