I didn’t want to go to the party.
It wasn’t my scene, and after everything with the Cross brothers and Tessa, the last thing I wanted was to be trapped in a house full of their friends. But my parents were thrilled when Aiden and Asher showed up at my door, all smiles and charm, convincing my mom that it was a harmless gathering.
“It’ll be fun,” Aiden said, his grin mischievous as always. “Promise we’ll have her back in one piece.”
My mom looked at me expectantly, her eyes practically begging me to say yes. Sighing, I reluctantly grabbed my jacket. “Fine,” I muttered. “Let’s get this over with.”
The party was already in full swing when we arrived. The music was loud, the air thick with the scent of cheap alcohol and perfume. I felt out of place instantly. Aiden and Asher, on the other hand, slipped into the crowd like they were born for this.
“Come on, sunshine,” Aiden said, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward the living room. “Let’s make this interesting.”
I barely had time to protest before I was dragged into a circle of people sitting on the floor. Aiden plopped down beside me, his grin widening.
“Truth or dare,” he announced, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“No way,” I said, trying to stand.
He pulled me back down. “Relax. It’s just a game.”
The circle cheered, and before I knew it, the bottle was spinning. It landed on Aiden, of course.
“Dare,” he said confidently, leaning back on his elbows.
The girl across from him smirked. “I dare you to kiss someone in this room.”
Aiden’s eyes immediately locked onto mine.
“No,” I said, shaking my head before he could even ask.
“Oh, come on, sunshine,” he said, his tone teasing but firm. “It’s just a dare. Don’t be a coward.”
“I’m not a coward,” I snapped.
“Prove it,” he challenged, leaning closer. The room was silent, all eyes on us.
“No,” I repeated, standing up this time. “I’m not playing your stupid games.”
The tension in the room was palpable as I stormed out, ignoring the whispers and laughter behind me.
I found a quiet corner in the backyard, away from the noise and the stares. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the chaos inside.
I thought I was alone until I heard footsteps behind me. I turned, my heart sinking when I saw Grayson approaching.
“What do you want?” I asked, crossing my arms.
He stopped a few feet away, his expression unreadable. “You shouldn’t let them play you.”
I frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Aiden. Asher. They’re not going to stop,” he said, his voice low and serious. “They’ll push you until you break.”
I scoffed, shaking my head. “And what? You’re here to protect me now? Give me a break, Grayson.”
His jaw tightened. “I’m not protecting you. I’m warning you.”
“Why?” I challenged, stepping closer. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t,” he said coldly.
His words stung, even though I knew they shouldn’t. “Then stay out of it,” I snapped.
Grayson’s eyes flickered with something—anger, frustration, maybe regret—but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
The night only got worse from there.
I was on my way back inside when I ran into Tessa. She was standing by the pool, her arms crossed and her expression smug.
“Well, if it isn’t the Cross brothers’ favorite charity case,” she sneered.
“Not now, Tessa,” I muttered, trying to walk past her.
She blocked my path, her smile turning cruel. “What’s the matter, Lila? Don’t like being the center of attention? Thought you’d be used to it by now.”
“Get out of my way,” I said, my voice firm.
“Or what?” she taunted, stepping closer. “You’ll run to Grayson? Or maybe Aiden? You really are pathetic.”
Before I could respond, she shoved me. Hard.
I stumbled backward, my foot slipping on the wet concrete. The next thing I knew, I was falling into the pool.
The water was freezing, and for a moment, panic took over as I struggled to surface. The voices above me were muffled, distorted by the water, but I could hear laughter.
Then, suddenly, strong hands grabbed my arm, pulling me out of the pool. I gasped for air, coughing and shivering as I was set back on the ground.
I looked up to see Grayson, his face inches from mine, his dark eyes full of something I couldn’t place.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low but steady.
I nodded, too shaken to speak.
“Stay here,” he ordered, standing up and turning to face Tessa. His expression was ice cold, his tone lethal. “You’ve crossed the line, Tessa.”
She faltered, but only for a moment. “Oh, please,” she said, trying to sound confident. “It was just a joke.”
Grayson took a step closer, towering over her. “Touch her again, and I promise you’ll regret it.”