CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Kaia
Saturday came too fast. Dad left with Sharon, and Mandy and I were getting ready for Kyle’s party in my room. The thought of telling her about my run-in with Dean knotted my stomach, but keeping quiet would make me the worst friend.
I smoothed the skirt of my short black dress and drew in a breath for courage. “Mandy.”
She swiped mascara over her lashes. “Huh?”
“Did you talk to Dean?”
“Yeah. He texted yesterday. I think we’re really getting somewhere this time. I told him I’ll look for him as soon as we get to Kyle’s.”
My gut sank. After what happened, I knew exactly where this was headed.
“He can look for you too,” I said.
Mandy tossed the mascara into my bag. “It’s no big deal. Guys like having their ego stroked. Well, their ego—and something else.”
She giggled, but my lips stayed flat.
“Know your worth, Mandy. Just because he texts it doesn’t mean he’ll treat you better than the others.”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “You’re such a mood killer. Just be happy for me. I want to date Dean. Try being supportive if our friendship means something to you.”
Telling her about the locker incident was pointless. All I could do was hope Dean wouldn’t hurt her.
“You know it means everything to me,” I said softly. “That’s why I don’t want to see you get hurt. Just… be careful.”
She huffed. “Yes, Mom. You know, you were actually less judgmental when you were busy working. Maybe that job was good for something.”
***
Her jab still stung as I stood in the middle of Kyle’s crowded living room. The air reeked of cologne, sweat, and smoke, thick enough to choke on. At least the music was decent. I swayed to a pop song, sipping water while I waited for Mandy to resurface.
She’d ditched me to hunt down Dean, and though I wished she hadn’t, I bit my tongue. Staying home would’ve been the smarter choice.
“Having fun?” Kyle appeared at my side.
I wasn’t, but none of it was Kyle’s fault. “Yeah. You?”
He scanned the room and sighed. “Cleaning’s gonna suck.”
“I’d say I’ll help, but…”
Kyle burst out laughing. “Yeah, no. I’ll rope the guys in and pray my parents don’t figure it out.”
I drained the last of my drink. “No parents are that na?ve.”
“Another one?” He nodded at my empty bottle. “We’ve got soda. And beer.”
“I’m good, thanks,” I said, scanning the crowd. Mandy was taking forever. Kyle’s house wasn’t that big—how hard could it be to find Dean?
“How about going out with me?”
My head snapped back to Kyle. His grin stretched wide, boyish and sure of himself.
He had a great smile, easy charm, and none of Asher’s maddening restraint.
Lots of girls would kill for his attention.
But butterflies didn’t stir in my stomach when Kyle was near, and I refused to settle. Leading him on would only be cruel.
“I don’t think so, Kyle. I’m sorry.”
“Ouch.” He clutched his chest. “You broke my heart, but it’s fine.” With a wink, he nudged my side. “I’ll live.”
I forced a smile. “Cool. I should, uh, find Mandy.”
“I saw her in the kitchen with Dean. She might still be there.”
I tossed my bottle in the trash and slipped into the hallway. It was quieter here, a relief after the packed living room. I’d barely taken a few steps when someone stepped out of nowhere, blocking my path.
“Demeri,” Dean said, his smirk curling. “Been looking for you. Nice dress.”
His eyes dragged over me, and nausea crawled up my throat.
“I need to go.” I tried to sidestep him.
Dean’s hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me in. “No, you don’t.”
The hallway was empty now. Shit.
Panic locked me in place. By the time I snapped out of it, Dean had shoved open a door and pushed me inside. The tang of detergent clung to the damp air, walls closing in.
Nobody knew I was here. Would anyone hear me if I screamed?
Cold dread prickled down my spine.
He pressed me against the washer, wedging his leg between mine to trap me.
“See?” he breathed against my ear. “You’re just like the others. Playing hard to get.”
“Let me go.” I shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. My pulse thundered; each ragged breath scraped my throat. I needed to act—fast.
Dean smirked, cupping my cheek. “Feisty. I like it. You want me to kiss you. Stop pretending.”
Tears of frustration burned my eyes. Over my dead body would this asshole steal my first kiss. I never should’ve come.
I sucked in a breath, twisted, and drove my knee up with everything I had.
He gasped, doubling over, both hands between his legs. “You bitch!”
Shaking, I braced my palms on the washer to steady myself. “Stay away from me, asshole.”
I yanked the door open, but he lunged, grabbing my waist hard enough to bruise. His sour breath—beer and smoke—washed over me as he snarled, “Not so fast. You’ll pay for that, Demeri.”
His fingers clamped around my chin.
“Oh my God!” Mandy’s shriek split the air.
Her wide eyes bounced between us.
Seizing the moment, I shoved Dean back. “Mandy,” I choked out, forcing my breath steady. “He—”
“Some friend you’ve got.” Dean cut in, eyes flicking to Mandy, whose face had gone pale against the white wall. “She dragged me in here. Begged me to kiss her.”
My stomach turned. “That isn’t—”
“How could you?” Mandy’s glare sliced through me as her fists clenched. “You’re supposed to be my best friend!”
Dean smirked, smug and satisfied, then slunk off. Of course. A coward like him would start shit and leave me to deal with the wreckage.
I stared at Mandy, disbelief hollowing me out. He cornered me like a predator—and she blamed me? After twelve years of friendship?
“How could I?” I stepped toward her. “He cornered me, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“That’s why you didn’t want me to date him.” Mandy crossed her arms, sniffling. “You wanted him for yourself. I’m such an idiot. Why did I trust you?”
“Are you serious right now?” My voice climbed. “Why would I ask him to kiss me when I can’t stand him? I want nothing to do with that creep, and you should stay away from him, too. He’s disgusting.”
Mandy swiped her nose with the back of her hand. “He’s disgusting because he turned you down? Forget it. Ask someone else for a ride. I’m done.”
Done? Just like that? So much for friendship.
She spun away, ready to leave.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” I called after her. “You’d really believe him over me?”
“We aren’t friends anymore.”
Her words cracked like a whip before she stormed off, leaving me alone in the hallway. I sagged against the wall, trying to breathe through the ache. Mandy and I had our fights, but I never thought she’d take some asshole’s side so easily.
I couldn’t stay here. Not in the same house as Dean.
Back in the living room, my short black dress rode up with every step, drawing a few stares. I ignored them, scanning for Mandy, but she was gone. Kyle lounged on the couch.
I drew a steadying breath and walked over.
“What’s up?” he asked, brow furrowing. “You okay?”
“Just wanted to tell you I’m leaving.”
“Oh.” His brows knit tighter. “Want me to find you a ride? Dean, or—”
Dean? I’d rather face a pit of alligators. “No, thanks. A friend’s picking me up.”
At this point, I didn’t trust anyone here. Most were drunk, and some were high.
I waved goodbye and slipped out. Cold night air hit my face, loosening the knot in my chest. I leaned against the side of the house, staring up at the sky.
I needed a cab, but the thought of a stranger driving me home made my stomach churn. There was only one person I could call.
What happened between Asher and me still haunted my nights, but I couldn’t blame him. It wasn’t his fault. The more I read about his dad, the more I understood the weight on his shoulders—pressure to be just as good, to prove himself.
After a moment’s hesitation, I dug my phone from my purse and dialed.
He answered after two rings. “Peque?”
Music thumped faintly in the background. My gut twisted. He must’ve been out. With another girl, maybe—like that time at the club.
“Kaia?” His voice sharpened with worry. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I shouldn’t have called. It’s just… I’m at a party and nobody can take me home. But don’t worry, I can call a ride.”
“Text me the location,” Ash said, firm. “I’ll be there.”
Relief loosened my throat. “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, a sleek black Lexus pulled up to the curb. The passenger door opened, and Ash strode toward me.
I got momentarily distracted by how good he looked—black blazer, dark jeans, cologne that made my stomach clench as he drew closer.
“Hi,” he said.
I fought my nerves. “Hi. Thanks for coming.”
Ash gave me a lopsided smile. “Thanks for calling. Come on.”
His hand brushed the small of my back as he guided me to the car. I slid into the backseat while he took the passenger side.
He murmured something in Spanish too low for me to catch. The driver nodded, then looked over his shoulder.
“I’m Alejandro. Asher’s agent. And friend—sort of.”
His warm tone and friendly smile eased me. “Kaia,” I said, studying him. Gray suit, crisp shirt, styled hair, expensive watch—every bit the businessman.
“Where to?” he asked.
Asher glanced at me. “Where to, peque? Home?”
“Peque.” Alejandro chuckled. “?Qué bonito es el amor!”
How wonderful love is? What the hell? His grin suggested he was teasing.
Asher groaned. “Ella te entiende, tío.” She understands you, dude.
I understood him, all right. “No pasa nada,” I said. It’s okay. “And yeah, home.”
Alejandro gave me a curious look before starting the car.
On the drive, he asked about my Spanish, distracting me from the gnawing ache of Mandy.
Our friendship wasn’t just over because she said so—it was over because she took Dean’s side.
After years of sarcastic digs, selfishness, and indifference, this was the last straw. The trust was broken.
Half an hour later, Alejandro parked in our driveway.
“Hasta manana,” he said. “Encantado de conocerte, Kaia.” Nice to have met you, Kaia.
I smiled. “Yo también.” You too.
We stepped out, and Alejandro drove away.