Page 23 of Where We Bloom

“Fine. I’m going to call a ride.”

I pull my phone out of my purse, but he puts hishand over mine, and it falls from my fingers to the bar, as if I can’t control my fingers to hold on to it.

“Shit.”

“I’ll give you a ride, baby.”

“No thanks. Don’t call me baby.” My words are slurred. Jesus, I only had a few sips of that drink. I shouldn’t be this out of it.

“Come on,baby, let’s get you outside in the fresh air.”

“Don’t want to.”

“Sure, you do. The air will feel good.” He wraps his arm around my waist to keep me up because my knees want to buckle. He pulls me against him and plants his lips on my temple. Gross.

No, I don’t want to go with you.Why am I going outside with Bill? Why do I feel so dizzy?

Fight him off, Bee. You know how to—and it hits me.

“You … you drugged me.”

“Don’t say it like that.” He pushes us through the crowd of people and out the door.Why isn’t anyone stopping him?“You already wanted it. I just gave you a nudge.”

“Said no.” God, I hate how faint my voice is. How loose and out of my control my body feels. I should be able to kick this fucker’s ass, but I can’t even make my feet work right.

“Look at this dress, Billie. You’re practically begging for my cock. Don’t worry, I’m going to give it to you. I’m going to give it to you so good, you’ll want more. I’m going to fuck your throat, your pussy, and your ass beforethe night is through. You’ll be soaking in my cum, and begging for more, like the good little slut you are.”

I shake my head. So dizzy.No. No.This can’t be happening. I’m pushed against the side of a truck. He has his hand up my dress, and his mouth on me, and I want to throw up.

Stop. Please fucking stop.

Suddenly, I’m falling to the ground, and he’s gone, and I sink down to the concrete.

Oh God.

Chapter Four

CONNOR

Ididn’t want to be at home alone tonight, so I came into town to the Wolf Den. Thought I’d have a drink at the bar, watch the game, and sit among humanity for a few hours.

What I found when I got here put me in a bloody foul mood.

Billie was with my sister and their friends for a while. They seemed to be having a good time, and I hung back, just to make sure they were safe. I thought about calling Miller in to look after them as well, but then decided that they were fine, and there was no harm in the fun they were having.

Then my angel, my bumble bee, walked over to flirt with two men, and I almost went out of my fucking mind when it looked like she might leave with them.

Are you kidding me?

It’s one thing to know that she’s not mine, but it’s another entirely to watch her be propositioned by notone buttwowankers at the same time. They looked at her like she’s gorgeous, which she is, and they wanted to get their dicks wet.

Fuck that.

But, to my surprise, she walked away with a laugh, then filled the girls in and shook her head.

Interesting.

Even more so when the woman I know as Alex leaves with said two men. What I don’t understand is why Billie didn’t leave with them. Why did Bridger and Beckett collect my sister and Dani, then leave my girl here alone?

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