He is my best friend. My brother. But he betrayed me.
"Remember this moment the next time you wanna steal my boyfriend, bitch."
And my brother lied to her just to see me fall down. Just because he couldn't see me happy.
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The music’s a pounding pulse, a wall of sound blurring the edges of the dance floor. Bodies press in, slick with sweat, and I let the adrenaline carry me. My black leather jacket bounces with each jump, and I swear I ground-stomped a few toes. Who cares, right?
I came here to forget. To forget the mess, to forget him, and just…be. Even if it’s only for one night.
I walked confidently toward the bar, shot a wink at the flustered kid behind the counter. Maybe I’d hiked my crop top a little too high, flashing a sliver of skin. I won’t remember it anyway. The kid slid a shot glass across the worn wood. I chugged it down, the burn a welcome distraction, and headed back to the floor.
I swayed my hips, letting the music take over. Just for tonight. Just this night, I *am* Jesse Marks, the girl who doesn’t give a damn. Tomorrow, I’m back to Jessica, good girl with perfect grades and a quiet attitude. I nearly choked on my own breath at the thought.
Happy endings aren't given to the bad guys. They’re given to good girls and heroic knights.
I shook the thought away and threw my hands in the air, letting my hair fall down and drape around my hips. The crop top rode up again, practically a sports bra. Damn, I feel hot.
Maybe my confidence isn't my best trait, but I don't care. I’m here to forget.
A pair of hands gripped my waist, lips pressed against my neck. I shivered, would have pushed him away if it wasn’t for the spark that flared against my skin. Still awkward, but I ignored it. Just have fun tonight. Just this night.
His lips were soft, and I saw a glimpse of dark brown hair. I gasped as he slid his nose into the hollow of my throat, his lips never leaving my skin. He smirked against my neck. Oh crap, it feels heavenly.
"Hey, wild girl. Looks like you're having fun," he murmured, his voice a low rumble against my skin. Goosebumps prickled my arms. He ran a strand of my hair through his fingers, playing with it absently.
"I bet the good boys can barely handle you," he said, burying his face in my hair. I felt insecure. I probably smell like sweat and alcohol. I shouldn't care. So I won't.
"So you think you can handle me?" I taunted, my voice low and inviting. I turned around, hooking my arms around his neck, deciding to play it bold and tease him a bit. I could see his face clearly now, even in the dim light.
God really blessed him with his beautiful face. Sharp features. High cheekbones dusted with freckles. Dark, long eyelashes framing bright blue eyes. Soft, pink lips curved into a smirk.
"Babe, you won’t know what hit you," he said, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. His eyes raked over my face, taking me in. I raised an eyebrow, testing him. I may play coy for show, but I’m not stupid.
"You sure about that?" I pushed off him and walked towards the door, nodding to the bouncer who knew me too well. I headed for my black bike.
Footsteps behind me. I instantly turned around, fists raised. Suspicion comes second nature to me. Anything could happen tonight. He stopped, raising his hands in surrender.
Of course, the mysterious guy would follow me out.
His face was illuminated by the street lamp, casting shadows across his handsome features. I glared at him, my hand instinctively reaching for the knife in my back pocket.
I’m not going to stab him. Not yet. It would be a waste to mar such beautiful skin. But if he tries anything, I swear he'll regret it.
"You can't drive. You had shots before," he said carefully. I laughed, dismissing it. Unlike most teenagers, I'm not a lightweight. I need ten shots to feel anything. One shot barely registers.
"Oh please," I said, fishing my keys from my jacket pocket. He looked around, confused.
"Where's your car?" he asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't have one." I hopped on my bike, and his jaw almost dropped as I revved the engine. The beast roared to life. I smirked, enjoying his surprise. He looked ridiculous.
"Don't have one?" I asked, watching his face.
He ran his hand through my hair, stroking it carefully as if I could disappear any second. I tilted my head, waiting.
"Will I see you again?" he asked, his voice vulnerable. I smiled softly, leaning in and kissing his freckled cheek. He gasped, stunned by my action. I didn't know why I did it either. I'm just acting on impulse. I rested my hand on the side of his face for a few seconds.
"Why don't we let fate decide?" I said before speeding off, leaving him far behind. Back to my house. Back to my boring life.
Hopefully, I will never meet him again. No one can know I'm a bad girl.
:
I climbed the wall to my bedroom window, a familiar routine. Or not.
I lost my grip and came crashing down hard. I think I broke my ankle, but it was just bruised. I groaned just as the lights flicked on and my mother’s head appeared.
Crap. There goes my good girl reputation. A ton of excuses flooded my brain.
"You are in big trouble, Jessica Marie Marks! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?! Climbing down your window like some hooligan…"
Ugh. Parents, right? They just don't get it. They preach respect and listening, but how am I supposed to respect *them* when they don't respect me? Nothing is free in life.
I learned that the hard way. They may trick you into thinking you landed a free meal, but it’s always too good to be true.
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Word Count: 1553