Page 117 of Damaged Prince
“Oh.” Eli sighs, looking down at the ground.
“Hey. Don’t worry about me. Everything is going to be okay.” Kai grips Eli’s chin, forcing him to look up at him.
“But this is all my fault. You wouldn’t be dealing with this if it weren’t for me.”
“Eli.” It’s my turn to get growly. “Don’t you dare think for a moment any of what happened is your fault. We know who’s to blame, and it’s none of us here. Do you understand me, sweet boy?”
Eli licks his lips, his eyes giving away that he wants to argue, but he doesn’t. “Okay,” he whispers.
“Soooo,” Logan says. “Party or not? Because Melissa said she would watch Benny, and I honestly could use a night out.”
“Same,” Winter says.
“I wouldn’t say no to some drinks and dancing.” I pull Eli into my arms. “Come dirty dance with me.” I grin, leaning up on my tiptoes. “I wanna see if I can make you cum again," I whisper in his ear.
He lets out a choked whimper, and I try not to laugh when I see how pink his cheeks are.
“You’re mean,” he mutters.
“You love it.” I wink.
“Fine.” He huffs. “I’ll party. If I must.”
“Yay!” Winter claps her hands. “This is going to be so much fun.”
***
Winter was right, the first half of the party had been a blast. I’ve had a few drinks, danced with Logan, Eli, and Winter. Even Justin and I sandwiched Winter between us for a few dances.
Everything was going great. Until Owen showed up. He came with a few guys I’ve never seen before, said hello to a few people before heading to the backyard, where he’s been for the past hour.
My good mood went away. All my attention has been on Owen. I’ve been trying not to look at him and enjoy my time with my friends, but it’s hard.
Every time I hear him laugh, I look. Whenever I hear a stupid girl giggle loudly as they try to flirt with him, I look.
I’m a fucking masochist at this point.
“Laney,” Winter huffs. “It’s not worth it. Come on. Let’s go inside so we don’t have to see him.”
I don’t want to. This is the first time I’ve seen Owen in god knows how long. At this point, I’m not even sure he lives at the house anymore.
It hurts to see him. I still have feelings for him. It’s not something that just goes away overnight. But I’ve been trying to move on.
Now, as I look at him, all I can feel is a sense of loss. He looks good tonight. His blond hair’s grown out a bit. I guess if he’s not playing hockey, there’s no need to keep it short.
He’s dressed in dark jeans and a sleeveless hoodie, his tattooed arms on display.
Arms that some blond chick is hanging off of.
Hurt and jealousy hits me in the gut.
He’s not ready for something with me anymore, but he can go around and fuck some other bitch.
Relax, Laney. They’re just talking. No one is fucking anyone.
If anything, he hasn’t really been paying her much attention. It’s been her trying way too hard to get it.
He seems more interested in hanging out with his buddies.
