Her Mafia Bodyguard

MIA

Ican’t believe how easy it was to get away. Good thing the alarm won’t be installed until tomorrow. I figured he’d have to take a shower sometime—at most, I was ready to wait until he went to bed before sneaking out. It’s not like the party will wrap up early. According to the email I got, Kappa Alpha is hosting an all-night event to kick off the semester.

My first college party. I can’t believe this is happening. My hands tremble a little as I tuck hair behind my ears, but I put a stop to it fast. I can’t let nerves ruin things. I mean, I already got away from Zeke. I have to take advantage, which means not freaking out. It’s just a party. I’ve been to parties before.

Though the stakes feel higher than they ever have. I’m not naïve. These kids are rich, and they’ve never known anything but privilege. I’m starting to finally loosen up and feel comfortable in their world, but I can’t fool myself into thinking we’re the same. We never will be because being able to easily get out of trouble is in their DNA. I can’t count how many times I heard Mom click her tongue over reports of yet another prep school asshole getting away with heinous acts all because their parents could afford the right lawyers.

What would she think if she saw me walking up the street toward the three-story Victorian that houses one of the largest frats on campus? Would she be proud? Or would she complain my dress is too short and order me back to my room to change?

The house is like one of those bug zappers, drawing people from all directions. I watch them walk up, shiny cars rolling past and groups of kids pouring out. The girls are so pretty. I have to keep from fidgeting as I walk up the brick steps that cut into the sloping lawn.

I wish I wasn’t alone. That’s one thing I can’t talk myself out of wishing. I know my clothes are just as good as anybody’s, thanks to my dad. I know I’m pretty, even if I don’t feel quite as hot as the other girls who are used to going to parties like this. Dad hardly ever let me out after I moved in, and it’s not like I did a ton of partying before then. Sometimes, Blair and I would go to one and hang out on the fringe, huddled together with our beers, laughing at everybody making jerks out of themselves.

The thought of Blair is like a kick to the stomach. She should be here with me. I never saw myself starting this part of my life with her so far away. I force myself to look like I’m not anxious when I reach the porch where a dozen people are waiting to get into the house.

It’s so loud I can barely hear myself think, and almost too dark to see. There are people on the stairs, all over the furniture, but the biggest crowd is around the kitchen. Once I manage to elbow my way through the packed rooms, I can see why. It’s where all the drinks are. The table and counters are covered in bottles, and out back, there’s a line of kegs already being tapped.

“Here.” A tall, muscular guy, who looks like he plays football, presses a red cup into my hand before I know what’s happening. He has to lean down for me to hear him over the ear-splitting noise. “Drink up. What’s your name?”

“Mia!” I have to almost scream it, and still, I can barely hear my voice.

“I’m Dave. Nice to meet you. This your first party?”

“What, am I wearing a sign?”

He laughs, and it’s a nice feeling. He doesn’t know who I am, and I don’t know who he is, and he’s not lording his power over me the way certain men do. Men who, I hope, don’t know I sneaked out while they were in the shower. “Yeah, it’s kinda obvious. But that’s okay. We all have to start somewhere.” When somebody shoves past him from behind, he presses me against the wall. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” It’s actually kind of nice. He’s cute, and he has a nice smile. I just now realized how much I’ve missed having causal contact with guys. Being able to flirt a little without somebody breathing down my neck. I’m free.

Even if I can’t stop thinking about Zeke.

“What about you?” I ask, grinning up at him before taking a sip of my drink. It’s strong as hell with a fruity taste, like punch.

“I’m a junior. Business major.” He shrugs. “I like playing ball a lot more. And partying, obviously.”

“Obviously.”

He comes closer without being shoved this time, one arm above my head, leaning against the wall. “You here with anybody?”

Man. We’re not even wasting time getting to know each other. His eyes move over my face and eventually settle on my mouth. When I bite my bottom lip, they narrow. “No. I’m by myself.”

I can just about see the JACKPOT sign flashing in his mind. He thinks he’s found the perfect mark. “Maybe we could go someplace where it’s not so loud.”

“Like the other side of campus?” I ask with a laugh. I can’t imagine a quiet place anywhere in the house.

He laughs, too. “You’re funny. I can tell you’re smart. Not a lot of girls around here are.”

Oof. Here we go. Now he’s going to praise me for being not like the other girls. “So you know all the girls around here?”

His smile slips a little. “You know what I mean. Too many girls play dumb or are dumb. It takes a smart girl to be really funny.”

“Thanks. I am pretty smart.” Which is why I’m not going to drink any more of what’s in my cup since I didn’t pour it myself. I’m not saying I’ve watched one too many Lifetime movies, but I’m not not saying that, either.

“So what do you think? I’m tired of yelling. It’ll be quieter upstairs.” He slides a hand down my arm before taking hold of my fingers.

I wouldn’t say yes anyway because it’s obvious he’s trying to take advantage of somebody he thinks is stupid and naïve. Maybe the frat boys have a bet to see who can get laid first by a freshman tonight. I want to make friends, but not that way. I’m not that desperate. “I don’t think so,” I say with a little shrug. “I’m just going to kind of mingle for a bit. But I’d like to hang out down here.”

It’s like magic. A second ago, he was sweet and cute. When he draws his brows together in a scowl, the mask falls off. “Suit yourself.” He pushes off the wall with a string of curses I can’t hear over the music and quickly disappears into the crowd.