Roman's brow furrowed as he reflected on how Carol had an uncanny knack for stumbling into trouble. She had been minding her own business, only to find herself ensnarled.
"Go tell your tutor that you want a lesson now," he commanded, cutting through the tension.
Harper's expression twisted into a frown. "A lesson? It's party time!" She couldn't fathom why he was intent on ruining this night for her as so many others had.
"Go now!" His voice grew more demanding, leading her to begrudgingly leave her seat and navigate through the sea of guests toward the shimmering swimming pool where she last spotted Carol.
****
My heart raced as I noticed Atticus and his lackeys closing in around me, their presence foreboding and reminiscent of a storm cloud. Their smiles held an unsettling edge, a promise of trouble that felt all too familiar.
"I remember you," Atticus taunted, his lips curling into a mocking grin.
