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“Let’s have fun tonight.” I throw my arm around Jamie. “Sorry if I was bitchy in the car.”
She smiles, shaking her head. “It’s my fault. I know how Chase affects you. I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
I don’t say a word.
You have no idea how Chase affects me, Jamie. No one does.The tumultuous feelings that Chase stirs inside me are my most carefully guarded secret.
I’m not sure I understand it. Or that I want to.
2
MACKENZIE
Asmile is pasted on my face as I nod politely at the group of friends surrounding Jamie and me. Lifting my cup, I take a sip of the punch that Jamie shoved into my hand as soon as we stepped inside the kitchen. I nearly spit the disgusting crap out but force myself to swallow it so I don’t make a scene. As soon as I can excuse myself to go to the bathroom, I fully intend to dump it down the toilet.
My gaze roams around the room, stopping on Alex. He’s across the room, his arms around two cheerleaders, and doesn’t even glance my way. I roll my eyes, my gaze moving around the room.
A pang of sadness wafts through me as I pull my cell phone from the back pocket of my jeans and look at the screen. Still nothing from Chase. I shove it back inside, pretending it doesn’t bother me. Chase should’ve noticed I’m missing by now. I figured he’d follow me.
My attention returns to my friends, who are laughing about something. I join in, having no idea what’s going on. I take a sip of the awful punch, my eyes moving to the front door, debating if I can come up with an excuse to duck out of the party early.Maybe I can go to the restroom and tell Jamie I got my period and need to go home.
A sweeping realization hits me from out of nowhere.I miss Chase.I wish he were here, whispering something in my ear to make me laugh or getting under my skin and pissing me off.
Shrugging the thought off, I push a lock of hair away from my face. Leaning closer to Jamie’s ear so she can hear me over the beat of the music, I yell, “I’ve gotta use the restroom.” I don’t wait for her to respond, moving through the throng of intoxicated classmates in search of the bathroom.
“Hey, Mackenzie.” Alex’s body blocks my movement through the crowd. His smile is salacious as he stares at my cleavage like a creep. If Jamie hadn’t told me what he said in the men’s locker room at school, I probably wouldn’t be as hyper-aware of the way he’s leering at me like I’m a piece of meat. Another conquest he wants to fuck and dump.
“Hey.” I force a smile on my face, although I don’t need to bother since his gaze is still pinned on my cleavage.Forget it, pervert. Stop gaping at my boobs like you’re about to bury your face in them.“Good turnout tonight, huh?” My words are intended to draw his attention to my face, but it doesn’t work.
“Let me give you a tour of the house, Mackenzie.” His hand grips my wrist like a vice, causing panic to shoot through my body. “Since you’ve never been here before.” He doesn’t wait for me to respond, dragging me behind him so fast that some of my punch sloshes from the cup onto the floor, narrowly missing my boots.
“Oh, um, I was just looking for the restroom,” I yell at his retreating back.
I didn’t think he heard me until he threw a suggestive look over his shoulder, giving me a once-over that made me uneasy. “I have a private bathroom you can use.”
Oh, God. I’d rather have my fingers sewn together than use his private restroom.
“That’s unnecessary.” I tug against his grip, but he has a firm hold on me. The hair lifts on the back of my neck as the sound of the party grows distant.
Maybe I can throw my awful punch in his face and run away.
He stops in front of a closed bedroom door. Swinging me around, he pushes my back against the door, pinning me with his large body.
“Alone at last.” His predatory gaze drops from my face to my cleavage. “I’ve wanted you for a long time, Mackenzie.” He leans closer, the stale stench of alcohol on his breath making me nauseous. I plant my hand against his chest, trying to push him out of my personal space. “Your foster brother is always cock blocking me.” He eyes me predatorily. “But not tonight.”
My fingers grip my cup, trying to lift it so I can toss it in his smug face. But he has that arm pinned by his body and I can’t get it free. “Alex, stop. I’m uncomfortable.”
He rolls his eyes. “Relax, baby. I know you’re a virgin. I can make it good for you.”
I turn my head as his lips come at me so that he gets my cheek instead of my lips.
A dark chuckle rumbles from him as he grabs my face, fingers digging into my chin. The look on his face is a vicious warning. “Don’t play games with me, Mackenzie. It’s obvious what you want.” He leans in, his nose pressed against my jawline, inhaling me. “Just look at the low-cut shirt that shows your tits, and those tight jeans that show off your cute little ass.”
I gasp, his words pissing me off. “I’m not wearing this outfit for you or any other guy.”Liar.I wore this top, hoping Chase would show up, knowing it would get under his skin. Watching his eyes darken, flames leaping in his irises, affects me like nothing ever has.
Glaring at Alex, I snap, “My clothing doesn’t give you permission to take anything from me.”
“Bullshit.” He slams me harder against the door, making me wince as my head bangs against the wood. Pain courses through my skull. My eyes widen from panic, and my heart palpitates inside my chest. Even though Alex’s hand isn’t around my throat, it feels like I’m choking. “Don’t be naïve, little girl. Understand this. I always get what I?—"
