The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 109

Petty’s whole body tensed. In the pitch-black room, every sound and sensation felt impossibly sharp.

The hand holding her was too tight, the rough pads of his fingers digging into her shoulder like he wanted to pull her right into his chest.

All around, guests were laughing and chattering, but the only thing Petty could hear was her own heartbeat pounding wildly against his.

Panic and humiliation crashed over her. She was ready to fight back, but a voice in her head reminded her maybe he’d grabbed the wrong person. She remembered what Jared always told her: think before you act.

“Sir, I think you’ve got the wrong—”

Before she could finish, a strong hand gripped her chin, forcing her head up. Suddenly, something soft pressed against her lips.

Then she felt his tongue trying to part her lips. Petty didn’t care whose party this was or who this guy thought he was. If he dared to try something with her, he was about to regret it.

Her hand shot out, grabbing whatever she could find on the table, and she swung it hard at him.

Right then, the lights flickered back on.

A collective gasp spread through the room, and Petty felt her whole body flush hot with embarrassment and rage.

Her hand, still clutching a plate, was caught mid-swing. She caught the scent of cedar and tobacco, sharp and close.

Frozen, she stared at the man holding her. He still had his arm around her, and there was a thin line of blood on his lip where she’d bitten him.

Franco looked down at her, his eyes cold, his voice even colder. “You came to the party dressed like this just to chase after me?”

What was that supposed to mean?

Petty’s eyes were clear and bold. “I’m wearing a perfectly normal dress.”

He looked her over. His hand lingered on her bare shoulder, his gaze sliding down and taking in every curve. Her dress wasn’t revealing, but somehow, he made her feel exposed.

“We’ll see,” Franco replied, his voice cool and distant.

Petty could barely hold back her frustration. That was as good as a no.

She glanced at the cane leaning against the wall by his thigh. The cast on his leg was gone, but he still needed the cane to walk and heal.

She walked over, heels clicking, and kicked the cane out of reach before turning and striding away.

Franco’s jaw clenched tight as he watched her go.

During the blackout, Owen had left Nanette’s side to look for Petty. Now he saw her storming off, anger written all over her face, and stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

He glanced back at Franco, who was still watching, his face ice-cold.