my limbs still.
No, no.
Not mine.
They’re hardly even my friends.
They—
“Stop,” is growled into my ear, and then my chin is gripped and yanked to the side.
Heavy, hard lips find mine, and my body decides to melt, to cave, to form to the one behind me.
“Give her more,” Beretta rasps. “Help him.”
Suddenly my hair is tugged, gently yanked and held back, massaged and pulled on in every manner possible, my head rolling, my eyelids fluttering.
I start to shake, everything inside me tightening.
“Kiss me,” I whisper, but I’m bitten at the base of my neck instead.
I shiver.
I come.
Right here in the girls’ bathroom that doesn’t lock and is accessible to all.
I’m given no time to come down. I’m gently spun, leaned against the counter as the door opens and the lights flick on.
It takes two seconds for my eyes to adjust to the brightness, and it’s long enough for them to disappear.
I brace my hands on the cool granite, flattening my palms to soak in the chill it provides.
I huff a laugh, my head falling back to rest against the mirror.
Oh my god, I’m an idiot.
And they’re dangerous.
Still, I laugh, wash my hands as I came in here to do, and when I meet my eyes in the mirror, it doesn’t wash away.
But it does when the stall to my right opens, and Amy steps out.
Shit.
I try not to swallow, to hide the shock or care, but heat is creeping up my neck, and I can’t hide it because how fucking embarrassing!
But the superior pinch of her face, the way she’s pursed her lips and lifted her nose in the air is enough to shake me out of it.
People hook up in the same rooms, cars, and hot tubs all the time.
I’ve heard Dax and Jules come more times than I care to admit, several others too, because at the end of the day, teenagers will get theirs wherever they wish, and their ‘friends’ don’t bat a lash.
The problem?
Amy isn’t my friend, even if she pretends to be in her passive-aggressive ways.
So, as she reaches the counter with her one foot in front of the other catwalk-like strut, I stand tall and dry my hands.
She washes hers as I reapply my lipstick.
When she doesn’t speak but meets my eyes in the mirror. I stare back, popping my lips once I’m done, and spin. I lean against the sink, cross my arms and wait.
I know she’s got something to say, and she will.
She’s incapable of silence.
Rather than grab a paper towel closest to her, she steps in front of me, reaches over and slowly pulls one from the dispenser at my side.
“So, you’re the new plaything.” She tips her head, takes in my outfit, and her mouth forms into a judgy little grin. “I have to admit, I wondered, but I didn’t think you had it in you.”
“Pun intended?” I pop a brow.
Her eyes flash to mine, narrowing, but she catches herself as quickly as she can. Her hundred-thousand-dollar dental implants beam as she smiles, big and fake and purposeful. She laughs, shakes her head, and begins to walk out, but of course, she has to pause for the dramatic exit.
“Just remember, toys are only fun when they’re first opened, but they grow old fast, and then to the bottom of the barrel you go.” She delivers her closing statement.
And it’s a shitty one.
I grin, but the difference between mine and hers, is mine’s real and she knows it.
Her smile falters as I approach, tipping my head as she had, my eyes three inches above hers, thanks to today’s pumps of choice.
I place my hand beside hers on the door, lean in close, and I whisper with a laugh, “I’m counting on that.”
Her face falls and I walk out with my head held high.
But even as I return to our table, Amy doing the same not three minutes later, I’m forced to face what she’s said as well as my response.
I was being honest; I am counting on being tossed to the side.
“You look flushed, Jameson.” Amy’s cheeky tone calls out, and my eyes dart to hers while everyone else’s fly toward me. “Are you feeling okay?”
I can see it, the instant regret at her choice of words, and my smile spreads slow and wide.
I laugh, nod, and push my hair over my shoulder. “I feel fantastic, satisfied even.” I lift my water bottle to my lips, pleased when hers pinch tight. “Thanks for asking.”
Bitch.
“Your birthday is almost here.” Anthony lowers his fork to