The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 12

Sylvie quickly waved her hands. "I really don't drink."

Gillian laughed. "Sylvie, how can you not drink? Since you're Mr. Lawson's daughter, you'll be attending plenty of social events. Besides, everyone here is drinking. Are you really going to disrespect us by being the only one holding out?"

She said it with a smile, acting like she was just being friendly. The others immediately joined in. "Yeah, just have a little."

Caleb leaned in, invading Sylvie's personal space. "It's settled then. I'll order you that Mojito right now..."

Gillian suddenly stood up and clapped Caleb enthusiastically on the shoulder. "You're so unoriginal, Caleb. Let me get her my personal favorite, a Long Island Iced Tea. It's on me."

Without waiting for a response, she walked out. She returned shortly after, carrying a glass of amber liquid that looked innocent enough, and slid it in front of Sylvie. "I mixed this myself. Don't worry, it tastes amazing."

A Long Island Iced Tea was notoriously strong, tasting deceptively mild while packing a massive punch. Gillian had even added extra vodka. Half a glass would be enough to knock anyone out.

"I really can't," Sylvie said, frowning in distress.

Suddenly, everyone in the room seemed to share a telepathic understanding. The boys who had been fawning over her in the car were now the loudest instigators.

"Oh, it's fine, Sylvie! We'll make sure you get home safely!"

"Gillian mixed this herself! If you really can't handle it, how about I feed it to you?"

"We're all having a good time, don't be a buzzkill!"

"Lucas, come on, hand the glass to her yourself."

"Chug! Chug! Chug!"

The crowd chanted. Caleb, thoroughly inebriated, found Sylvie's helpless expression incredibly arousing. He reached out, fully intending to force the drink down her throat—

*CRASH!*

A deafening explosion of sound tore through the room as the heavy door was kicked off its hinges. Everyone screamed.

A figure dressed entirely in black lunged forward like a wild animal, snatched a liquor bottle off the table, and smashed it violently over Caleb's head!

"Ahhhhh!"