Page 1 of It Never Was

Prologue

Ryen

One week ago

Even with it being the end of summer, the night air still nips at my legs as I walk up to the house booming with music. That's Washington for you, even in our warm months you still can't go out without a jacket. Unfortunately for me, the jacket I was wearing didn't help my exposed legs, only shorts and fishnets. At least my toes were warm in my combat boots.

I took each of the steps timidly, reluctant to go in.

The only reason I was here was for Devon, not for my own self-pleasure. I don't do parties.

But he wanted to do one last sendoff of summer, I knew it was just an excuse to get drunk for him. For me it was an excuse to be close to him.

Devon has been come and go, and lately it's been more go, I rarely got to see him and when I did, he was in a sour mood. Tonight was going to be good. I was going to be on my best behavior for him.

I make my way through the crowded room, the smell of sweat and alcohol swirling in the air.

Everyone is talking with red cups in their hands and the music rings in my ears. Two arms wrap around me, lifting me up off my feet and twirling me in a circle. I yelp but the sound is lost in the room with chatter and the stereo blasting.

"You're here!" The muffled voice strains as it shouts the words out over the booming music in the room. He puts me down grabbing a hold of my shoulders turning me to face him. His cup drips its contents onto me.

Looking at him now, I see Devon is in full party mode. He is wearing a short sleeve beige button-up that is loose and covered in his own perspiration, paired with some black shorts and high-top Converse. His grin is lopsided, probably due to whatever was in his cup. His short sandy blonde hair is damp, and his honey filled eyes look hazy.

He hasn't been here that long to be this drunk, but I knew not to underestimate Devon's ability to drink himself stupid.

"Of course I am, you wanted me to come," I shout, leaning in closer to him.

Pulling a strand of my now frizzy curls between his fingers he tugs slightly, "And you came. Good girl."

He loosens his hold on the raven-colored curl, letting fall back against my cheek. Grabbing onto my waist and pulling me through the sea of people, giving high-fives and fist bumps as we made our way to the kitchen. The island was covered in various liquor bottles and a mess of snacks scattered everywhere. Devon reached for a half bottle of whiskey and poured the golden liquid into his cup, not stopping until it reached the rim. My face fell and the feeling of dread hit my stomach. He eyed me over the rim as he took a sip.

"What?" He stated firmly.

I picked at the hem of my shirt, "Nothing."

"Fucking something," he spit out, but before either of us could continue Chris barged into the room going right for a hug from Devon.

"Man! I'm so glad we came. Do you see all these fucking girls! Hot man. Hot." He was still giving Devon a slap on the shoulder when he realized I was there, "Ryen! You came too!" He gave me a side hug but then took my hand and forced a twirl out of me. I spun around and came to face them once again, red flushed my cheeks. "Damn! Looking fucking good! Devon is one lucky man!"

My eyes flew to Devon who was staring at me now, eyes darkening as he assessed me. I wasn't self-conscious about my outfit till now.

"Yeah, she got all dolled up for us didn't she Chris?" His eyes never leave my fishnet stockings.

Chris leaned back on the kitchen counter arms crossed now mirroring Devon's assessment of me, "Fuck right she did."

I fold my jacket over myself trying to hide.

I wasn't wearing anything outrageous, high-waisted black jean shorts, fishnets, combat boots because I was not a heel girl. That paired with a loose black tee and an oversized jean jacket. Was it more than I usually wear, yes, but I wanted to look good for Devon.

"Come on," Devon paused, taking a giant gulp from his cup, "Let's show you off." He grabbed my hand and led me outside to the backyard. Stopping on the porch where a group of his friends were talking. I hesitated for a moment, but he tugged on my hands harder causing me to fly into his side, "I said come. on." I gave him a fake smile, trying to stay at ease when all the hairs on the back of my head were standing straight up. I could feel his mood change the minute Chris went to spin me around.

He gripped my hip as he began talking to the group of guys, and I stood there looking around. I knew a few of his friends but that's just what they were, his friends. I didn't know them well enough to have a conversation like they were having now. Devon offered me his cup, but I put up a hand declining the offer. I didn't need alcohol in my system. His hand dug into my hip with enough focus to get a wince out of me. I looked at him, but he was still in his conversation with his buddies about the bar and how work was going. I could feel Chris's eyes on me again. My skin crawled and I shivered at the uncomfortableness. Devon must have noticed because when I looked at him his gaze was flickering from Chris to me.

"You really like how she cleans up huh?" He shot over to Chris, who licked his lips.

"Yeah," Chris's eyes darkened as he scanned his gaze down my legs, "I think we all do."

Devon's rough hand wrapped around my forearm yanking me to him. The bite of his nails on my skin causes a burn down my arm. He brings my ass flush to his crotch. Pressing my whole body against the front of his.

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