"Emma! There's a party tonight!" Zara squealed, practically bouncing in the doorway.
"Ugh, shut up, Zara. I know," Emma shot back, rolling her eyes. "I'm not coming with you guys anyway. I've got my own plans, and someone special to go with. Byeee!" She gave a dramatic wave and slammed the door shut.
Emma turned, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Hey, Alena! There's a party tonight," Emma said, her tone cheerful as she barged into the room. "You should come! It'll be so much fun, I promise."
Alena looked up from her desk, hesitant. "That's great, but… I'm not going, Emma."
"Aw, come on! Don't be like that. You'll love it."
Before Alena could respond, a voice whispered in her mind, loud and firm. Don't go.
She shook her head, trying to focus. "Emma, I just don't feel like it. Besides, I don't really have anything to wear."
Emma waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. I've got you covered! I have the perfect outfit for you."
"Emma, I'm serious. I'm tired. I have class tomorrow, and I just want to rest."
Emma's smile faltered, irritation flickering in her eyes. "Alena, please. Do this for me. I don't want to feel lonely at the party. Having you there will make it so much better. You're my best friend—it's not too much to ask, is it?"
Best friend? When had that happened? Alena sighed, her resolve weakening.
"Okay, fine. Just to keep you company."
"Yes! Just to keep me company," Emma repeated, her grin returning. Under her breath, she muttered, "Gotcha."
Emma rummaged through her closet, tossing dress after dress onto the bed.
"This one's perfect!" she declared, holding up a pink, lacy gown with thin straps.
Alena frowned. "It's too revealing. I can't wear that."
Emma sighed dramatically and handed her a red, short dress instead.
"This one?"
Alena hesitated but eventually nodded. "At least it's not as bad."
When Alena put it on, the dress clung tightly to her figure, highlighting every curve. She tugged at the hem, trying to cover more of her thighs.
"You look stunning, Alena!" Emma gushed.
"You too," Alena replied, eyeing Emma's daring purple gown that revealed her back and more cleavage than she was comfortable looking at.
Emma pushed her into a chair. "Sit. I'll do your makeup. Just a little touch-up to bring out that gorgeous face of yours."
Alena relented, and a few brush strokes later, they were ready.
The party was already in full swing when they arrived. The music thumped so loudly it vibrated through the floor, and bodies moved in a chaotic rhythm under flashing lights.
Alena felt a hundred eyes on her the moment they walked in. Her cheeks flushed as whispers and lingering stares followed her across the room.
"Emma, you didn't tell me it'd be like this!" she shouted over the noise.
"They're staring at you, Alena. You're a knockout tonight," Emma said, steering her toward a couch. "Stay here. I'll get us some drinks."
"Wait, Emma—"
But she was already gone.
At the bar, Emma ordered two orange juices. While the bartender prepared them, she pulled a small vial from her purse, tilting it into one of the glasses with a sly smile.
"Let the fun begin," she murmured.
Back at the couch, Alena shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of the attention she was drawing. She glanced around, hoping Emma would hurry up.
That's when she saw him—the mysterious guy from her class. Fortunately, she had heard a lot about him, 'someone not to be messed with' a summary of his life.
Her breath caught in her throat. Why was he here? And why was he staring at her like that? His green eyes roamed over her, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.
I should've stayed home, she thought, her anxiety growing.
Emma returned to the couch, her smile sweet but her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Here, sweetheart, just for you," she said, handing Alena the glass of orange juice.
"You know, I love orange juice too," Emma added casually, taking a sip from her own glass.
"Thanks, Emma," Alena said with a small smile, her trust unwavering. She took the glass and, without hesitation, drank it all in one go.
Emma watched closely, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face.
Alena set the glass down, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "That was refreshing—" she paused, frowning. "But I'm feeling... strange."
Emma leaned closer, her expression a perfect mask of concern. "Strange? Are you okay, Alena?"
"I don't know... I feel dizzy." Alena pressed her fingers to her temple, blinking rapidly. "Maybe I just need to find the restroom." She wobbled to her feet, her balance unsteady.
Emma's lips twitched into a smirk she quickly hid. "Oh, darling, do you want me to help you? You don't look so good."
"No, no, I'll be fine," Alena insisted, waving her off. "I don't want to ruin your fun. I'll find my way."
"Of course," Emma said sweetly, her eyes narrowing as she watched Alena stagger away.
Alena moved through the crowded room, her head swimming. She could barely keep her movements coordinated, her body feeling heavier with every step.
Suddenly, a firm hand grabbed her waist. She flinched, turning to see a middle-aged man with a slick smile staring down at her.
"Need some help, darling?" he asked smoothly, his grip lingering.
"Um… I can't find the restroom," Alena said, her voice slurred. "Maybe you can help me?"
The man chuckled, his gaze lingering too long. "My pleasure to serve a beautiful lady like you," he said, guiding her forward.
Before Alena could process what was happening, a deep, commanding voice boomed from behind them.
"Take your hands off her."
Both Alena and the man froze, turning to see the source of the voice.
A tall, intimidating figure stepped out from the shadows, his green eyes sharp and menacing.
The man holding Alena sneered. "Who the hell are you? And why should I listen to you?"
The figure's jaw clenched, his tone colder now. "Because you don't want to find out what happens if you don't."
The man laughed mockingly. "Oh, really? Do you know him, darling?" He turned to Alena, his smirk widening.
Alena blinked up at the stranger, her mind muddled. "No... do I know you?" she mumbled, letting out a soft, nervous laugh.
Alexo was tensed, his patience waning. The sight of the man's hand still on her waist made his blood boil.
In a flash, Alexo closed the distance between them and delivered a series of blows to the man's face. The room seemed to hold its breath as the middle-aged man stumbled back, clutching his jaw.
"Please, stop!" Alena cried, grabbing Alexo's arm in desperation. Her voice trembled, her fear evident.
Alexo froze, his dark gaze snapping to her. For a moment, the rage in his eyes softened. Without a word, he pulled her close, one arm protectively around her waist.
Leaning down, his lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, his voice deep and gravelly, "This place isn't for you, angel."
Alena shivered, her pulse quickening. His closeness was overwhelming, and the heat of his breath against her skin sent a chill down her spine.
She swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Who... who are you?"
Alena's heart raced as she clung to Alexo's arm, her breathing uneven.
Alexo's lips curved into the faintest of smirks.
Alexo's eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "Someone you're better off staying close to," he said, his voice low and deliberate, sending a chill down her spine.
Alena's chest tightened. The intensity in his gaze, the protective tone of his voice—it made her feel both safe and completely exposed. She didn't understand it, but something inside her shifted, like a switch flipping in the depths of her soul.
Before she could stop herself, she leaned in. Her lips met his in a sudden, breathless kiss, soft and unsure at first.
For a moment, Alexo froze, his body rigid as if he was caught off guard. But then his resistance melted. He responded, his lips moving against hers with an urgency that sent shivers down her spine. His hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer, and she felt the world dissolve around them.
When they finally broke apart, Alena's breath came in shallow gasps, her cheeks flushed. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Alexo scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her against his chest.
"Alexo…" she whispered, her voice filled with uncertainty.
He didn't say a word. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable as he carried her through the crowd. Every step he took only heightened the tension in the air.
Without hesitation, he pushed open the door to an empty room, stepping inside before kicking it shut behind him.