Page 29 of Pretend
But then the typing bubbles disappear, and that hope is gone.
He doesn't reply.
Fury implodes even further, and all I see is a black hole that I keep digging myself more into. This is supposed to be a fun night before I leave, and this?
I walk into the dark hallway, and my throat tightens, and pain pierces my eyes as I try to force myself not to cry.
Before I can reach the door handle, my wrist is being pulled in the other direction, and I grow fearful of my life.
Did Frankie chase after me? Is he here to push me even further?
Oh, no.
My other hand balls into a fist, ready to make contact with Frankie and show him I'm not one to fuck with.
I will fight back.
But I'm met with those same mysterious, ice-blue eyes that look like a winter wonderland full of snow.
“Why are you crying?”
Daegan. Hannibal.
I hadn’t noticed until he pointed it out. The bathroom hallway is dark, and we're alone. The music switches from country to slow.
“I–uh,” I take a deep, shaky breath, wiping it with one hand, and look down at my fingers that are now wet with my tears.
“What happened?”
Taken aback by his presence, my thoughts scramble, not knowing what to say.
“Someone, uh,” I sniffle, doing everything I can to gather my thoughts.
No. I can fight my own battles.
He squeezes my wrist tighter in a protective, urgent manner that doesn't hurt.
“Who, Alessia? Give me a name.” Daegan spits, clenching his jaw once more. To my surprise, his eyes aren’t glossy. He doesn’t seem to be inebriated. His tone is stern and demanding. His eyebrows wilt together angrily.
I shake my head.
“It’s nothing, Mr. Hannibal. I'm okay. I'm not your assignment just yet. You don't have to protect me.” I pull away again, and he lets me go.
The last thing I see is his nostrils flaring, his tightened jaw, and his menacing eyes that hold limitless threats.
Even though I told him to leave me alone, he watched me enter the restroom like he was making sure no one else followed.
10
ALESSIA
“So when will you say yes?”
I gave up trying to find Winters. She texted me while I was gathering myself in the women’s restroom. She’s dancing with Lopez and made sure to mention he’s a great kisser.
Lopez and Danny have reputations for being womanizers. Well…Dannyused tohave that reputation. Now he’s married to his best friend’s little sister.
I watch Gabe slide Miller Lite beer to Zeke. It glides across the counter smoothly. He takes it into his hand and downs a swallow.
