squeeze his hand as hard as I can, hoping that it hurts like hell.
"Zoey, please—you know you can't hurt me. Will you just stop and enjoy this dance with me?"
"I don't want to enjoy this dance with you. I was enjoying dancing with Griffin before you so rudely interrupted." I try to keep the venom out of my voice.
"I was just doing what I promised."
"And what would that be—preventing Zoey from having a good time?" I sarcastically inquire.
"No. Despite what you think, I am just looking out for my best friend. You know, looking out for her best interest, making sure she doesn't do anything stupid, making sure no one hurts her in any shape or form, especially when that form is dressed like a gladiator."
I can't help but feel…guilty. Evan is just looking out for me just like he's always done. But, I can't help but still feel a little resentment. I mean, I am a grown-ass woman, and he knows nothing about Griffin.
"I know you're being my 'bodyguard,' and I really appreciate it. But, you didn't need to go all caveman. Griffin's harmless."
"No man is harmless, Zoey. Especially tonight, especially when you're wearing this."
His eyes roam over me, and I feel a burning sensation, and it's not just my cheeks.
"Look, I just want you to be happy, and I don't want to see you get hurt," he adds.
I roll my eyes.
"I know I can be a pain in the ass, but I am very protective of you, Zoey, you know that. I always have been and I always will be—nothing will ever change that."
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, carefully thinking about what he’s just said and what am I about to say. "I know. It's just that, sometimes, I think you see me as that awkward teenage girl who needed your protection and guidance more than anything. But, now, Evan, if you haven't noticed, I'm not a teenager anymore, and I left that awkwardness behind me. I'm a big girl now, wearing my big girl pants. I can take care of myself. But…I appreciate that you still look after me, just ease up a little, okay?" I tell him, my eyes staring into his.
Evan nods. "Okay, I'll try. I'm not making any promises, but I'll try. So, you like Mr. Gladiator?"
"Mr. Gladiator has a name… it's Griffin, and yes I do. He's been nothing but nice to me since we met."
And it was the truth. Griffin has been a perfect gentleman the entire time; mostly. That kiss we shared wasn’t really inappropriate and even when we were dancing, his hands never became inappropriate. I feel my lips curl into a small smile at the thought. The song changes to a fast beat, and Evan releases me.
"Well, thanks for the dance, Miss Richards." Evan bows.
"Anytime, Mr. Harris." I curtsy.
I suddenly feel like I'm at the homecoming dance my junior year…
" Zoey, I'm so sorry. I didn't know," Erica apologizes.
" It's okay I'm fine," I get out, my eyes following as Liam walks across the gym with his arm draped over Morgan’s shoulder.
My heart sinks.
Of course he would bring her to the dance—Morgan Anderson was a sure thing, after all.
" Zoey, we can go if you want," Erica suggests, concern written all over her face.
" No, Erica, I'll be okay. You go dance, Brandon's waiting."
Erica turns and nods to Brandon and then turns back to me.
" Erica, seriously—go have fun with Brandon, I'll be fine. Please just go," I plead, holding back the tears.
" Just one dance, and I'll be right back," she promises and then turns to go dance with Brandon.
A heavy weight sits on my chest when I notice not far from Erica and Brandon, Liam is dancing with Morgan. If they got any closer, they would be one person. I hold back the droplets of moisture pooling at the corners of my eyes, and it push them back, not wanting them to spill forth down my cheeks. Liam and I had been dating exclusively for about two months. And after the first month, he started pushing for more. He wanted to have sex, and I just wasn't ready. He kept pushing and pushing, and I finally gave in. But when it came time to
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