Page 76 of Satan's Spawn
The loud music surrounds us, along with dozens of boozed up teenagers practically naked.
Some dancing, some drinking, some laughing. Some doing all three at the same time.
Nobody seems to notice I’ve arrived, which is a relief, and may work in my favor if I continue to keep a low profile.
That is not why you’re here.My conscience reminds me.You’re here to win.
To win. To win. To win, damn it.
“You want to get a drink?!” Felix yells into my ear over the music, but a small prickle riding up my spine has me freezing in place, unable to respond. It’s the same feeling I get when my body senses his presence, followed by the deep chill that still flows through me regardless of the heat.
Crayton is here. And he’s watching me. I would bet any amount of money on it.
“Hey, Bex.” A hand touches my shoulder and I jump, recovering as quickly as I can. “You okay?” Felix asks, and I laugh it off.
“Yeah, sorry. Just zoned out for a sec. I’d love a drink, actually.”
With his hand resting on my lower back again, Felix turns us toward the bar and guides me to it, through the crowd as my two friends and Sampson follow next to us.
Right there.
In a secluded area off the side of the bar I notice Saint first, reaching over a coffee table to pick up what looks like a vodka bottle. There’s Levi and Riggs standing around too, as expected, each with a girl under their arm.
Like a moth to the flame my gaze gravitates to the left where Saint’s body was blocking, and finds his hard as steel frame stretched out in a chair. Crayton’s got an elbow resting on the armrest as he leans back, legs spread wide in that seductive guy way. He’s in his usual black jeans and tee; the only indication he’s affected by the sun is the dark frames covering his eyes.
I may not be able to see what he’s glaring at, but the slight twitch of his lip makes it undeniable that it’s me.
And he’s not happy to see me.
Contrary to her preciousCray’ssubtle expression, the Ice Queen makes sure I can read her evil grin perfectly.
It’s telling me she’s been waiting for this very moment.
That I just put the proverbial ball in her court and she’s ready to play.
But little does she know I’m ready to win.
Fuck Alexis, the skank squad already rallying behind her, and the devil in black who’s fist is turning white.
Crayton can take them all to hell with him.
With a flip of my hair I keep walking, holding strong to the cool facade as I pretend to listen to whatever it is Felix is saying to the group that makes them laugh. When I join in he instinctively pulls me closer, his arm sliding up my back to rest across my shoulders in an openly possessive way.
I don’t necessarily want Felix to have his arm around me, what I do want, though, is Crayton’s jealousy. And to my delight, he surrenders it.
There’s commotion in my peripheral, and I steal enough of a glance to see it’s my tormentor being held back by his friend Saint.
Like a ferocious beast Crayton bares his teeth, Saint whispering in his ear with his back to us, and whatever he says must be convincing enough for Crayton to relax his shoulders, even sit back down next to the wannabe Regina George in a gold bikini.
Cold stares follow us until we stop at the bar Sampson has overseeing the pool. Hendrix eyes me with trepidation, being the only other one of us who witnessed Crayton’s reaction to seeing me with Felix. Thankfully the guys were too caught up in conversation.
‘I know’ I mouth under my breath as I lean against the bartop, knowing there’s no turning back now that I’ve provoked the beast.
After all, I did come here to play.
So might as well let the games begin.
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