Page 9 of Darkest Dawn

“You know, what are your limits? What do you not like? What color is your outfit? I can’t believe you didn’t show me yesterday.” She starts looking around the room searching for the bags we got yesterday and when she doesn’t immediately find what she is looking for she rushes to the closet. Becca is acting like a damn kid during Christmas.

She brings out the box that I had to pick in one hand and the bag that I choose in the other. “Which one is your costume?”

“Both. I haven’t decided yet.” I don’t mention that I have no idea what the hell is in the box yet. Yesterday when we got home, I went straight for the cameras to make sure Mr. Stalker couldn’t see what I was wearing later tonight. Becca simply shrugs before bringing both over to the bed, setting the items next to me. Since I know what’s in the bag I choose to go for the box first. I untie the red silk bow, lifting the top and removing the tissue paper covering the costume. When I finally get a good look at it I almost laugh. A cheerleading costume. How original. This one is red and black with white strips on a barely there pleated skirt. The top is closer to a bikini top than an actual shirt. What was he thinking? Where I held back my laughter, Becca let hers all out. “I thought it would be funny.” I say, trying to cover my tracks.

She gives me a wide smile before speaking. “I kind of like it. Everyone says you’re boring and that you’re vanilla. Their words, not mine, but this is so far from boring vanilla. This is more strawberry flavored.” She giggles at her own words. Well, it’s definitely not a boring outfit. Everyone with eyes will see my ass and everything in between. “Okay, what is option B?” This time I smile wide as I dig into the bag, gripping the material tight before pulling it out and holding it up.

Becca’s eyes go as wide as saucers as she takes in my option B for the Halloween party. “Dawn!” she exclaims, bouncing up and down on the tips of her toes while clapping her hands. “This is the one. This is perfect. Beyond perfect. You have to wear this one! Please wear this one. You will turn ever guys head if you wear this and give a big fuck you to Sarah for sure.” She suddenly stops her movements looking me up and down. “Plus, that one is strawberry but this one. This is more like chocolate with extra sprinkles and a yummy little cherry on top and I know exactly what to do with your hair and makeup. Oh, and I think I have accessories to go with this from like forever ago.”

I look at the fabric they call a costume up and down once more considering my two options before nodding to myself. This is the perfect costume and I know for a fact that my stalker will not be expecting this. No one will. “You’re right. This is totally the one.”

Chapter 8

Dawn

Ihadtopracticallybeg Becca to let me eat real food and drink a gallon of coffee before she sat me down for a torture session. She calls it a makeover, but I stand by my assessment because I know for a fact that the things my best friend plans to do to me would make a grown man cry. The moment I agreed to option B she started listing off all the things she needed to get ready including a waxing appointment at her friend’s salon. When I eyed her and asked why I needed to get waxed and not just shave my own legs again she gave me a raised brow like I was asking a stupid question. Then she proceeded to look me up and down before explaining that a waxing was needed for my costume. I simply rolled my eyes and let her win. There was no point in arguing with her, she would win.

So now I’m here in the student union, the largest cup of liquid gold I could get waiting for my lunch while scrolling through social media mindlessly, when a message notification pops up.

Him: I’ve decided I may have to punish you tonight.

I smile wide as I jerk my head up to peer around the room. But just like every other time, I feel eyes on me or my stalker makes himself known nothing seems out of place. No one peeking behind a wall, no one looks out of place, or like they are trying not to be seen. I hate it but love the tiny thrill that runs up my spine at knowing I’m someone’s prey.

Me: Are you still upset about the cameras?

I ask, looking around again to see if anyone is checking their phones. But of course, nothing. A few other students are milling around, getting themselves their own caffeine fix, or grabbing food before they go get ready as well. Tonight’s Halloween party is pretty much a tradition here. It’s always held at the Alpha’s fraternity, and if you don’t have picture proof you were there you become an outcast. Basically, it’s high school but more alcohol since we don’t have to steal from our parents anymore.

Him: Yes. I’ve come to realize I don’t like not watching you sleep.

Me: Poor baby. I’ll uncover them tomorrow. *kissy face emoji*

Him: You still deserve a punishment. Maybe I’ll postpone our game.

I glare down at my phone at this. He wouldn’t dare. We’ve been playing this cat and mouse game for months and now he's thinking about postponing this game. Oh no.

Me: Then you’ll miss out on the surprise I have for you. *winky face emoji*

Him: A surprise?

I smirk at his response. He is curious now, more so since he hasn’t been able to see what I’ve been up to this morning. I’m typing out my response when the scraping of a chair next to me catches my attention making me snap my head up. My eyes meet dull shit brown eyes and my good mood instantly turns to annoyance. I lock my phone before putting it back in my pocket and turn fully to face Sarah the backstabbing home wrecker.

“Sarah, what can I do for you?” I ask my fake smile in place, voice calm and friendly just like mama taught me. Always smile, stay calm and don’t show your true feelings. Mama was a good woman and excelled by my father’s side but I don’t want to be like my mother. Seen but not heard unless needed. It’s a new age, women have opinions and voices now too. Unfortunately, those lessons were drilled into my head and came as a first instinct.

“Dawn.” She says back, looking me up and down. She must find my leggings, baggy sweatshirt and lack of makeup lacking because her smile shifts to a disgusted sneer. Ahh, the real Sarah is finally making an appearance.

“So I heard you’re coming to the Halloween party tonight at Garretts.” Her sneer shifts once again to a fake smile.

“Yeah. Becca talked me into going.” Is my simple reply. I’m not going to play her game and I know she is trying to get some reaction from me by mentioning Garrett. Amateur and petty. Mind games don’t work on me, not with a family like mine.

“Oh well, I just thought you should know that Garrett and I are dating now. I just thought you should know. I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable or anything.” She looks up at me and bats her ridiculous looking lashes. Does she actually think those look good on her? Whoever said they did, absolutely lied to her. A throat clearing shakes me of my thoughts.

I look up at the newest intruder of my table space to see Ciaran Adonis looking down at me. “Hey Dawn. Have a second?” I raise a brow in question, but before I can answer Sarah opens her big month. Attention seeking whore.

“Ciaran. How have you been? It’s been a while.” She purrs, or I think tries to purr but I think it sounds more of a rasp. I mentally roll my eyes. She reaches a hand up and lays it over his chest and for half a second, I see fiery rage flash in Ciaran's eyes. His own hand snaps out gripping Sarah’s wrist in a tight hold. Sarah lets out a small whimper and I have to hold back the tiny smile that wants to form.

“Do not touch me.” He pushes her hand away, never once taking his eyes off me. “Now can you leave so I can talk to Dawn privately.” He says finally looking away to send an irritated glare towards the gawking Sarah next to me. I feel like I can finally take a full breath now that his full attention isn’t focused on me.

I’ve had a few classes with Ciaran, we even partnered together in a few. Decent guy, hot as fuck, and completely off limits to me. My father says he is no good and can’t be trusted. Him or his family.

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