Chapter 19
Screw it.
“Alright, let’s go.”
As Claire and I weaved through the crowd, my nerves cased slightly. Maybe coming here wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
The group was gathered around a sleek, high–top table, laughing and chatting like no time had passed since university. As we approached, a few heads turned, and suddenly, I was bombarded with excited voices.
Ashley? No freaking way!”
I barely had time to react before someone pulled me into a tight hug. When I stepped back, I recognized the familiar face of Oliver, one of the loudest and most energetic people in our class back in the day.
“Look at you!” he said, giving me a once–over with an impressed grin. “Still as stunning as ever. What’s it been, five years?”
“Six,” I corrected with a chuckle. “And I see you haven’t changed at all, Oliver
Of course not. Perfection doesn’t need change,” he said, winking dramatically.
“Oh God, please tell me you’ve matured at least a little, another voice chimed in, teasing. I turned to see Vanessa, one of the smartest–and sassiest–people in our group. She had always been the voice of reason, rolling her eyes at Oliver’s antics.
“Vanessa,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “You look amazing!”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she quipped. “And seriously, what have you been up to? Last I heard, you moved back to Germany”
“Yeah, I came back just a few weeks ago. I had an Emergency” I explained.
“Wait, wait,” another familiar voice cut in. This time, it was Jason, his arms crossed as he gave me a playful smirk. ‘You mean to tell me Ashley actually decided to return to the chaos of this reunion”
“Surprised?” I teased.
“A little. You always swore you’d never clme to any reunion”
1
“Yeah, well,” I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink. “Life happens.”
“Life happens, Oliver mocked, shaking his head. “That’s such a vague answer. Spill the details, Ash. Are you married? Dating? Secretly a billionaire?”
1 laughed. “None of the above. Just… taking things one day at a time.”
“Ugh, boring answer,” Vanessa teased. “Fine, we’ll let you off the hook–for now. But seriously, it’s so good to see you. We were just talking about the old days.”
“Oh, no,” I groaned playfully. “That sounds dangerous.”
“Only if you count embarrassing stories dangerous,” Claire said with a mischievous grin.
“Oh, absolutely,‘ I deadpanned. “Especially if Oliver is involved.”
“Hey!” Oliver protested, but the rest of us burst into laughter.
Claire handed me a drink, and I hesitated for only a second before taking it.
What did I say about tonight? Letting loose and having fun.
I took a deep sip, the warmth spreading through my chest. The energy around me was infectious, and before I knew it, Claire and the others were dragging me onto the dance floor.
Laughter. Music. The rush of adrenaline as I swayed to the rhythm.
The night had been going perfectly–music thrumming through my veins, laughter spilling from my lips as I danced, letting go for once. I twirled, my dress hugging my curves just right, my mind light from the cocktails and the warmth of good company.
1/2
Chapter 19
But then-
A hand.
Unwanted.
Sliding over my waist, fingers pressing against my skin through the thin fabric of my dress. A low voice murmured something in my ear, something that made my stomach turn.
My laughter died instantly as I turned to see a strange man
1 jerked forward, trying to put space between us, but he followed, his touch lingering. My pulse spiked with panic.
“Hey, back off!‘ I snapped, shoving at his arm.
He only grinned, his hold unwavering. “Relax, sweetheart,” he said smoothly, his breath reeking of alcohol. “We’re just having a little fun.”
My stomach twisted. My skin crawled. I tried to push him away again, but he was stronger, standing too close, making it impossible to escape.
And then-
His hand was ripped away.
I barely had time to process what was happening. I stared up to see.. “Kyle?”
He stood beside me, his expression carved from stone, his grip like a vice around the man’s wrist. His eyes–dark, stormy–held a deadly calm that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Touch her again,” Kyle murmured, his voice low and razor–sharp, “and this will be the last day you use this hand.”
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