The bleachers ran the length of the massive gym and ended against the opposite wall. It was so dark I could barely see my hand in front of me.
I stopped, wondering if maybe this was a cruel joke. I turned to retreat, not wanting to get stuck in the dark.
“Oof,” I squeaked out, running into a hard body.
“Easy there,” a deep voice greeted me. Vincent Valentino. His hands were on my waist as I stumbled back.
“If you move ahead, we’ll add some light,” he murmured, his voice sending shivers of anticipation through me. “Unless you’re leaving.”
“I-I’m staying,” I said, trying to compose myself so I didn’t look or sound like a complete wuss.
“Good.” He gave my waist a gentle squeeze. “Turn around and keep walking.”
I did as he said, his hands not leaving me. A rattle of metal behind me made me pause. Someone had closed the gate.
“It’s just Levin.” Vincent’s breath tickled my ear. “No worries. This isn’t our first time.”
“It’s mine though.”
Vincent chuckled. “Don’t worry, baby girl. You’ll be taken care of.”
His words sent more than shivers through my body. I continued to walk with Vincent behind me until he stopped me.
“You came.” Dominic lit a battery-powered lantern. Apparently, he’d been waiting in the dark.
“You said to.”
He approached me and cocked his head, his eyes narrowed. “You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who does what she’s told.”
“Usually I’m not, but in this instance, everything depends on it.”
Dominic nodded tightly. “I have no doubts.”
I watched as Levin moved in front of me and leaned against the wall, his gaze raking over me. Vincent eased away from me and pulled something from his pocket and lit it.
He drew in a deep breath as he took a hit from the joint in his hand then he passed it to Levin who did the same before Dominic took it.
“Want some?” Dominic offered, holding the joint in my direction.
“No thanks.”
Levin snorted. “Figured she w
as a princess. Fucking D’Angelou.”
Vincent gave him a fist bump.
I shot the two of them a glare and folded my arms over my chest. “I’m not a D’Angelou.”
“According to this you are.” Dominic flashed a folder in my face. “Your records indicate you are Bianca Elizabeth D’Angelou, daughter of David and Dana D’Angelou. You’re eighteen, have a 4.0 GPA, and no record of any wrongdoing at your former school. Ever.”
“Daddy’s little princess. Bet he’s proud of you,” Levin cut in.
I shot him another glare. “David is not my father.”
“Just took pity on you?” Dominic popped an eyebrow at me. “Charity case?”
“You’re an asshole. I knew this was a bad idea.” I turned to leave, but Vincent moved, blocking me.