Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
I look around at the crowd, trying to find evidence of their animal nature. I suppose from the outside it looks like any high school dance–except far less formal than the ones I’m used to back East. Some people are all dressed up, some students are in flip-flops.
I’m in a form-fitting teal dress that matches my eyes and a pair of fuck-me pumps, not that anyone will be fucking me tonight. I still haven’t broken it off with Luke, but I have managed to avoid us getting intimate. He must know it’s coming.
“At least it’s not in the school gym,” I mutter. While I completely share Luke’s low opinion of the event, a thread of defensiveness tightens above my belly button.
“You would hope there’d be beer to drink if we’re at their brewery.” Luke scans the exits and entryways. “Do you think we could get into the factory from here?”
“We already have alcohol,” I say in a bored tone. “Speaking of which, I need a swig.” I’m beyond numb after a weekend of enduring Luke and every reminder he brought of who I used to be.
Lincoln ditched school Friday and, thankfully, entertained Luke. I seriously owe him. Big time. They went to a party at ASU last night, and we all went shopping in Scottsdale today, so I’ve been able to avoid intimacy with Luke until now. But it’s time.
Not for intimacy. For the break-up talk.
I doubt the alcohol will help, but I need something to break me out of this deadened state. I hold my hand out for Luke’s engraved silver flask which he filled with my dad’s Grey Goose before we left for the dance.
He pulls it out of his Armani suit jacket pocket and hands it to me. His other hand settles lightly on my hip.
I shimmy out of his grasp, angling my body toward the wall to hide the rather obvious alcohol drinking from teachers and chaperones. The alcohol burns as it shoots down my throat, making my eyes water.
There. I felt that. Except it’s more like I’m observing myself feeling it, rather than actually experiencing the sensation in my body. Does that mean I’m out of my body? Disassociated with it?
I probably need a therapist. Lincoln and I have been trying so hard to get our dad to talk to someone. Maybe I should lead by example.
My brain instantly goes to Abe. He makes me feel. I savored the hit of adrenaline I got after Abe tackled Luke to the ground outside my door Thursday night. The revving up of my cells. The spark to my libido.
Of course, it was all kinds of wrong, but something in me found it delicious.
I don’t mean to, but I find myself searching the room for him again. I saw him when we came in–saw the murderous glances he sent our way.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy them.
I’d also be lying if I complained about the way his broad shoulders fill a suit jacket. Or how his muscular ass looks as he struts around in those pants. It’s sinful. And he came to the dance alone. That was the first thing I noted when we arrived. At least, I haven’t seen a girl on his arm.
“I seriously hope they didn’t pay for this D.J.,” Luke complains. “My twelve-year-old brother could have put together a better playlist.”
“It’s abysmal.” Lincoln takes the flask from my hand and takes a deep drink. “How long do you guys want to stay?”
He and Rayne were going to come to Homecoming as friends, but it turns out she and her stepbrother are an item and came out to their parents. Also–in more crazy drama this weekend–we found out she went missing after Thursday night’s game, but her stepbrother found her. I’m not sure what the deal is.
I’m guessing I was wrong, and Rayne is a wolf, too, because everybody’s tight-lipped about it. Half the student population, including Abe, were missing from school Friday–maybe looking for her.
A group of girls come over and surround Lincoln. I guess his human-ness isn’t quite as offensive as mine.
“So this is who you endure being around every day.” Luke looks down his nose at the girls talking to Lincoln. They’re no less beautiful than girls from Landhower, they just aren’t wearing Gucci and Prada and trying to outdo one another with money.
A few weeks ago, I would have joined him in the Wolf Ridge bashing. Now, I’m feeling oddly protective of everyone here.
There’s an announcement about the Homecoming royalty coming out to the floor. Luke automatically starts to lead me out there, and I have to tug his arm to stop him. “It’s not us.”
The look of disgust on his face grows louder.
Rayne and her stepbrother take the floor, creating a wild buzz of scandalized murmurs. My eyes are on Abe, though.