ra's

he walls and reflected across polished floors, turning the house into a shifting blur of bodies and noise. Th

ere practically vi

gging my arm to keep me moving.

t as I scanned the crowded foyer. "Controlled chaos is

grin, adjusting her dress. "Hat

en but deliberate. A quiet reminder that I was here on my own terms. I barely had a seco

can it be to get cordial with s

is dark hair fell perfectly across his forehead. His posture said everything. Calm. Untouc

from him felt like a challenge. I hated that I reacted at all. His lips curved sligh

y first. Of

lls. Her eyes landed on me instantly, scanning my dress from head to toe.

her eyes were cold. "I thought you might hide

evenly, meeting her gaze. "Than spend my time p

is not about owning. It is a

hat?" I asked,

til we were nearly ch

ng. "If you are so confident,

split second before

erate. He stopped a few feet away, hands

ty?" he asked, lo

I said flatly, my voice

You look like you are

ossing my arms. "You seem l

ly. "You really

entire group

g the word hang in the air.

f proximity was proof of somethin

the entire gro

said, smoothing my dr

e longer than necessary with

down. "Of inflated egos. Of people who

ey announced dramatically, h

e I could say something reckless and made my way toward the kitchen. Th

Calvin said, suddenly

g the fact that I was frightened by his sudden

g against the counter. "Th

, clinging to his arm. "Careful S

t rid of he

rst." I said, meeting her stare.

il I thought the plastic might snap. Nov

lled, pulling me toward

music take over for a moment, letting the bass drown out my thoughts. Calvin did not follow

night?" Novia asked as

pt drifting toward the bar. "He and that parasite ju

ug and teasing. "Maybe your li

ovements were stiff and deliberate. "Some people do not unde

" I answered, pushing back ju

ile sl

same drink once and our fingers brushed before I pulled back. We crossed paths in the hallway and ne

nap back. He simply observed, amused and unbothered. Ashley, on the other hand, grew sharper. Her laughs sounde

r of the living room, needing space f

asked, leaning agai

to stand still." I replied

you did." he co

" I said, finall

moment. "You look

cern." I said, grippi

you keep arguing with."

ms. "Do not fl

that I could see the faint amusement in

people." I said, my h

s who react."

ore I steadied it. "You are not a

whispered. His lips were next to my ear in secon

t the floor as she approached

ugh her eyes were fixed on me. "I was

t did not move away from my side. He

her voice trembling s

en us felt sharp enough to cut. The music pulsed in the background and laughter echoed from t

calm and unreadable. Ashley stood rigid and territ

ame, I was not