The Game That Breaks Us Read Online Free Page B

gone.”
    “Is there such a thing as good beer at a party like this?” I grumble, changing out of my clothes. She doesn’t answer me, but I didn’t expect her to. Her clothes are the slightest bit too short for my tall, thin frame, but it’s not noticeable enough to be an issue. “How’s this?” I turn around so she can appraise me. “Does this get your stamp of approval?”
    “Almost.” She steps forward and doesn’t wait for permission before ruffling my hair. “That’s better.”
    I grab my cellphone and some cash, stuffing both in my pocket, before following Elle out of the dorm.
    The sky is dark, only a few stars and no moon, but the night is lit with the antique-looking lamps that dot campus. 
    “Should we call a cab?” I ask Elle.
    “No,” she snorts. “Cabs cost money and we’re struggling college students.” I almost open my mouth and tell her that I have the money, but I quickly realize that would only make her hate me more. “Besides, the party’s only a few blocks from campus.”
    “How do you even know about this?” I ask, shivering from the cool air. Goosebumps dot my flesh, and I wish I’d brought a jacket. 
    “I heard some guy talking about it and asked about it, then he invited me.” She shrugs. 
    “Great.”
    The party turns out to be more than a few blocks away, and by the time we get there my feet are killing me, but there’s no way I’m taking my shoes off and risking losing them—not to mention the hygiene hazard. 
    Beauty is pain , I remind myself.
    Cars are parked all along the street and several houses are lit up so I assume they’re occupied by people from the university. It would also explain why the cops haven’t been called because of a noise complaint. The music is so loud that the ground beneath my feet vibrates. 
    Elle turns to me, and with the first genuine smile I’ve seen from her, asks, “Are you ready for this?”
    “No,” I answer honestly.
    “Come on.” She grabs my hand and pulls me inside. The front door of the house is open, inviting in anyone off the street.
    The noise level only increases as we go inside and the place is packed with bodies. We have to force our way through to get anywhere. Someone elbows me in the side and my hand slips from Elle’s as my breath leaves me. I try to push my way through on my own but I can’t get through. Elle is gone and I’m on my own.
    I turn and head the other way. 
    I immediately hate this. I hate the way people stare at me. I hate the smell of sweat and beer. I hate the too-loud music. I hate it all. I should’ve just stayed behind at the dorm and not given in to Elle.
    I move through the foyer and finally end up in a family room. There’s a large sectional couch covered in bodies. People talk, dance, and there’s a couple on the couch that looks like they’re ten seconds away from having sex right there in front of everyone. I stare, horrified, as the girl puts her hand down the guy’s pants. Her shirt is off, lost somewhere in the room, and he sucks on her breasts.
    I’m officially disgusted.
    I run from the room, pushing my way past even more bodies. I end up in the kitchen and nearly slip on beer in my haste to find an exit.
    A hand latches onto my arm, and I’m yanked into a hard body. “Hey, are you okay?” the male voice attached to the body asks.
    I look up into warm brown eyes. Dark-brown hair tumbles over his forehead, and when he smiles, he has dimples. 
    “Yeah,” I say, a little breathless. “Slipped on some beer.”
    “I noticed.” He smiles again, and it seems like he’s trying not to laugh at me. He lets go of me slowly and steps back as far as he can go since there’s a kitchen counter behind him. 
    “Thanks for saving me.” I start to leave.
    “What’s your name?” he calls.
    I stop and turn back. “Grace.”
    “I’m Ryland.” He smiles. He has an easy, relaxed smile. “Are you new here?”
    “Freshman,” I admit.
    He nods. “I thought you must be