Page 50 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

“Luckily I had a bigger creep here to defend me.”

He lets out a huff and we begin walking back toward the car. After a moment of silence, I nudge him with my shoulder. “Thank you.”

He mumbles a welcome. Trent turns his blue eyes on me. “What the hell happened? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I was worried those guys were going to jump Keaton or had a gun.”

Keaton smiles. “Aww, so you do care.”

“Yes, because then they’d come after me.”

Trent narrows his eyes. “Did you know them?”

“No.” I quickly look to Keaton who is staring hard at me. “One guy I danced with for a little bit. It was harmless. Don’t try to act like this is my fault.”

Trent quickly places his hands on my shoulder. “God, no, Denise. I don’t think this is your fault. You’re allowed to dance and not be harassed. I’m just asking. I was worried, you’re my baby sister.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll get her home, man, go back and enjoy your night out with Rach.” Keaton and Trent do a weird bro-pat as they pass each other. He unlocks his car and holds the door open for me. He shakes his head as he closes the door. When he’s seated inside and buckled, he starts the car. “You lied to Trent.”

“About what?”

“You knew those guys. They knew your name.”

“A lot of people that I don’t know, know my name. I’m a Randall and this is a small town.”

“No. I know people. I watched both of your faces. You recognized each other, and there was something there. You wanna tell me what you’re doing with those creeps?”

“If I wouldn’t even admit to knowing them, why would I want to talk about them?”

He slams his hand on the steering wheel. “What’s going on? Why are you being like this? One minute you’re sweet, the next you’re sexy and flirty, and then other times, you’re distant and well, a real bitch.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. You can be hateful, stuck-up, and mean. But I don’t think that’s who you really are.”

“What the fuck do you think you know about me?”

“I know more than you think. I bet you’re still using drugs. Were those the guys you were getting them from?”

“It’s none of your business. Just fucking drive.”

Keaton tightens his hold on the steering wheel and shifts the gear. Suddenly, the car turns violently onto another road as the tires squeal and the car comes to a halt in the middle of the street. He turns in his seat to face me, his face hard and eyes blazing. “Listen to me. If you’re getting involved with guys like that—you’re already in too deep. You need help. I lost one of my best friends to drugs.”

“I don’t use—”

“Stop! Stop fucking lying to me. I know the signs. I know the tells. I saw your pills, and I’m pretty sure I almost got my ass jumped by your fucking dealers. This isn’t a road you come back from. It’s a dead end. Turn around now while you can.”

His strong chest is rising and falling. He looks wild. I feel like being wild. Feeling carefree and bold, I cross my left leg over my right. I allow my dress to ride up my thigh. I twirl a strand of my hair around my finger.

“How much have you had to drink tonight? Drinking and driving is against the law.”

His eyes widen for a second. “Not nearly enough.” His hand reaches over and my heart rate accelerates with anticipation. His strong fingers take the hem of my dress and pull it down. “I’m being serious, but I can tell it’s falling on deaf ears. Maybe tomorrow when you sober up we can talk.”

“Good. Because I don’t feel like talking.”

“Denise.” His jaw hardens. “I meant what I said. I trust myself enough to at least not take advantage of you while you’re under the influence of God knows what.”

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