Look At Me Now

Chapter 10

"This party is amazing," Kayla yelled into my ear over the pounding music. The floor vibrated with the beat and the colorful lights matched the lyrics.

"Yeah it is!" I shouted back. It was actually kind of awful. Everyone from school—none of which I actually knew—showed up and most were completely drunk. I had steered clear of the alcohol, opting for a red solo cup filled with tap water. My cell phone vibrated against my butt with a text from Gabriel.

<How's everything> It was 9:50 P.M.

<Fine.>

<O.K. Let me know when Paul shows up>

<When?> How was he so sure that Paul would actually show? I mean it was a party for high school students. Isn't it a bit beneath him?

<He was talking about a big bash his brother was throwing tonight. Said he was providing the booze>

<The booze is already here>

"Are you bored or something?" a voice asked before I could hit send. Paul Write.

"No," I said with a laugh as I locked my phone and slid it into my back pocket. I did my best to hit send before locking my phone but I wasn't sure if it worked or not. "My brother was just checking in. He worries about me."

He held out his hand, the one without the beer. "Paul Write. Kale's brother."

I shook it with a smile. "Eve Price."

"Price? You're Gabriel's little sister?" he asked. "A.K.A the guest of honor?"

I nodded shyly. "Yeah. That would be me."

"Wow, nice to meet you." Paul gave me a smile that would've sent most girls to their knees. "Would you like me to get you another drink? He asked gesturing to my now empty cup.

I shook my head. "I'm good."

"You want to go outside and get some air?" he asked. "It's really loud in here!"

I didn't see much harm in that. I could get away if he tried anything...right? I shrugged. "Sure!"

He took my hand and tugged me out into the backyard. There was a small chain-link fence running around the yard, one that went up to my waist, and a big white gazebo in the back corner. My phone buzzed again in my pocket. When I reached for it he stopped me. "Ignore it. He'll live." I nodded and let him lead me to the gazebo. It was against my better judgment but I went anyway. "Isn't it much better out here?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Less of the thumping music and drunk teens," I replied.

He laughed. "You're great. I might just keep you around." I fought a chill at that and gave him a wide smile. "My brother was raving about you non-stop this week. Says he thinks you're pretty."

I tilted my face down as though I was blushing. "Shut up. He did not."

"I'm serious. He really likes you," Paul said with a laugh. "I can't say I blame him." Paul reached up and pushed my hair behind my ear, his fingers brushing my cheek.

"Evelyn," a cold voice said from behind me. I spun on my heel and Gabriel was there. His eyes were dark as they glared at Paul and his chest was pumping as he panted. He was pissed. "Come on. We're going home."

"Gabriel! Hey man! How's it going?" Paul said cheerfully, acting as though he wasn't about to hit on me.

Gabriel glared at him. "Get away from her."

"Calm down, man, we were just talking. Come on in, enjoy the party." Paul was nervous as he walked out of the gazebo.

I nodded, trying to urge him to calm down with my eyes. "Yeah, Gabe, everything's fine." I walked closer to him and put my hand on his tense arm. When he didn't relax I spoke again. "Paul, would you mind giving me a moment alone with my brother?" Paul, wisely, nodded and went inside. "Are you freaking serious, Gabriel? You can't give me the chance handle this on my own? I had that!"

"By flirting with him? Are you an idiot, Eve?!" Gabriel's voice was low and dangerous. "Do you really think he was going to fall for that crap? Do you think you can just make those stupid puppy eyes at him and he would want you? You're just going to get yourself hurt!"

I reeled back as though he'd slapped me. Then again, I would have rather he did. "You don't trust me." My voice was calm and low.

He made a strained noise in the back of his throat. "Eve, it's got nothing to do with trust—"

"Yes it does!" I snapped. "You don't trust me to handle a situation on my own without casualties. I'm not stupid, Gabe. Hell, you're the one that trained me! I know what I'm doing." He was about to speak but I held up a hand. "Shut up and go back to the apartment. I'm handling it."

He grabbed my upper arm tightly and his eyes showed no room for argument. "We're leaving," he growled through his teeth. If I didn't know him any better I would've feared him.