WILLA

"Let me go!" I cried, kicking my feet wildly, my fists thumping against the idiot’s back. I was slung over his shoulder like a damn sack.

"It’s a dare, Missy," Dash answered, completely ignoring my protests as his arm tightened around my waist.

To be honest, I was officially the biggest idiot here.

This was my own stupid fault — leaving the dorm, coming to this dratted party with Verah, and then agreeing to play truth or dare with someone like Dash and boys like him.

"Keep fighting and your ass is gonna freeze for even longer," he said.

My stomach twisted. I lifted my head in panic, eyes darting across the partygoers.

They were all watching us with amusement, some even grinning like this was prime entertainment. No one looked like they planned to intervene.

By the goddess, he was actually going to throw me into a freezing lake, not caring whether I could swim or not, and everyone was just... watching.

"Please..." My voice cracked as another shiver ran down my spine at the thought of the water. "I’m sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you."

"You should’ve thought about that sooner," Dash replied.

Right. I never should have dared him to flash his boxer brief. If I’d known it would come back to bite me in the ass like this, I would’ve kept my mouth shut and stayed the hell out of the game.

"What’s going on?"

Hope flared in my chest at the sound of that voice. I craned my neck and spotted Kol, with Eric, Elliott, and Lance right behind him.

I had never been happier to see them in my life.

"Help!" I screeched, waving my arms desperately. "Save me from this psycho!"

The boys didn’t hesitate. They moved fast — Kol cutting in front of Dash to block his path, while Eric and Lance flanked him on either side. Elliott took up position behind him.

I looked up and caught Elliott’s eye, sending him a small, desperate wave and a smile.

He snorted and shook his head at me.

"What are you doing?" Kol grunted.

"Get out of my way," Dash snapped.

"Not until you tell us what you’re about to do with her," Kol said.

"I don’t think I have to explain myself to you," Dash replied, irritation sharpening his tone.

"Not if she’s my mate," Kol shot back.

I flushed hard, grimacing. Great. Now they were going to argue, maybe even fight because of me. That was the last thing I wanted. I just didn’t want to end up in the damn lake.

"Let her go," Kol added, voice low and dangerous.

Dash scoffed. "I’m not your man servant, Asher, and I don’t answer to you. Besides..."

His arm pressed harder into my ass. I clenched my teeth.

Thank the goddess I’d worn jeans instead of that blue thigh-length skirt Verah had tried to talk me into. Otherwise my bare ass would’ve been on full display for the entire party.

"Elyse is my dare," Dash continued. "She gave me every right to do whatever I want with her."

Elliott frowned, his eyes locking onto my face. "Is that true?"

"What sort of permission?" Eric demanded.

"I’m more curious about why she’s upside down," Lance muttered.

"Tell them," Dash urged, clearly enjoying himself.

Heat flooded my cheeks again. I glared at the damp grass below, avoiding Elliott, Eric, and Lance’s stares.

"She can’t," Dash chuckled. "But I’ll be more than willing to explain if she’ll let me—"

"Don’t!" I shouted.

"See?" Dash said, amusement thick in his voice. "Now, if you’ll excuse me..."

He pushed past Kol and the others. They stood there, watching as he carried me closer to the dark, foreboding water surrounding the house.

"I should punish you," he grunted.

"W-wha—" The words died in my throat as his palm cracked sharply against my ass.

I gasped, eyes widening in shock.

My stomach tightened as heat rushed through me.

"That’s for shouting like I was about to kidnap you," Dash said, then—slap.

My ass jiggled from the impact, burning hot. I flushed hard, fingers tightening in his shirt.

"That’s for trying to go back on your word," he added.

SLAP.

I bit down hard on my lower lip, barely swallowing back the moan that tried to escape.

Shame flooded my veins as I felt myself growing slick between my legs. This shouldn’t feel hot. He was spanking me against my will. I hadn’t even done anything wrong except not wanting to be thrown into the freezing lake.

The dare.

Maybe that counted as an offense. But whatever I was feeling right now sure as hell didn’t feel like punishment.

Dash slowly lowered me. The second my feet touched the ground, my legs buckled. I pitched forward, but he caught my arm and yanked me upright.

His eyes darkened as they locked on my face. He leaned in until his lips were inches from mine. My gaze zeroed in on them, breath caught.

How would it feel to kiss him right now?

"And that..." he trailed off. Then he straightened.

I still couldn’t look away.

Dash turned like he was done with me, but spun back almost immediately and pulled me flush against him. My chest collided with his.

"It’s because I wanted to," he murmured, voice suddenly low and raspy.

I gulped.

"Now..." Dash leaned in again. His lips brushed my right cheek. I shivered, sucking in another sharp breath.

He stayed there for a long second, his warm breath fanning across my skin. I leaned back slightly to look at him.

His eyes sparkled with mischief. Before I could say anything, Dash shoved me.

I stumbled backward, hands reaching for him, but he slapped them away. I tried to lunge forward, but it was too late.

My legs hit the water first. Before I could even process it, something cold and invisible snapped around my ankle and yanked.

I fell backward with a violent splash.

Freezing water rushed over me, choking me. I sputtered, pushed upward, arms flailing, but the force dragged me under again.

My heart whacked against my chest.

Dash stood at the edge, arms folded, watching like it was casual entertainment.

I thrashed wildly, kicking and clawing at the water, throwing out every pathetic swimming trick I’d ever seen on YouTube. Nothing worked.

"Help—" I wheezed, breaking the surface for a desperate second. "I—I can’t swim!"