Cody grips my wrist, forging a path through the crowd of onlookers. No one in sight is dancing anymore. Everyone stopped to watch twenty men throwing fists.
I double over as soon as we’re outside, pumping crisp evening air into my lungs.
“You gonna puke? Fuck, your bag’s upstairs.”
“I’m okay,” I mutter, leaning against the wall. “Please don’t tell Nico about the prize. Please, promise you—”
“No way! Don’t ask me to keep that a secret.” He steps back, tearing his hair out of his head. “Why didn’t you tell us?! How long has this been going on?!”
“Since the Spring Break party,” I mutter, staring at the ground beneath my feet. I should’ve stayed home... nothing would’ve happened if I’d just stayed home tonight.
Argh, who am I kidding?
The triplets would’ve found out soon enough, and I’d be right where I am now—about to lose the man I love.
Once Nico realizes that on top of all my flaws, I bring a heap of trouble and drama, he’ll question our relationship.
He’ll move on.
I might excite him now, but long term, not much speaks in my favor.In this day of feminism, strong personalities, and confident women who know what they want and how to get it, I’m a freak. An anomaly. Someone to pick on and laugh at.
I’m cautious, weak, and shy. I’m afraid of the dark and nervous around strangers. I’m awkward, insecure, and inexperienced.
Nico deserves a woman who’ll own every room she walks into. Let me in that room, and the only thing I’ll own is the best corner to hide in. He deserves someone who’ll be his equal and challenge him every step of the way.
A woman who’ll make his life exciting buteasier. He’s got a lot going on without me adding stupid college drama to the mix.
“Who told you?” I ask, disappointment clutching my heart.
Even if Nico doesn’t point blank cut me loose the moment he finds out, our relationship will expire soon enough.
“Grayson,” Cody snaps. “But it should’ve beenyou! Jesus, Mia!” He grips my shoulders, pulling me into his arms. “You have any idea what could’ve happened, Bug? You should’ve told us. You should’ve told Nico.”
I shake my head, my breathing shallow as tears threaten to spill. “He’s the last person I want to know about this.”
“Why?” He pushes me away. “He’ll take care of it.”
I step back, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ears. “He’ll also realize I bring nothing but problems. He gives me everything I ever wanted, and I... I’m just a phase.”
“You’re not a fucking phase, Mia, he—”
“It’s okay,” I say, my chin quivering. “He was worth the wait, and he’s worth the tears.” I pinch my lips together, forcing a smile. “I’ll get my bag. I’m sure Johnny called him by now, and he’s on his way.”
“Stay here. I’ll get your bag.”
“No, you won’t,” the bouncer manning the door says. “You’re not allowed back in.”
“I wasn’t fighting,” Cody seethes. “She’s not going in there alone, man.”
The bouncer shrugs, stepping aside when Johnny exits the club, holding Brandon and Colt by their collars, and shoves them outside.
Cody shoots forward like a spring, gripping Brandon by his neck. “You’ll call it off.Tonight, you got that?!”
Using a second of their inattention, I get back inside. Johnny’s hauling two more guys out, and another bouncer trails behind Conor, nudging him toward the exit.
The party’s back on track, fight under control. I climb the stairs to find Grayson in the booth with a few friends, my bag safely tucked behind his back. Once I have it, I make a stop in the restroom, needing a moment to gather my thoughts.
Passing two girls in the doorway, I find the restroom empty and a little quieter than the rest of the club. The music never stopped while twenty-odd guys threw punches. It’s still pumping as Six plays his favorite set.
