Chapter 6

GRACE

Months have passed since my birthday, and I haven’t seen Haven in person. We’ve been meeting in my dreams and exchanging texts—even sexts—but that’s about it.

He’s been saying he’s super busy but that I’m always on his mind. Smooth, right? But I want more. I want to see him. I get that he’s busy, but I crave him like I’ve never craved anyone before.

It’s graduation day, and Lee and I are taking pictures in my backyard. We’re heading to a party later, so we’re all dressed up. I’m in a short, black dress that shows some cleavage and has an open back, paired with bloodred heels.

I’ve pulled my hair into a long ponytail and done a smokey eye. I send a picture to Haven, hoping he’ll tell me how pretty I look, but his response isn’t quite what I expected.

Haven

Where are you going dressed like that? You look...amazing, princess.

Grace

Going to a party to celebrate graduation! Thank you 😗

Haven

A party? Will there be boys and alcohol?

He can be so jealous, but it makes me laugh. No guy at my school can compare to him because they’re just that: guys. Haven is the man I need.

Grace

My whole class will be there, so yeah to boys, and I suppose... alcohol might be an option. Why?

Haven

Don’t go there, Grace. I’m coming to pick you up.

Grace

Relax! I’ll be fine. I can see you after if you want 😉

Haven

Grace, listen to me. I’m coming to pick you up now.

Grace

Too late. We’re already on our way.

Haven

Send me the address. Don’t get inside, and wait for me.

I frown. Who does he think he is, ordering me around?

Grace

I’ll see you after, Haven.

I lock my screen without waiting for a response. I don’t like him trying to control me. I have every right to have fun with my friends. He can wait a few hours since he’s made me wait for so long.

My phone starts vibrating with messages, then phone calls. I don’t answer. He can wait. If he doesn’t like it, he can come find me.

We get to the party, and Lee and Daryl start making out as soon as they see each other. They’re a great couple, even though they have totally different views. But they always make up.

It’s strange, but I guess a lot of couples are like that. It’s normal to argue sometimes.

“You look great, Wolf,” Daryl greets me.

“Thanks. Looks like it’s packed in there.” I smile.

“Sure is.” He chuckles. “Let’s go in, ladies, and dance the night away.”

“Sounds good.” Lee grins.

We walk into the house and are handed cups as soon as we step inside. They’re empty for now, so we head to the kitchen to fill them. The place is so crowded I can barely see what it normally looks like.

I choose soda because I’m not ready to drink alcohol with so many people around. I want to test my limits in a safe place.

“You’re not drinking?” Daryl asks.

“No, I don’t feel like it,” I reply.

“Come on, Grace.” Lee smiles. “We probably won’t get a chance like this for a long time.”

“I know, but I don’t want to. Not tonight,” I decline, smiling.

“Okay.” Lee shrugs. “I hope you’ll still have time for parties when you start working.”

“I’ll always make time for you.” I smile at her.

“I like the sound of that.” She grins. “Let’s dance!”

We head to the dance floor in the middle of the living room and start moving to the music.

I love this music, and I love letting go when I dance. I don’t care about anything else, just the music and the movement of my body.

The furniture has been pushed against the wall to make room for dancing, and it’s a good thing, because the place is packed.

I notice my glass is empty, so I go back to the kitchen to get more soda. At the makeshift bar, there are some guys from the swim team. They all stop talking to look at me.

I know most of them, like everyone at school does. They’re the best team we have.

“Hey, Wolf,” the tallest one, Alexander, says. “You not drinking?”

“Nope, don’t want to,” I reply, looking him in the eye as I fill my cup with soda.

They all frown, and I shrug before heading back to the dance floor. I take a sip of my soda and think it tastes funny, but maybe it’s just a different brand. It still tastes good, so it should be fine.

I finish it in one gulp and start dancing again. I’m feeling hot and giggly when I feel strong arms around my waist. For a second, I think it’s Haven, but it doesn’t feel the same. I frown at the person holding me as I turn around.

“You’re not...my Haven,” I say slowly. Why am I talking so slow?

“Nope.” He smirks. “I’m Brad.”

Brad? He’s on the swim team with Daryl. What does he want with me?

“What do you want?” I ask.

“Just a dance,” he replies, looking amused. “You look so good in that dress. I never thought you were this pretty.”

Is that a compliment? I’m not sure, and I can’t seem to think straight. What’s happening to me?

“I...I need some air,” I say, trying to make my way out of the room. I see a back door in the kitchen and head for it. It must lead to the garden.

Brad helps me until I’m finally outside, and I look up at the sky. I love the night, and tonight, the moon is beautiful. I wish Haven were here to see it with me.

“What are you looking at, gorgeous?” Brad asks, trapping me against the wall of the house.

“The night sky,” I reply. “I always love it.”

“Perfect. Then I’ll kiss you under the night sky.” He smirks.

I scrunched my face in displeasure. I didn’t want his lips on mine. The only ones I craved belonged to Haven.

I tried to shove him away, but he was immovable. He towered over me, his strength far surpassing mine, especially in my current state. I could feel the difference. My feeble attempt only made him laugh, and he leaned in closer to whisper in my ear.

“I knew spiking your drink was a good idea. You’re so much more laid back now, Grace.”

“No... Get off,” I managed to say, still struggling to push him away.

He leaned in to kiss me, his hand gripping my hip to hold me in place. Suddenly, he was ripped away from me. I looked around in shock, then recognized Haven’s broad back.

He was dressed in a suit, so he must have come straight from work. His face was a mask of fury, mirroring my own, though I also felt a twinge of guilt. If I had heeded his advice, I wouldn’t be in this mess.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Haven asked Brad, his voice icy.

“Just having a good time, man. What’s your problem? Put me down!” Brad retorted.

Bad move. Haven tossed him into the air. Brad landed with a thud on the grass, and a cracking sound echoed before he started screaming. Did he break something?

“Stay down, boy, before I really lose my temper. You won’t lay a finger on her again, or next time I’ll snap your neck,” Haven threatened.

He then turned his blazing red eyes on me. I swallowed hard. I knew deep down that Haven would never harm me, but it was hard to believe in that moment. His anger was palpable.

He pulled me into his chest and held me tightly, clearly worried. I snuggled into him, wrapping my arms around his waist, relieved to feel his familiar touch. He sighed in relief, and I allowed myself to believe that he wouldn’t lash out at me.

“How much did you drink, Grace?” he asked, his tone stern.

“I didn’t want to. Brad spiked my soda,” I mumbled, my words slurring.

Haven growled, the vibration rumbling against my cheek where it rested on his chest. I held him tighter, afraid of what he might do if I let go. He had already hurt Brad once. That was enough, in my opinion.

“I’m taking you home,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“What?”

His words sent a chill down my spine. My grandmother would be livid if a man brought me home drunk. No way. Haven must have sensed my panic because he gently cupped my face in his hands, forcing me to look at him.

“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” he asked, worry etching his features.

“No... I just... I don’t want to go home like this,” I managed to say, tears welling up in my eyes.

He studied my face, considering his next words.

“I’m not taking you back to your grandmother,” he finally said. “I’m taking you to my house.”

What?