Page 4 of Freestyle
“Please? Just a little longer?”
I hesitate, torn between responsibility and the urge to have fun. The music is still pulsing, the energy high, and the night feels full of potential. I sigh, giving in to Fallon’s pleading gaze.
“Okay, fine. But just a little longer.”
Fallon squeals with delight and pulls me back inside toward the dance floor.
“You’re the best, Row! Let’s make the most of it!”
As we rejoin the crowd, I can’t help but smile. Fallon’s infectious enthusiasm makes it hard to say no and despite my better judgment, I find myself getting swept up in the excitement of the party once more. We dance and laugh, the worries of the next day momentarily forgotten.
Lyndsy comes over and pulls Fallon to the bar and I use it as my excuse to leave while I can.
“I’m heading out, guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Do youwant me to walk back with you?” Lynds asks with a frown. I hate to walk alone this late, but I’m not pulling her away from the party.
“Definitely not. I’ll be fine. Stay and have more fun for me,” I insist with a smile.
Lyndsy still looks concerned, but nods anyway. “Okay, but text me when you get home, alright?”
“Promise,” I say, giving her a quick hug. As I make my way through the crowded room, the music and laughter fade into the background.
I see Gray and the other guy from earlier standing by the door, their presence impossible to ignore amidst the swirling chaos of the party.
“Leaving so soon?” Gray calls out, stepping forward. I turn to face him, his cocky smirk infuriating.
“I believe that’s what it looks like,” I retort, gathering my strength. Gray is used to getting exactly what he wants. Lyndsy has told me of his antics more than once. He chuckles, stepping closer, confidence radiating off him like heat from an oven.
“What did you just say?” he challenges, tilting his head, his brown eyes piercing through me.
“Yes, I am leaving. Problem?” I cross my arms, glaring up at him defiantly.
“Wronganswer.”
I try to side step him but in a swift, unexpected movement, he grabs me and pins me to the wall. My feet are off the floor and I’m eye level with him, heart racing in a way I didn’t expect. For some reason his touch feels electric, as if I might combust at any moment.
“Let me go, you asshat!” I shout, pounding my fists into his chest, my defiance only fueling him more. The other guy, with dark hair and a mischievous grin, stands to the side, laughter escaping him like the wind.
“She’s a spitfire,” he comments, watching our exchange with amused eyes.
Gray leans in, his mouth hovering dangerously close to mine, “That mouth will get you in trouble,” he warns. “What do you think, Nix? Think she can handle us?”
Us?
As in both of them at the same time?
What the hell kind of freaky romance novel is this?
I take a deep breath as adrenaline courses through me. Something deep inside urges me not to back down. “I can handle anything you throw at me, but it sure as fuck won’t be you,” I reply, emboldened.
“Is that so?” Gray runs his nose along my neck as his warm breath coats my skin.
“Do you even remember my name, Gray?” I huff, still trying to push him away.
He laughs, shakinghis head, “Of course, but right now all you need to know is you’re ours for the night, Rowyn.”
“Yours?!” I scoff, incredulity skating through my voice. “I don’t belong to anyone.”
