Page 68 of Hell House
“Aren’t you the girl who burned her room down, so she’d have to live at Hell House?” A high-pitched voice asks. My hand stops midway through combing. I can’t believe people are still spreading that stupid rumor.
“I didn’t burn it down.” I say, not turning to face the girls and continuing to detangle my hair. I was almost done. Just a few more strands and I could leave this bathroom.
“Not that I blame you, I mean I don’t judge. Those guys ARE hotter than sin.” Her friends snicker behind her. My fingers release the final knot and I squeeze my hands around the bottom of my limp hair, expressing several drops of water on the ground.
I must not be giving this girl the reaction she wants because she continues, “But, come to think of it, I’m not sure why you think they’d go for someone like you. Seems like a waste.”
I’m reminded of all the high school bullies I’d endured over the years. The ones who’d giggle that I was named Salem in the town of Salem. That my hair was darker, that I dressed how I wanted. As much as I acted like their words didn’t hurt, they did. This girl’s needless attack opens up those wounds I’d thought long buried. Instead of folding in on myself and ignoring her like I want to, I stand up straight and turn on my heel. I tower over the petite bully who’s red hair is done up in an elaborate braided crown, her white mask affixed on top of her cerulean eyes. I had absolutely no tolerance for mean girl energy.
“Actually, my room burning down on accident, ended up for the best. I really enjoy all the sex those hot guys have been giving me. I didn’t know that their cocks would be that big, or generous in bed.” Her crimson painted lips pop open, and I exit the bathroom as fast as my aching feet will carry me, my lies licking at my heels. If she wants to spread rumors, she could have at it.
“Big cocks, huh?” Pierce’s voice makes me jump. I instinctively put my hand over my heart, then scowl at him. Of course, he had to overhear me saying that. He takes in my appearance with a lazy flick of his eyes down and my traitorous body lights up underneath his intense gaze.
“What did you do? Jump in the ocean on the way here?” He lifts his black devil mask, setting it on top of his head with a frown as he grabs my damp hair with his free hand, tucking it behind my ear. His close proximity to me sends a shudder down my spine, remembering how his hands felt on me, the imprint of his lips.
“No, moron. It’s raining.”
“Well, if you had come with me, you could have avoided that.” A challenge lies flickering behind his eyes, and I square off in front of him, nearly toe to toe, chest to chest. We’re so close that my breath mingles with his and a waft of champagne and mint simmers between us... His eyes go from challenging to a hint of lust, heating with desire as I lick my bottom lip.
“If you weren’t such an asshole, maybe I would have.” I put my mask on, determined to not show how much he affects me. This night seems destined for a lot of annoying interactions, I might as well get it over with. As I go to walk around him, Pierce grabs me gently by my elbow.
“Wait Salem.” My mouth opens at him using my name instead of calling me witch or some other stupid nickname.
“What do you want Pierce?” His eyes briefly settle on my lips before snapping them up to my eyes.
“I want to dance with you.” He expertly places his large hand on the small of my back and before I know it, he’s leading me off to the large ballroom that’s bursting with couples that are just ending their current dance.
Panic claws up my neck, and I shake my head. “I don’t know how.”
He pulls his mask down and gives me a smile befitting his devilish charade. “Don’t worry, I’ll catch you if you fall.” For some reason, I feel my stomach flip at that, not hating the way his hand fits perfectly into the arch of my lower back, flirting dangerously with the top of my butt. I feel myself leaning into his touch, hoping that he might just graze lower. Dear God, what is wrong with me? This is Pierce Ledger of all people! But that bitch Libido isn’t listening to reason at all tonight, so it lets him snake his fingers along the seem of my low-cut dress. Each caress sending a shot of heat to my clit. I suck in a breath finding that he’s successfully turned me on with just a few words and touches. Fuck me, I have the worst taste in men.
The song has finished, and several couples exit the dance floor. I recognize the giggly couple from earlier clinging to each other like the other might float away if they let go. I feel my mouth hitch up into a smile at the sight of them so besotted with each other. Pierce catches what I’m looking at and lets out a sound like he’s clearing his throat. He guides me over to an empty spot and fiddles with his bow tie. My eyes narrow at the motion that looks as if he’s nervous.
Suddenly he lets go of me and stands opposite in a line of men, who all have their left foot slightly forward.
Oh shit, is this going to be like one of thosePride and Prejudicedance moments where everyone knows the steps, but me? My heart hammers hard in my chest and my hands clam up. Why couldn’t this be the type of event that didThe Cupid Shuffle?I would kill at that type of group dance. Not this. I debate sneaking off the dance floor when I spy what looks like Walker and Lukas staring at us. Fuckers. They look poised to start making fun of me at any moment. I swallow my pride and resolve that I’m going to dance the shit out of whatever this dance is. What a fucking nightmare.
The music starts, the songYou Belong to Meby Cat Pierce begins to play and Pierce takes a low bow. I look around at the other couples, wondering what I’m supposed to be doing, but so far so good. That is until the women’s side bows back and I’m left still standing there stupidly. I hear Walker and Lukas’s snickering before I wobble down into the world’s worst curtsy. This is the stuff of nightmares.
The men’s side glides forward and Pierce is placing his hand in mine, his other is tight around my waist. I look up at him as he grins down at me. He leads me in a circle before I’m sent spinning away from him, my feet struggling to keep up with the rest of me that he just wound up like a spinning top toy.
He lets out a bellowing laugh that I’ve never heard from him before, as he spins me back into him. I land harder than I mean to and he lets out an oof.
“Honestly, I thought you’d be better at this.” He says, hopping to the left. I glance at the other couples and see the girl’s side has their arm raised and are going around the gentlemen. I do my best to mimic the others but end up looking like a possessed flamingo.
He lets out another laugh, his smile wide and easy.
“I told you, I didn’t know how to dance like this.”
“Clearly.” He takes my hand and sways his hips against my backside before spinning me yet again. I’m going to develop vertigo at this rate. We go through another round of spins, and he dips me, his body bent over mine, holding me steady as I gaze up at him. My heart is in my throat.
When he stands me up his mouth is close to my ear, “Did I tell you, you look beautiful tonight, Salem?” I feel my chest squeeze at those words. I shouldn’t let them affect me, but they do. They slip right past my walls and take up residence in the corners of my stupid heart, echoing off the chamber in my mind.
I find it in me to shake my head no, even though his words have rattled me. “I was starting to wonder if you’d come at all.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“You certainly are.” He takes me by the arm spinning me into one last dip, my eyes find his easily as he holds me there suspended above the ground, my feet beginning to slip.
