Fallen in deep

Chapter 20 The beach part 2

**Ella’s POV***

Not long after I had turned my head back from seeing Zane and his mystery girl walk off together Finn squeezed in between Bethany and I and put both his arms around our shoulders.

“Right guys we came here to have a party ! Let’s get it started !” 

“Mate now your talking !” Tyrell shouted back to Finn before pointing to Max

“Max get off your arse and get the speaker sorted “

Max sent him an icy look then slowly stood up , I saw a flash of pain suddenly rip across his face , if I had of blinked I would of missed it , he was holding his rib cage as if he was in pain. I wanted to ask if he was okay but something about him warned me off. Jack must of been noticed the concerned look on my face and as if he could read my mind he shook his head saying Max had told them earlier that he had been in a fight but according to Max the other guy had came out much worse . 

I nodded back giving him a short smile, he stared at me examining my face when suddenly the music started blaring around us . I jumped out of my skin making Jack chuckle putting his arm around my waist to steady me. This didn’t go unnoticed by Finn who looked over to Jack raising an eyebrow giving him a warning look , it looked like he mouthed “careful ..you know what I mean”

Tyrell , Josh and Max had joined a group of people dancing , Josh was in his element , he loved being around crowds of people, it was like he had known them for years.

“So your cousin seems to be enjoying himself “ Finn turned to Bethany 

“Yeah he’s a right party animal , always has been even as a kid he always had the biggest birthday party’s” she laughed

“I’ll have to come and check out one of his party’s for myself one day, I’ve been banging on to Zane to invite us for ages”

“I think Josh would like that “ she smiled back

“Then again...who said I’d he going for him” Finn said slowly causing Bethany to flush. He was such a smooth talker. I had never seen Bethany flustered like this before, it was a nice side to her.

 Jack left to get us more drinks from another cooler when Josh called Bethany over to talk to him, this now left just Finn and I.

“Finn...” I asked nervously fiddling with my hem of my top. “Is Zane okay? He didn’t seem pleased to see us and he’s not come over, Infact I don’t even know where he is...I know him and I aren’t exactly friends but I just thought ..”

Finn let out a sigh and pressed his beer can to his lips. “He’s just being an ass and sulking. He’s a hard guy who comes across as not being afraid of anything or anyone when Infact ...don’t worry about it , he is glad your here even if he’s not showing it just now , but deep down he is.” He smiled softy back which gave me some reassurance.

“Besides..” he continued “your my guests so he can sulk all he wants” we both chuckled together then I paused in thought ...

“I haven’t done something wrong have I ?” I whispered feeling a slight level of guilt at the fact that Finn seemed to get the brunt of Zane’s anger.

“No ! Course not , don’t be thinking that , it’s just him don’t worry he will come round, anyway Jack seems keen to keep you company in the meantime” 

I look up and see him grinning , I returned the smile lowering my head trying to hide the blush on my face.

He let out a low chuckle “ I can see why he-“

“Sorry about that. Josh asked me to look after his house keys , you know what he’s like with them Ella” Bethany said coming back over to our spot. I laughed inside thinking back to the memory of Bethany and I catching Josh climbing the drainpipe outside with Bethany holding a baseball bat shouting threats thinking was an intruder.

Finn had the biggest grin on his face as Bethany sat back on the log. Sensing I would soon be third wheeling I stood up and said I was going to find Jack with the drinks. Bethany gave me an awkward look but I nodded to her knowing that she would be safe with Finn. I trusted him. Even in such a small space of time he didn’t come across creepy or pervy like some people we had come across. Pointing over to the small crowd by the cooler boxes I reassured Bethany that I wouldn’t be far away if she needed me , she smiled and nodded back. 

It was getting darker as the last of the sun was setting which meant it was harder to make out  peoples faces from a distance , as I looked around I couldn’t find Jack anywhere ...Next thing I knew am arm grabbed my waist pulling me close . 

“Are you lost little one ?” He slurred , the smell of alcohol apparent in his breath 

“ No am looking for Jack ...” I answered trying to wriggle away and push off his chest

“He left but not to worry beautiful, I’ll keep you company ..” 

I tried to squirm out of his hold then froze as  I realised  the people around us had stopped talking and were looking with wide eyes behind my back. It was silent until I heard a low growl coming from behind . 

“Get your f*****g hands off her.!” 

***