Page 533 of Hell Hath No Fury

Crossing my arms, I let out an annoyed huff. “Fine, if you don’t want to dance with me, I’ll find someone who will.”

It takes a few moments for Cole to come around and realize he’s being a dick. Finally, he manages to get back into party mode, grabbing my hand to lead me onto the dancefloor. The DJ is set up in the corner of the large patio area, pumping his music as people dance. I recognize him from a few years ago. I’m pretty sure my cousin went out on a date with him.

The crowd is a mix of senior high schoolers from different schools. I notice a few guys from the all-boys school. Some ofthem have hit me up on my DMs, not that I’ve ever told Cole. Pretty sure if I did, he would lose his shit, and those guys would be sitting in the ER.

The taller guy dressed in a black tee and jeans glances at me with a smirk on his face. Okay, so he’s cute, not that I’m interested in dating anyone else. Carefully, I look elsewhere so it doesn’t appear obvious I was checking him out.

Cole wraps his hands around my waist, bringing me in so our bodies are flush. His lips linger on my neck with soft kisses while he presses himself against me. He’s hard, but what’s new. Ava once told me boys were always horny in high school. For once, she was right.

I love the remixes the DJ is playing. A mixture of upbeat tunes transitioned with some classics. The dancefloor feels crowded as more people start dancing. When the birthday girl, Livvy, makes her way to the middle, we all form a circle to cheer her on.

Her dress is pink since it’s her favorite color. A similar design to the disco ball dress Ava tried to force upon me. But, of course, no one is surprised since Livvy drives a pink BMW Daddy dearest bought her last year for her sixteenth birthday.

Livvy isn’t like the other girls. Sure, she’s spoilt and a bit ditzy, but she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She’s been nothing but nice to me since first grade.

We dance for a while until my throat dries up, and I desperately need a drink.

“Can we take a break?” I pat Cole’s arm. “I need a drink.”

He nods, then places his hand in mine, weaving us in and out of the crowd toward the bar. It’s all non-alcoholic, so I ask for a soda, but judging by how some boys are acting, I’m guessing something is sneaked in.

“Hey, buddy, what’s up?”

Two guys from Cole’s football team join us at the bar. One of the things which really irks me is every time his friends are around, it’s like I’m invisible.

They quickly say hello to me, then start talking about today’s training session. Once again, I zone out. Since they won’t even notice I’m gone, I take a walk around the property, certain that when I come back, they’ll still be talking about the same thing.

Livvy’s house is huge, maybe the same size as mine but with a different aesthetic. Her parents like everything Mediterranean. There’s even a fountain inside the foyer of the home. Everywhere you look inside, there are artifacts of some sort, plus what I will assume are expensive pieces of artwork on the wall.

One of the things I love about our home is Mom designed it so it feels like a home. We don’t have expensive pieces, aside from my father’s piano. Instead, our home is designed for a family and young kids. Even though my sisters and I have grown up, Mom keeps it the same way, which is why all my nephews and niece love coming over.

I’ve been gone for a solid ten minutes. As I circle back around, I’m stopped at the large French doors by Amber. I force a smile, even though Amber is the biggest bully in our school. If she doesn’t get her way, she’ll make damn sure you pay for it.

“So, does Daddy know you’re dressed like a little slut tonight?”

My pulse elevates as anger begins to consume me slowly. I bite down, trying to

ignore her, but she places her hand against the wall to block me. Her fake fingernails look like claws, ready to scratch me to death over what exactly? I’ve never done anything to her.

“Can you move out of the way, please?”

“You didn’t answer me,” she says with a sneer. “Maybe I should mention it to Daddy. Slide into his DMs like everyone else. I bet he loves all the young pussy waiting to taste his cock.”

My nostrils' flare quickens as she stands in front of me. Amber’s obsession with my father is downright disturbing. She’s constantly making up rumors about how he responds to her. I’ve done my best to ignore it, knowing if I feed the beast, she’ll be hungry for more.

Then, I notice her nod to Chanel, her bestie, who is standing beside Cole. Chanel places her hand on his arm, glancing at me with a wicked grin.

“Jealous?” Amber taunts. “You know, if Cole was mine, I’d make sure he’s plenty satisfied and not trying to get with other girls.”

“Why do you constantly have to make up lies?”

“Lies? Are you that naïve?” She laughs, tossing her head back. “So, the billionaire’s daughter doesn’t have everything, boo.”

My hands clench into fists, pressed against my sides to stop me from smacking her face. Considering she’s already had a nose job, it’s not a big deal if she has more plastic done.

Calm the hell down. Ignore her … just breathe.

I’m not a violent person. Once, I accidentally kicked my auntie’s dog when I didn’t see it sleeping beneath my feet at the dining table. I felt awful for months after that incident.