Page 33 of Purity

But also incredibly domineering.

I lift my chin. “I want to dance more.”

He looks like he’s fighting an eye roll. “You’re drunk.”

“I am drunk, and I want to dance.”

Now he rolls his eyes in earnest. “Alright. Obviously, you’re even drunker than I thought.” His hold on my waist tightens, and I shriek as he lifts me into his arms and cradles me against his chest. He carries me down the sidewalk toward his car. After opening the passenger door, he sets me gently inside.

He crouches down, poking his head into the car. “I’m going inside to get your purse. I won’t be gone more than a minute. Don’t stumble off anywhere, Angel.”

He says it with a smile because he doesn’t think there’s a chance in hell I’d actually leave. I always do as he says. I’ve never had a reason not to.

Do I have a reason now, or do I just feel like I do because I’m drunk?

There’s something strangely exhilarating about the thought of Cole coming out of that bar and finding me gone after he ordered me to stay in here.

As soon as his back disappears inside, I leap from my seat and run down the sidewalk. I throw my head back and lift my arms high in the air. I’m so lightheaded and buoyant, I could drift into the sky like a helium balloon.

Eventually, I slow my pace, because although drunkenness might feel like magic at the moment, it doesn’t seem to have given me magical stamina. While I catch my breath, I realize I’m standing in front of the Tiki bar that Mari had planned on taking me to tonight.

My stomach flips as I walk inside. Here I am at a bar alone after ditching my domineering best friend who acts like a jealous boyfriend but doesn’t want to have sex with me.

I’m standing up for myself.

I glance around the misty bar, unsure of where to go next. I don’t want another drink, and there isn’t a dance floor in here. I’m just about ready to turn around and search for another bar when a guy waves me over to a group of people sitting in the back corner. I don’t hesitate to walk in their direction, and I’m amazed anew at the effectiveness of alcohol in taking away my fear.

Only the faintest pang of regret punctures my boozy haze. Cole is going to be worried when he finds me gone.

How long have I been gone?

As I get closer to the group, the mist clears, and their images grow sharper. Goodness, it’s all guys.

“I know you,” a blond guy says, his gaze roaming my body. “You go to UCSB, right? Where have I seen you before?”

“I’m not sure…” I scan his face. “You don’t look familiar.”

He shrugs. “Oh, well. Why don’t you come over here so we can get to know each other?”

When he pats his thigh, my mouth drops open. Does he really expect me to sit on his lap when I don’t even know him? Distantly, I recognize that the other guys are laughing.

“Why do you have to be so fucking creepy?” one of them says before looking at me. “Don’t do it, beautiful. Come sit next to me instead.”

“There’s no room.” The blond guy smiles at me. “You’ll be way more comfortable on my lap.”

“The fuck she will.” Cole’s booming voice is like a soft blanket, even though I know he’s furious with me.

“Oh shit!” the blond guy says, and all the others start laughing. “I’m so sorry, man. She didn’t say she has a boyfriend.”

Cole ignores him and turns to me. His blazing eyes send a chill down my spine. I’ve never seen him look so angry. “You can either walk out with me now, or I’m carrying you.”

I lower my gaze to the floor. “I’ll go with you.”

“Good choice.” He grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly. My stomach lurches as he pulls me through the bar. His usual athletic grace is gone. His posture is so rigid he looks like he might snap in two.

When we make it outside, he lets go of my hand and turns to me. “What the fuck has gotten into you?”

Oh Jesus, he’s never cursed at me before. He’s never spoken to me with so much contempt. With effort, I raise my chin and hold his stare, though my eyes are starting to prickle.

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