The joys of being a girl. You want to look hot, but sometimes, you have to be in pain. I guess it’s worth it if you get to share your pain with someone else.
“Do you want to go—” She stops mid-sentence, her hazy eyes going round at whoever is standing behind me. A lazy grin spreads across her face when her eyes bounce back to mine.
My brow furrows, but I don’t get to turn before the guy behind me leans in and says, “You won’t step on me, will you?”
I would recognize that accent anywhere. My brain has already thought of what to say, but my mouth works faster, thanks to the alcohol. “I don’t know. Are you going to touch me without my permission?”
“No, of course not. I know better,” he haughtily supplies. “I have manners and all.”
I scoff a laugh at his pompous voice. “So use them.”
I hear him chuckle. “You’re going to dance with me.”
“That sounded more like a demand than a question. No.” I grab Jenny’s hand, pulling her through the crowd until we find a good spot to dance in.
“That was Sylas. He just asked you to dance with him! Why the hell did you say no?” she asks, a sluggish laugh tumbling out of her mouth.
“Because he’s a client and the last person I want to dance with.” Freshman Anna would have caved at a guy’s attention. Junior Anna knows better.
“He’s behind you.” She flashes him a lopsided smile before drawing her attention back to me. “I’m going to get a drink. Have fun.”
“Jenny!” I gape at her as she walks away. “This wasn’t the plan! We need to stick togeth…” My words get drowned out by the music and those singing. I raise my hands at her retreating figure. “What the?—”
“I’m ready to try again.”
I spin on my heel, staring unimpressed at Sylas. He stands in front me, wearing an amused smirk.
“No thanks,” I clip, irritated with myself than him.
It’s hard not to gawk at him. He’s insanely attractive, with a square stubbled jaw, dimples on each cheek, and messy dark hair that looks like he’s run his fingers through. Then there’s that stupid British accent. It’s hot. Despite my brief analysis, I will not cave.
He drags his teeth along his bottom lip and chuckles, releasing it. “Just one dance.”
Of course, he probably assumes he’s going to get what he wants. They always do.
I smile at him, bright and big, and his own widens in response. “No. Fuck?—”
As I’m about to turn him down, I spot Jenny dancing with a guy. She looks like she’s having a good time and must sense me looking because our eyes collide and she smiles wickedly. If that isn’t enough reassurance, she spins, snaking her arms around his shoulders, and makes out with him.
I should say no. Should walk away. I don’t even know him, but it’ll be one dance. “Ask me again and make it sound desperate.”
He laughs, throwing his head back before he sobers. “Will you please do me the honor of dancing with me? I really,reallywant to dance with you and no one else. Pretty please, dance with me. Please Anna.”
I pretend to be frustrated and sigh deeply. “I guess if you insist.”
Sylas takes my hand in his and turns me around, pressing my back to his firm chest. “You’re such a brat,” he husks in my ear, splaying his hands on my hips. He squeezes them hard until my ass brushes against him.
“And you’re desperate and easy,” I counter nonchalantly.
“Fuck yeah, I am,” he rasps.
And I’m fucked because that shouldn’t have sounded as hot as it did.
One dance, then Jenny and I are leaving to grab takeout.
It’ll only be one dance.
5
