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My eyebrows shoot up. “Huh?”
“I was telling Jagger nothing is going to happen to me, or you.”
“Oh. Right. We're fine. I barely even know them, but they’re harmless. No need to worry. Let’s just relax and have some fun tonight. Forget they even exist.”
“If you barely know them, then how do you know they’re harmless?” Jagger asks the question, and I’m not sure how to answer it.
“Intuition, I guess. Now, can we drop it?”
The smell of cedar embers fills my senses, telling me we’re close. With each step, the music grows louder, as does the voices of students trying to be heard over the music.
A minute later, we arrive. A rush of excitement swirls through me and it’s the first time in a while I’ve felt like myself. I used to live for this scene—bonfires, crowds, and fun. I was the life of the party and people literally flocked around me because of my magnetic energy.
Crew and Neo spot us from the other side of the fire and make their way in our direction. Scar takes my hand in hers and we meet them halfway.
A loud boom coming from the fire has my body jolting, feet practically leaving the ground. I grab Scar’s arm, holding it like my life depends on it.
Scar rubs my sleeved arm, calming me down. “It was just a firework some idiot threw in the fire. You’re all right, babe.”
She’s right. I am all right. Nothing happened. I’m still standing. Still alive.
“What’s up, Ry?” Crew asks as he and Neo join us by the fire. “You doing all right? Is this too much for you?”
“Actually, I’m doing great. I’m glad Scar talked me into coming.”
Crew, Jagger, and sometimes Neo, all treat me like I’m Scar’s little sister. It’s sweet how they, too, look after me. But as with Scar, I need to show them I am stronger than what I appear to be.
“You all go ahead and do your thing. Drink. Orgy. Whatever the night brings.”
“All of the above, please.” Jagger smirks, grabbing Scar by the waist and pulling her close. Neo stands by quietly, sipping on his beer. He’s not much of a talker and not very friendly. Actually, he’s the least friendly person I know, but he’s come a long way since he’s joined Scar’s harem.
“Where are you going?” Scar asks. “You really shouldn’t be wandering around alone with those creeps lurking.”
Neo finally speaks. “What creeps?”
“There’s this guy who’s been watching Riley. Like all the damn time.”
Crew’s eyebrows cave in, a look of concern on his face. “What guy?”
“You guys. It’s nothing. Just let it go.” I turn my attention to Scar, who I know is going to make this a thing with the guys. “Please,” I drag out the word. “Do not make this a big deal. The last thing I want at this school is negative attention.”
“Then you better promise me you’ll tell me if Ridge does anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I promise. Now, I’m going to get a drink.”
Scar steps out from Jagger’s hold on her waist. “I’ll go with you.”
“No. I’ll be okay. We have to loosen this leash, Scar.”
She fakes a pout and it’s cute how much she cares. Scar is not one for being soft, but lately, she has been with me. “You sure?”
“Absolutely. It’s a party. Go have fun with your guys. I’ll catch up with you later.”
She grabs my hand, squeezing it. “Scream if you need me.”
“Like…help?”
“Sure.” She laughs. “Help works.”
