Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81141 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I take my phone from my purse and pretend to check something as I follow behind her. I should suck it up and act like nothing happened, but it’s still too hard, so instead, I find ways to avoid Jase.
We leave the suite, and when a hand settles on my lower back, I look up, thinking it’s Noah or Kao, but when I lock eyes with Jase, I instantly feel flustered.
“Just wanted to say you look beautiful.”
My first thought is that Jase never walks at the back, but always with Hunter, Fallon, and Hana at the front. It’s something they’ve always done.
“Ah… thanks.”
Luckily, we don’t have to wait for the elevator, and we all bundle inside. I get stuck next to Jase, and the ride down is torturous as I stand with my whole left side plastered against his.
Deep breaths, Mila.
When we step out of the confined space, I hang back with Kao and Noah. Glancing at my cousin, I ask him, “Where have you been? I haven’t seen much of you.”
Noah grins as he answers, “I’ve been studying my ass off.”
We head out of the dorm, and I let out a burst of laughter. “We both know that’s a lie. You don’t have to study with your damn high IQ. So unfair.”
Noah lets out a chuckle. “I still study, Mila.”
As we approach the cars, the smile drops from my face when I realize Hana and Fallon are riding with Kao and Noah. That leaves me stuck with Jase.
Not wanting Jase to think I planned it, I give him an apologetic smile as he opens the passenger door for me. I slip inside and take another deep breath.
This is going to be such a long night.
The drive to the club is filled with silence, and it begins to feel suffocating. By the time we stop at the venue, I feel a little nauseous. I get out of the car and suck in the chilly air.
Crap, I forgot to bring a jacket. I’m going to freeze my butt off later.
We all walk into the club, and half the people here already look drunk. Nate spots us, and with an alcoholic beverage in his hand, he stumbles closer to us.
Someone’s had too much to drink.
“Jase!” Jessica’s shrill voice can be heard above the music. “You made it.”
I let out a sigh as Jessica throws her arms around Jase’s neck, and having seen enough, I make my way to our usual table in the VIP section on the upper floor.
Sitting down next to Jade, I say, “I’m ready to go home.”
She lets out a chuckle. “Let’s go dance. You’ll be in a better mood in no time.”
I glance down at the lower floor, and seeing Jase talking with Jessica has me standing up and saying, “Yeah, let’s go dance. I need to get rid of some tension.”
I wait for Jade to kiss Hunter as if she’ll never see him again before we head to the dance floor. The music is electric and dancing with Jade is always fun.
I let the music sweep me away from all my worries. We stay on the dance floor for a couple of songs, and then Jade leans over and says, “Justin’s behind you.”
I glance over my shoulder just as Justin takes hold of my hips and moves to the beat with me. When he leans into my back, the acidic smell of alcohol drifts to me as he says, “You look hot, Mila.”
Not liking him behind me, I turn around. “Thanks. Are you enjoying the party?”
He nods, and a wide grin spreads over his face. “It’s even better now that you’re here.”
Shoot. Not wanting Justin to think I’m into him, I say, “Listen…” I lean closer to him, so he’ll hear me, “We’re just friends, Justin. I’m really not interested in dating you.”
Suddenly someone grabs hold of Justin and then punches him. I let out a shriek as my gaze darts to the guy.
My eyes widen even more when I see it’s Jase. He wraps an arm around my waist and yanks me against him, then growls at Justin, “I said she’s off-limits. You should’ve fucking listened the first time.”
Oh, God. Not this again.
Chapter 10
JASE
With my arm tightly wrapped around Mila’s waist, we stand motionless on the crowded dance floor. My gaze drops to hers, which is filled with shock.
One minute I’m still talking to Jessica, and the next, I’m punching Justin.
I’m losing my fucking mind over her.
Since yesterday I’ve been trying to think of a way to approach her, and then tonight, she looks like a fucking goddess.
I also picked up on the vibe that she’s trying to stay away from me, and I don’t like it one bit.
We’re the only ones not dancing when Mila begins to pull away, her gaze narrowing at me.
Her eyes dart around us before they lock on mine again, and then she says, “Seriously, Jase? What the hell?”