My whole body freezes. Even time felt to be going slower in this moment, my heart stopped before the beating accelerated.

Immediately, I pull away, my lips leaving the flawless skin of her neck. Breathing seems impossible right now. I sit up and she moves out from under me, wearing an expression I'm not familiar with.

Only a couple inches separate us from each other.

"What did you just say?" I ask, making sure I heard her correctly. I couldn't have. She had to have said something else and I was just hallucinating.

For a second she stays still, almost like she's afraid to say it again. Eventually she takes a breath and speaks, "I said I love you."

"No." I repeated the word several times, holding Sabrina's face in my hands as I did so. "You can't. Sabrina, no. You can't." Getting up, I retrieve her shirt from the ground and hand it to her. She looks at my gesture questioningly, but quickly puts it back on after realizing she's half naked in front of me.

She stands up, organizes her hair so that it hangs over her shoulder, then grabs my hands in hers. "I can, and I do." Her hand travels to my cheek. "You can give me that lame speech that I know is coming about how I'm too good for you, or how I shouldn't love you, because you think you're not good enough, but none of that is true."

I'm about to speak, but she silenced me with more words. "No, let me finish." I nod. "When I'm around you, I feel challenged. You bring out a confidence in me that I've never known. Please, don't tell me that you'll drag me down with you, because I'll just go down with you holding your hand."

"Rina, you don't know what you're saying," I plead with her, hoping she'll understand. "Eventually I'm going to break your heart, because that's what I do. I'm a heartbreaker, and I'm no good for you. I don't deserve someone like you."

"You do deserve me." Her words meant nothing to me, because I knew they weren't true. I wasn't deserving of anything. Not after everything I've done. "You deserve so much more than what you know."

"I wish I could believe that."

"You don't have to. Just know that's all I will ever do." Sabrina's intense dark blues bore into my brown ones. "I love you, Austin Griffin."

Without warning, she pulls me to her. Small fingers find their way into my hair as her lips meet mine and we melt together. We separate and I smile before pulling her waist to me and brush my thumb against her bottom lip before pressing our lips together, claiming them once more.

"Sabrina, I-"

"I know what you're going to say," she interrupted, "And it's okay. Don't say anything you're not prepared to say."

"It's not that, it's just-"

She nods in understanding. "I know what it's like for you. All your life you've never truly known what love is. Living with parents like yours, I don't know how you haven't turned out so much worse. You turning out to be the person you are proves just how strong you are."

"How can you say such great things about me? You've seen me when I'm angry, and how often I get that way." It was a sad truth, but Andrew's anger was one of the things we had in common. "I might as well turn myself in for domestic abuse while we're ahead."

"Don't talk like that!" Sabrina held onto me desperately. "You aren't going to turn into you father!"

I shake myself from her grasp and brush my hand through my hair before turning my back to her. "How could you possibly know that?! What do you know about me, huh? I could just be showing you the side that you want to see! You ever thought of that? Maybe once I get what I want from you, I dump you and leave you in the dust!"

"No," her voice is now weak, and I can hear the quiver in her voice. "Please stop."

Turning back to face her, I try to ignore the salted tears gathering in her eyes. "Stop what? Stop telling you things you already know, but just don't want to hear?!"

Sabrina flinches as I step forward which only makes me scowl. She says she loves me, but when all I do is take a step towards her, she freaks. Crossing my arms, I let out a small breath of frustration before bringing my left hand up to pinch the bridge of my nose.

Realizing my anger was getting the best of me, I try to calm myself down. I take a seat on the couch and let my head fall in my hands. This night was not going how I thought it would. This was supposed to be a night of no drama for once. Just my girl and some movies and maybe even a night of cuddling, but now this situation was getting in the way.

Awkward silence consumed the room as we didn't say a word. All that could be heard in the background was the movie playing in the background, but I drowned it out. It wasn't hard since I was so deep in thought.

"Most people who are abused tend to do the same to others," I mumbled, finally breaking the silence between us.

"What?"

"That's what I heard somewhere. Multiple cases of abuse comes from someone who also was abused." I wipe my eyes with the heel of my hand. "You need to get away from me before I hurt you, or become what I've always feared most. I don't want us to turn into my parents, I can't do that to you. To us."

Sabrina's arms wrap around me after she takes a seat next to me. It felt weird that she was the one comforting me since it usually was the other way around, but I didn't fight it. Her hold on me tightens when she notices my shaky, uneven breaths.

"I'm not leaving you." She assured me. "I'll always be right here."

Why did her words have to make me feel so relieved? The need for her to stay beside me wasn't something I've felt before. Never have I wanted someone to stay in my life so much, and that terrified me more than anything.

"Can you promise me something?" I hated the weak tone in my voice, but I knew Sabrina wouldn't judge me.

"Anything."

I smile at her willingness to agree, even though she had no idea what she was agreeing to. "If I ever show the slightest sign that I'm following in my father's footsteps, you need to get out, and leave me as fast as you can."

"Bu-"

"No," I cut her off. "Please, promise me."

"Okay," she concedes. When I send her a pointed look, she sighs, "I promise."

My arms find their way around Sabrina's small frame. "Thank you." I hold her tight, making sure she knows how grateful I am that she agreed. "I couldn't live with myself if I ever laid a hand on you."

"You won't."

"I appreciate the confidence." A warm smile graces my lips, "I hope it's not misplaced."

Sabrina doesn't say anything more, just kisses my cheek before she tangles our fingers together and situates our position on the couch so that I'm spooning her. The action that was supposed to just comfort her, also made me feel more than safe. I didn't know it was possible for a girl to make me feel so safe, but she was able to.

After the movie was over, neither of us wanted to get up to switch the discs, so we just laid there. Before too long I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. My lids were to heavy, and I felt myself falling.

Falling asleep with the girl who meant everything to me in my arms.

The biggest party of the year was in just a couple hours. Every year all the football teams within an hours driving distance would get together for a night before the state competitions as a sort of truce.

Four schools' footballers and cheerleaders were going to be hanging out under the same roof; Crossfield, Valley Grove, Rodnick, and my school -Cromwell. After the events of Friday night, things would definitely take an interesting turn.

Rodney's house was the best choice for a night like this. The size and open floor plan was perfect for the amount of people that were going to be at the party tonight. It was perfect that Rodney's mom and stepdad had to both be gone for the weekend. Since his mom is one of my father's assistants, she had to accompany him to New York for a conference. I wasn't sure what Amber's dad was doing, but since he was such a high class lawyer, he had to travel for clients a lot.

Tonight was a Sunday, but Thanksgiving break started tomorrow, so no one had to worry about school in the morning.

I leave through the back door and make my way towards the outdoor wine cellar which is on the other side of our pool. Not too far from the cellar is a mini guest house. It had a bar, kitchen, lounging area, and a bedroom. Since family rarely came to visit anyways, I used to use this place to smoke weed with friends, or bring girls when my parents were home.

Andrew's parents weren't a big part of our lives, in fact, I haven't seen my grandpa since I was eleven and my grandma died before I was even born. As for my uncle, Matthias, he died at a young age. He was thirty when he died in a car crash, so I was only five when it happened. After his brother's death, Andrew got his CEO position.

Sandra had told me that Andrew was a different person before the loss of his brother. Losing a brother was not something I knew the pain of, but I understood how someone could change after going through something like that.

Once I'm in front of the wine cellar, I take the keys out of my pocket and unlock the door. I enter the cellar and head for the section of non-wine alcohol products. Before grabbing each bottle, I check each label to make sure they won't be missed.

My phone starts to vibrate after I place the bottles in a cardboard box, and I quickly put the box in my trunk and close it before answering.

"Hey baby." I open the door to my car and get in the front seat. Putting the keys in the ignition, I say, "I'm coming right now to pick up you and your bro."

"About that . . ." She trailed off .

I let out a heavy sigh. "Please tell me that your tone is just because you're running late and you can still come out tonight?"

"I'm sorry," she pouts. "My parents found out we were planning on going to a party and have placed us under house arrest. Toby and I are currently being forced through a night of torture through Family Trivia Night."

Not being able to help myself, I bark out a laugh. Sabrina doesn't sound very amused on the other line. I clear my throat, "Sorry." I try to keep the humor out of my apology as I pull out of the driveway. "Good luck with the rents."

I'm about to hang up, but Sabrina speaks, "Austin?"

"Yeah?"

"There are a lot of guys there tonight that hate your guts..."

"Yep." I turn left once I reach the end of my driveway, in the direction of Rodney's house. "Thanks for reminding me."

She sighs, "I'm just telling you to be careful, and try to stay out of fights."

"I'm always careful." With that, I end the call and shove my phone in my front pocket.

Fifteen minutes later, I'm walking through Rodney's front doors past his bitch of a stepsister.

"You're early," Amber points out.

"That's what happens when you are the one supplying all the good alcohol." I make my way towards the kitchen, Amber following close behind. After I place the box on the counter, I start taking out all the bottles. "What are you doing here anyway? You're not on the football team, and you're not a cheerleader either."

"It's called 'I live here'." Her snarky tone made my jaw clench. "What's your excuse for being here?"

I send her a 'seriously?' look. "Football team . . ?"

"Really?" She smirks. "I was thinking cheer squad."

An annoyed groan escapes me. I tower over her when I take a couple steps forward. "You know what I think?"

"Oh, please tell me," she fakes a begging tone.

"You're just jealous that you can never have these looks." I gesture from my chest down.

Amber barks out a laugh. "Oh Griffin, you totally have me pegged." Sarcasm laces her tone as she rolls her eyes.

"Right, sorry. It's not that, because you don't have that mindset, do you?" A satisfied grin crosses my face. "You'd rather have some girl on girl action with Sabrina."

The frustrated grunt that comes from Amber makes my smile widen. She hits me on the arm before yelling at me. "For the hundredth time, I'm not gay, I just hate you."

"Psh, it's impossible to hate me."

"Oh, you think so?" The way her face continually turned redder with every word she spoke made me only smirk, knowing I was getting to her. "You are the most vile, manipulative, egotistical-"

Amber's enraged speech was cut short when muffled laughter could be heard at the entrance of the kitchen. We turn and Rodney is standing there with his hand covering his mouth, enjoying the show.

"Don't stop on my account." His amused grin stays as he talks. "This is better than the movie I was watching in the other room."

Nothing more was heard from Amber now. Her posture automatically changes and a blush covers her cheeks. "Don't you have a party to plan? I don't want to be your damn maid and answer the door for all your dumb friends."

Rodney chuckles, "I could give you a little outfit if that'll change your mind!" He calls behind her after she starts walking away. "Come on, it'd look sexy!"

She flips her stepbrother off as she walks away and towards the stairs to the upper floor.

"Why don't you two just confess your undying love for one another already? This back and forth banter is getting exhausting," Rodney tells me while examining the alcohol I brought.

"Like either of us would want that." I regret what I said when he eyes me skeptically. "Sorry, bro."

"No, no taken offense over here . . ." He trails off and gathers all the bottles in an organized fashion and places multiple shot glasses on the counter. "Brett and Jameson are paying for one of the kegs. Each school is bringing their own so we don't need to worry about not having enough."

"You and Brett on speaking terms yet?"

"If you count intense glares and him coughing 'rapist' whenever he sees me in the halls, then yes." Rodney completely deflates, his normal cocky personality with his signature sly smirk was not there. Only a look of sadness could be seen. "He doesn't care that I was basically set up, but I don't blame him for not believing me. I wouldn't believe me either."

I nod, not really knowing why. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Rodney shook his head. Apparently he avoided the question and answered it as if I was asking about the party instead. "Nah, everything is set up. All that's left to do is to turn up some music and wait for everyone to get here."

Not even an hour later, the place was already flooding with people. Multiple faces were of people I recognized, but none I knew the names of. A few of my biggest football rivals were here, but everyone was respecting of the truce.

A small part of me was happy that Sabrina wasn't here. There were too many people here who didn't like me, and chances were they would pull the moves on my girlfriend to get back at me. Berkley was a key example of that.

Seeing how he treated his girlfriend, he surely wouldn't hesitate to hurt a girl he didn't even have some sort of connection to. Knowing him, he'd take advantage of her.

"Speak of the devil," I mumble under my breath when I see Ryan and his girlfriend Casey Fitzpatrick standing by the front door.

They hadn't even been here for a minute and they were already causing a commotion. Rodney and Cole were barricading the entrance, making sure to decline their invitation.

A huff of annoyance escapes me as I head towards the front of the house. "Come on, Rod. As much as I hate it tonight is a night of truce, and you can't keep certain people from participating."

"Watch me," he hisses.

Bradley soon is here, and I know for sure that he'll back me up. "Rodney," he places a firm hand on his cousins shoulder, possibly to calm him down a bit. "You don't want to start this, man. Let him in."

After another minute of defiance, Rodney finally stepped down. "Cause any trouble," he threatens, "and you're out. Got it?"

"Crystal clear on my part," Berkley winks and leads him and his girl through the front door.

Once he's out of hearing distance, Rod grunts, "I fucking hate that kid." He lets out an aggravated sigh before he made his way to the kitchen, most likely to get a drink.

I follow him, but I don't make it there because I'm stopped by some girl. She doesn't go to our school, because she doesn't look at all familiar. The blonde was short, but the heels she was wearing made her at least half a foot taller. Her hand grabs mine as she sways, clearly drunk.

"Dance with me," she says.

"No thanks." I scowl at her. "I'm taken."

She giggles and loses her balance, forcing me to catch her before she fell. When she grabs my waist to pull me closer, I pried her arms off of me.

"I said," I snarl, tightening my grip on her wrists. "I'm taken."

"Ow!" She stumbles back a couple steps, then frowns at her wrists as she rubs them. "That hurt. Jerk."

I roll my eyes as she walks away. Girls are so dramatic. It was her own fault for acting like such a whore in the first place.

Every girl on the Cromwell cheer team knew that I was off limits because of Sabrina, but I had to worry about three other cheer teams now. Everyone here knew who I was, but not many were aware of who I was dating, or even that I was dating anyone at all.

The constant googly eyes and flirtatious smiles I got from girls used to be something I loved, but now it was just plain tiring. Sabrina's my girlfriend, I don't want anyone else, so why did the world have to continuously throw temptations my way?

I finally make it to the kitchen after pushing through the maze of dancing teens in the living room. Not even half the people in the kitchen were ones that I recognized. Bradley was at the island counter, mixing multiple drinks for different people.

His parents ran Sins, a dance club downtown, and he often talked about becoming a bartender there once he turned eighteen -which was only a couple months away. From what I could tell he was already really skilled at it. He poured and measured the drinks with ease, like he'd been doing it for years. Knowing his parents, they probably started training him at a young age.

The club was obviously a family thing. His older sister Kamille was a DJ, and his older brother Maxwell -the oldest of the four- was a bouncer. The youngest, Stephanie, was the only one who wasn't involved with the club business. At least, not yet.

Bradley noticed I was next to him and smiled at me. "And what are we having tonight?"

"Surprise me," I say, handing him a red cup with my name written on it. "I trust you."

"We'll just keep it simple tonight."

"Is this just a whiskey and coke?" I laugh. "You know, I expected more from you."

"Hey, I'm off the clock. Alright?" He hands me the plastic cup. "Just drink it."

I roll my eyes and take a swig of my drink, thanking Bradley before I turn to make my way towards the main room.

A growl escapes me when someone runs into me, I don't think it's intentional until I see who it is. "Watch it, Berkley."

Some of my drink managed to spill on my hands so I set it down on the counter and grab a couple napkins to use in place of a towel.

"Oh, sorry. My bad." His smirk shows only amusement, and his eyes showed evidence of a hollow apology. Not wanting to start a fight, I finish drying myself and then turn to leave. "Griffin, forgetting something?"

When I turn back around, Ryan has my drink in his hand. I grunt and swipe my drink out of his hand. "At