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“I didn’t.” He turns to look at me in the dark. I know because his minty breath wafts in my face.

“So what was the plan?” I ask, because I really just want to know. I’m sick of being used.

“Now?”

“Look, I don’t know about you, but I’m freaking out.” I blow out a breath and wrap my hands in his shirt because I can’t seem to get warm. His skin seems to radiate heat. If I felt more comfortable, I’d slip my hands beneath his shirt. “Someone drugged and kidnapped us. So yes, I want to know why you wanted me to go to the dance with you.”

He clears his throat again, but he holds me tight into his side. It’s easy to relax into him, to be held during this craziness. To feel protected. Safe.

It’s probably an illusion, like everything else in my life.

“I’ve always liked you,” he admits.

“That’s it?” Angela scoffs. “That’s pathetic.”

“Shut it, Angela.” Kenz is loud. “This isn’t about you.”

“I suppose it’s about you?” Angela snaps back. “As the horseman’s whore’s friend? If this were a show, you could just lift out and no one would miss you. Comic relief, maybe? Definitely not the sexy best friend wreaking havoc in the background.”

“What are you even babbling about?” Kenz asks.

“You think you’re so high and mighty right now because your friend is getting railed by the horsemen. Well, she won’t last long. They always need more. Then you’ll both be back to being nothing.”

Will touches my cheek, and I turn toward his face. Not that I can see anything. His voice is quiet against my ear as the other two bicker back and forth.

“I wasn’t trying to get revenge. The valentine was stupid. But I liked you.” He shrugs. “Maybe that makes me a fool. But I always figured if I could have time to actually talk to you when you weren’t with a boyfriend or surrounded by your friends, then maybe you’d think that I deserved a shot.”

I open my mouth, but he keeps going.

“I know it sounds insane, but we really aren’t that different. We both have single parents. Sure, my dad isn’t one of the kings of the town. And my half-brother isn’t a horseman. I don’t even have a half-brother. But if you could just see me⁠—”

I kiss him because how else do you make someone stop babbling? That and I really want to see if this attraction is real. For a second, he’s frozen like I cow-licked his face or gave him a wet willy. Then he curls his hand around the back of my neck, and he kisses me.

Fuck, I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed like this before. Like I’m something precious and so desirable he can barely hold himself back. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before, and I want more of it.

“Are you seriously making out with your stalker?” Angela’s rude voice breaks through the haze.

Will pulls away like he did something wrong. My heart is pounding so hard.

“Fuck off, Angela.” Kenz begins to bicker with her again. This time some diatribe about how maybe if Angela wasn’t such a slut none of us would be here.

I reach up and cup Will’s jaw after a second of searching for him in the dark.

“Hey,” I say softly.

He releases a breath and rests his forehead against mine. “Hey.”

“Was that okay?” I ask. “I should have asked.”

He chuckles a little. “More than. I didn’t really expect any more from you than a date to the dance. I wanted to go since it’s my last year. When the opportunity came up, I thought why not take the one girl I’ve always wanted to go with. Honestly, I thought you’d say no.”

His jaw is rough with stubble. I really wish I could see his eyes and face right now. I flatten my other hand over his heart and feel how it races beneath my palm.

“I wouldn’t say no now.” My words are quiet and just for him.

“Can I kiss you?” His lips are almost on mine.

“Yes,” I whisper before he claims my lips again. Fireworks go off inside me. I shift so I can straddle his lap. The chain clinks on the floor and the weight of it on my ankle is uncomfortable, but there’s enough give to allow me this.