Page 2 of Freestyle (Boys of Frampton U #2)

Lyndsy, ever the social butterfly, grabs my arm. “Come on, let’s go say hi to my brother!” she chirps, pulling me toward them.

I hesitate for a moment. “You go ahead, Lynds. I’m gonna grab another drink,” I say, slipping away before she can protest.

As I weave through the crowd, I try to shake off the weird feeling and focus on the rhythm of the music, the vibrant energy of the party.

I’m here to have fun, not get caught up in drama.

As I stand at the bar, waiting for my drink, I can’t escape the lingering sensation of their gaze.

It’s like a magnetic pull, drawing me back to them despite my better judgment.

“Hey, Rowyn,” a voice says, and I turn to see Remy standing next to me. His smile is friendly, but I can see the curiosity in his eyes.

“Enjoying the party?” he asks.

“Yeah, it’s great,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just needed a break from the dance floor.”

Remy nods, his gaze flickering toward Gray and the green-eyed guy.

“Those two can be intense, huh?” I nod to his friends.

“Don’t let them get to you. They’re harmless, really.”

I nod again, taking a sip of my drink.

“Oh, I’m sure. But I’m just trying to keep things simple tonight.” I shrug as Remy laughs.

“Good luck with that. Simplicity and the Sharks don’t usually go hand in hand.”

I let his words sink in as he walks away with his drink. Yeah, I know all about the Sharks and their need to dominate everything in their path. We learned that when Fallon met Remy at the beginning of the school year.

“Come on Row! Let’s go play beer pong!” Fallon shouts over the music, dragging me out of my thoughts. I follow her to the backyard where there’s a giant pool glistening in the lights, and people jumping in from the roof with cheers that blend with the music.

“Are you okay being out here?” I ask her as we pass the water.

“Yeah, I’m good. I have you guys and I’ve been practicing my breathing, like you suggested.

I think it’s helping.” She smiles and squeezes my hand.

As we approach the table, I see Remy setting up the cups.

He winks at Fallon, making her blush like a ripe tomato.

It’s cute seeing her response after all the time they’ve been together.

“Hey, babe. You ready to lose?” He laughs, clearly enjoying teasing her.

“Not a chance, psycho. We happen to have a secret weapon.” Fallon nods towards me, causing me to flush as a crowd begins to form.

“Game on, little fox,” he responds, placing a kiss on her lips. She turns a brighter shade of red and I giggle, shaking my head.

“Stop, Row. He’s a bad influence. Don’t encourage him!” she scolds playfully.

I raise my hands in surrender, laughing. “I didn’t do anything!”

Fallon grabs the ping pong ball, her eyes determined. “Alright, let’s do this!” Remy smirks, as she lines up her shot.

“Prepare to be amazed.” The crowd cheers as the game begins, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement.

Fallon and I work together seamlessly, laughing and teasing each other as we play.

The tension from earlier in the night seems to melt away with each shot, and even more with every cup we have to drink.

“Nice one, Fallon!” I shout as she sinks a ball into one of Remy’s remaining cups. He feigns annoyance, but I can see the amusement twinkling in his eyes.

“Not bad, little fox,” he says, taking a drink.

“But we’re just getting started.” The game continues, the atmosphere growing more intense with each round.

Fallon and I manage to keep up with Remy, matching his skill with our own, even with my head swimming.

The crowd around us cheers, making us feel invincible.

At one point, I catch sight of Gray and the friend watching from the sidelines.

Their presence sends a chill through me, but I force myself to focus on the game.

Tonight is about fun, not distractions. As the final cups are left on the table, Fallon lines up her shot, her face a mask of concentration.

She takes a deep breath and releases the ball.

It arcs through the air and lands perfectly in the cup, sealing our victory.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and Fallon turns to me with a triumphant grin.

“We did it!” I laugh, pulling her into a hug. “You were amazing!”

Remy shakes his head, laughing. “I have to admit, you two make a great team.” Fallon blushes again but smiles proudly.

“Thanks, babe. Maybe next time you’ll put up a better fight.” He laughs, giving her a playful nudge.

“We’ll see about that.”

As the cheers and laughter die down, I glance at my watch and feel a pang of guilt. It’s already past midnight, and I have to be up early for work. The thought of dragging myself through a double shift on just a few hours of sleep makes me groan inwardly.

“Hey, Fallon, I just realized how late it is. I have to work tomorrow,” I shout over the music.

Fallon’s face falls, and she pouts. “Oh, come on, Row! You can’t leave yet. The night is still young, and we just won our game!” She grabs my arm, giving me her best puppy-dog eyes.

“Please? Just a little longer?”

I hesitate, torn between responsibility and the urge to have fun. The music is still pulsing, the energy high, and the night feels full of potential. I sigh, giving in to Fallon’s pleading gaze.

“Okay, fine. But just a little longer.”

Fallon squeals with delight and pulls me back inside toward the dance floor.

“You’re the best, Row! Let’s make the most of it!”

As we rejoin the crowd, I can’t help but smile. Fallon’s infectious enthusiasm makes it hard to say no and despite my better judgment, I find myself getting swept up in the excitement of the party once more. We dance and laugh, the worries of the next day momentarily forgotten.

Lyndsy comes over and pulls Fallon to the bar and I use it as my excuse to leave while I can.

“I’m heading out, guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Do you want me to walk back with you?” Lynds asks with a frown. I hate to walk alone this late, but I’m not pulling her away from the party.

“Definitely not. I’ll be fine. Stay and have more fun for me,” I insist with a smile.

Lyndsy still looks concerned, but nods anyway. “Okay, but text me when you get home, alright?”

“Promise,” I say, giving her a quick hug. As I make my way through the crowded room, the music and laughter fade into the background.

I see Gray and the other guy from earlier standing by the door, their presence impossible to ignore amidst the swirling chaos of the party.

“Leaving so soon?” Gray calls out, stepping forward. I turn to face him, his cocky smirk infuriating.

“I believe that’s what it looks like,” I retort, gathering my strength. Gray is used to getting exactly what he wants. Lyndsy has told me of his antics more than once. He chuckles, stepping closer, confidence radiating off him like heat from an oven.

“What did you just say?” he challenges, tilting his head, his brown eyes piercing through me.

“Yes, I am leaving. Problem?” I cross my arms, glaring up at him defiantly.

“Wrong answer.”

I try to side step him but in a swift, unexpected movement, he grabs me and pins me to the wall. My feet are off the floor and I’m eye level with him, heart racing in a way I didn’t expect. For some reason his touch feels electric, as if I might combust at any moment.

“Let me go, you asshat!” I shout, pounding my fists into his chest, my defiance only fueling him more. The other guy, with dark hair and a mischievous grin, stands to the side, laughter escaping him like the wind.

“She’s a spitfire,” he comments, watching our exchange with amused eyes.

Gray leans in, his mouth hovering dangerously close to mine, “That mouth will get you in trouble,” he warns. “What do you think, Nix? Think she can handle us?”

Us?

As in both of them at the same time?

What the hell kind of freaky romance novel is this?

I take a deep breath as adrenaline courses through me. Something deep inside urges me not to back down. “I can handle anything you throw at me, but it sure as fuck won’t be you,” I reply, emboldened.

“Is that so?” Gray runs his nose along my neck as his warm breath coats my skin.

“Do you even remember my name, Gray?” I huff, still trying to push him away.

He laughs, shaking his head, “Of course, but right now all you need to know is you’re ours for the night, Rowyn.”

“Yours?!” I scoff, incredulity skating through my voice. “I don’t belong to anyone.”

His eyes darken and he tilts his head, studying me as if trying to pinpoint my weakness.

A challenge, I realize.

A challenge I’m not sure I’m ready for, but one that ignites sparks of something thrilling within me. Game on, fuckers.

“We’ll see about that.” His words drip with a promise that erupts goosebumps along my skin. He releases me and I drop onto my heels. Gray doesn’t step away, leaving an electricity in the air that feels both maddening and exhilarating.

“Bedroom, Gray. We’re drawing a crowd,” his friend whispers in his ear, loud enough for me to hear.

My breath catches as I feel the warm, deep timbre of his voice wash over me, stirring something primal deep within. I pull back, locking eyes with him. His piercing green eyes stare back, intense and magnetic, as if I’m caught in his spell, and he is the hunter sizing up his prey.

“Who’s your friend?” I manage to ask, though I can hardly focus on anything but his gaze.

“Phoenix,” he says, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Or call me Nix. ”

“I’d normally say let’s give them something to watch, but I’ll be damned if we aren’t the only ones seeing her.”

Gray’s voice holds a confidence that sends shivers down my spine.

Without waiting for my approval, he takes my hand firmly and leads me through the crowd.

They all part before Gray and Nix like the obedient subjects they are as they drag me upstairs to the bedroom.

I try to protest the whole time, looking to other guests for help, but no one defies the Sharks of this school.