Page 52 of Lost Boy
Fuck, this can’t be good. Even with Jamie hot on his heels, ready to stop whatever rash decision he’s likely to make.
“Dustin Flynne.” Cole’s tone is full of accusation.
“I was invited,” he answers cockily.
Cole scoffs, “Tomyhouse? I don’t think so. When I said the party could move here, that didn’t include you.” Then he leans in close, but I’m right next to them, ready to intervene if needed. “Get the hell out of here, you fucking predator. You’ve attacked two of my friends. One being a fourteen-year-old girl. Get out of my house. Before I call my dad and get my own ass in trouble just to serve you yours.”
Shit. I hope he doesn’t do that. Mr. Jensen is scary, and also the district fucking attorney.
Dustin pales, as does Rich.
“Does that apply to me too? I didn’t attack anyone.” Rich holds his hands up and steps away from his so-called friend.
What loyalty.
Dustin narrows his eyes at his friend but doesn’t speak up, likely realizing he would have done the same thing.
“I did notattackSofie. Don’t be ridiculous. I like her. I want to take her out. We were both drunk, and it was nothing. And I beat the shit outta your little girlfriend with the pretty pink lips because he fucking deserved it. The freak.”
I step forward, along with Jamie. All three of us crowd Dustin and Rich. “That’s my little sister. You willnevertake her out. It wasn’t nothing. Would you have kept going if Fallon hadn’t walked in?Huh?You fucking creep.” I shove him hard, and he stumbles back a few steps, his back hitting the kitchen island, making him wince.
Good.
“And don’t you ever speak about any of my friends again. You’re the freak. Sick fuck,” I sneer through tightly clenched teeth.
“You’re overreacting. All of you. Bunch of pussies.” Dustin throws his hands up. “Forget it. I can’t keep fighting. My dad’s been on my ass,” he mumbles the last part. “I’m outta here.”
“You too, Rich,” Cole adds in a sharp tone, pointing toward the front door.“Leave.”
Rich huffs but doesn’t put up a fight, leaving with his friend. As long as Seth isn’t here, we can all have a good night.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
FALLON
After Dustin and Rich leave, tensions settle, and my buzz finally kicks in. I’m not sure if I’m on my sixth or seventh beer, but I’ve kept pace with Ryder, Jamie, and Cole all night. They’re well over six feet, and I’m not sure I’m even five-nine, so I feel the effects a little stronger as I stagger down the hallway toward the bathroom.
“Where are you going?” Ryder follows me, running a hand along the wall to steady himself.
“Need to piss,” I answer. “I’m ’bouta break the seal.”
“Said you weren’t leavin’ my sight.”
“Funny.” He’s being ridiculous again.
“I’m serious.”
“You’re not watching me piss. What the hell, Ry?” I brush the hair out of my face with a flick.
We’re in a standoff in front of the bathroom door. He towers above me, stepping into my personal space even more and crowding my body with his much bigger one.
“You’re drunk. People might see us go in together, Ryder,” I whisper. I’m not drunk enough to let him make a stupid decision he’ll regret later. “Wait here.”
He huffs, turning around to lean against the wall opposite the bathroom door, folding his arms across his chest and waiting.
I roll my eyes and snort, slipping into the bathroom and locking the door behind me. I catch my reflection in the mirror, cheeks flushed with a hint of a smile on my lips. Ryder did that. Healwaysdoes that. He threatens to make me feel and lose control of the tight grip I’ve had on my emotions for the past five years. He makes me want totalk, to tell him things.Everything.
It’s dangerous.
