I feel Ramsey stiffen beside me. The temperature between us drops about twenty degrees.
"Thanks, babe," I say with what I hope looks like a genuine smile. Over Justin's shoulder, I catch Ramsey's eyes, trying to telegraph an apology. I don't even know why I feel the need to apologize. For Justin being Justin?
Justin's hand slides lower on my hip, fingers digging in possessively. "Come on, I got us reservations at that new place downtown. We should celebrate."
As Justin drags me through the crowd, I glance back at Ramsey. His face is unreadable, jaw tight, eyes darkened to midnight. The bouquet of wildflowers dangles from my hand, already getting crushed in Justin's rush to get me out of there.
The night air hits my sweaty skin and I feel a little gross. I'm still in my dance clothes—leggings and an oversized hoodie thrown over my performance outfit. Justin's car is parked illegally at the curb, and he practically shoves me toward the passenger side.
"Jesus, what's your rush?" I snap, clutching my flowers closer to my chest.
"Just get in," he says, already sliding into the driver's seat.
I buckle up as he peels away from the curb, tires screeching. Something's off. His knuckles are white on the steering wheel, jaw working like he's grinding his teeth to dust.
"So, where are we?—"
"You looked real cozy with Ramsey back there," he cuts me off.
Here we fucking go. "He's my friend, Justin. He's always at my performances. I thought you were going to stop this shit."
"Yeah, I bet he is." Justin's hand leaves the wheel, landing on my thigh. "He likes watching you move, doesn't he?"
I shift away, but his fingers dig in harder. "Can you focus on driving?"
His hand slides higher, fingers creeping toward the junction of my thighs. "Come on, baby."
He slams on the brakes, pulling over onto a dark side street.
"I know you've been holding out because it's what I wanted, but I’m done with wanting that. I see how you dance. How you move. No girl moves like that without knowing exactly what she's doing to guys watching."
"That's my art, you piece of shit." I'm shaking now, with anger more than fear. "It has nothing to do with sex."
"Bullshit!" His fist hits the dashboard. "You're such a fucking tease. Prancing around in those tight little outfits, letting everyone look but not touch."
When he lunges across the console, grabbing my face and trying to kiss me, I shove him back so hard his head hits the window.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" I scream.
"You frigid bitch!" His spit lands on my cheek as he screams. "I watched you grinding all over that stage tonight, practically fucking the air, and you expect me to believe you're not desperate for it?"
His hand grabs my thigh again, squeezing hard enough to bruise. I slap it away, my palm stinging from the contact.
"Get off me!" I push against his chest with both hands, sending him back against his seat.
"You know what? I've seen how you look at him. How long have you been spreading your legs for that psycho? Huh?" He grabs my wrist, twisting until I cry out. "Does he fuck you right after your little dance shows? Is that why you're always too tired to hang out after?"
"You're insane! Let go of me!" I wrench my arm away, tears springing to my eyes from the pain.
"I bet you love it when he bends you over. Bet you beg for his cock like the desperate slut you are." His words are venom, each one designed to hurt, to humiliate. "Is that what gets you wet? His money? His family name?"
"Fuck you!" I spit back, grabbing for the door handle.
He lunges across the console again, grabbing a fistful of my hair and yanking my head back. "You think you're too good for me now? After I picked your pathetic ass up when you had no friends?"
I scratch at his arm, my nails drawing blood. He yelps and releases me, then slaps me hard across the face. The shock of it freezes me for a second, my cheek burning.
"Get the fuck out of my car," he snarls, his face twisted with hate. "Go run to your precious Blackwoods. You're nothing but their whore anyway, just like your sister. The whole fucking campus knows the St. Pierre sisters are just Blackwood cum dumpsters."
