You also didn’t feel threatening vibes with that scum.
I lift my head to look at Ava and she’s full-on dancing with the curly-haired one, both of them showing their moves. She slides her fingers through her hair and tips her head back in rhythm to the music.
I can’t help scanning our surroundings for Eli’s presence. If he has eyes here—and he has eyes everywhere—then she’s in deep trouble.
“Donovan and I are going to get some drinks!” she shouts and then disappears with the guy before I can stop her.
And I’m left with these two.
Larry remains behind me, dancing slowly to match my awkward rhythm while Steven comes in front of me and grabs my arm.
He picked up that I’m peeved out about being touched, so he’s been keeping his respectful distance, and I appreciate that. At least, I don’t feel the need to retch all over his designer shoes.
But I still want to remove myself from this situation.
Clubs are really not my scene.
And neither is peopling.
Where the hell is Ava?
“I haven’t seen you around,” Steven shouts over the music as he and his friend basically sandwich me in the middle.
“I don’t usually do this,” I say with enough awkwardness to feel embarrassed.
“Figured! You’re too beautiful to be hidden away.”
My spine jerks upright and I stare at him with wide eyes.
You’re too beautiful to be hidden away, Cecily.
Those exact words stumble in my brain, crashing and clawing until I’m unable to breathe.
Hesaid them to me when we first started dating.
No, this can’t be.
I’m imagining things, right?
Steven looks nothing like him, but maybe he knows him?
His hand slides from my arm to my waist, getting bolder and rougher.
I hyperventilate, but instead of breathing harshly, my body goes into a state of shock. It’s hardening and turning into stone.
No, no. I need to get out of here first.
Shit, shit.
I attempt to elbow him, but I’m not moving.
Ican’tmove.
Larry’s clutching my hip now, his touch burning the material of my dress and branding itself on my skin.
I don’t want him to touch me, but I can’t stop him.
Hell, I can’t even breathe properly.