One of his steps is equal to two of mine, so he easily sticks with me, even as I move faster through the people walking by. My chest is tight. He just told the whole school I’m not his sister, punched my prom date in the face, and apparently broke his nose, effectively ruining my night and possibly my chance at a decent reputation here. Now he wants to give me a ride home.
He’d probably just drive me to a sketchy part of town and leave me there.
“I’m good,” I say, checking my phone to see if I somehow missed a call. The screen is blank.
“My car is here. I know you need a ride. Just let me drive you back.”
“I called my mom. She’s on her way.”
“They’re on the other side of the island on a yacht. It’ll take her over an hour.”
“Cool. I like walking.” I continue on.
The people on the streets are thinning out in this area. I look around, noting I’m in an unfamiliar spot, somewhere I’ve never been.
“Look, you’re not safe out here.”
He grabs my arm. I jerk free, turning to look up at him. He sets his jaw. The blood on the side of his face has been partially wiped away. The cut looks nasty, but it’s not deep.
“I don’t need your help, Dayton. Like you said, I’m not your sister or your responsibility.”
My feet are killing me, but if I take off my heels, he’ll tower over me even more than he already is. His jaw tics as he stares down at me. Blood has stained his white shirt. He must’ve forgotten his jacket back at the resort.
His gold-flecked eyes are swimming with what looks like remorse.That can’t be.
“Please … let me give you a ride.”
I grit my teeth, folding my arms over myself as anger begins to build up in me. “You think I’d accept any form of pretend help from you after what you just did back there? I’m not that desperate for anyone’s approval, least of all someone so hell-bent on destroying my chance at fitting in at a new school, in a new state that I never asked to move to. I had to leave my entirelife behind. I don’t want any of your drama or this weird love triangle you’re a part of that I somehow got dragged into.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. My dad will have my ass if I leave you out here. I’m not offering because I give a shit. It’s self-preservation.”
My brows rise. “Oh, well, in that case, I’m going to firmly reiterate my answer.No, I don’twantorneeda ride home.”
I spin on my heel, marching back toward the resort. My phone starts vibrating in my hand. I look down to see Will’s name on the screen. I grit my teeth and decline the call.
The guys on this island are already turning out to be a massive disappointment, which really sucks. I’ll just have to wait until college to get my first boyfriend.
My mom might not actually call me back in a reasonable amount of time, and even if she did, I can’t fathom waiting around here for another hour and getting harassed by these people. Dayton is still hot on my heels.
“Go away! I have nothing more to say to you.” I glance up at him.
His expression is grim. My eyes drop to his bloodied knuckles.
“I’m not letting you walk around alone at night, Cupcake. Get over it.”
Every self-conscious, insecure bone in my body recoils at the nickname. I thought I looked good in this dress when I left the house, but now I’m wondering if the pudge around my arms and my stomach is that noticeable. Dayton must have watched me eat a cupcake from the dessert table earlier.
I’m gonna be sick. This night can’t get any worse.
I pull up my phone, seeing a string of text messages from Will.
Will
Where did you go?
Aurelia and I are leaving.
Let us drive you home.