Page 240 of Lessons in Cruelty

An hour later, I’m fucked up.

Chapter 61

Kai

Fuck, the DJ is killing it. We ship this guy in from Europe every year for the gig, and he’s never failed to deliver. Really wish he’d put his fucking shirt on, though. I don’t need to be reminded how many times I’ve missed gym the past few weeks.

I’m on the edge of the dance floor on one of the platforms reserved for Greeks. This one is kinda empty—most of my frat brothers are busy dancing, banging someone, or getting refills.

I’m happy right here, jamming like tonight’s my last night on earth.

If I take any more drugs, it might be.

Fuck it.

At least I’d die happy.

That’s why we’re all here, isn’t it? Desperately searching for blissful oblivion.

Austin and iPhone are nearby, Austin trying to chat up one of the more naked chicks in our vicinity, and iPhone…

“Dude!” I yell, seizing his arm as I pause for a water break. “First time I’ve ever seen you without your phone.”

“Stocks are closed, bro!” He turns his grin on me. “And I’m fucking rolling.”

We laugh, clapping each other on the back as we turn back to the dance floor. With the UV lamps on full blast, the dance floor is a sea of glowing limbs, and I’m pretty sure eighty percent of the people out there are high, rolling, or drunk. Or all three, like me.

So many happy, smiling faces.

Not that far away, lightning pierces the sky. The clap of thunder is barely audible over the music, but tons of dancers throw their arms into the air, yelling for rain.

“Fuck, yeah!” I yell, arms held up high. “Bring iiit!”

“Kai.” Austin tugs my elbow, “Hey!”

“What?”

He leans closer, so he doesn’t have to yell at the top of his lungs and tugs up his animal mask. All the frat guys are wearing them. Mine looks more like something out of Donnie Darko.

“Isn’t that the charity case Ezra wants booted?” Austin points into the crowd, and I follow his finger to a pair of girls dancing a few yards away.

I take a swig of my beer, getting better at maneuvering it through the mask’s mouth hole every time.

Well, fuck.

Look at Haven, enjoying herself like she has every right to be here.

…suck it up. I’m staying…

If there wasn’t so much fucking molly pumping through my veins right now, I’d be mad. I tried to warn her, and she spat in my face.

Guess that was karma, for spitting in hers the first day she got here.

Jesus, she looks so hot, dancing with her eyes closed, head thrown back, letting the music move her.

Parker’s with her, but she’s caught up in the dude she’s dancing with, her back turned to Haven. Little Miss Heavenly’s in a world of her own, it seems.

Her own personal Utopia.