He leans back just enough for me to catch the serious glint in his eyes. Not a tease. Not a joke. My cheeks go up in flames.
Johnny keeps my hand in his, and as we walk past Axel, he casually slips his fingers into my other one. Flanked by both of them, I straighten my spine. For the first time tonight, I feel like I can handle whatever’s waiting for us.
When we round the last bend of the driveway, the house finally comes into view and my jaw drops. I knew teenagers threw house parties, but never imagined it would be likethis. Music pulses through the air, the bass thudding in my chest. People spill out across the front yard, laughing, dancing, drinking from red solo cups. A keg sits front and center like a makeshift altar to bad decisions. Lights flash from inside the house, and the faint scent of smoke, beer, and cologne wafts in the air.
“First party?” Axel leans in to ask, his lips brushing the shell of my ear just enough to send a shiver down my spine.
“Yeah,” I admit. “I was never allowed to go before.”
Johnny jerks his chin toward the kegs. “Want a drink?”
I hesitate, chewing my bottom lip. “I’m not sure…”
“Have you ever drank before?”
“Wine with dinner. A couple times.” I shrug. “Never beer.Never for fun.”
“I’ll grab you a beer,” Johnny says. “Stick with me tonight, and I’ll keep an eye on you. We’ll take it slow.”
He heads off, leaving me holding Axel’s hand. I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder while we watch the scene unfold. It’s chaos, but the kind that feels electric.
Compared to most of the girls here, I’m practically modest. Jessie helped me pick out a black long-sleeved crop top with a v-neck deep enough to show off the girls, and a high-waisted faux leather mini skirt. Black fishnet tights and my trusty combat boots complete the look. A sliver of my stomach shows, and between the cleavage, the dark lipstick, and the silver jewelry, I’m leaning into full goth-chic. The witch hat Jessie promised is still en route, but I’m already feeling the part.
Johnny returns, handing each of us a red cup. I sniff mine cautiously, which is a big mistake. It smells like regret and bad decisions. Axel laughs at my face and tosses back a few gulps like it’s water. I steel myself, take a tentative sip, then another. Still gross. Still room temperature. But it’s drinkable if I don’t think too hard about it.
“Lina! Axel!” Jessie’s voice cuts through the din, and we turn to see her approaching with Rachel in tow.
Jessie looksinsane—in a good way. A black corset makes her boobs look gravity-defying, paired with leather leggings and sky-high boots. Rachel’s rocking a sheer, floor-length black mesh dress with visible lingerie underneath and thigh-high boots. They both wear witch hats, and Jessie waves a spare one above her head.
I let go of Axel’s arm and jog over to them.
“Damn, girl! Lookin’fine,” Jessie beams, planting the hat firmly on my head. “The hair? Chef’s kiss.”
“Thanks! You both look amazing,” I include Rachel in the compliment, trying to play nice.
Rachel barely glances at me before brushing past us without a word.
O-kay then.
Jessie loops her arm through mine as we trail after Rachel back toward the guys.
“Hey,baby,” Rachel coos at Axel, like we’re not all standing right there.
It takes everything in me not to “accidentally” trip and launch my beer onto her sheer dress.
Axel doesn’t miss a beat. “I’m not your baby.”
Johnny chokes on his beer mid-sip and coughs through his laughter.
“Whatever,” Rachel huffs. “Jessie, come get a drink with me.”
Jessie mimes a silent apology before following her.
Johnny checks his phone. “Nik’s already inside. Let’s find him before Tweedledee and Tweedledum come back.”
I flick his arm. “Be nice.”
He chuckles before tucking a lock of my hair behind my ear, the gesture so gentle it makes my breath catch. His handsome face softens into something serious.
