Page 85 of Beautiful Defiance

“Agreed.”

We walk deeper into the house. To our right is the kitchen, and it is crowded in there.

“Want to get something to drink?” Rue asks. “Dare says they keep the kegs outside on these benches. It’s easier to get them out there than through the crowd.”

That makes sense. We shuffle to the kitchen. Bodies push into us and I hold on to Rue’s arm. Red follows close behind us. Outside, we stand in line and wait our turn.

After we get our drinks and I get some liquid courage in me, we split up. I have my cell and fake IDs tucked into the front of my dress. Sipping my drink, I do an “inventory” of the partygoers. I have this fascination for people watching.

While I watch people mosh in the mosh pit and grind on one another next to the jumping and head-banging partygoers, my forehead tingles. I take a small sip of my beer and slide my eyes upward. A tall guy with a hoodie over his head stares at me from across the room.

Midnight.

He tips his chin. Is Dare behind me? Or is it Ashley’s boyfriend? I pivot slowly on my heels, hoping I’m coming off casual rather than ogling. There are so many good-looking guys here.

I spot him right away. It’s easy spotting Ashley’s new boyfriend in the crowd. He tops the guys by a good four inches. Not only is he tall but I have to say he is the best-looking guy at this party. Dirty-blond hair. Bright-green eyes. He catches me staring, and giving me a flirty smile, he strokes his jaw and hooks his thumb in his pants pocket, looking suave and sexy.

I smile back over the rim of my red cup. He heads over. Ashley is MIA, but Henry isn’t. I saw him out back. He doesn’t realize I’m here yet. He will soon.

“Hey, there.”

I point at my chest.

“Yeah, you.” His smile widens. “What’s your name?”

“Leigh.”

“Nice to meet you, Leigh. Name’s Jackson.” He sticks out his hand. I set my hand in his. He holds on and doesn’t let go.

“Are you a freshman? I haven’t seen you on campus.”

Huh, and here I thought he would only have eyes for his girlfriend.

“A transfer from California. I came to the party hoping to meet new people. It’s hard to make friends when everyone has their own group already.”

I make a sad face. His arm wraps around my waist, and he pulls me against his side.

“I can show you around campus and Dumas.”

“Really?” I amp up the excitement in my voice. Then drop it down to a note of disappointment. “Wouldn’t your girlfriend mind? I mean, a guy like you must have one. You are hot.” I glance up at him and bat my eyelashes.

“I don’t do girlfriends.” He stares at my cleavage. “I’m into fuck buddies only.”

Whoa. This guy tells it like it is. I widen my eyes and turn into him, resting the hand holding the red cup on his chest.

“Is that what you’d like us to be?”

“If you’re up for it.”

“I’m not the prettiest girl at this party.”

“You are to me.” He ducks his head and in my ear whispers, “Say yes.”

“What if people find out? I don’t like anyone in my business. And I’m new. I don’t want guys thinking I’m easy just because I agree to be your willing hole.”

God, saying those words make me feel so dirty.

He cups my waist. Fingers press into my skin through my dress. “It’ll be our secret. I promise.”

Bam. Hook, line, and sinker, I have him. Now on to the next act.

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