True Colors (The Masks #1)(7)

Chase's hips ground against me as he turned me in his arms and moved to the blaring music. I put my arms around his neck, trying to get into it, but I couldn't. My mind was being assaulted by that man's face. I wouldn't be able to enjoy this until I'd wiped my conscience clean.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” I yelled in Chase’s ear. He reluctantly let me go and after a quick apology, I worked my way through the crowd towards the bathrooms. It felt weird not having Stella beside me. I usually never took off to the bathroom on my own, but this time was different. She would not appreciate what I was about to do.

I glanced over my shoulder when I reached the bathroom door, making sure my friends were all distracted on the dance floor, before ducking down and sneaking out the closest exit where I could work my way back to the alley. It was a mission getting through the pressing crowd, but I finally made it, bursting into the fresh night air and feeling a sweet moment of release. In the end, it felt good not having Stella beside me, making me feel bad for needing her.

Clubbing really wasn’t my scene. I knew that before, but this was just confirming it. All my friends had beers in their hands and were gyrating on the dance floor before I’d even had a chance to find my equilibrium. I knew they all expected me to order one when I got back, but after this afternoon, there was no way I was going home smelling of alcohol. I'd deal with that when I returned. For now, I had a conscience to clean.

My heels clicked on the pavement as I made my way back around the building and into the alley, hoping I would find the man again. The guilt swirling through my system was so overpowering, my night would be totally ruined if I didn’t help him. I reached into my back pocket, pulling out all the cash I had. Sixty bucks, it was hardly much, but hopefully it would feed the guy for a few days. I nervously clutched it in my hand as I approached the dark patch where he’d first called out to us.

I smelt him before I saw him. He was laying on his side on the hard concrete, facing away from the passing traffic, his head resting on his arm.

“Excuse me.” I cleared my throat.

Nothing.

“Um...” I crouched down, not really wanting to touch him, and used a louder voice. “Hello, sir?”

Still nothing.

Biting my lower lip, I held my breath and poked my finger into his shoulder. “Hello?”

He jerked and spun to face me. At first I thought he was going to yell at me, his eyes were so wild, but then he paused. His nose wrinkled, his forehead creased and his expression relaxed. The eyes that had been so full of desperation earlier that evening were now watching me with a deep fascination. Although it was dim and I couldn’t really see the details of his face, I sensed the depth of his gaze.

Goosebumps rippled over my flesh, an uneasy feeling creeping up my spine.

I swallowed and held out the money. “I thought you might need this.”

He looked at it as if trying to figure out what it was before turning his silent stare back to me.

“Take it.” I jiggled my hand, encouraging him to take my meager offering.

Moving in slow motion, he adjusted his body, perching on his hip and reaching out for the cash. He didn’t take it straight away, just kept staring at me as if trying to figure out if I were tricking him or something.

“I’m not...my friend doesn't know I’m out here, okay? You’re safe.”

The corner of his mouth twitched with what could have been a grin. He pulled the money from my grasp and unrolled it, counting the three twenties.

I wanted to get up and bolt from the spot, but I didn’t want to appear callous. So I stayed squatting down until he scrunched the money into his pocket.

“I know it’s not much.” I cleared my throat when he pierced me with his pale eyes again. “Is your arm okay?”

He nodded.

I nodded back and went to stand, but he grabbed me before I could, wrapping both his warm palms around my left hand. I should have been grossed out by his greasy touch, but I wasn’t. There was something about the gratitude in his gaze that made me feel safe.

“You are a good soul,” he said.

"Oh no, it's really no big deal. I should probably do more for you, but my friends..." I pointed back to the club with my free hand, feeling ashamed for even associating with my heartless companions.

His smile was tender as he squeezed my hand. "Your kindness will not go unnoticed."

“Uh, thanks.” I tried to pull my hand free, but he held it tightly. It was only then that I noticed how warm his hands really were. It wasn’t a sweaty warmth, more like a dry heat that soaked into my skin. And then came a spark. I jerked my hand away and rubbed my thumb and forefinger together.

He looked completely unfazed as if he hadn’t even felt it. I gazed at my fingers. They didn’t hurt or anything. All I could guess was static electricity. I frowned and stood before he could touch me again.

“Well, take care of yourself.” I shoved my hands into my back pockets and took another step away from him.

He nodded, a serene smile stretching his mouth wide. “You are a good soul. Your kindness will not go unnoticed.”

“Okay.” I stepped away, hoping I wasn’t being rude.

He said the words again, sounding like a raving lunatic and making it that much easier to leave his side. It was just getting weird now. I raised my hand in farewell and double timed it back to the club. The bouncer didn’t even check my ID, just waved me through as he recognized me from last time. I gave him a grateful smile and immersed myself back into the thumping fray.