And that girl is none other than Cassidy.
I almost crush the cup in my hand, and Susie gives me a confused look. "You okay, Dom?" she purrs in a syrupy sweet voice, and I give her a grin.
"Sure, let me just take care of something, and I'll be right back with you, darlin'," I say, leaning in closer just in time for Cassidy to see. I tuck a strand of Susie's hair behind her ear and grin at her. "Don't you go anywhere. I've got plans for you."
She stares at me with a delicious smile, and I'm pretty sure little step-sis saw it go down. I wink at Susie and walk over to Adrian, slapping him on the back. It may seem like a friendly gesture, but we both know it's a warning.
"Cozying up with my little sister, Adrian?" I ask coldly, trying to finish with a grin.
Cassidy rolls her eyes and juts a hip out. She looks like a walking felony in that skirt and top, her pouty lips covered in red lipstick.
"Did you leave your outfit at home, sis?" I ask, feigning innocence. "Looks like you came in your underwear."
"Fuck off," she says unoriginally, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Both Adrian's and my eyes wander to her now exposed belly. Her skin's smooth and tanned and – fuck. No. Not yet.
"We were just talking about the band," Adrian pipes up. "Seems like we're both fans."
They exchange smiles, and I fucking hate it. Hate that there's already something blooming between them.
"Oh yeah?" I ask with a smirk. "Didn't know you were a thirteen-year-old girl like my stepsister, Adrian."
"Shut up, dude," he laughs with me while Cassidy just glares at me, hard.
"Do you mind, Dom?" she asks coldly. "We were kind of talking."
"Oh, sure," I smirk. "Playtime's not over for the kindergartners. I'll be right over there." I lean closer to her, just like I did before with Susie. "I have a tasty treat waiting for me."
I don't look back as I walk over to the brunette, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer to me. Susie gives me a surprised but delighted look, but her eyes are fluttering to the side for some reason, and she looks worried.
"Dom, I'll be back," she tells me, and to my utter confusion, she rips herself out of my embrace and rushes away.
I shrug and get back to Adrian, who is alone now. I shoot him a warning look, and he shrugs with an apologetic smile. I leave things as they are for the time being and focus on the concert, which is just starting.
The music, I have to admit, is not so bad. I end up enjoying it, which may be helped by the fact we're surrounded by girls in skimpy clothing.
I don't see Cassidy for the rest of the night, not until hours later, when I text her to meet me in the parking lot. She doesn't reply.
Chapter 8
CASSIDY
I'm so fucking upset, and I know I shouldn't be. But that prick just single-handedly ruined what could've been the best night of my life with his goddamned antics.
I end up listening to my favorite band from the beach, stomping around the sand as I try to cool off. I see Susie searching for me in the crowds, and she's texting me the whole time, but I ignore her.
She's such a fake. I can't believe she went after Dom.
But then again, why on earth shouldn't she? She has no idea I have… Fuck, no! There's nothing between us. He should be able to do anything he wants.
My mind is swimming with opposing thoughts for hours, until my phone beeps with a text from Dom.
Parking lot. Going home.
I hate his goddamned tone, the way he orders me around. I have half a mind to just stay here and let him take my dad’s wrath for not bringing me back. But I soon realize I don't want to be stuck here all night, so I grudgingly walk to the parking lot.
He's already there, but the parking lot's pretty much deserted. It’s late.
"Took your time, darlin’," he shouts in my direction when he sees me approaching, and I ignore him. He seems a little surprised as I practically rip the helmet from his hands and get on the bike without another word.
But then he goes with it, and that hurts even more. We ride back in utter silence.
The ride is long and arduous, and I'm glad we're almost there.
Instead of pulling into our driveway, Dom stops in the parking lot for the beach. I give him a confused look.
"I didn't want to wake them up," he shrugs.
And for some reason, that makes me melt inside, to know he's considerate like that. Except I then remember his hands all over my one friend in this town, so I purse my lips in annoyance.