A few minutes later, Meela returns with our drinks, and soon we’re moving to the beat of the music. Well, Leah does the best she can. I haven’t had this much fun in forever.
Before long, I’m on my third drink. I want to get so drunk that I forget the shitstorm my life has become, however temporary.
During the day, I pretend to be okay. I’m just a regular teenage girl with regular teenage girl problems. My father isn’t a fugitive from the law, and my mother isn’t a selfish bitch. My biggest worries are college applications, senior dues, and deciding what I’m going to wear to prom.
Then the sun sets and darkness falls; that’s when the golden-haired devil comes knocking on my door. He brings hellfire and brimstone.And pain. Yes, the pain he inflicts on my body is merciless.
The worst part is when his touches turn gentle. My body yields to him, becoming his playground to do with as he pleases, and I hate myself for it. Coming for the devil shouldn’t feel so fucking good.
“Oh great, the skank squad is here,” Meela spits, her mouth pulling into a grimace. “Look behind you.”
I glance back and sure enough, my cousin and her posse are on the other side of the barn, surrounded by boys vying for their attention. I figured I’d see her here tonight. “Remember what I said.”
“I know, I know,” Meela grouses. “I’ll play nice as long as they don’t start no shit and stay way over there.”
I shake my head. My aunt and Deja are colder toward me than ever. I try to avoid them at all costs, but sometimes it’s impossible.I’ve learned to bite my tongue, but unfortunately, my mother has not. Too many times, Keith and I have had to mediate arguments. My grandmother makes the living arrangement tolerable, though. I spend as much time as I can with her.
“Damn, girl!” I turn toward the rowdy voice and find the owner grinding against Meela’s round bottom. I recognize the boy from school. “Your ass gets phatter by the day.”
She whirls around and smacks him upside his head. “Keep your scrawny dick away from my booty.”
“Don’t be like that,” he coos, his gaze glued to her breasts. “You know I been crushing on you since fourth grade. Give a brother a chance with your mean self.”
“Wasn’t interested then, and I’m not interested now. Now move along, little boy,” she demands, shooing him away. “You’re killing my vibe.”
“Wanna get lit?” He pulls a Ziploc bag filled with weed from his jacket pocket. “This that good shit too.”
Meela taps her chin in contemplation. “It has been a minute since I’ve gotten high.”
“Then come on,” he cajoles, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “You know you want to.”
“Okay, let’s go.” She elbows him in the stomach, then latches onto his shirt, yanking him down to her eye level. “But you better keep your grubby little hands to yourself.”
“Damn, girl, you got it.” He grins, raising his hands in surrender. “You ain’t got to be so violent.”
“Y’all coming?” Meela asks us.
“Not me,” I answer her. “I want to keep dancing.”
“And I need to rest my feet,” Leah says.
“I’ll be right back.” Meela walks out of the barn, with our horny classmate tailing her, and Leah finds a bale of hay to perch on.
I continue dancing, swaying side to side as I sing the lyrics in my mind. The music flows over my sweat-slick body like a warm breeze, and soon the alcohol begins working its magic, numbingme to harsh realities. This is the freest I’ve felt in months. It’s all an illusion, but it’ll have to do. Sandman may not come to the party, but he’ll be waiting for me at home. He’s always around, never giving me a moment’s peace.
I push him from my thoughts and glance over at Leah. I smile, seeing a cute boy talking in her ear. She laughs, and on cue, he scoots closer to her, placing a hand on her thigh. I roll my eyes at the blatant move. It’s the oldest trick in the horny teenage boy playbook.
Snake appears out of thin air and kicks the boy in the chest, sending him crashing to the dirt floor. I drop my cup, watching in horror as he yanks my screaming friend up by her ponytail. He slams her into the wall and pins her wrists high above her head.
I search the crowd for Sandman.Where is he?Maybe the dark prince is solo tonight. Leah’s would-be suitor springs to his feet and bounds in their direction, but stops in his tracks. I assume he notices the insignia on the back of Snake’s cut. He immediately changes course and hightails it out of here. He knows who the Gods are, and he knows not to fuck with one.
I remain rooted to the spot, unsure what to do. Leah made it clear not to interfere when it comes to Snake.Meela will know what to do.
A steel arm bands around my waist before I can take a step. “Mind your fucking business.”
The devil has arrived.Fear stalls my breath as I helplessly watch Snake drag Leah from the barn. I send up a silent prayer because only divine intervention can save us now. Sandman sweeps my passion twists over my shoulder and places a soft kiss just below my ear.
“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he growls, sliding his free hand between my legs. “The same three thoughts cycle in my mind twenty-four-seven. Do you want to know what those thoughts are?”
