CHAPTER 16

Aurelia

He smiles again, turning back to his friend and giving me a small shove in his direction. Daniel smiles at me, his money-bought teeth gleaming as he takes my hand and leads us to the dance floor. My eyes catch the clock on one of the walls. 9:55.

I'm not going to make it.

Daniel rests a hand low on my back, pulling me to him. He's tall and pudgy, his fat belly pressing against my breasts. I feel his breath fan over my temples as he whispers into my ear, "You're all grown now, Aurelia." The smell of liquor fills my nostrils. "I remember when you were a little girl; even then, I always knew you would be divine."

I swallow thickly; Emaine's attention is no longer on me, nor is Dad's. I need to figure out a way to get out of this house, and soon.

"Tell me something, love." He breathes out the last word, like he's out of breath.

I look up at him, forcing myself to smile. "Anything."

He almost pants, whispering, "Are you a virgin?"

Bile climbs up my throat; his fingers splay out over the top of my ass.

"I am."

"Oh," he sounds fascinated. "How wonderful. So beautiful, so young, and

innocent."

Just his type, I gather.

He presses even closer to me, trying not to leave a hair's width of space between our bodies. "You're so soft." He says, "Any man would be lucky to have you."

The words come out intentionally, sickly sweet. I bat my lashes at him, "Thank you, sir."

"Oh," He groans, "Don't call me sir. Call me by my name. Daniel, or even better, Mr. Miller."

Ugh. Sick fuck.

"Of course, Mr. Miller." I say, running my hands up his arms. The more I get him to warm up to me, the less suspicious he'll be when I make a move to get away. "You're a good dancer, Mr. Miller."

The old geezer flushes, "Thank you. You know, I'm also quite good at other things."

I toss my head back in a cheery laugh, hoping the mirth shines in my eyes. I subtly glance at the clock at 9:59. I press a hand to his chest, and his grin tells me I'm selling my interest quite well. Over his shoulder, my eyes automatically seek out Kane, with Stella no longer at his side.

Even all the way across the room, he watches me with an expression I can't read. His brows are drawn together, his jaw locked, as he grips his glass tightly by his side.

I look away, smiling at Daniel again. "I'm so sorry, but if you'd excuse me for a minute, I have to run to the ladies room."

"Of course." He loosens his grip.

My smile widens. "Don't run off, okay?" I squeeze his arm. "I'll be right back."

"I wouldn't dream of it." He watches me as I turn away, his gaze heated. It makes my skin crawl.

I make my way outside the hall, feeling a different set of eyes burning the side of my profile across the room. The second I'm out of sight, I make my way out the back door, fast on my feet and not stopping till I get to the diner.

It's well past 10, and the place is empty as I stroll inside. I sag into one of the seats, burying my face in my hands. Thunder rumbles—a telltale sign that it's about to rain.

I achieved nothing at the end of the day, and I'm about to return home soaking wet.

"Hello, dear."

I lift my head to see the old lady staring down at me, her eyes kind. She's holding a brown-wrapped package in her hand.

"Sorry," I tell her, moving to stand up. "I know you're closed; I was late for a meeting. I'll be leaving now."

"Blue Ivy?"

My eyes widen, and I pause. "Yes," I say, "that's me."

He smile widens, and she holds out the package to me. "Someone left this

here for you. She said, Tell you she's a friend."

I take it, thanking her before she walks away. I stare at her retreating form.

for a moment before making my way out the door.

It's pouring already.

The cars fly by; there is not a single cab in sight. Sighing, I start the trek home.

But I've barely been walking for two minutes when a sleek black car pulls up beside me. The driver's window rolls down, and irritation builds inside me once I see his face.

Daniel smiles at me and says, "You ran off, Love."

I muster a smile. "I had something to take care of; I'm going back home now."

"Hop inside," he says. "I'll give you a ride."

"No, thank you." I say, No part of me wants to be alone in a car with someone like him. "It's a short walk."

"Don't be silly, Love." I gritted my teeth at the word 'love'. "Come on in, you'll get all wet." His eyes trail down my body as he says it, lingering on my chest. The white material now sees through in this condition, with my black bra peeking through. I wrap my arms around myself.

"It's fine, really." I keep walking.

The car door shuts behind me, and my shoulders tense up.

"Don't be this way," He grabs my arm, and I shake him off instantly.

putting distance between us. I watch the shift in his demeanor; a chill settles in my bones, and it's not because of the rain.

"What are you playing at?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, girl." He mocks, "Let's not pretend. Half an hour ago, you were

practically throwing yourself at me; you've gotten me all riled up, and now you change your mind?"

I shake my head and say, "Goodbye."

He grabs me by the back of my shirt, yanking me to him and pressing us up against the wall.

"What the hell are you doing?" I cry, "Get off me!"

"You're a little tease," He pants, pining my arms as he cups my chest. "Come on, don't play hard to get. Let's just get this over with, huh? It's not like I'll tell your dad what a naughty girl you are. It'll be our little secret."

"Stop!" I growl, trying to wriggle away from him. "I'll scream."

He shoves a hand against my mouth, the other pinning my wrists harshly against the wall as he presses his body against mine, burying his face in my neck. I feel his erection pressing against my lower belly.

Tears pool in my eyes. I can't scream or cry out; I can barely even breathe. It's too dark for any of the cars passing by to notice us.

He shoves my thighs apart.

A car door slams a second before Daniel is ripped off me.

"What the-" He startles, but it ends in a broken growl as a fist cracks him across the jaw.

I whimper as he falls to the wet concrete, blinking my tear-filled eyes till I see Kane standing in front of me.