“God, you’re such a buzzkill, Poppy. Why can’t you be more outgoing like your sister?” He flashes a smile toward Pippa, who’s dancing with Daniel intimately, but has her eyes trained on Eddie.
He doesn’t seem to notice her.
Eddie’s gaze is focused only on Amber, moving in closer, his hands firmly planted on her waist. When they kiss, I see it in my sister’s eyes, the jealousy building. The hurt and betrayal she must feel.
It’s her fault she’s feeling this way. She never opened up to Eddie about how much she liked him, and when Amber asked if she was into Eddie, Pippa said they were just friends. Now she’s paying the price.
“I’m sorry, Tony. I’m just tired.”
He scoffs. “Well, if you won’t slow dance with me, I’ll find someone who will.” He immediately turns toward Zoe and pulls her into his arms, both of them not giving two shits that I’m supposed to be his date as she hooks a leg over his and starts dry-humping him in front of everyone.
It’s gross and embarrassing.
But without Tony, I’ve lost my shield.
The second I move to a safe place across the room, I’m no longer alone; his dark presence all consuming.
“Fuck, Poppy, you look so damn beautiful tonight,” Wesley whispers, the husk of his voice sending goosebumps along my forearms. But the second his fingers lightly dance across my arms, I freeze, no longer able to hold my tongue.
“I see Cinderella forgot his ankle bracelet today. Did your Fairy Parole Officer give you until midnight before you change back into your pumpkin jumpsuit?”
He laughs. It’s a hearty laugh that echoes throughout the room, grabbing the attention of others around us.
“That was a good one,” he compliments, smiling to the point of devastation. “By the way, that dress should be illegal.”
Not sure why it hits me differently this time. Like his compliment means more than it should. But I smile, the corners of my mouth slightly twitching.
“Funny coming from someone who actually breaks the law.”
My gaze tracks every step until we’re facing each other. He may be short, but he towers over me by at least two feet, the golden light bathing him like he’s some kind of Adonis.
“I’m rehabilitated.”
“Since when?”
“Since I walked into this room and saw you standing there next to your pathetic excuse for a prom date.”
“He’s not pathetic,” I challenge, though he really is.
“He’s practically fucking Zoe on the dance floor, Poppy. That’s not a date. That’s a herpes case waiting to happen.” He pauses, eyes perusing parts of me that make me feel incredibly exposed. “Do you even know what he’s saying around school?”
Shaking my head, I take a step back, hating how his heated breath makes the cells in my body tingle like magic.
“He’s saying he’s going to fuck you tonight.”
Mock laughter spills from my lips. “And?”
“And it’s wrong, Poppy. That douchebag doesn’t deserve something so precious.” He slides a hand down my side, stopping just at my hip before it’s viciously smacked away.
“Hands.”
He grins, showing off a flawless smile. “Where do you want them?”
“Anywhere but on me.”
For a second his smile twitches downward before he regains that familiar composure.
“Dance with me.”
