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He slowly reached out to stroke my face. I shivered at his touch. Sparks erupted all over my face at the simplest brush of his fingers.

It felt like an eternity passed where we were just staring at each other, dumbstruck. I wondered if he could feel this too. Maybe there was something wrong with me.

All of a sudden he dropped his hand and moved away like I was the plague. Why was I reacting the way I did?

"I thought so," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "This is why I needed to talk to you... but the bracelet has to be a fake," he said, still whispering to himself.

Before I could react, he let go a colorful stream of curse words. I cringed as he pinned me to the wall with his gaze.

Why was he acting like this? He turned around, facing the wall with his hands in his hair. I was too scared to move, but my feet had other plans. I started inching away from him.

"Don't move!" he commanded with a loud growl.

My breath caught in my throat. I was suddenly filled with anger.

"I'm sorry, your highness," I hissed as I stepped away from him. "But some of us don't live to serve you. Don't you dare command me because I didn't come here to obey the likes of you. Why don't you get off your high horse and try being a bit nicer for once, you jerk?"

The icy glare that he directed my way made a shiver creep up my spine. When he spoke, his voice was a glacial tone.

"I'll let you go today, but don't think this is over."

I winced at his statement and continued to walk away.

"And just a tip," he added even icier. "Stay away from Kevin and any other guys for the matter, or else."

Although I was breathless with fear and anger, my eyes were stinging with tears that were about to fall. His threat left a deep burning fear in me.

Everyone knew that once you'd been warned by Ashton, he wouldn't go back on his word. A single tear slipped from my eye as I made it to the bottom of the stairs. I hastily brushed it away and searched the crowd for my friends.

I came with Kevin but I certainly wasn't in the mood to see him now. He should have stayed with me! He wasn't even downstairs waiting for me.

Everyone was having fun drinking and dancing. Someone even spilled alcohol on me! The guy slurred out an apology before he moved off to get some more.

I searched the crowded room for any sign of Callie or Melissa. I finally spotted Trey and ran through the thick crowd. I made it to over to them and smiled to see that they were dancing together. At least some people were having fun.

I tapped Melissa on the shoulder and she shot an annoyed glare behind her. Her gaze softened when she saw me with my clothes soaked.

"Oh my god girl! What happened?" she screamed over the music. Her eyes were wide with shock and concern.

"I hate to crash your fun, but I'm leaving," I muttered.

"Already?" she frowned. "But we just got here."

"Yeah, well..."

"Did something happen?" she asked, searching my eyes.

"I just want to leave," I whispered and she nodded.

"We'll take you home."

"I can call a taxi," I rushed. "You guys should stay here."

"Hey, if there's something wrong, then I'm not letting you go home by yourself."

I stared at my shoes while she told Trey that he needed to drive.

"There's Cals over there!" she shouted.

We walked over to Callie, who was having a full make out session with Demetri. Melissa tapped her shoulder and Callie turned around, angry at being interrupted.

"Mel, Liz!" she squealed happily when she saw who interrupted her. If it was anyone else they would have had to face Callie's wrath.

"We're leaving," Melissa said, gesturing to me, her and Trey.

Callie's eyes widened as she finally noticed my expression. She jumped down from where she and Demetri were, sitting and took in my soiled dress.

"What the hell happened?" she asked worried.

"Can I please just go?" I asked quietly.

"Sure. But you have to tell us everything in the car."

"Okay," I nodded, glad to be going away from the horrid party.

Callie kissed Demetri goodnight and told him she would drive with us. He didn't look happy about that at all but made no move to complain.

In the car, it was strangely quiet. Me, Melissa and Callie were in the back and Trey was driving.

"Okay girl, enough. Tell us what went down," Melissa said, handing me a Kleenex.

"Yeah, and where's Kev by the way?" Callie frowned.

"He left me with Ashton," I sighed, wishing I knew why he would do that.

"He did what?!" they exclaimed.

"Look, it's not a big deal."

"If it isn't a big deal, then why do you look so sad?" Callie stated.

I looked down at my lap.

"Why did he leave you alone though?" Melissa asked in a softer tone.

I told them the story while Callie rubbed my back comfortingly.

"It's not like Kevin to do something like this," Melissa frowned.

Beside her Callie was still bubbling with anger.

"It's okay girlfriend," she said soothingly.

"Me and Mel can stay over with you tonight if you want," she offered.

I shook my head. I just wanted to be alone.

Trey parked at Callie's house and she gave me a hug before getting out. That left me and Melissa.

We lapsed into silence when she realized I was getting sleepy. My parents were at a function and wouldn't be home until later, so I'd practically be alone.

I closed my eyes and drifted off to peace with my thoughts on Kevin and Ashton.

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