As he swings me into his stiff arms, I sigh. “Sorry, I’m having personal problems.”
He has no rhythm at all. And it’s not like we’re doing a waltz. All we have to do is sway, but he’s simply not good.
“Please, for me, try to have fun. We only live once and you look like an angel tonight.” He smiles and again, I cringe. All I want is Edge. Edge with his cinnamon and smoke smell, tall and lean body, and beautiful turquoise eyes.
I hardly notice what song is playing or the smell of the gym as I lose myself in the idea that everything I thought I wanted might not be true… if it means losing Edge.
“God,” I whisper. This has to be the schnapps talking. But all I can think about is Edge—how he should have been the one to take me tonight. He should be the one I laugh with, drink with. I need to get to my phone and call him. I need to tell him I overreacted. Maybe he truly was not in his right mind.
The dance ends and Troy dips me like a true gentleman. I don’t even wait for him and beeline it straight out the gym doors, ignoring all the well-wishers and ass-kissers. I need to get my clutch, which has my makeup and phone.
“You okay?” Troy says. “You look like you need air or something.”
I almost scream because what the hell? “I’m fine. I need my purse and the restroom.”
“Didn’t mean to scare you.”
Snorting, I frown. “You didn’t.”
“Really?” He swings me around and my crown starts to slip.
“I’m warning you, Troy. Back off.” His eyes change, and for a moment, a slither of dread, or maybe it’s paranoia, sends a small tremor through me. His eyes change as he smiles; he felt my shiver.
I reach for my clutch and look at my friends who are laughing and doing what looks like cocaine. It could be Jason and Doc’s drug for all I know.
“Whatever, Doll.” He sits down next to Morgan and his hand goes straight up her dress as she squeals and snorts some more cocaine.
“My turn.” He leans over and that’s when I turn to leave and walk right out. The dark hallway is almost peaceful. The farther away I get from the loud music and them, the better it gets. All I hear is the sound of my heels clacking on the floor. I dig into my purse and my heart skips or flutters because there are two missed calls from Edge.
I slam open the door leading to the parking lot and sit on the step. My head is spinning and I wish I hadn’t drunk as much as I did because I don’t want to call him like this…
I go to push on his name when I hear the steel door bang open and out walk Troy, Morgan, and Devin.
“There’s our queen.” Troy lowers his bulky body next to mine. Morgan and Devin are giggling as they try to lean against the railing but start to fall off.
“Hey, go take that shit somewhere else. I want to talk to my Doll,” Troy yells at both of them as Morgan tries to stop Devin from pinning her against the wall.
“Morgan?” I try to stand, but Troy’s hand snakes around my wrist and jerks me down. My ass hits the cold, hard cement and I’m done.
“Listen, Troy,” I start, “if you ever lay a hand on me again—” But I don’t get to say any more as he pushes me back and his rancid tongue enters my mouth. My eyes sting at my back being rubbed raw, but mostly, I’m pissed. The nerve of this guy! His hands travel under my dress, and I push at his chest.
“No.” It’s all I get out and vaguely I think I hear Morgan saying the same thing. But I’m not sure since Devin seems to be dragging her farther away.
“You little tease. You think you’re so much better than me, what with your homo boyfriend. I’ll show you.”
“Troy, stop,” I pant. My mind spins and I’m filled with panic as his hand grips my throat, holding me prisoner. My back has to be bleeding at this point, and still, he uses his other hand to rip at my spaghetti straps. My nipples feel the cool night air as he grunts his approval. Pure terror takes over. This can’t be happening; I’m Dolly, the daughter of Shark, VP to one of the deadliest motorcycle clubs.
I twist my mouth away as he starts to put pressure on my neck. Oh my God… is he trying to kill me as well as rape me?
“He’ll kill you,” I choke out. I’m starting to see black dots as he grunts and unbuckles his pants. My body barely moves as he rips off my panties. All of a sudden, I’m blinking away my terror as blackness appears, and I see him, hear him, and everything is going to be okay.