The instance we marched within the party, Mike and Eric both disappeared within the throng.
"You can hang out by yourself," Eric spat at me before ditching me, and Mike had other focuses to handle. I had dolled myself up a little bit, applied make-up and wore a long black tight dress. "You're overdressed," was the first thing Eric said to me when he saw me; I wondered why they hated me so much. Mike did not even glance twice, and when he finally noticed my change of appearance, he snickered and shook his head. I have no idea what thoughts went through his mind.
"You didn't have to bring me out," I had contested as I followed behind them towards the vehicle.
He had rolled his eyes, his rolled blunt on top of his ear, "Okay."
However, I was not self-conscience of being alone. On the contrary, I made my way through the crowd and found the bar, which made me feel much more excited. I should have known drinks were going to be available. Finally reaching the bar, I found a seat and the bartender glanced in my direction, and his eyes locked with mine. A small smile pulled my lips as he approached me.
"Any cheap shot you got?"
He shrugged, "A longer smile will give you an expensive one for free?" My smile widened, and he chuckled, pouring me a shot and handing me a slice of lemon. "You're an unfamiliar face," he added, taking back the glass after I took the shot.
"I'm from Eastwood."
His face appeared surprised. "Seven hours isn't it?"
"Most likely eight."
"Why the move?" He asked, pushing another shot in my direction.
I gulped it before pushing back the glass. "My mother's fiancé."
"That's not too bad."
"I thought so," she shook her head, "Until I met my step-brothers. Or soon to be."
"They're probably not that bad."
"You spoke too soon Cole," a deeper voice was heard behind me, and without glancing over my shoulder, I knew whom it was. Mike advanced to the bar and snickered in my direction. "Second day and already talking s**t?"
However, the manner Cole's eyes changed in complete uneasiness, and I was certain his fingers trembled more than they should. Why was everyone so scared of him, including myself?
Mike pointed to a liquor bottle, "I want the whole bottle for free."
I blinked in surprise. "What?"
Cole immediately nodded, and I thought he would get whiplashed by how rapid he nodded.
"No," I snarled, both of them turning to face me. Mike leaned against the bar, his dirty blond hair gelled backwards with one lonely strand following his movement, hiding partial of his eye. I could not lie, he was very attractive. His built shape made me wish I could be embraced, and his pink lips were wanted all over my neck. It also felt as if his eyes peered deeper within mine, as if he could read my thoughts; there was something about Mike not only scared me, but intrigued me.
Mike raised an eyebrow before turning back to Cole, "So where were we?"
"I said no," I stood from my seat. "Don't give it to him for free, just pay for it," Cole chuckled nervously, but he attempted to shut me up with his eyes.
Mike leaned towards me, "I already told you to stay out of my way, brat."
"Then I'll just pay for you, which is way more embarrassing for you."
"Do what you want," he spat, gripping the bottle on the counter.
I leaned forward as well, "Your pride is too high, you wouldn't let me do that."
He roared between his gritted teeth, his arms broadening as he glared back at me. However, although cold fingers pressed on my back with shivers running along my skin, I stood my ground with a glare of my own.
Soon enough, he sighed, and turned back towards Cole. He reached in his pocket, throwing a hundred dollar bill on the countertop. Cole's eyebrows raised, and I placed my palms on my hips.
"See, now was that so hard?"
The end of Mike's lip was pulled upwards, and he chuckled. He glanced backwards, observing his group of friends for a moment before taking a seat beside me. His amethyst gaze pierced through mine as he searched my face for any sign of fear. I remained seated, crossing my arms with a raised eyebrow, daring him to cross me, although I knew if he did, I would not be able to back myself up. The collar of his dress shirt opened slightly wider as he leaned forward against his elbow, and I pulled my head slightly backwards. Cole stared between us uneasily.
"August, is it?" he questioned, raising his liquor bottle to his lips. He gulped three times without making a face, and sighed when he brought the bottle back down.
I nodded my head, "I've introduced myself two times already."
"Your features aren't nice enough for me to remember."
Cole snorted, as I blinked in shock. Did he just call me ugly? I frowned; I was maybe not the hottest but I was also not ugly. This was mere manipulation, he was attempting to crawl underneath my skin. I began giggling innocently, and the reaction had not been predicted since he frowned.
"Eric, is it?"
"No, Mike actually," he replied smoothly.
I shrugged, "Mike for Michael or Mike for my d**k is small so that's why I need to make fun of my step-sister to feel more comfortable?"
He paused for a moment, and merely stared back at me. I did not turn away either, and he took another gulp from his liquor bottle. I had taken two shots and already felt a difference, but his shots were gulped as if it was water and he was not acting any different. However, his eyes were more bloodthirsty.
Then, an evil chuckled passed his tongue, and he leaned forward. I could feel his breath against my face but I forced myself not to move. "Look here sweetheart," he cleared his throat, "I understand you're new, and I'm not going to hold you against anything you're doing right now since you obviously don't know me. But watch yourself."
His tone appeared to be a threat, and I did back up slightly. However, I refused to give him power. I leaned forward as well, and our lips were close to touching, as I flirtatiously bit my bottom lip, puckering them as I peered on his own. However, I passed his lips and my mouth found his ear. "You don't know me either. So watch yourself." And with that, I pecked his cheek, and jumped from the stool, swaying my hips towards the dance floor.
His gaze burned my back until I disappeared within the people, and I began dancing in the middle with complete strangers, swaying my entire body and letting the music do its part. Although I was alone, the alcohol had taken over my body, and all I wanted to do was dance.
And I got the last word against Mike, so I win. I should have known how mad that would make him.