Lissy Romano

51| I said NO.

Lissy Romano

I slipped into a short black dress with long sleeves, the kind that could hide my wrist from prying eyes. I knew I looked like a whore—but then again, Miguel had already made it clear he thought I was one. So, why should I dress differently?

People will judge no matter what. You could wear sweatpants and a hoodie, and someone would still accuse you of showing too much. Or they'd claim you were teasing them because they had to imagine what was underneath. It doesn't matter. Wear what you want and own it.

The front door wasn't an option. My brothers would see me, and that would ruin everything. The window, though? Perfect. I grabbed my phone and some cash, shoving them into a small black bag. Inside, I'd stuffed a hoodie, sweatpants, and sneakers—my alibi. I'd change into them later, sneak back in, and they'd think I just went for a stroll in the garden.

Jax wagged his tail lazily in his playpen. I crouched down, kissed his little paw, and whispered, "Goodnight, baby. Be good." He drifted off, peaceful and unaware of my plans.

After managing to climb out the window (without breaking my neck), I stashed my bag behind a tree. The guards at the gate were busy with coffee and chatter, so slipping past them was too easy. I hit the main street, and there was Vi waiting for me, looking stunning in a short red dress.

"We are hot bitches," Vi said, laughing as she gave me an exaggerated once-over.

We both laughed as we called an Uber. The ride to the house party was quick, and when we arrived, it was everything you'd expect: loud music, dim lighting, and people drinking, smoking, and making out in corners.

"You see that guy?" Vi nudged me, pointing toward some fit guy with messy hair.

"Yeah, what about him?" I asked, eyeing him skeptically.

"Textbook fuck boy. He's hooked up with half the school," she said, pretending to gag.

"Ew, he looks like a fuck boy." I burst out laughing, and Vi joined in.

We grabbed drinks, and soon, I was five cups deep. That's when some random guy offered us weed. Vi hesitated, but I didn't. I wanted to feel something—anything that wasn't the usual weight pressing down on me.

The high was instant. Everything became hilarious, and the world felt like it was moving in slow motion. Vi climbed onto a table and started swaying her hips, and I, high and confident, joined her. The crowd cheered us on like we were rock stars.

Eventually, I had to sit down. That's when it happened—some guy slid his hand to the back of my neck and kissed me. I didn't even see his face clearly. I was too drunk and high to care. I kissed him back, wrapping my legs around him as he carried me upstairs. But when he placed me on the bed and leaned over me, reality hit like a freight train.

"No, no. I don't want to," I said, trying to push him away as he kissed my neck.

He ignored me.

"I SAID NO!" My voice came out louder, firmer this time, and I shoved him hard. I scrambled off the bed and stormed out of the room without looking back.

Downstairs, Vi was still on the table, but my stomach dropped when I saw Harley walk through the front door. He wasn't alone. Ace, Mason, and Aaron were with him. My heart raced with panic and adrenaline, clearing my head instantly.

I ran to Vi and yanked her off the table. She was high and wobbly, muttering incoherently.

"Harley's here," I hissed.

Vi's eyes widened, but she was too out of it to do anything. I dragged her to the bathroom, where she immediately vomited. I held her hair and cleaned her up afterward, knowing I had to get her out of here safely.

When she could barely stand, I led her toward the door. That's when a tall figure blocked my path. My heart dropped.

"Baby girl, what are you doing here?" a deep voice asked.

Xander.

"X...Xander," I stuttered, my throat dry.

He looked me over, and his eyes zeroed in on my neck. His fingers brushed against the skin, and I flinched.

"What's this?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

"What's what?" I asked, confused and nervous.

"The hickey. Who gave you a hickey, huh?" His tone was tense, and his jaw tightened.

Vi, barely coherent, muttered, "Relax, man. She just had a little fun. Isn't that cute?"

Before I could respond, the guy from upstairs appeared, kissing my neck and loudly declaring, "We should do that again sometime soon."

That was it. Xander snapped. He lunged at the guy, punching him square in the face and knocking him to the ground.

"Xander, STOP! Please, take me home!" I shouted over the chaos.

He froze, looked at me, and then let the guy go. Without a word, he grabbed Vi's other arm, and we left.

The ride to Vi's house was silent. I sat next to Xander, too ashamed to speak. After helping Vi sneak inside and get her into bed, I texted her:

I got you home safely. Hope you feel better tomorrow morning. Love you. Lissy xoxo.

Xander was waiting outside when I came out. He leaned against his car, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness.

As I walked toward him, he shook his head and cut me off before I could say anything.

"Get in the car. I'll take you home," he said quietly.

His voice wasn't angry—it was disappointed. That hurt more than any lecture ever could.

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