Page 51 of All That Glitters
“I need closer,” I yell to Jameson over the swarm.
He gives me a concerned look.
“Just a few pictures, then we’ll go,” I promise him.
Though he seems conflicted, he grabs my hand and starts pushing through the crowd, dragging me behind him. The feeling of my skin on his is as electric as this crowd, if not more so. Someone bumps into me and knocks my hand out of Jameson’s. He immediately turns around and sets his scowl on everyone in the vicinity. He grabs my hand again and tugs me to his chest.
“You okay?” he asks, scanning my face.
I swallow, incapable of words. His dark eyes are an abyss I’m tumbling down. The corner of his mouth ticks up a little, as though he knows what I’m feeling. I really hope that’s not the case. Jameson starts to push through the crowd again, this time while holding me against him. I’m surrounded by his warm scent and not entirely sure I want to change that.
Jameson lets me go once we’re settled in near the front. I try not to think about how I miss his touch already, and I slide my phone out of my pocket. I’m going to have to be sly about this. Getting caught is not an option.
Santiago’s glove makes contact with Byron’s chin, sending his face whipping to the left. I wince. Blood splatters the floor and the crowd cheers. I’m fond of violent sports, but this might be a little too much bloodlust for me.
I lift my phone and take a few pictures, though it’s difficult to get good ones with people blocking the way. It’s not like I can lift my phone above my head. But if we move any closer, someone will definitely see me.
“Got it?” Jameson asks near my ear.
I shake my head and lift my phone again, this time just a little higher. Right as I do, it’s snatched out of my hand.
“Now, how did this get in here?” a smooth, deep voice asks.
I whirl around to face the culprit, my heart racing in my chest. A tall man with messy auburn hair and a deadly smile is waiting for me. He looks to be close to my age, so he must be a student too.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before,” the man says. His gaze rolls over me, and I feel Jameson wrap a protective arm around my shoulders in response. “Who invited you?”
The guy tosses my phone from one hand to the other. I notice the scars on his knuckles, and then the way everyone around us has moved to create a bubble of space. Attention is split between us and the fight still going on in the ring. Whoever he is, I don’t think it would be good for him to know Carson invited me. It might get Carson in trouble. I don’t care for the guy, but I don’t want that for him either.
“I overheard someone talking about it,” I reply carefully.
“How about you just give her phone back, and we’ll be out of here?” Jameson says in a gruff tone. I glance up at him, and he’s gone full scary-hockey-player mode. I lean against his side, grateful that I have him while facing off against whoever this is.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that quite yet,” the guy replies with a wicked smile.
Jameson starts to step forward, but I hold him back. I know Jameson is capable, but I really don’t want to see more blood tonight.
“Look, I’m sorry for bringing my phone in,” I tell him. “We’ll go, and we won’t say anything about what we saw.”
He chuckles. “Of course you won’t. Especially because you won’t have any proof after I delete all the photos you took.”
My heart sinks. There goes my story.
“I’ll need your password, then you can be on your way,” he says in that silky-smooth voice.
“121675,” I mutter, feeling more than defeated.
“Jane Austen’s birthday?” Jameson asks me under his breath, and his knowledge makes a smile tug at my lips in spite of the circumstances. I nod.
After a few clicks, my phone is given back to me. The guy motions, and two hulking men in all black approach. This earns more looks from the crowd.
“Escort them off the property.”
Both of the guards nod and reply in unison, “Yes, Mr. Rosewood.”
My eyes widen. Hayes Rosewood. The founder. Probably the worst person to get caught by.
The guards begin to herd us toward the door. Hayes waves with a smirk.
