Chapter Five

Eyes on the road, Your Highness.”

Nick.

I looked up and saw him smirking at me, drink in hand. His white dress shirt was half unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up. He seemed as effortless as ever, as if the world were his.

“You abandoned me,” I snapped.

“And yet, you’re here. Guess you survived.”

I clenched my jaw. “You’re an ass.”

Nick simply chuckled and took a slow sip of his drink. “Relax, freckles. You could use a little fun.”

“Fun? Like almost running me over and then leaving me stranded?”

“Like, loosen up,” he corrected. His smirk widened. “Tell you what—let’s make a bet.”

My eyes narrowed. “What kind of bet?”

“You’re new here, and clearly, you hate it,” he said. “I’ll bet you won’t make it a month in this house before trying to run away again.”

I crossed my arms. “And if I do?”

He tilted toward me, lowering his voice. “Then I’ll do whatever you want.”

My stomach twisted, but I wouldn’t let him see how much he got under my skin.

“And if I lose?”

“You admit I was right about you.”

I scoffed. “That’s it?”

“Not scared, are you?” he teased.

I squared my shoulders. “Fine. You’ve got yourself a bet.”

Nick grinned. “Good girl.”

I really hated the way his voice made me tingle all over.

Game on.

The instant I said yes to the bet, I regretted it.

Nick’s smile widened, something between mirth and malice shining in his eyes. I could already see that he was going to make this as impossible to endure as possible.

Before I could say more, a voice sliced through the tension.

“Nick, harassing the new girl already?”

A girl with wavy dark hair walked up to us. She was wearing a long black gown and a set of heels, exuding cool confidence. She walked up to us, putting her hands around my neck.

What she said seemed to turn Nick away from me. He disappeared into the crowd, and two girls walked up to him, each of them rubbing their hands all over his body. Turning to one, he kissed her, then turned to the other, kissing her too.

Standing there, I almost puked on my shirt. My eyes widened with amazement. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing—Nick kissed her and grabbed her ass.

Immediately, he turned to leave, abandoning the girls behind. Fuming, I stormed toward him and punched him in the face.

“What are you doing here?”

“Surprised I made it on foot? Who’d you come with?” Nick stuttered.

“Shithead!” I snapped, pushing him backward.

“Freckles, just go back to where you came from,” Nick said and walked briskly away.

I shook my head. “No way. I’m staying here until I want to leave.”

Nick gritted his teeth hard. “I won’t repeat myself.” He grabbed my arms.

I let out a small laugh. “You’re in no position to order me,” I snapped.

“You aren’t scared?” Nick said, stepping up close.

“I’m not. What if your dad finds out about this?” I threatened, my face serious.

Nick pushed me against the car, his hands pressing me against the door.

He smirked. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“The perfect boy, huh? Damn, you really fooled everyone.”

“I’m perfect in many ways, honey. Modesty isn’t one of them,” Nick said, squaring his shoulders. “The other girls aren’t concerned about that.”

“Well, I’m not like most other girls.”

“You’re not?” He scoffed. “I’d say you are. Ordinary lips…” His hands moved gently over my lips. “An empty gaze…” His fingers brushed my hair back. “A neck…”

Immediately, I pushed his hands away.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“A knot.”

“A knot?” He raised a brow. “To show how twisted you are?” He laughed softly.

I pushed him back. “To show how strong I am.”

“Strong?”

“Yes. A figure-of-eight knot—the hardest to undo.”

Slowly, he bent his head over, down to my ear. “There’s no knot too hard for me. Just by kissing their tattoos, girls loosen up.”

I interrupted him immediately. “How can you be sure everyone likes you?”

“Small details,” he replied.

“Such as?” I asked.

“You haven’t asked me to let go of you.”

I scoffed, pushing him hard. “Obviously, I want you to go!”

“Never mind. I like women, not girls with braids,” Nick snapped.

I laughed. “I never wear braids.”

“Look, sis, you have no fucking idea what you’re getting into. So just stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours. Got it?” Nick said, pushing me backward.

With that, he left.

“Asshole!” I shouted.

“Can I help you?”

Jessie walked up to me, a glass of wine in her hand.

“Shit, sorry. Is this your Jeep?”

“No. Just some creep who snuck into the party. Wreck it if you want,” she replied.

I breathed out, sighing.

“You’re Nona, right?” she asked, her eyes peering into mine.

“If Nick sent you here to watch over me, I don’t need it. Thanks.” I stood up and walked away.

Suddenly, Jessie grabbed my arm.

“I’m not here for him. Jackson told me what he did.”

“Are you his girlfriend?” I asked.

“Jackson’s? No.”

“No, Nick’s got his tongue down every single girl’s throat.” She smirked. “Nick and I go way back.”

“I feel sorry for you. He’s a total jerk,” I added.

Jessie shook my shoulders. “He has his days,” she said, dragging me inside.

Inside, the party was still going nonstop, with crowds and music so loud that one could hardly hear a single word.

“What’s going on?” I murmured to myself.

“What’s that?” Jessie asked.

“I can’t see my boyfriend’s or my best friend’s story,” I replied, feeling a bit of discomfort inside me.

“So, you need a new boyfriend and a new best friend.” She laughed.

“I’m Jessie, nice to meet you,” she said, smiling as we exchanged handshakes.