Page 24 of Claimed and Shamed

“Right?” Sawyer agrees. “I just don't understand why she's so obsessed with this sorority.”

“I know. It's like she cares more about them than about us,” I say bitterly.

Sawyer shoots me a curious look, but I avoid his gaze. Shit, that was close.

I can't let Sawyer know how much I really think about Stevie. He would fucking kill me.

“Well I’m going over there to get her. Are you coming?”

I nod.

You bet your ass I’m going and if an Elite has so much as touched her, they’re going to regret it.

Chapter Nine

Stephanie

I’m having the time of my life, drinking and dancing. Last night was intense. I very nearly caved and told Hudson I wanted to only be his—for real. But I know I can’t. My brother would never get off my case about him, and even though Hudson’s made me say more often than not that I’m his, he can’t possibly really mean it for real.

Can he?

No. I’m just a good fuck for him. That’s all.

Melissa is also here with me, dancing with the older girls from Zeta Tau. Up until now, all has been good. One group of the partygoers are openly smoking dope and even popping pills, but I’m only high on music and beer. I’m loving the feeling of freedom and of having friends who aren’t my brother or Hudson. At last I can forget about Hudson, in the swirl of the party.

Initially, I was just feeling tipsy, but now that I’ve drunk three beers very quickly, they are starting to catch up with me. I’m not a lightweight, but I’m definitely starting to feel drunk and I look over to the corner to see Tricia appears to have passed out.

I wonder if I should check on her? Nah, she’s probably just sleeping.

It is getting pretty late and I contemplate leaving.

“Hey Baywatch girl, you wanna dance?” Henrik comes over and starts dancing with me. I wonder why he called me Baywatch, for a minute, then I remember those photos Hudson tried to ruin my chances of joining the sorority with.

I smile. I like the way this feels. It’s like putting up a big finger to every time Hudson’s made me swear that I’m his when he’ll never make it a reality. Henrik’s pretty good looking too, so that helps.

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to keep calling me that!” I yell over the music as we dance, feeling very giggly.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like it? I think it’s cute!”

“Oh, so you think I’m cute?” I’m obviously flirting with him at this point. I know what he means, but I am fishing.

“Yeah, you could say that,” Henrik lifts my chin up to his and I don’t fight back as his lips touch mine. The kiss lacks the passion and chaos of Hudson and I, but it isn’t bad. A little sloppy for my taste, I’m not a huge fan of so much tongue, but we are both drunk after all.

Henrik pulls away from the kiss and reaches into his pocket.

“Hey, you want to try some Ecstasy?” he asks, offering me a small pill. I hesitate for a moment, feeling a twinge of concern.

“Is it safe?” I ask.

Henrik grins. “Of course it is. I wouldn’t let you take anything dangerous, Baywatch. It's just a little fun, not addictive or anything. But, if you're looking for something addictive, I can supply that too,” he says, laughing.

My worry almost turns into fear as I realize that Hudson and Sawyer were right about the drugs circulating at the Elite house. Plus, a part of me doesn’t like the way he said “let you take” as if he wants to control me, as well. But, I’m so drunk I shrug the concern off. I’m here to have fun and so far, it has been. I can’t imagine anything ruining this night.

“Sure, why not?” I say, taking the pill from him and swallowing it with a swig of my fourth beer. I realize it probably isn’t such a good idea to start another beer after taking ecstasy, but it’s too late now.

I start to feel more alert and energized. I feel every inch of Henrik’s hands all over my body as we dance and his lips send electricity through me as they glide along my neck.

While I realize that I’m starting to feel the effects of the ecstasy, Melissa comes over to check on me.