Private (Private 1)

P R I V A T E

193

“We were talking,” Ariana said flatly.

looked sickened. Kiran smirked and took a swig of her drink.

“I invited her,” Thomas shot back.

Ariana, as always, stared. Noelle just looked disappointed. This was He grabbed my hand and pulled. Too hard. I fell into him and he not what was supposed to happen tonight.

tripped back slightly. I reddened in embarrassment.

Thomas pulled away for one second and that was all the window

“Thomas, can this wait?” I said, glancing at the girls.

I needed. “Get off,” I said through my teeth. I raised my hands and

“No. It can’t,” he replied, laughing.

shoved him as hard as I could.

He tugged me across the clearing, dancing me backward until I

Thomas staggered back and almost fell, but touched his fingers

was leaning against a huge tree. Then he pressed both my shoulders to the ground and righted himself, teetering back up to his feet. His back with his hands and kissed me. He tasted of beer and smelled chest heaved. Anger contorted his features. Silence fell.

of ash from the fire.

Don’t. Don’t embarrass me. I begged him with my eyes.

“You forgive me, right?” he whispered, shoving my shoulders back

“Why did you even come here?” Thomas spat. He was either to

against the tree so hard that I couldn’t move. “You forgive me now.”

angry to care or too drunk to notice my silent plea.

“Thomas—”

“I—”

He covered my mouth with his. I struggled, but he pressed

“Clearly it wasn’t for me,” he said.

against me. Holding me there. His hands moved to my waist. I felt I automatically looked over at the Billings Girls. Thomas fol-him tug at my shirt. Felt his cool hands against my warm skin.

lowed my gaze and laughed maniacally. “Oh, of course! How could I Before I knew what was happening, his palms started to travel up have been so stupid!” he announced grandly. “She’s here to suck up toward my bra. I yanked my face away from him with some effort.

to you!” he shouted at Noelle. “That’s what this is about, right, new

“Thomas, no,” I said.

girl? All you care about is getting in with them. I wanna be a Billings