Chapter 17 #2
Aero watches her, his face pulled tight in confusion before glancing again at me.
His eyes don’t hold any warmth, but there isn’t the usual frostiness either.
No, this time he looks like he’s unsure.
It makes me wonder how much of the conversation he actually heard, and if he witnessed their little doll drop her act.
For a second Aero looks like he’s going to comment, but then he shakes his head and wraps an arm around her shoulder with a smile. “Let’s go, Lil.”
They leave, and once again, I’m alone, my insides rioting and feeling more confused than ever.
Everyone claims that Lily is scared of me; yet, she just had no problem threatening me.
The need for air tightens my throat. I set down my cup and make my way toward the back, trying to find the nearest door that leads outside.
My fingers fumble with the latch and every second longer it takes, my skin starts to grow clammy.
An itch crawls over me, and my arms shake.
Finally, I get it open, and on unsteady legs, I make my way outside.
A roaring bonfire is just a few feet away, and more groups of people congregate around it, talking, laughing, with some couples making out on lawn chairs.
I rush past them, disappearing into the tree line.
My fingers scrape against the bark of the tree that my body collapses against. Blood rushes in my ears, my mind spins and twists, clawing for a distant image, a fleeting feeling or memory that is out of my grasp.
My chest heaves, and I feel like I might get sick.
Right as my legs sink to the ground, it stops.
The world comes back into focus, and air returns to my lungs.
Sweat beads on my hairline and on my neck.
Quickly, I wipe it away and stand, thankful that I talked Baylee out of the high heels she had picked out for me.
My black Docs are sturdy, and there’s less chance of me twisting my ankle while I hike my way back to the party. I need to go home.
Walking across the yard, I avoid as many people as I can, keeping as close to the side of the house as possible. I don’t make it far before a firm grip lands on my hip, the other on my shoulder. My body shudders in his hold, basking in the warmth of his skin against my body.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he clips out, his breath hitting my neck and making my magic vibrate in my veins. My eyes slam closed.
“I was invited.”
Madden moves my body with his larger, taller frame, until we’re no longer visible to the party in the back. “Who invited you? Are you fucking him?”
My eyes roll and I turn in his hold to face him.
Biggest mistake of the night. My chest grazes his and I feel the intake of his breath.
He’s dressed completely in black: jeans, hooded sweatshirt, and a jacket.
His black hair lies messy on his head and those haunting silver eyes gleam in the night.
Madden looks exactly like the reaper he is.
“I don’t know who it was; they sent the text to my roommate. And even if I chose to fuck a guy here that would be none of your business,” I remind him.
“Tell me now, and maybe I’ll let him live.” He tips his head slightly, the scruff on his jaw scraping against my neck as he leans in closer.
“I have nothing to tell you.” My head tilts farther to the side, avoiding his touch and shoving down the heat that swarms my insides with him this close.
Madden shifts until we’re standing toe to toe, and my upper body is forced to bend, my shoulders leaning against the side of the house now. “Was it Killian?”
My jaw clenches closed, and I keep my head turned, refusing to look at him. His grip on my hip tightens, and his other hand reaches up, grasping my chin and forcing my gaze to his. “I heard he talked to you. So was it him? Don’t fucking lie to me.”
“Baylee was invited and she brought me. I don’t know anyone here and I didn’t know Killian was going to be here either. He just showed up.”
Madden’s eyes darken and he runs his stare over my face and down my body. “What did he say?”
“Why do you care?” I counter. My hands come up to his chest, pushing him back while I try to move out of his hold. He pushes against me in response. “He didn’t say anything. He just messes with me,” I huff out.
My body stops fighting when Madden runs his hand down my side, his fingers lightly grazing the exposed skin on my rib cage.
“Stay away from him, Skully. And to answer your question, I don’t care.
But you are mine. It’s my job to make sure you don’t fuck up again and so far you’re shit at listening. ”
“I am not yours,” I grit out, my lips pulling together in a sneer.
Madden chuckles, dark, and dangerous. “You’re mine if I say you are. You’re nobody when I say you are. Just like everyone else, you’re under my rule.”
I’m fuming so hard I can feel the blush on my cheeks and hear the blood rushing in my ears.
My reaction only gives him more power because the corner of his mouth lifts slowly in a devastating smirk.
Right then Aero saunters over, whispering quietly in Madden’s ear.
His mask slips back into place, and he gives him a nod.
Aero spares a glance at me before turning to leave.
“If I find out you lied to me about anything tonight, I’ll make your first few months here seem like a breeze. Stay away from Killian.”
Scoffing, I fold my arms over my chest. He really doesn’t get it. “I’ll try my best, Madd.”
He’s just about to turn away when the short version of his name leaves my lips.
His head swivels back around, and his eyes narrow.
They’re gleaming with something I can’t name, and his jaw is clenched so hard the muscle in his cheek bunches.
His hand reaches out, fingers grasping my neck.
“I have eyes on you, Skully. Remember that.”
With one last, long look, his arm drops, and he backs away from me.
I watch as he returns to the crowded area, light from the flames dancing across his silhouette before he’s swallowed up by the crowd.
My chest heaves in small pants, and my skin tingles everywhere his hands touched.
My throat still feels the phantom grips of his fingers, which only creates knots of heat and nerves in my stomach.
I resist the urge to follow him, and instead, I turn and head back toward the front of the house.
With a single text to Baylee letting her know I’m all right, I walk across campus.
I need to wash this night off me. And I hate the voice in my head whispering that it wants to keep Madden’s scent surrounding me.