The party was louder than Ava expected. Music pounded through the air, the bass thrumming in her chest as she weaved through the crowd. She could feel Nicholas's gaze on her, intense and unreadable. It was almost suffocating, yet strangely thrilling.
Lila Carter had disappeared into the throng of people, leaving Ava alone in unfamiliar territory. She glanced around, debating whether she should find a quiet corner to escape the chaos. But before she could decide, Nicholas was suddenly beside her, a glass in hand.
"Drink?" he offered, his voice smooth as silk.
Ava hesitated. "I don't really drink."
Nicholas smirked. "Figures." He took a sip himself, eyes never leaving hers. "So, what's a girl like you doing at a party like this?"
Ava bit her lip. "Lila Carter insisted."
"Ah, Lila Carter. She likes to collect lost causes."
Ava frowned. "I'm not a lost cause."
Nicholas chuckled, stepping closer, invading her space. "You sure about that?"
Ava opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a group of girls approached, practically throwing themselves at Nicholas. He barely acknowledged them, his focus still locked on Ava.
One of the girls, blonde and stunning, pouted. "Nicholas, come dance with us."
Nicholas didn't even glance at her. Instead, he tilted his head, watching Ava with amusement. "What do you say, new girl? Feel like dancing?"
Ava's heart pounded. She knew his type—dangerous, reckless, the kind that left girls in pieces. She should walk away. But as she looked into those stormy blue eyes, something inside her whispered: Maybe just one dance…
She took his hand.