Page 21 of I Blame the Rival

“You’re really cute, though. Just thought you should know.”

I stare back, seeing the kindness in her face that Cecelia lacked. Most guys love a girl who isn’t interested in emotional attachment but I find those encounters make me feel used.

Unseen.

“Have a good night.” I duck my head, trying to disappear into the crowd as quickly as possible.

Laughter and flirty banter echoes around me as I hunt for a quiet place to catch my breath. The club’s small dance floor is already packed with sweaty bodies grinding against each other while a deafening rap song pumps through the speakers overhead.

I duck past the side exit that doubles as the smoke pit and find a small corner tucked away in the shadows.

Leaning against the wall, I breathe in a moment of peace and watch the Silverwood students mingle around me. A girl shrieks with laughter when her partner picks her up and swings heraround, and the careless joy on her face puts an unexpected ache in my chest.

There’s only one girl I want to see tonight and I don’t even know what she looks like.

Chapter 5

Lacey

This was my worst idea ever.

For all I know, Skylar could be a middle-aged woman with two kids and a barn cat. I have no clue what she looks like or whether she’s even a university student. My chances of finding her at this overcrowded bar are slim to none.

Not to mention, it’s insane in here. BEATS must not have a limited capacity because the place has been packed for the last hour and people just keep pouring through the doors. I lost my girl group about twenty minutes in, so now I look like the bumbling idiot who decided to roll up to the rival’s club alone.

Off to a great start, Lacey.

Taking a deep breath, I approach a group of girls chatting amongst themselves at the tabletop bar. I paste a smile on my face and tap the shoulder of the blonde sitting closest to me.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if you could help me find my friend. Her name is-

“Aren’t you a little far from home?”

I hesitate, trying not to be intimidated by the menace in her gaze.

“Well, yes, but you see-

“Maybe you should go back to Taber.” A dark-skinned girl sitting nearby shifts in her chair to sneer, “We don’t like cubs here in Silverwood.”

I laugh awkwardly, clutching my purse like it’s a lifeline.

“Oh, I’m not here to stay. I’ll be gone in a couple of hours.”

“Can you make it sooner?” The blonde tilts her head, “Everyone would really appreciate it. Your friend included, I’m sure.”

I stumble back like she hit me. Blinking fast, I’m scrambling to come up with a dignified response when a smooth voice flows over me.

“Ladies. That’s not how we treat special guests, now is it?"

A dark-haired guy steps forward and flashes me a smile, “What’s your name, Beautiful?”

“Uh, Lacey.” The blonde narrows her eyes at me and I quickly turn on my heel, “Thank you for your help but I need to go.”

“Woah! Where are you running off to? We were just getting to know each other.”

The guy goes to grab my arm but I jump out of reach. Full blown panic hits my system as I scan the crowd, desperately hoping Cecelia and her friends are somewhere nearby.

I can’t be alone with a guy like this.

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