Page 14 of Depraved Truths

Jesus fucking Christ. This woman is going tokill me slowly.

Chapter 13

Stepping out of Eli's hold, I head toward our table, clenching my thighs together. With a little liquid courage, I’d felt confident enough to grab Eli and pull him onto the dance floor. There’s something about Eli that draws me in—his intense stare has been burning into me all night. It’s startling how natural it felt to be in his arms, how he looked at me as if I were the only woman in the room. He called me beautiful. Sure, I’ve heard that countless times before, but never has it felt so sincere, so genuine.

If Wilson dares to come near me again, I’ll make sure he regrets it. That sleazy bastard thought he could rub up on me, and it took everything in me to stop myself from doing something rash, like stabbing him in the eye.

As I approach our table, I find Allie and Dalton in the midst of a heated argument, with Allie sounding visibly upset.

“I was just dancing with Tess, that’s all,” she insists, her voice trembling.

“You were acting like a fucking idiot,” Dalton snaps. “It was embarrassing watching you out there, and that behavior makes me look like a fool for putting up with it.”

Allie’s eyes widen with shock, her cheeks burning bright red as if she'd been slapped.

“Wha—? Why are you being this way?” she stammers, her voice barely a whisper.

Dalton yanks her out of the booth, his fingers digging into her arm.

I take a step forward, positioning myself directly in front of him.

“What the fuck, Dalton?” I hiss, anger consuming me. “Get your hands off her!”

“Stay out of our business.” He sneers down at me. “Go back to dry-humping Huntington.”

I sense Eli’s presence behind me before I actually hear him.

“What the fuck did you just say?” Eli growls.

From across the room, Jace glares at Dalton. His gaze is sharp and hostile as he comes over to back Eli up. “Are you alright, Allie?” Concern is written on his face as he positions himself closer to her.

“I said—” Dalton sputters, as Eli grabs him up by his polo shirt. “Get your hands off me!”

Dalton’s face contorts with rage, and Allie’s eyes dart around frantically, landing on me as if she expects me to intervene, but I only shrug.

“Show these women the respect they deserve, asshat,” Eli snaps.

“Fuck this, I’m out of here. Let’s go, Allie,” Dalton orders, his voice laced with venom as he throws some cash on the table and storms out without a second glance.

Allie crosses her arms over her chest, blue eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“You don’t have to go home with him,” I plead with my friend. "Come back to my place for the night.”

Allie looks conflicted, biting her lip nervously, avoiding my gaze. After a moment, she says, “I’m sorry, I really have to go.” She grabs her purse and bolts out the door.

I stare after her in stunned silence as a wave of emotion washes over me.

“Dalton’s a real piece of work,” I sigh as I glance back toward Jace and Eli. “I honestly don’t know what she sees in him.”

“He’s an asshole. She deserves better.” Eli’s troubled gaze meets mine.

I’m so livid I don’t trust myself to say anything else right now. What is Allie doing? Why is she letting him treat her that way? Needing a moment to compose myself, I march off to the bar, requesting two tequila shots. I slam the drinks back, throw a few bills on the counter, and head toward the restroom, the sound of laughter and chatter fading as I move away from the crowd.

Rounding the corner to the hallway, I feel a presence behind me, and my pulse quickens. A shiver runs down my spine, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I feel a hand clamp down on my arm, and I react instinctively. With a swift twist, I turn and drive my attacker backwards against the wall. The Damascus pocketknife I never leave home without presses against his throat, aimed just over the exposed artery pulsing beneath his skin. Eyes like a stormy sea, heated with a hint of wariness, meet mine. Before I can react further, he flips the script, spins me around, and I’m the one with my back against the wall. The knife clatters to the floor,a hollow, metallic sound that echoes in the silence, and his hand clamps around my throat.

“Woah, there, Little Killer. A knife? Are you flirting with me?” Eli smirks.

Shit. I can't believe he managed to catch me off guard and overpower me!I stand frozen, my gaze fixed on his, the intensity of his stare making my heart pound in my chest. I didn’t know who was following me, and now I realize I probably overreacted. Then again, a girl can never be too careful these days.

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