Page 52 of Destroying Everleigh

“The video got to him. He’s been avoiding me,” I admitted, not having enough energy to beat around the bush about it.

Amber scoffed, shaking her head. “Asshole. I never did like him. You should dump his sorry ass and find someone better.” She shot me a small smile.

I just shrugged in response. I had no excuses for him. There was no reason we couldn’t talk about it like adults. He was on my shit list for now.

When we pulled up to campus, the parking lot in front of the massive house that was booming with music was already packed. We ended up having to find some spot near the back, closer to the school. I pulled down the visor, making sure my makeup was presentable before climbing out of the car. The sun was setting now, leaving only a faint hue of light in the sky. It was peaceful. My head tipped back as a gust of wind blew through my hair, a feeling of calm washing over me.

Amber skipped up beside me, a devilish curve to her ruby red lips. “Let’s go get some dick, bitch,” she squealed theatrically before looping her arm through mine. A laugh escaped me as she pulled me through the parking lot, toward our destination.

I doubted that I’d be getting any dick tonight. Lucas was mad at me, and even if he did decide to be a decent human tonight, I was mad at him too for ghosting me most of the week.

Acacia was located near the far end of campus, completely secluded with trees behind it. If you stumbled upon the house by chance, you’d assume it was just a mansion near campus and not a frat house. All of the lights were on in the windows and as we neared it, we could feel the vibration from the speakers seeping into the ground.

Green grass stretched out in front of the massive building, perfectly cut and trimmed, giving it a beautiful appearance. A few people were already standing outside, smoking a cigarette with a red solo cup in hand. I always loved the parties here. There were no limits to what you might see, and typically no judgement, either. Most people got too trashed to evenremember the night. I know that’s been the case for me a few times.

Amber opened the door when we approached, the earthy scent of marijuana flooding our senses instantly. People were already dancing where the dining room usually was; the table had been removed to make room for it and it was easy to spot from the living room since it was an open plan. A few people were seated on the couch, and I had to do a double take at the blonde who was on her knees, bobbing up and down on some guy’s dick. Then a triple take when I realized that the guy receiving head was Ashton. His eyes locked with mine, a sinister smirk curling the corners of his mouth. He wound a hand through the girl’s hair who I instantly recognized as Crystal when she came up gasping for air, right before he was shoving her back down on him again.

Ouch.

The girl who was just a friend. The girl he told me not to fucking worry about. Why was I even surprised? Despite the pain in my chest, I kept my features bored and neutral, like it didn’t phase me in the slightest, even though it was ripping me to shreds on the inside.

Amber scrunched up her nose. “That’s classy Crystal for you.” She nudged me.

My gaze slid to hers. “Classy Crystal?”

“It’s a joke. Lighten up. Let’s go get drunk.”

I allowed her to pull me into the kitchen where alcohol littered the counters. Colt was leaning against one of the counters with an arm around Allison who was glaring daggers at the side of my face. Choosing to ignore her, I grabbed one of the cups and poured straight vodka in it, filling it to the rim.

Colt grinned, seeming mildly impressed with my drink choice. “One of them nights?”

I snorted, bringing the cup to my lips before chugging it halfway. The alcohol lit a fire in my chest, forcing a gasp from my lips. “That’s putting it lightly.” I breathed.

Amber made herself a screwdriver before we moved back into the living room. Crystal was still sucking Ashton’s dick, and I was suddenly thankful for the loud music, so I didn’t have to hear it.

The floors were wooden, which I’m sure the initiates were thankful for since they’d be the ones cleaning up after this. The couch was a large sectional, similar to the one we used to have back home when our lives were normal. As much as I wanted to sit down and rest my feet, there was no way I was sitting next tohimwhile she didthat. I’d probably hit the dance floor once the vodka kicked in. The goal was to get so drunk that I couldn’t even remember Ashton’s name or why I was pissed at him for that matter.

“Someone’s pissed,” Amber said into her cup before swallowing a mouthful.

I glanced up as Kash entered, his body going rigid as he took in the scene happening on the couch. For a moment, I’d almost forgotten that they dated. It felt like such a long time ago. Seems that Ashton wasn’t above screwing over his friends, either.

My back snapped straight when Kash started toward me, his blue eyes becoming three shades darker. I hurriedly finished off my drink, afraid that he’d toss it on me if given the chance. His jaw was coiled tight with rage and frustration, and I braced myself for him to do something horrendous.

When he reached me, his hand latched onto my throat in a firm grip. My heart was racing, fear sparking deep inside of me. I could only see a flicker of hesitance flash across his face right before he smashed his lips against mine in the middle of the living room, stealing my breath. I gasped as his teeth scrapedalong my lower lip, a chill spiraling through my body and hitting me deep in my core.

“Oh shit,” Amber muttered, but her words didn’t even register to me.

Kash backed me into the nearest wall, slipping his tongue through my lips, demanding more. It only took me a minute to realize I was kissing him back in front of all these people and I had a boyfriend. A cold bucket of ice splashed through my brain, forcing me to become more aware of what the fuck was happening. My hands moved to his chest, and I shoved him back, hard. He stumbled, momentarily surprised by my reaction.

“Don’t fucking touch me, asshole,” I spat.

Kash came to his senses, a smirk curling the corners of his mouth as he steadily approached again. “Dance with me,” he said, the request coming out more like an order.

“Why would I?—”

He wrapped his hands around my waist, tugging me into his body. Leaning down, his warm breath feathered against my ear. “Do you want to piss Ashton off, or not?” he whispered, nipping my ear. I shuddered against him, momentarily dazed by the feel of him.

A variety of emotions flickered through me and instinctively, I glanced behind Kash, locking eyes with a seething Ashton again. It did feel good to get under his skin as he’d been doing to me. So, against my better judgement, I nodded.

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