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Jace muttered an answer too quietly for me to hear, and my stomach knotted when her hand landed on his leg. Her name was Dana, and she was one of Alicia’s little friends that I did not exactly get along with. She wanted what Alicia and I had on campus, but would never get it, so she chose to push herself into Alicia’s friend group instead.
“You look a little jealous for a girl who supposedly hates us.”
23
Kian’s voicecame from behind me, making my stomach drop. Before I could turn around, he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me until my feet were off the ground. He ignored my protests, carrying me around the couch that Jace and Pratt were sitting on, not stopping until he dropped into the oversized chair across from them. I fell with him, and he tightened his hold on me, keeping me on his lap. Curious to see where he was taking this, I didn’t fight him. Kian wasn’t stupid enough to try anything in public.
“Rynn,” Dana said, giving me a tight smile. “It’s good to see you.”
“I didn’t know you two were friendly,” I replied, even though my words were for Jace.
“I mean, I was hoping we could be. I was going to ask him if he wanted to be my midnight kiss.” Her giggle stopped abruptly when Jace jumped to his feet and reached forward, snatching my wrist. Kian’s hold loosened, and he let Jace pull me to my feet. He banded his arm around my waist, crushing my chest to his, and I went still when his fingertips brushed my bare back.
“I’m already taken for tonight,” Jace murmured, his lips tipping up in amusement. “Isn’t that right, Rynn?”
Before I could answer, Dana spoke up. “But I thought she was with that other guy?”
“Who? Me?”
Gage’s voice came from beside me, and I glanced over to see him glaring at Jace. He didn’t make a move to come closer, but I doubted his patience would last long.
“I’m not with any of them,” I stated, pushing Jace away.
Dana stood up, staring at Jace hopefully, making a fire rage through my veins. “Dance with me?” she asked.
“Bye, Dana.” The sharp words left my mouth before I could stop them, and my cheeks flushed when Jace stared at me smugly.
I caught her gaze, and she tipped her chin up, determination lighting her eyes. I swallowed my annoyance, letting my face fall into an uninterested expression. I wasn’t one to get into a fight because of a damn guy, but I’d already started it, and fuck if she thought she was going to go against my word. This year, I wasn’t as present as I had been, but that didn’t change who I was on campus. No one crossed me, and I wasn’t about to change that now.
I tilted my head questioningly, keeping my cold stare on her until she looked away first. Her eyes went to Jace, as if waiting for him to intervene, but he only crossed his arms, his lips twitching in amusement. Kian remained in the chair, his gaze staying on me as Gage continued to keep his attention on Jace.
“I guess I’ll see you later,” Dana finally muttered before scurrying away.
“Mm,” Jace hummed out, taking a step toward me. “Jealousy looks hot on you, Rynn. At least when it’s me you’re being possessive of.”
I shot him a devious smirk. “I’m glad you think cockblocking you is hot.”
“That’s what you were doing?” He arched an eyebrow as he crept closer.
“Back off,” Gage ground out, getting between Jace and me.
“I don’t think so,” Jace tossed back as his eyes cut to Gage. “Rynn chased the girl away, so now she owes me a dance.”
I scoffed, backing away. “You two enjoy your night.”
Knowing Gage would keep them away from me, I turned my back on them, searching the crowd for Alicia. She was near the bar, talking with some of the staff, and I stopped beside her, listening to her give out directions on which champagne to use at midnight. Once she was finished, I made my presence known, and she gave me a big smile.
“I have a surprise when the ball drops,” she informed me, grabbing my wrist. “It’s going to be fun.”
“Going to tell me what it is?”
She giggled, pulling me with her. “You’ll see. Come on. Let’s dance.”
We went to the dance floor, and the surrounding people gave us space, some sending curious glances. This year was different from the past. Alicia and I weren’t being as careful with our relationship anymore. The closer we got to graduation, the more we didn’t care. Jace and Kian were already aware of the friendship anyway, so there was no point in trying to keep it a secret now. I was still weary that they would go after her to get to me, but so far, they’d left her alone.
While Alicia and I danced, I pushed my thoughts away, willing myself to enjoy the night. My problems would still be here in the morning, and I didn’t get much time to spend with Alicia. Four songs sped by, and soon, my chest was heaving from dancing, and we stepped off the dance floor to get another drink. We stood at the bar, chatting and joking around. My eyes sought out Gage, and I found him leaning against the railing near the VIP area, watching me.
A scowl was on his face, and it only deepened when Jace appeared next to him, his lips moving as he told Gage something. The conversation looked heated, but I decided that tonight, it wasn’t my problem. They were both grown-ass adults. If they wanted to fight, that was on them.
