Shattered

Twenty-Two

-Emmaline's Point of View-

. . .

I took a seat to rest for a moment. My girls and I had been dancing since the music started.

I took my daddy's cowboy hat off and fanned myself with it. Since our team had narrowly won tonight against the Clemson Bulldogs the party was in full swing from the excitement.

"Can I get you a drink?"

I rolled my eyes upon hearing his voice. "Leave me alone Leander."

"Oh come on, are you still hung up on what happened the other night?" He asked as he sucked his teeth, "you gotta get over that babe."

I looked at him, "I am not your babe and never will be again. Also you had no right to just throw yourself on me last Friday."

He looked amused, "you know you want me."

I laughed but there was no amusement behind it, "as if I could ever want you."

"And you think you can do better than me?" He asked as he started drawing in closer, "remember Ems you aren't worth a damn, without me you're a nobody, I got you where you are today and I can take it all away. All of your friends, the teacher that love you, even your parents like me better. Do you really think you got cheer captain on your own?"

My heart started to race, he was starting to get to me, he was making me question everything about myself like he had done before.

"Hey." I looked up relieved upon seeing Jasper and his family members. A small smile placed itself on his lips and suddenly a wave of easiness washed over me.

"Sorry dude we were just going to dance." Leander said as he grabbed my wrist harshly.

"Actually I believe I promised Emmaline every dance tonight so I'd appreciate it if you took your hand off my date."

Leander held on tightly and stood his ground. Then Jasper stepped close, he didn't do anything special he just stood there but suddenly he became menacing and dark.

Leander threw my wrist toward Jasper "F-fine, take her, she's nothing but a tease anyways."

Leander stumbled as he tried to get away quickly and I stood there alone with Jasper now.

"Thanks for saving me." I nearly whispered, feeling more than a little embarrassed.

"Come on." He said as he grabbed my other hand and lightly led me to the impromptu dance floor.

There was a slow country song playing and Jasper placed his hands on my hips, I merely placed my hands on his chest as we moved smoothly to the song.

He lifted a hand and wrapped his other arm around my waist now so that he could continue leading the dance but also examine my wrist. He gently lifted my hand off his chest and stroked the exact area where Leander held it too tightly.

"Are you alright?" He asked in his warm voice.

I nodded.

"It'll more than likely bruise tomorrow." He commented.

I sighed, "bruises fade after a while."

He looked down at me, for the first time I noticed that he was actually a really good dancer, he didn't do that sway thing that boys often do as a cop out.

"I thought I told you country casual." I teased as I did my best to change the subject.

"I'm wearing jeans and boots." He commented with his signature smirk. He was also wearing a plain white t-shirt. I had to admit this was more casual than I've ever seen him.