Page 5 of Deviant Obsession

"Want a tour of the house, Red?" His voice is pure, deep sin wrapped in saccharine charm as he twirls a lock of my auburn hair around his finger.

I lift my chin, refusing to appear as intimidated as I feel. "No thanks. I’m good."

"Come on, baby." He leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. "I don't bite...unless you're into that."

My pulse quickens traitorously. I try to step around him, but he mirrors my movement, still wearing that insufferable grin.

"Why so jumpy?" he drawls. "You’re scanning the room like you’ve never seen a party before. A little out of your depth?"

"I've been to plenty." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. "Now if you'll excuse me?—"

"See, I don't think you have." His eyes rake down my body, lingering on the hem of Nat's borrowed dress. "I'd remember seeing you around. A pretty little thing like you doesn't just slip under my radar."

"Maybe you're not as observant as you think."

His eyebrows shoot up, amusement flickering across his features. Before he can respond, a voice calls out from behind him.

"Yo, Dean! She giving you trouble?"

Oh, joy. His audience is gathering.

Three more frat guys sidle up, forming a loose circle around us. My back presses harder against the wall as my escape routes dwindle.

"Nah, I’m good, Brett," Dean says, never taking his eyes off me. "Red here's just playing hard to get."

"I'm not playing anything," I snap. "I'm genuinely not interested."

Another one of his buddies whistles low. "Damn, she's got claws."

"I like 'em feisty," Dean grins. He braces his other hand on the wall, completely boxing me in now. "Bet you're the type who's never let loose in your life. All that tension just waiting to explode."

I press my lips together in a thin line, willing away the heat creeping up my neck. "You don't know anything about me."

"I know your type." His voice drops lower, meant just for me despite his friends hanging on every word. "Lemme guess… Straight-A student, always following the rules, probably never done anything crazy in your life, and you’ve definitely never worn a dress likethatbefore. Borrowed from a friend, right? Am I getting warm?"

His audience snickers. I want to sink through the floor.

"What's wrong with getting good grades?" I squeak, betraying my confidence.

"Nothing at all, sweetheart." Dean smirks, the endearment dripping with condescension. "But there's more to college than books and lectures. When's the last time you had some fun?"

"This is fun for you?" I gesture at our little tableau, my embarrassment shifting to anger. "Cornering girls at parties like pack animals?"

"Only the pretty ones who look like they need saving from themselves."

The douche named Brett pipes up, "Careful Dean, she probably doesn't even know what to do with a guy like you."

"Virgin alert!" another one crows.

My cheeks flame hotter as their laughter echoes off the walls. Dean's eyes narrow, studying my reaction with newfound interest.

"That true, Red? Never been touched?"

"That's none of your business."

"Oh damn," he chuckles darkly. "That blush says it all."

It feels like the group is closing in now, like sharks scenting blood in the water. Each snide comment lands like a physical blow.

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