Tonight is another beach party. Daisy said I have to get myself out of the house. I know she’s trying to help, but I’d rather curl up in a ball and watch movies alone. It’s safe to say I’ve been feeling a little fragile since the run-in with Ben’s friends.
I’m just glad Tom, Julian, and the rest of them are never invited because they’ve always been bullies since school, and no one wants them around. If they showed up, they’d soon be ushered out.
And despite my protests, we’re here. On the beach. At the party.
The last thing I need is a drop of alcohol in my current emotional state. Those two don’t mix well, and I’ll end up a bawling mess if I’m not careful.
Isaac greets me with a hug and I sit with him, Daisy, and a few of our old school friends. I only speak when someone asks me a direct question, my eyes lingering on the roaring fire in front of us.
“Hey.” Isaac nudges my knee with his when Daisy takes over the conversation. I turn towards him and look into his warm, friendly eyes. “Everything okay? You seem a little quiet.”
I hum in response and flash another fake smile I’ve perfected. “Yeah. Just tired.”
He doesn’t take his eyes off me, analysing my expression. “Sure?”
“Sure.”
“Okay.”
I glance down at my almost empty cup of lemonade and stand from my seat. “I’m gonna grab a drink.”
To get myself out of this conversation before it escalates, and I don’t want to talk about my feelings at a party.
The sand rocks against my trainers, and I wrap my cardigan close to my chest. I lean forward for a can of Sprite and pour it into my plastic cup to pretend I’m drinking at least.
A familiar presence approaches at my side, and I don’t have to look to know it’s JJ. I can tell from the way the hairs on my arms begin to stand and my breathing changes. Whatever he possesses in his aura, it’s incredibly dangerous.
He reaches for a bottle beside me and pours himself a drink. My eyes don’t move from the table. I lower the empty Sprite can and turn away slowly. Maybe he didn’t see me here, maybe he did?—
“Hey.” His deep voice makes my heart skip a beat.
I stop. I don’t move. His voice practically hypnotises me and I wish—I fucking wish—it didn’t.
“What’s up?” I say as nonchalantly as possible.
JJ’s brows crease and he studies my face. He can read straight through my fake expression.
“Are you okay?”
I hum and nod. “Yep. All good. Perfect.”
“You don’t have to lie to me, princess.”
My heart quivers.
“It’s easier than telling the truth.”
He seems taken aback but recovers. “I haven’t seen you for a few days.”
“Yeah.” I raise my cup to my lips. “Been busy.”
“In your bedroom?”
“Yep. There are a lot of things you can do alone in your bedroom.”
JJ’s eyes narrow slightly, his lip curving.Oh shit.My eyes spring wide.
“I-I don’t mean like that.” I shake my head. Thank goodness the sun is already setting because I can feel my face heat up like a furnace. JJ’s lips are now forming a smug smirk that makes me want to rip my hair out. “I don’t mean I was being intimate… with myself.” I pause and close my eyes painfully. “God, I don’t even know what I’m saying. I’m gonna go now.”
