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“Charles, if you don’t release me right now, I’ll scream.”
The wicked smile grew on his face. “I got elected as mayor this year. Ran when my dear old dad retired. Did you know that? I have a lot of say over how successful your sister’s business will be in this town. Why don’t we go somewhere and talk about that?”
That explained the invite.
Emory didn’t know what Charles had put me through in high school. She’d heard the rumors, of course, but wasn’t aware of the extent of Charles’ and his friends’ torment. Being years younger, and innocent, she didn’t need to be burdened with my problems. But she wouldn’t have invited Charles if she knew the half of it, mayor or not.
I ripped my wrist out of his grip and took a step back. My back hit the wall.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked, embarrassed that my voice shook. I’d worked hard over the years to not let people affect me this way. “I didn’t back down to you when you turned the town against me and I won’t now. I’m too old for your games.”
“Then I’ll ruin Emory’s career. How long do you think her business will last without the support of the mayor and the most powerful family in town? You’ve seen how much influence we had in high school. It’s only grown.”
“You seriously haven’t found anyone else to torment after all these years? Why are you still fixated on me?”
“I enjoyed playing with you. No one else fought back quite as well.”
“So you haven’t grown up at all. You’re still a bully.”
“I’m a Rost. You’re the one who hasn’t changed. Always forgetting your place. I knew mine and enjoyed reminding you of yours.”
“And what’s that exactly?”
“Beneath me. In any way I want.”
He stepped into me, his hands caging me in. I pushed against his chest, trying to shove him away, but he pushed into me farther and trailed a finger down my neck. I jerked my head away from his touch, leaning away as much as he allowed. I lifted a knee, aiming for his dick, but he avoided the hit, laughing.
The hinges on the door across the hall groaned as it opened, and my heart leaped, seeing Mark exit the men’s room. Our eyes met, mine filled with both residual fear and relief that he was there, his hardened.
I pushed against Charles again and he finally stepped back, glaring at Mark before turning back to me.
“Maybe we can have a dance later. Catch up.” He smiled cruelly. “We’ll talk. I’m so glad you made it back to town. We’ve missed you around here.”
My heart jumped in my chest.
Mark watched him go, his body tight and anger evident on his face.
“Are you okay?” He asked, concern in his voice as he walked over to me.
“I’m fine,” I said, stepping away from the wall and straightening my dress.
“You don’t look fine,” he said, his dark eyes taking in my shaking hands and pale face. He reached up and tucked a loose lock of hair behind my ear and tilted my face up to his when I looked away. “Who was that?”
“Just a guy I knew from high school. It’s fine.” I pulled out of his grip and walked towards the ballroom.
“He always cage you in like that?”
I let out a dry laugh and kept walking.
“Quinn, talk to me.”
I stopped, turning to send him a pleading glance. “It was nothing.”
Mark’s jaw pulsed.
I sighed. “I don’t want to talk about Charles, okay? I want to dance.”
I didn’t want to give him any more power over me. I’d drink, have fun, and go back home to my empty, safe life in Philly and forget this ever happened.
