Chapter 20
After dinner, I spend the rest of the evening in my room spiraling over what the hell to wear. I don’t own anything overtly slutty, or even mildly suggestive, and I have no clue what the “too much” threshold is for Halloween in Tennessee.
Eventually, I cave and video chat Jessie.
She all but claps when I show her the contents of my closet. “We’ve got options, babe. Don’t worry.”
An hour later, I’ve Frankenstein-ed a costume from my limited wardrobe. We settle on “dark academia witch,” which is really just code for “cute, all black clothing.” Jessie gives me a smoky-eye tutorial, and we end up staying on the phone while we both do our hair and makeup.
By nine, I’m ready, and surprisingly, I don’t hate how I look. I throw on a new pea coat, courtesy of Maryanne, to guard against the crisp fall chill and step into the hallway.
Axel’s already waiting.
He glances up when I open my door.
“Wow.”
His eyes rake over my hair and makeup, lingering.
I could say the same thing back. I don’t know what his costume is supposed to be, but it’s clearly just an excuse to look dangerously good.
He’s dressed head-to-toe in black, wearing a fitted tee that clings to his chest and arms like it was tailored just for him, ripped black jeans, and scuffed combat boots.
His hair’s a little messy, in that deliberate, infuriating way.
“Yeah?” I ask, running a self-conscious hand through my straightened hair. I’m wearing more makeup than I’m used to. Dark eyeshadow, a sharp flick of liner, mascara, and faux lashes. My blue eyes pop under the dark tones.
“Yeah,” he repeats, softer now. “Your eyes are... damn. And your hair—” He lifts a hand, running a lock through his fingers. “I didn’t realize it was so long.”
My natural curls only fall halfway down to my waist. Straightened, it hits just above my butt.
“Straightening it just felt... witchier.”
He grins, crooked and genuine. “Well, you nailed it. You look amazing.”
I tuck the compliment away, warmth blooming in my chest. It's not just what he said… it's how he said it. Like he meant it. Which might be the scariest part of Halloween so far.
“You look…” My words trail off as my eyes skim down Axel’s body, appreciatively.
“Handsome? Badass? Edible?” He supplies, helpfully, waggling his eyebrows.
“Uh huh,” I hide a smile. “Let’s go.”
We jog downstairs together, boots thudding on the steps.
“Damn…” Johnny’s voice is low and rough, stopping me dead on the landing.
Axel keeps walking, clapping him on the shoulder as he passes. “That’s what I said! Our little stepsister cleans up nice, huh?” he teases, disappearing out the front door.
Johnny’s hazel eyes sweep over me, slow and unreadable.
I use the moment to take him in too. He’s in all black like Axel, wearing a hoodie, Converse, and tapered joggers that hug his thighs in a way that should be illegal.
My stomach flips. When I finally drag my gaze back up, his eyes are fixed on my mouth, and I realize, too late, I’ve been biting my bottom lip.
Johnny’s nostrils flare. “Time to go,” he says abruptly, spinning on his heel.
Flustered, I follow him to the car. Axel’s already claimed shotgun, so I slide into the backseat.
“I didn’t know you were coming. Figured you were too cool for a high school party,” I say, latching my seatbelt.
Johnny glances at me in the rearview mirror, lips twitching. “I am too cool for a high school party. Caleb’s older brother invited some people from my campus. That’s my excuse.”
“So, it’s not just a high school party then,” I clarify.
“Correct.”
They slip into an easy rhythm talking as we drive. I try to calm the thrum of nerves in my chest, but it only amps up when we pull onto Caleb’s long paved driveway. Cars are crammed along both sides, and music thumps faintly in the distance. My pulse quickens.
We finally find a spot, and Johnny parallel parks like a damn pro. “That was impressive.”
He shrugs, “One of my many talents.”
I wonder what else he’s talented at before pulling my mind out of the gutter.
Bad, Lina. Bad.
As we exit the car, I almost shut my door before remembering I’m still in my coat. “Oh! Wait.” I unbutton it and toss it in the backseat, using the window to fluff my hair and double check my lipstick. When I turn back, both Axel and Johnny are staring.
I begin to panic. “What? Am I not dressed okay? Jessie helped me pick it out.”
Looking down, I tug self-consciously at my skirt. Maybe Jessie did set me up. She’s friends with Rachel, after all.
“No,” Johnny says quickly, stepping forward to take my hand gently. “We’re just… surprised.”
“Yeah,” Axel agrees. “Surprised by how smokin’ you look!”
“What?!” I squeak.
Johnny steps in closer. His voice is low, respectful. “You always look good. But tonight… you look sexy as hell. Just be prepared for people to notice, honey.”
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 like this.
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 looks insane—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.
“Stay with one of us at all times, honey. Even if you need to use the bathroom. And don’t you dare accept a drink from anyone but me, Axel, or Nik. Got it?”
“Got it,” I agree easily. I have zero interest in being drugged or assaulted tonight.
As we slip into the dark, thumping house, Axel and Johnny both reach for my hands again, one on each side.
The music inside is deafening, the lights are strobe-bright and flashing, and the air is thick with sweat, sex, and alcohol.
Bodies grind together on the makeshift dance floor in a way that stirs something inside of me.
I’ve never been to a club, but I’m guessing it’s a lot like this.
Johnny leads us steadily toward the lit-up kitchen, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. It doesn’t take long to spot Nik, beer in hand and leaning casually against the counter.
“Lina!” he perks up when he sees me. He straightens and walks over, but stops just shy of reaching me, arms open in invitation.
I step into his waiting arms willingly, wrapping my own around his neck.
There’s no hesitation on his end. He wraps me up tight and lifts me off the ground, making me squeal as my feet dangle in the air.
He sets me down gently, but doesn’t let go.
“Hey, you,” he murmurs close to my ear, and his voice is warm, almost raspy. It makes a shiver run down my spine.
“Hey, you,” I echo, a little breathless.
Axel’s voice cuts through the moment like a knife. “Hey, asshole. How much have you had to drink?”
Nik raises a cool brow. “Not enough to put up with that attitude.”
He releases me, sliding his hand to rest protectively on my lower back. Axel’s jaw tics. The tension crackles. Helping myself to Nik’s cup, I take a long sip of the disgusting beer just to have something to do.
Thankfully, Johnny, ever the peacekeeper, steps in like a lifeline. “They’ve got drinking games out back. Be my partner?” He doesn’t wait for my answer, just laces his fingers through mine and guides me away.
We step out onto the back patio, the fresh air hitting my face like a balm. The backyard is just as packed as the front, but the energy’s completely different. It’s more organized. Tables are set up for games, and there’s an actual rhythm to the crowd.
To my disappointment, Johnny releases my hand as we move through the groups, and a few people call out greetings to him. I notice most of the backyard is filled with college-aged students, leaving the high schoolers to rule the inside and front yard.
“Want to play?” Johnny asks, nodding toward one of the folding tables.
“I’ve never played before,” I admit. “I don’t think I’ll be any good.”
“It’s easy.” He leads me over and gestures toward a table where red cups are already arranged.
“This one’s called flip cup. You drink the beer in the cup as fast as you can, then set the empty cup near the edge of the table so it just hangs off.
” He points at a guy mid-play. “Then you try to flip it upside down using only your fingers. We play in teams. First team to finish wins.”
I watch the players with wide eyes. It actually looks kind of fun and low pressure.
I drain the last of my beer. “Let’s do it.”