Chapter 31

• As he reaches the dance floor, the music changes to a deep, pulsating throb enveloping Trent Reznor’s hypnotic voice. Without a word or a look, the horde of dancers seems to move apart as he stalks onto the floor toward me. His expression is indiscernible, the muscle pulsing at his jaw, the shadows from the lights playing over the angles of his face. His long legs eat up the distance quickly. Numerous people turn their heads in recognition as he struts past, but the hungry look in his eyes stops them from approaching him any further. Despite the music’s volume, Annabelle audibly hear Haddie suck in a breath as he reaches me.
• All of the things she wanted to yell at him, all of the hurt she wanted to spew at him, disappeared as he stalked up to her, and without preamble grabbed her hips in his hands, forcefully yanking her up against him. He held her there, pressed against him, as his body started to move, hips began to grind into hers in sync to the punishing tempo of the song. She had no other option than to move with him, respond to the animalistic rhythm of his body. She slid her hands over his hands on her hips and laced her fingers through his.
• Holding him. Holding on to the ride that was undeniably coming.