Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 15

His eyes flashed from mine to Damien. His jaw was defined as he clenched his teeth. I could practically hear him grinding his teeth together furiously.

"What the fuck do you think you were doing?" Michael growled at Damien who was currently stumbling and making an effort to just stay upright.

"Michael," I repeated, my fingers wrapping around his forearm. His eyes softened as he turned to me. "Don't. It's fine, really."

"He's wasted, Leah. He wouldn't back off, I saw it. That could have led to something much worse," he told me, looking directly into my eyes. If it weren't such a serious moment I would have gotten lost in the emerald color.

"Don't be ridiculous," I said, tugging him toward the kitchen but he wouldn't budge. "He didn't even really kiss me."  I pointed out, rubbing my hand over my neck at the memory of his lips wet with alcohol on my skin.

"He would-"

"Hey, get out-" Damien cut in but Michael glared at him. He shut his mouth, taking someone's cup of beer and watched us.

"He would have kissed you if I didn't do something," Michael argued stubbornly. "And say that did go further! Say he forced you upstairs. He wouldn't even have remembered it!"

I scoffed, releasing his arm.

"Sounds like someone I know." I snapped and Michael froze. The blood drained from his face and he opened his mouth to say something but couldn't. A pang of guilt hit my gut but I stayed silent.

"That was different and a long time ago," he breathed, holding my gaze, before turning to Damien, the wild look in his eyes returning. "Stay away from her," Michael demanded before stalking into the kitchen with me at his heels. I was surprised he let Damien go that easily like I wanted. "I need a drink," he mumbled, but I stopped him.

"Maybe you should go. You look...angry." I suggested and he laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh, however. It was a laugh that mocked me for saying such a thing.

"I'm not just going to leave," Michael reached over some girl for a cup. "Unless, of course, you come with me."

"What?! Why?" I frowned. We're not exactly the best at getting along so far.

"I need a driver. I've had at least three beers," he told me and I rolled my eyes.

"You're fine." I said but he shook his head, determined.

"Are you willing to jeopardize my safety, Leah?" He put on a fake pained expression. I sighed, pulling out my phone.

"Fine. Let's go." I gave in to him and he smirked. I didn't like the party anyway. I sent Caroline a quick text telling her I'd be driving Michael home. "Your car, though."

"Yes, ma'am," he teased, holding the door open for me as we walked out into the dark night. I was shocked by how his mood changed so quickly.

We had a comfortable silence during our short car ride to his house. The music hummed softly in the background until I pulled up to the curb.

"Come inside," he told me, and I did. He unlocked the front door with a key from his pocket. We walked into the now dark house. He didn't bother to turn on any lights as we made our way down to the basement like we did for their band practice.

"I never said thank you," I blushed, looking up at him shyly.

"For what?" He raised an eyebrow.

"For stopping Damien..." I replied, walking past him to the couch.

"Oh," he flushed, his pink skin a contrast to his purple, blue, and black hair. "You're welcome."

We awkwardly stared at each other for a moment before he grinned.