Page 90 of Tormented Kings

“What’s going on?” Emma asks while I stare at Preston’s receding back as he disappears into the dark.

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I need to go find Declan.”

What did Preston do that made Declan so upset? I’ve never seen him like this. Declan is always so kind, sweet, and pretty quiet for the most part. I’ve never heard him yell, let alone raise his fists to anyone.

The pained look in his eyes as he stared down at Preston... I need to find him.

“What a show,” Tina’s voice has every ounce of control I have left at this moment, ready to snap.

Trying to ignore her, I move to step around her, but she gets in my way. I just need to get in the fucking house and find Declan. “Wonder what they’re fighting over. Can’t be you,” she laughs.

“I don’t have time for your shit tonight, Tina,” I snap. “Let me fucking pass.”

“Oh, she’s got a mouth on her,” Tina laughs tauntingly. “What’s the matter, Sadie? The truth too much to handle? When are you going to end this little fantasy you’ve made up in your head? The guys are done with their deal between all of you. It’s time to drift back into the background where you belong. Because it’s starting to get a little pathetic.”

The way she sounds, so condescending and mocking. I’m done. Fuck this bitch.

Seething, I glare at her as I pull my fist back and swing it right into her stupid face.

She lets out a shriek, her eyes widening as her hands fly to her face. “You stupid bitch!” she screams, but the words come out muffled. “I’m going to kill you.”

“You know what, Tina? How about you go kill yourself,” I yell back, chest heaving. I’m not proud of my words. I’d never want someone to take their own life, but she told me those same words more than once.

I push past her, making her stumble into the side of the house as I make my way in. My hand is throbbing. I’m on edge.I’m so damn worked up that tears sting my eyes. I don’t know what's going on anymore. How did this night go from amazing to a fucking shit show?

Can’t I ever just have fun without everything going to hell?

There's a ringing in my ears as I search the crowd, but I can’t find Declan. My head is pounding, and I need to get out of here. It’s too much, and I think I'm having a panic attack.

Once I’m back upstairs, I close my eyes and lean against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.

“Do you like scary movies?” a mechanical voice sounds next to me. I jump, a scream getting lodged in my throat. I only manage to get a brief look at the person dressed up as Ghostface before I react, kneeing them in the balls.

“Oh fuck!” he groans, dropping to his knees.

“Who the fuck are you?!” I shriek.

“It’s me.” Grayson pulls off the mask. “Fucking hell, Sadie.”

My face drops. “Oh god,” I gasp, my hands flying to my mouth. “I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” I get to my knees next to my boyfriend, who I just possibly took the ability to make babies from. “I didn’t know it was you. You scared me.”

“Clearly,” he groans, rolling over onto his side. “Shit. That really fucking hurt.”

He’s in so much pain, but the whole situation has laughter bubbling up inside of me. That—plus everything that’s happened in the last thirty minutes—crashes in on me at once. “I’m sorry, baby.” Tears spill down my cheeks. “I didn’t mean it. Please don’t hate me.”

“Hate you?” he grunts, moving to sit up. “Fuck, Pretty Girl. Don’t cry. I’m okay. Really. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.” I cry harder, dropping to my ass. “I hurt you.”

“I’m fine.” He pulls me into his lap, wincing but doing it anyway. “Shhh.” He tries to hold me, but the wings get in the way.

“Take them off,” I gasp for air, feeling smothered by them.

He helps me remove them, tossing them to the ground beside us before bringing me back into his arms. “Breathe, Pretty Girl. It’s okay. What’s wrong? What’s going on? I saw you come up here, and I followed. I’ve been looking for you. I feel bad for not seeing you all night. These parties always tend to get wild, and I need to make sure I’m on top of things so people aren’t causing any damage.”

“It’s okay.” I press my cheek to his chest, eyes closed as I take a deep breath. His scent settles me, my racing heart starting to slow and my tears coming to a stop.

“No, it’s not. Because clearly, something happened. I should have been there to keep you safe,” he growls.

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