"What are you thinking?" I ask him.
"You really want to know?" He replies in a voice so dark and full of warning it sends a shiver down my spine.
"Yes." I say, being utterly brave.
A small smirk lifts the corner of his lips as he walks towards me...
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Dakota Black
"Do you remember how we used to party, got drunk and did shits? Because I didn't forget."
Ryan stands in front of me with that irritating smug face, but there is something darker hidden in his voice.
My gaze sharpens as his smirk widens, twisting into something more sinister, like a layer of threat that I can't quite place, and it somehow push my nerves on edge.
What the hell does he mean by that?
My heart picks up speed as I try to decode his comment. It's been five years, he wouldn't have it, right?
Ryan grins, gleaming like a predator catching a whiff of fear. The smirk never leaves his lips as he hisses, "Enjoy."
I watch his back disappear into the crowd, leaving me rooted to the spot with unsettling thoughts.
He couldn't possibly mean what I think he does.
Tension tighten my muscles as I replay his words in my mind. He didn't elaborate, didn't clarify his intent, just let that vague, loaded statement hang in the air like a ticking bomb, which is now fucking up with my head.
Whatever game Ryan is playing, he has just gotten a head start of it.
"Dakota!"
I flinch at the voice cutting through the silence in my mind and turn around to find Ryan's father standing before me.
Robert Damison. A powerful man, notable chairperson of Stallion Groups, trustee of this college, and someone who never walks into a conversation without a purpose.
I quickly straighten myself, wiping any trace of unease from my face as I face the man with the most wealth, power, and influence here.
"Mr. Damison." I clench my jaw.
We shake hands like businessmen. His grip is firm and mine just as solid.
"The speech was fantastic, Dakota." As our handshake breaks, he leans in with a playful smile, "I wonder who blocked you."
I scoff, playing cool as he rubs alcohol on my scars.
"Someone who clearly isn't into yachts." I murmur with a forced smile.
Robert chuckles lightly, but I know he isn't here for just a chat. He is not the man who does small talk.
"I saw you talking with Ryan earlier." He states with a concern of a father dressed up as curiosity. "What did you two catch up on about?"
Of course! He is here to pry about his son, scared I might spill the beans.
"As usual.. Ryan being a dick." I reply casually, not holding back the sting in my voice.
