Page 36 of Whisper Pretty Lies (Lust & Liars #1)

“You can dance, Mia. It doesn’t bother me. Chase plays beer pong and I don’t. I’m used to standing on the sidelines.”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “After we get a drink and find somewhere you’ll have fun too.”

We walk into the kitchen where bottles cover the huge island and counters. It’s a lot of choices.

“Welcome, ladies.” Liam stands beside the island. Besides being on the hockey team, we’ve had classes together. “What can I make for you tonight?”

Mia smiles and twirls her hair around her finger. “I loved watching you play today.”

“Yeah? You came to watch me?” He gives her a crooked smile, showing off his dimples. He’s a good-looking guy. Not as hot as Hawk, Damon, or Cam, but he’s tall and muscular with brown hair and brown eyes.

“Yeah. I’ve never been to a hockey game before. I’d love to learn more about the sport.” Mia maintains eye contact with him the whole time. It’s kind of fascinating to watch.

I don’t really know how to flirt, but this is like a masterclass. The eye contact. The knowing smiles. The interest.

Liam nods. “Let’s get you two some drinks. Then we can find a spot to sit and talk by the pool.”

“That sounds amazing. I’d love a sex on the beach.” She arches her eyebrow.

He chuckles. “Of course you would.” His gaze falls on me. “What are you having, EvanAnn?”

Mia looks at me expectantly. I want to be this girl’s friend, but I also don’t drink much. Okay, I don’t drink at all.

“She’ll have the same.” Mia decides for me.

Liam bobs his head as he grabs bottles and solo cups, mixing two drinks. “So, transferring your senior year either means you’ve got huge balls or you worked your way through your last school and need some fresh meat.”

Mia’s laugh is high-pitched and delighted. “Definitely looking for fresh meat.”

He gives her a crooked smile. “You’re in the right place.”

He hands us the drinks and grabs a beer, gesturing for us to follow him. Mia squeals excitedly to me as we wind our way through the party to the door. The cool night air is much better than the stifling air inside.

My senses are on high alert, waiting for one of the Devil’s trio to pounce. But so far, I haven’t seen any of them. I’m not sure if they’ll do anything to me here. They seem to like to get me alone before striking.

I glance around looking for Chase and Tanner, but I don’t see them either. They must be inside. Liam leads us over to some couches.

“Here we go.” Liam sits and pats the seat next to him. “Time to get to know the new girl.”

Mia sits down and drags me down beside her.

She takes a sip of her drink, but I just hold mine.

It smells fruity, but I need to keep my wits about me.

Somewhere at this party is the trio, and there’s no mom to stop them from doing whatever they want.

I’m not reliable when I’m sober when it comes to them. They stir something wicked in me.

Liam and Mia flirt and drink while I watch the other people at the party. There’s a couple making out beside the pool. In the water, a few people swim and play in their underwear. It’s pretty low-key out here, but music spills out the doors, keeping with the party mood.

Through the windows, I can make out the bodies moving in the dimly-lit rooms.

A game of beer pong is set up in the corner and I recognize some of Chase’s friends, but he’s not over there with them. I haven’t seen the Devil’s trio anywhere either, and I don’t know if that’s a relief or a disappointment.

Damon

The party is packed tonight. We’re all on a mission to find Evan on her own and drag her into a room. We’re supposed to text when we find her, but I haven’t seen her inside.

I do see a familiar head of dark hair as Chase walks towards the bedrooms. I follow with my phone out, ready to catch him in the act.

It’s considered a party foul, but fuck this asshole. It’s time Evan learned the truth, so her loyalty can switch.

He walks across the party and stops to say something to Hawk. Hawk smirks as Chase talks.

Fuck it.

I walk over to join them.

As I close in, Chase says, “No one would blame you for quitting, man. Especially now, before the play begins. Jason could slot right in there. He’s been working on his lines with me. He’ll do a great job.”

Hawk glances at me and holds out his fist for me to bump.

Chase turns and smiles warily. “Hey, I thought you were supposed to be out this year. Going pro or some shit.”

I lean against the wall next to Hawk. “Plans changed.”

“That’s a shame.” His gaze lingers on the almost-healed scrape on my jaw. He looks away quickly. Fucker. He knows.

“You getting a piece tonight?” I ask, like I don’t know he’s dating Evan.

Chase smirks and looks out over the sea of dancing girls. “I’ve been hoping to find something quick before I go hang out for the rest of the night.”

Hawk meets my gaze with a look before turning to Chase. “I’ll see you Monday at the cold read.”

Hawk walks away. Chase shakes his head.

“I don’t know why EvanAnn cast him, but he’ll definitely bring an audience.” Chase blows out a breath. “What about you? You going to find a girl tonight? Olivia’s been eyeing you.”

My smile widens as a movement over Chase’s shoulder catches my attention. Evan comes in through a door and turns up the stairs. “I have another girl in mind.”

Chase is already looking at the crowd. “Me too.”

He taps my arm like we’re fucking friends before heading to the dance floor. He grabs a brunette and pulls her in tight against him, whispering in her ear. I snap a few pictures on my phone of them talking with his hands on her ass, before turning toward the stairs.

EvanAnn

After a while and a lot of flirting, it’s clear something is happening between Liam and Mia. I should leave so they can get to know each other without a third wheel.

I touch Mia’s arm. “I need to find the bathroom.”

“Want me to come with?” She glances at Liam. Her cup is empty and her eyes are a little darker.

“No, I’m good to go alone.” It’s an excuse anyway. I do have to go, but I want to find Chase. We should spend some time together. Maybe that will help rekindle some of those initial sparks.

Liam points toward the door in the shadows. “There’s a bathroom on the second floor. If you go through that door, you’ll be at the stairs, and the door’s at the top.”

“Thanks.”

Mia grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Come find me in...” She looks over Liam and he gives her a cocky smile. “Thirty minutes, okay?”

I nod and lean in. “I’m riding back to your place with you tonight. Is that okay?”

“Of course.” She smiles. “I won’t leave you here.”

I look down into my still-full cup and offer it to her. She smirks and takes a sip. I step away and walk around the pool to the door Liam pointed out. When I glance back, Mia and Liam are talking. Her hand is on his knee as she leans in close.

He’s focused on her and only her. It looks easy. I’m happy for her.

At least she’s not hitting on Hawk, Cam, or Damon. Yet.

I haven’t seen any of them, even though I’ve seen other hockey players around. Maybe they’ve already found girls to fuck. My stomach clenches. Just because they’re trying to blackmail me doesn’t mean they want me. And I don’t have a right to be jealous.

I shake it off, open the door, and walk upstairs. There are a few people waiting for the bathroom, so I join the line.

Pulling out my phone, I text Chase.

Me:

Where’d you go?

I’m on the second floor

Waiting for bathroom

I look down the hallway. Those are the bedrooms everyone knows are available for sex. It seems kind of impersonal and weird to use someone else’s bedroom for sex, but I guess it’s better than the back seat of a car.

By the time it’s my turn, Chase hasn’t answered me. I open the conversation with Hawk. He hasn’t texted me since yesterday. I should erase his messages so Chase doesn’t see them, but he never looks at my phone.

Chase isn’t worried about me straying. Why would he? I’m loyal and don’t do anything but stay home. Apparently he should be worried, because my home now includes a guy who doesn’t mind if I watch him masturbate.

And that kiss. A shiver rolls through me as my knees weaken. Fuck. I need to put it out of my head. Damon is toying with me. I don’t know why, but I’ll find out.

I wash my hands and head out into the hallway. The last person in line disappears into the bathroom, leaving the hallway empty. The music reaches up here, but it’s quieter than it was on the first floor.

I could find somewhere quiet to hang out until Mia is ready to leave...

Instead, I take a breath and turn to head down the stairs.

I run right into someone tall and they grab my arm to keep me from falling. That dark and earthy scent makes my eyes widen and my insides combust. My gaze shoots up to meet piercing blue ones. His smile is wicked.

“Evan.”