Page 61 of Ruthless Rose

“Me? I’ve done nothing.” She sneers at him. “Double D is the one who seems to have forgotten her place. Fucking Thorn. She must have some magical pussy with the way she’s got you chasing her.” Her gaze rakes over my body, like she’s revolted by my mere presence.

All of a sudden, I feel very exposed and begin to shiver. Quietly, I demand, “Micah, let me down.”

He pats my leg, looking up and back at me. “You’re not going anywhere, Daph. If anyone is leaving Alora is, and she knows it.” He draws in a deep breath, his attention focused on Alora. “Do you really want to do this publicly? In front of this whole crowd?” He waves his hand in a circular motion, gesturing towards everyone around the pool.

Micah is right. As I look, I realize pretty much the entire party is out here now, gathered to watch the spectacle.

My eyes track to the side of the pool, following Xander as he wraps Scarlett in a towel. She sits on the edge, concern written all over her face. Max appears and squats down behind her. She whispers in his ear, no doubt relaying what happened before he showed up. My gaze shifts back to Xander, who has grabbed Aria and hauled her over near the patio door where he seems to be arguing with her.

My body shudders. I can imagine what he’s saying, and judging by the way her eyes keep flicking back and forth between me and Alora, I’m guessing Aria isn’t very happy about it.

From the side of the pool, Beau groans out, “Can’t we get through one fucking party without any issues? Alora, come on. Get out of the pool, and I’ll fuck some sense into you. How about that?”

I suck in a breath. No matter how crude that sounded, I know Beau said it for my benefit—a last ditch effort to lure Alora away from what is sure to end in disaster. From the gleam in her eyes, I know she’s about to say something awful.

Hateful.

Hurtful.

And I’m right.

She aims her vicious gaze at me. “Hey, Double D, did you know your nickname has nothing to do with your name?”

Anxiety slithers right down my spine as I brace for whatever is coming.

From the look on her face, I know Micah’s face must be downright menacing. “Fucking hell, Alora. Don’t.”

Greg, who can also see Micah’s expression, wisely shuffles back a few feet.

“It’s about your boobs, Daphne. Or should I say, your lack of them. Really, it’s your entire body. You’re built like a skinny, prepubescent boy.”

Shocked gasps fill the night air, then quiet murmurs flow through the crowd. Shame whips through me until its evidence makes itself clear on my cheeks. They burn hot enough I know they must be flaming red.

“No wonder she wears fucking Star Wars panties!” some guy hollers.

I catch Beau slamming his fist into the guy’s jaw as Micah strides to the side of the pool. His hands reach up, grasping my waist as he plucks me from his shoulders. He delivers me into the waiting hands of Max and Xander. Scarlett is right behind them with a towel. She wraps me up in it, puts an arm around me, and we hustle inside.

The last thing I see when I glance over my shoulder is Micah hauling Alora out of the pool, his face a mask of rage.

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