Regina's room was dimly lit, candles flickering on the nightstands. She stood by the bed, wearing a satin robe that fell just above her knees. As Caleb entered, she smiled slyly and let the robe slide to the floor, revealing a black lace lingerie set.
"It's my birthday," she said, her voice low and seductive. "But I've got a present for you."
She didn't wait for his response, stepping toward him and pressing her lips against his. Her hands slid around his neck, pulling him closer as she kissed him hungrily.
But Caleb didn't move.
His mind was elsewhere—downstairs, in the crowded room where Alessia sat with Malfoy. He couldn't shake the image of Malfoy handing her that drink, the way she'd hesitated before taking it.
"Caleb," Regina murmured, pulling back slightly to look at him. "What's wrong?"
"You've got guests to entertain downstairs," he said, his voice tight.
Regina frowned, trailing her fingers down his chest. "Forget about them."
"And Alessia?" Caleb said, his tone sharper than he intended. "You're her only friend here."
Regina's eyes narrowed, and she took a step back. "Okay, what is this obsession of yours with her?"
"It's not an obsession," Caleb said quickly. "It's just that you seem to like her so much."
Regina rolled her eyes, letting out a dry laugh. "Oh, please. I know she's a fraud. I've only been nice to her because I need something from her."
Caleb's eyes darkened. "What do you mean?"
Regina sighed dramatically. "Malfoy caught me smoking last month. He threatened to tell my parents unless I found someone for him. He wanted a new girl to... drill." She shrugged, as if the words didn't carry any weight.
Caleb's stomach turned. "And Alessia?"
Regina smirked. "She's perfect. Fresh, naïve, trying to fit in." Her smile widened as she stepped closer to him. "Now, can we stop talking about her and focus on us?"
But Caleb was already backing away, his mind racing.
***
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit corner of the living room downstairs, Alessia felt her head spinning. The drink Malfoy had given her was far stronger than she'd realized, and her limbs felt heavy and uncoordinated.
Malfoy leaned closer, his hand brushing against her arm. "You're really something, you know that?" he murmured, his voice low.
Alessia blinked up at him, her vision slightly blurred. "I... I don't feel so good," she said softly.
"It's fine," Malfoy said, his hand sliding to her waist. "You're fine."
Before she could respond, his lips were on her neck, his hand moving down her back. Alessia's body felt like it was sinking into the couch, her voice barely above a whisper.
"S...stop," she managed, her words slurred.
But Malfoy didn't stop. The room spun faster, and Alessia's breath hitched as she felt his hands tugging at the hem of her dress.
The last thing she heard was the faint sound of a zipper being pulled down.