Page 121 of Dare To Break

She turns to face me. “Shoulders straight, chin up. I don’t want to see you touching your skirt or bustline. Stop whining, and do not let me down this evening. Do you understand?”

I nod, the steel in her tone silencing any further arguments I have.

Lacy’s eyes soften. “This is a really important night for me. I need it to be perfect.”

The rest of the journey to the ballroom is conducted in silence while doubts assail me.

Was coming to this party a good idea?

I’m not a party girl. I’d rather be somewhere quiet with a handful of people.

I feel out of my depth.

The front of the ballroom is lit up purple and green, the lighting giving it an eerie effect. 3D projections of ghosts fly across the top of the building with hair-raising cackles. We’re greeted by a red carpet, with ghouls lined up on either side. A stream of students is already heading into the party dressed in spooky costumes—ranging from zombies to witches.

Lacy squeals beside me. “It’s better than I imagined!”

A few people glance our way, and it’s hard to miss the way some of the guys’ eyes linger over what I’m wearing. I curl my hands into fists and keep them at my sides. Lacy grabs my arm, drags me through the doors.

Smoke hangs in the air like a veil, blurring the view of the colored lights. People are clustered in groups, mostly in their normal cliques. Brad is dressed as Frankenstein’s monster and is standing with the other jocks, close to one of the long tables holding drinks. As we make our way toward them, I notice Miles is absent.

Brad plants a kiss on Lacy’s cheek. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks, babe.” She strikes a pose, then laughs.

“Where’s Miles?” I ask Evan, who is dressed as an Egyptian mummy.

He shrugs. “He was here ten minutes ago.”

I pull out my cell and type a quick message.

Me: I’m with Brad and the others.

At least I don’t have to worry about Eli. He hasn’t been spotted since this morning when Bret from the swim team saw him take off in his car.

“Arabella, why are you so quiet?”

My attention flicks to Jace. “I’m fine.”

His hair is slicked back from his face, and the black eye makeup he’s wearing makes his eyes more striking.

“If it’s about you and Miles, there’s plenty more boys to date.” He gives me a flirty smirk, his fangs peeking from his lips.

“Miles and I are working things out.”

I’m on to you, Jace Black, and I’m not falling for your tricks a second time.

Lacy pushes past us, her fingers wound around her boyfriend’s bicep. “Why haven’t they started the music yet? Do I have to do everything myself?”

The rest of the group moves to the side of the room, and I follow in their wake. There’s still no sign of Miles, but I do see Kellan over by the punch bowl.

Warm fingers grip my hand, breaking my stare. Tilting my head, I see Miles standing next to me. He’s dressed up as Superman, with a big, bold S on his chest.

“Hey. Sorry. I got chatting with Sam and his roommate.” His gaze runs over me. “How can you look sweet and innocent, but temptation itself all at the same time?”

“Aw, thank you.” I pat his chest playfully, letting my fingertips caress the S.

Jace scowls.

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