I go that way, opening it up and finding a long row of coolers to the left, along the patio. They’re all different colors and sizes, a few people digging through them for something to drink. I walk over, smiling to a guy who holds the top open for me. I see a bunch of cans inside, but aren’t really sure what they are, so I grab the first one I can reach.
“Thank you.”
He grins and drops the lid. “No problem.”
He walks off to meet his friends that are a short distance away, standing in a group and smoking. I pop the top on my drink and glance around. As I bring the can to my lips, I freeze when my eyes settle on one man in particular. His back is to me, a black beanie on his head. He has on jeans, boots, and a long sleeved shirt, so I can’t see much, but…
He looks familiar.
He looks like…
He looks like Jaxon. The build, the height, the tattoo on his hand…
My heart pounds, and it’s hard to breathe.
But the surprising thing is… I’m not scared.
I’m excited.
“Hey, you good?” Amelia asks, stopping beside me and startling me. “You’ve been—damnit!” she shouts, when someone bumps into her, causing her to spill some of her drink.
“Oh wow, I’m so sorry, honey,” some guy, who is clearly wasted, says.
“It’s fine,” Amelia grits out.
“I’ll get another one for you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m good.” She forces a smile, widening her eyes.
“You sure? I was getting another for me. I can make one for you too.” He smiles wide, swaying on his feet.
“Maybe you should switch to water,” she says, hooking her arm in mine and pulling us away. When I look back at that guy, he’s staring right at me.
And he certainly isn’t Jaxon.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jaxon
I haven’t been to a party in months, but when I find out my little dove is going, I don’t have a choice. I have to go. I can’t stop myself from changing into all-black, walking out the door, and making my way to the frat house.
I have no idea if I’ll know anyone here. Maybe people from classes, but none of my circle will be here. This isn’t the type of party they go to. All of theirs are the off-campus kind, not this frat bullshit.
But Sailor is here, and any opportunity to be near her, I’m doing it.
When I get inside, I spot her immediately. Her hair makes that easy on a normal day, never mind in a sea of people dressed in black. I have no idea why they’re all wearing similar outfits and why this looks like a watered down Halloween party in February, but I don’t fucking care. Because there she is.
And she’s walking right toward me.
I duck into the first room I see, and her and Amelia walk by, hand in hand, their other hands holding drinks. I go the way theycame to get myself one so I’ll fit in, but I don’t plan on actually drinking. I need to be clearheaded so I can remember this… and so I can control myself and not do something stupid. Like walk up to her—or worse. Kidnap her.
I should be looking for my mother, but I’m at a loss. I have no idea where else to look or who to ask. My father was my last hope. I’ve reached out a few times since going, and he won’t return any of my calls and he’s conveniently out of the office every time I show up.
Vincent hasn’t reached out again, but my time is dwindling with that. He was clear about his expectations, and if I don’t do as he says, my problems are going to be much bigger. But there’s nothing I can do about my mother right now, so I may as well enjoy the night.
The music is loud. The rooms are crowded. It’s no different from any other party I’ve been to, only this one I am enjoying more than the others. I get to stand here and watch my little dove for as long as she stays.
I go for the beer outside in the coolers. Sipping off one won’t mess with my head the way other alcohol may. It’s my safest bet. The kitchen is packed with people making drinks and standing around talking. I make my way through, back to the living room and into one of the side rooms to keep an eye out for Sailor. If I don’t want her to see me, then I need to know where she is at all times. Easier said than done, since there are so many people here. Even with her hair making her noticeable, she’s shorter than most of the guys here, so she’s hidden a lot of the time.
