Mafia Captive - Julia Sykes Page 0,3

Jayme can come too,” I added with forced assertiveness. Not only did I need my bestie as an anxiety buffer, but she would be even more thrilled to attend the party than I was.

Stu returned my smile with a triumphant grin, and his gaze left mine to search for Jayme. When he caught sight of her, his eyes flicked up and down her body, appraising. “For sure. There’s always room on the guest list for beautiful ladies.”

I smothered a frown. I didn’t love the idea that Jayme and I might’ve been invited to the event only because the guys wanted to pack the room with women for them to ogle.

Stu’s grin turned sharp enough to make me edge away on instinct. I fought down the budding suspicion that female guests weren’t invited solely to serve as arm candy. We were fresh meat.

This is just how it is, I reminded myself. Most students were desperate to attend these parties. The members could be as selective with the guest list as they wanted. Really, I should be flattered that Stu wanted me to come as his date. And it would be comforting to have Jayme with me. It was nice of Stu to include her so easily. Wasn’t it?

He raised his beer and touched it to my cup, sealing our promised date with a celebratory “cheers.” I realized I hadn’t said anything for several seconds, so I hastily tipped my own drink back in response. He drained half his beer in a few long gulps, but I lowered mine after no more than a sip. I didn’t want to get drunk and lose control again.

Stu’s disconcerting energy was putting me on edge, and it would be far too easy to down my vodka in an attempt to soothe my mounting nervousness. I knew my anxiety level wasn’t rational, and I wished Jayme was at my side. My bestie always grounded me when she sensed I was about to spiral.

My gaze flicked to the crowded dance floor, searching for her.

Stu snatched my attention back immediately, wrapping his hand around my chilled cup. His fingers closed over mine, but my small shudder at his touch was nothing like the shiver that Joseph had elicited. The gorgeous bartender’s hand had been calloused and steady, his heat sinking into my skin to warm my insides. Stu’s fingers were cold and clammy from holding his frosted pint glass.

Before I could recoil, he boldly firmed his grip and lifted my drink toward his lips. I gaped at him as he took a sip without asking. He didn’t release my hand, holding my fingers captive around the cup.

Before I could formulate an indignant response, he grimaced and lowered the sweet drink. I huffed out a small, relieved breath when he finally slid his fingers from mine so that he could set my cup down on the high-topped table beside me.

“No wonder you’re barely sipping that cheap shit.” His nose wrinkled. “I know this place is a dive, but they could expand their liquor selection. My IPA is decent, though. We can share.”

He lifted his glass and reached for me, trying to get me to mirror the way he’d tasted my drink.

I snatched my hand away before he could make contact. I didn’t want to feel his clammy fingers clamp over mine again. “No, thanks.”

“Come on, Ashlyn. Don’t be like that.”

I pressed my lips together and shook my head, not caring for the peer pressure.

He’s just flirting, I told myself as I attempted to smother my unease. His proprietary touches were making my stomach knot, but that anxiety was unreasonable. Wasn’t it?

Just last weekend, I’d practically wrapped myself around him while we made out. He wasn’t some creepy stranger. There was no reason for me to interpret his nearness as anything other than confident flirtation.

I’d allowed him to get me drunk before, but I was more clearheaded this time. I didn’t want to repeat the experience, and I definitely didn’t want to repeat the wicked hangover.

“Okay, then.” He set his beer down on the table. He was still smiling, and I managed a small smile in return.

I didn’t want my anxiety to rule my life, and I knew I’d regret it if I allowed my nerves to ruin Stu’s invite to the final club party. Jayme would be so excited when I gave her the news. I focused on my friend’s happiness to dispel the weird vibes that were setting me on edge.

Suddenly, the stale scent of Stu’s IPA washed