Page 52 of Law Maker
I drained the last of my drink. “No parents are that naïve.”
“Another one?” He nodded at my empty bottle. “We’ve got soda. And beer.”
“I’m good, thanks,” I said, scanning the crowd. Mandy was taking forever. Kyle’s house wasn’t that big—how hard could it be to find Dean?
“How about going out with me?”
My head snapped back to Kyle. His grin stretched wide, boyish and sure of himself. He had a great smile, easy charm, and none of Asher’s maddening restraint. Lots of girls would kill for his attention. But butterflies didn’t stir in my stomach when Kyle was near, and I refused to settle. Leading him on would only be cruel.
“I don’t think so, Kyle. I’m sorry.”
“Ouch.” He clutched his chest. “You broke my heart, but it’s fine.” With a wink, he nudged my side. “I’ll live.”
I forced a smile. “Cool. I should, uh, find Mandy.”
“I saw her in the kitchen with Dean. She might still be there.”
I tossed my bottle in the trash and slipped into the hallway. It was quieter here, a relief after the packed living room. I’d barely taken a few steps when someone stepped out of nowhere, blocking my path.
“Demeri,” Dean said, his smirk curling. “Been looking for you. Nice dress.”
His eyes dragged over me, and nausea crawled up my throat.
“I need to go.” I tried to sidestep him.
Dean’s hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me in. “No, you don’t.”
The hallway was empty now. Shit.
Panic locked me in place. By the time I snapped out of it, Dean had shoved open a door and pushed me inside. The tang of detergent clung to the damp air, walls closing in.
Nobody knew I was here. Would anyone hear me if I screamed?
Cold dread prickled down my spine.
He pressed me against the washer, wedging his leg between mine to trap me.
“See?” he breathed against my ear. “You’re just like the others. Playing hard to get.”
“Let me go.” I shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. My pulse thundered; each ragged breath scraped my throat. I needed to act—fast.
Dean smirked, cupping my cheek. “Feisty. I like it. You want me to kiss you. Stop pretending.”
Tears of frustration burned my eyes. Over my dead body would this asshole steal my first kiss. I never should’ve come.
I sucked in a breath, twisted, and drove my knee up with everything I had.
He gasped, doubling over, both hands between his legs. “You bitch!”
Shaking, I braced my palms on the washer to steady myself. “Stay away from me, asshole.”
I yanked the door open, but he lunged, grabbing my waist hard enough to bruise. His sour breath—beer and smoke—washed over me as he snarled, “Not so fast. You’ll pay for that, Demeri.”
His fingers clamped around my chin.
“Oh my God!” Mandy’s shriek split the air.
Her wide eyes bounced between us.
