Page 110 of Giving In

“It really isn’t, I’d suggest you stop this asap.”

“Youstop this asap.”

“I will. As soon as you accept going to the ball with me.”

I completely forgot it was the twins’ birthday tomorrow. How could I? The after party at Luke’s is probably the biggest event of the year. I freeze when his hand goes up, now grabbing at my bra.

“Stop. Please stop,” I plead looking around to check if anyone can see.

“Will you be my date?”

“I’m going with Cole,” I lie. He doesn’t have to know I’m not going with him anymore.

“Aah, see I don’t think you are. Especially since I nicely asked him not to take you.”

My heart drops in my stomach at his statement. “Did you do this to him?” I say, glancing to the side of the room where Cole is sitting.

“I have my ways of getting what I want,” he says as he hooks his fingers under the band of my bra.

“Don’t–”

“Please be my date, Angel. Nothing would make me happier.”

His voice is a soft whisper right now but his fingers about to undo my bra contradict it.

“If I accept, it’s only to go to the ball. Nothing else.”

“Of course. I know that. So, is that a yes?”

I feel his thumb about to snap the hook open. What he doesn’t understand is I’m dying to say yes either way. His way of doing it only slightly helps with the guilt toward Nathan. This whole game, it went from hating him to...I can’t put a name on it. I just know that, at this point, it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t leave me a choice than to admit I want to give into him.

I’m just that kind of horrible person.

“Yes. Fine,” I comply.

He retreats his hand and a shiver runs down my spine at the withdrawal because my body is already missing its favorite drug.

“You won’t regret it. Wear a white dress,” he says before focusing back on his notes.

When I get home, my mood has lightened up. I might be forced to go to the ball with Jake, but Emily spent the afternoon with me, and it felt just like before.

It brought me so much joy to catch up with her about Nathan and her about Luke that I’m pumped for the ball again. I told her everything that happened with Nathan for the past two months and she was so happy for me. It reminded me that while she’s part of the cool kids, while she hangs out with the mean cheerleaders and does debutante balls, while she is truly part of Stoneview finest since childhood, her heart is made of gold.

Although she is my best friend, I couldn’t get myself to tell her what happened with Jake. The embarrassment of it all is too much that I can’t get myself to tellanyoneabout it. And I know he did it on purpose, he made it so bad that I wouldn’t even dare ask anyone for help.

As I’m pushing my key in my front door, I see a package in front of my door. It’s a big, black, velvet box with a golden ribbon and I recognize the package straight away.

It comes from His&Hers, the most expensive shop in Stoneview and that’s not to be taken lightly. Stoneview might be a small town but the most luxurious brands have made sure to have a shop here. When you know the average salary of people living here, it’s not surprising. His&Hers is exclusive to the top of the top. It’s the kind of shop that offers champagne and strawberries, takes your black Amex on arrival, and doesn’t even look at you if you can’t provide one.

I pick up the package and enter the house already knowing who sent it.

I open the package as soon as I’ve put my other stuff down and read the card inside.

Enjoy the ball, Beautiful.

N.

I take the dress out and it unfolds as I hold it up, my eyes widening at the beauty in front of me. It’s a long silk white gown and, as I lean closer, I notice it is threaded with thin gold filaments. It’s a backless dress with long sleeves.

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