He nods slowly. “I hope not.”I turn around and head back to Willow, then stop short. Knox is on my stool, giving her all his attention. There’s a chance she completely missed what just happened… and I don’t want to ruin her night. I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Ruining things.The beer has traveled to my jeans, dampening the waistband. My skin is sticky, and my hair is gross. I want to scream. That verbal spar didn’t go as planned. Didn’t happen the way I wanted it to at all. And if I want to retaliate, I’m going to need to take another look at that fucking nondisclosure agreement.For the first time, I feel utterly silenced. I feel small. Unable to respond in the way I want to, knowing that if I insinuate anything about the accident, he could take everything from me.I spin on my heel and march right past Greyson and his cronies, heading for the exit.I make it halfway home when someone grabs me. Their hands wrapped around my mouth and waist, yanking me backward. They pinch my n

VIOLETWe’re going all out for this. The whole dance team is going to the game, and half of them are in our apartment. While Greyson was whispering in my ear to come to the game, Knox was inviting the whole damn team via Willow. What started as Knox innocently asking if Willow and I were interested—which she responded, maybe—turned into him trying harder. A more persuasive argument, I would assume. Based on Willow’s pink cheeks anyway.Amanda and Jess are in Willow’s room, applying their makeup on the floor using one of those cheap wall mirrors. Paris has planted herself beside me in the bathroom, using our curling iron. The rest of the girls are in the living room.“You’re wearing that?” Paris asks, wrinkling her nose.I look down at my blue tank top. It has the Hawks mascot in white across the chest. Underneath it, I have a lacy black bra that’s visible on the sides. I fully plan on layering it with a black jacket and scarf, because the stadium will be cold. And in that case, it’s t

GREYSONMy grip on my phone is hard enough to crack the screen. I get rid of the text to my father and shove it back in my pocket.The princess gives me one last look, then walks over to Steele. He’s still half in the shadows, but he straightens up when he realizes it’s actually happening. His lips part, like he’s going to back out. But we talked about this—I need to test her. To see how far she’ll go to save her own skin.And he agreed. Quiet, stick-to-the-peripherals Steele, who has a small group of friends and likes it that way, agreed to help me. In a perverted, twisted way.My gut clenches, but I follow her toward him. It’s like she’s got me on a leash, trailing me along behind her. I watch her sink to her knees in front of him.This is a test for me as much as it is for her. I need to withstand this because the alternative is too devastating to comprehend. I’ve never been possessive over someone before—certainly not a girl. Certainly not one like Violet.She reaches out and unbu

GREYSON“What do you mean, someone broke into her apartment?” I glare at Knox. On one hand, I shouldn’t fucking care. But that persistent side of me that wants to claim her—publicly—rears its ugly head again.He lifts one shoulder. “She called and seemed pretty upset. She wanted Willow to find somewhere else to stay…”“Because her being alone in that apartment is a good idea.” Sarcasm is my default when I’m trying to hide my real feelings. It’s not a great sign that it’s choosing to come out now.“Listen, man. Steele offered to go pick her up and bring her here. It isn’t ideal, seeing as how we’re in party mode…” He gestures to the beer bottle in my hand. “But whatever. She can hang out in one of the rooms upstairs if she wants.”Violet didn’t call the police.Which probably means she thinks I’m behind it.I frown and shake my head. Then the first part registers. Steele went to get her? Steele offered?I didn’t think I’d have to knock his teeth in, but I will if I have to. Happily.Je

Violet can turn into so many terrible things for creative kids. Vile was common for bullies. Lettie by my well-meaning mother, although she dropped that by the time I turned twelve. When I met Willow, I was sick of people asking what I’d rather go by, so I ranted to her about ending all nicknames. Outlawing them.But, damn it, I’ve got to admit that I like the sound of it coming out of his mouth.I shift, rotating in his direction. I let my head rest against his shoulder and make myself a promise.Tomorrow, we will go back to hating each other. Tomorrow, all the bad things can sweep back into my brain. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.Right now, I close my eyes and enjoy the slow strokes of his finger on my clit and the way his cheek feels against the top of my head. And the sounds of the movie and the people around us. I should be wary, or afraid, or just altogether unwilling to orgasm in front of people.But when it sneaks up on me, I turn my face into Greyson’s neck and bite. Hard.Hi