Sebastian smirks, nodding to confirm that the challenge has been accepted, then answers without hesitation, “That’s exactly right. Our little spitfire was alone, so naturally, I had to keep a close eye on her and then do a quick inspection, ensuring no harm had come to her.”
I blush at the mention of the way heinspected me.
“Let’s give them some space,” Shay announces, pulling Brendan away.
I shout, “Enjoy ringing in the new year, Bitch,” and Shay flips me off before disappearing back down the hall we just came from.
Once Shay’s form vanishes in the crowd, I step out of Wyatt’s grasp and turn, “Let’s go dance,” I command, rushing to the dance floor, not waiting to see if they’ll follow, knowing they will.
I’m lost in the music, my hips swaying to the beat as I dance with Owen when the DJ announces there are five minutes left until midnight. Lev grabs my hand, pulling me off the dance floor and up the stairs to the private seating area we were in earlier.
“Why’d we leave the dance floor?” I probe, grabbing a bottle of water and taking a sip before putting it back on the table.
They all close in just as the countdown begins, and the crowd starts to count.
“Ten,” they yell as Wes steps in, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
“I’ll do better,” he whispers.
“Eight!” Sebastian’s lips brush my ear, “I will do my best with you.” His words sound unsure.
“Four,” the room roars, and Lev steps up, bending swiftly to kiss my forehead.
“Thank you for forgiving me.” Then he’s pushed out of the way.
“Two!” Owen grips my hand, pressing it to the spot where I carved the “A” before bringing my hands to his lips and kissing the tips. No words need to be exchanged.
As the clock strikes midnight, I’m whirled around into Wyatt’s chest, his hands gripping my throat as his lips crash against mine. The cheers of people ringing in the new year are distant background noise as Wyatt kisses me breathless.
When our lips finally separate, he leans in, whispering in my ear, “To the first of many New Year’s together.”
50
LEV
Ican’t believe it’s been three weeks since the New Year’s Eve party. We’ve all fallen into a somewhat comfortable routine.
When we’re not following leads on Madeline and Elise, we spend most of our time with Ariah. The only exception is when we’re being forced on the required dates for the Selection. As is the case for me now. So, while Owen, Wes, and Wyatt are all watching movies at O’s house, I’m forced to suffer through a mind-numbing dinner.
The girl sitting across from me makes me want to pluck my eyes out. Meagan has to be one of the school’s most superficial, stuck-up girls. Second only to Samantha.
“Can you believe he took me to a fucking butcher shop? Like, why would he think I’d want to touch pigs? Especially when I just got my nails done.”
This bitch is vapid.
I’m tempted to reach across the table and push her face into the heap of grass she calls a meal.
“Lev. Lev, are you listening to me?”
I roll my eyes, “Unfortunately, I’m stuck, and I have to listen to you babble about your terrible existence from your ivory tower.”
Meagan flares her nostrils, her lips pursing. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean,Levi,” she snaps.
My nails dig into the muscle of my thighs, trying to remind myself that I can’t reach across the table and twist her neck.
I lean over the table, keeping my voice low so only she can hear, “First, don’t ever call me Levi. As a matter of fact, don’t call me anything— don’t fucking talk to me. I’ve listened to your drivel far longer than anyone should have to. Just shut the fuck up and eat your rabbit food so we can end this fucked up charade.”
Fury fills her eyes, her mouth curls into a scowl, and indignation is written across her pixie features. “How fucking dare you. You and those fucking idiots don’t know what’s coming for you. She’s going to destroy you all,” she screams, dissolving the semblance of decorum, slamming her hands on the table.
