Chapter 15

Hunter

Liam and I arrive at Declan’s house early to help him set up for the party. We start by pushing the furniture back against the walls in the living room, allowing us to make space for speakers and a dance floor. In the kitchen, I grab drinks from the fridge and place them on the island.

Liam has wandered off somewhere, as usual, to get out of helping, so now it is just me and Declan. Out of nowhere, he says, “Hey, Hunter, how’s it going with Ava? You know the clock is ticking, don’t you?”

I groan. I really don’t want to talk about this.

I know I made a bet, but I’m not so sure about it anymore. Ava is different than other girls. But I’m sure Drew won’t let me out of it.

“It’s going well.” I don’t elaborate.

After we finish setting up, I jog up the stairs to take a shower and freshen myself up before the party. I have a reputation to uphold, after all. I dress in a shirt and jeans and then head downstairs.

By nine p.m., the party is in full swing, but I can’t find Ava anywhere. ~Maybe she isn’t going to come.~ I had been looking forward to seeing the way her lips pull into a smile.

~What is wrong with me? Why am I always thinking about her?~

Shaking my head, I walk outside for some fresh air. Ava is invading my thoughts, and honestly, I’m not sure how to feel.

Sometime later, my boys come out, and Liam hands me a beer. Grateful, I take it and down it without a second thought. Before long, I’ve downed more than a few drinks, and my head is buzzing slightly. I think one of them slipped vodka into my drinks; I wouldn’t be this tipsy otherwise.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a stunning girl stride outside, followed by another girl. My eyes widen. Before you start scolding me, it’s my “girlfriend” and her best friend.

My mood instantly picks up at the sight, and I no longer feel tipsy. Ava looks so stunning in her white lace dress that I just want to kiss her. Who knew she had those curves on her?

Smiling, I walk over, not giving anyone else my attention—even though, from the corner of my eyes, I can see other girls beckoning me. I come up behind Ava, pick her up, and swing her around. I hear her giggle slightly before I set her back on her feet.

“I’m so glad you could make it, sweetie. By the way, you look stunning.”

Ava smiles that stunning smile of hers, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Well, thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself, babe.” I see her cringe slightly, and I’m shocked—I never expected her to call me “babe.”

But I smirk to hide my disappointment that she doesn’t feel comfortable doing so.

I turn back to my friends, who have followed me over. Their eyes harden, and I know what they are thinking as they put smirks on their faces. They aren’t exactly happy with me.

When I turn my attention back to Ava, I see her cheeks are flaming red. I can’t help but think she looks adorable.

Sitting around with my friends is natural, but having Ava here is better than anything. Keeping my arm lightly around her slim waist feels so right, yet I feel like I have to be careful not to break her.

Remembering what Declan said earlier, I get up and excuse myself to go get drinks for everyone. I need a moment to think clearly—and to deal with that asshole, Drew. I can’t let him near my princess.

I find him in the hall pushing Jessica against the wall. They’re making out, and I roll my eyes as I grab the back of his collar and yank him off her. I slam him into the wall, and my fist connects with his face over and over again.

He aims a punch at my stomach, but I dodge it and let him drop to the floor. Seething in anger, I drag him toward the door and shove him out before any more damage can be done.

I look down at my hands and see the blood and the bruises starting to form over them. I know that won’t go unnoticed. Well, so much for talking to Drew.

I walk back into the hall to see a shaken-up Jessica standing there. I ignore her and try to get to the kitchen so that I can get drinks like I said I would, but her twig-like fingers wrap around my arm, the false nails slightly digging into my skin. I clench my jaw and turn to face her.

Jessica pushes me against the wall, pressing her body into me. I start to struggle and push her away but stop as soon as I hear her words.

“Keep moving, and I’ll tell your little plaything your secret.” The words are so small, but they hold so much power.

Jessica pushes herself on me even more, and I grab her waist to stop her and hold her in place. Her lips draw near mine, and I feel nothing. I’m bored. I’m not even hard. She doesn’t make me feel that way anymore.

Jessica forcefully presses her lips to mine, but I push her away, not giving a fuck about the consequences. Ava has a right to know the truth. I should never have accepted this stupid bet, and while I know the truth is going to hurt her, it is for the best.

My heart drops as I see her familiar white dress and brown hair whip out the front door.

Cursing under my breath, I throw one last look at Jessica, who has a smirk on her face, before rushing out the door after Ava. I guess she had a feeling she would find us.

~Bitch.~

I see Ava sitting in her friend’s car, crying her eyes out. Knowing that I have made her feel this way kills me.

I feel like shit but don’t know how to fix this. Then Lily enters the car, and my princess drives away.