Chapter 1 #2
Before I could respond, another voice cut in. “Well, well. Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence.”
I turned to find Daniel Burgos approaching with two drinks in hand and that crooked smile I’d been daydreaming about for months.
“Daniel,” Ania said warmly. “You remember my friend Lils, right?”
His eyes moved over me slowly. It was obvious he didn’t remember me. “Of course. You look incredible tonight. That dress...” He let out a low whistle. “Wow.”
Heat crept up my neck. This was what I’d wanted, right? To be seen, to be noticed.
“Thanks,” I managed, accepting the drink he offered. “You look…good, too.”
He laughed, stepping closer. “Maybe we can get to know each other a little better tonight, yeah?”
“I don’t—“ I started, then caught Ania’s encouraging nod. Have fun, she mouthed. “Sure. Sorry. I guess I’m just shy.”
“Well, we’ll have to fix that.” His hand found the small of my back, warm through the thin fabric. “Come on, let me introduce you to some people.”
The next hour passed in a blur of introductions and small talk. Daniel was attentive—every time my cup emptied, he had a fresh drink ready. Every joke I made, he laughed. Every person we met, he made sure to mention how stunning I looked.
“You’re being so sweet,” I said as he handed me another drink. The alcohol was making everything feel softer around the edges.
“Just appreciating a beautiful woman.” His fingers brushed mine as I took the glass. “Can’t believe I never noticed you before tonight.”
The comment stung a little, but this was Daniel Burgos. Half the girls on campus had crushes on him, and now he was finally seeing me.
“Want to sit for a bit?” he asked, gesturing toward the grand staircase. “Getting pretty crowded down here.”
We settled on the steps about halfway up, the party spread out below us. From here, I could see everything—the crowded rooms, people dancing in the living room, the constant flow of bodies through the front door.
“This is nice,” Daniel said, shifting closer. His thigh pressed against mine. “Perfect spot to people-watch.”
I took another sip, hyperaware of his proximity. “The party’s incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Really?” He seemed genuinely surprised. “I guess I’m used to it. My family throws events like this pretty regularly.”
Of course they did. I nodded like I could relate, taking another drink.
“You know, you’re not what I expected,” he continued, his hand finding my knee. Warmth radiated through the silken fabric and I flushed. “When Ania mentioned she had a roommate, I figured you’d be…different.”
“Different how?”
“I don’t know. Less...intense, I guess? You’re quieter. More mysterious.” His thumb traced small circles on my skin. “I like figuring people out.”
The compliment should have elated me, but something about the way he said it made me frown—
Movement near the front entrance caught my eye.
A figure slipped through the crowd. Bodies parted enough for me to get a brief look. He was familiar, with silvery white hair that caught the light and sharp, angular features.
“Do you see that guy?” I blurted, pointing toward the entrance.
“What guy?” Daniel followed my gaze.
When I looked again, he was gone. Swallowed by the crowd like he’d never existed. “He looked just like…”
“Someone you know?”
“No, just...” God, I was losing it. “Never mind.”
Daniel’s frown deepened, but then his expression smoothed. “Well, whoever he was, he’s not here now.” His hand moved higher on my thigh.
The alcohol made his attention feel good. So good. Ania’s words echoed in my head. When’s the last time you did something just for fun? Maybe it was time to stop overthinking everything and embrace this.
“Want to go somewhere a little quieter?” Daniel asked. “It’s getting pretty loud down here, and I’d love to actually hear you talk.”
“Okay,” I heard myself say. “Lead the way.”
Daniel’s smile widened. “Perfect. I know just the place.”
We climbed to the second floor, the music growing muffled behind us. The hallway was dimly lit, lined with expensive artwork. Daniel led me to the end of the hall, producing a key from his pocket.
“You’ve got a key?” I balked.
“Kase and I are tight. He trusts me.” Daniel unlocked the door and gestured for me to enter first. “After you, beautiful.”
The room was huge—bigger than our entire apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city lights, and a king-sized bed dominated the center. Suddenly, the alcohol buzz didn’t feel warm anymore. It felt dangerous.
“This is really nice,” I said, staying near the door. “Maybe we should head back down soon, though. Ania will wonder where I am.”
“Ania’s having fun. Besides,” Daniel closed the door with a soft click, “now I finally get to find out what makes you tick.”
Before I could answer, his hands were on my waist, pulling me against him. His mouth found mine, and I kissed him back, flushing under his touch. This was what I wanted, right? To feel desired, to be bold like Ania said.
His hands moved to my face, then tangled in my hair as we kissed. It wasn’t the fireworks I’d imagined, but it was nice enough. Daniel Burgos was kissing me. Me! The thought sent a little thrill up my spine.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against my lips, and I felt myself melt a little. When was the last time anyone had called me beautiful?
He guided me toward the bed, still kissing me, and I let him. We tumbled onto the mattress together, his mouth moving to my neck. My lips felt swollen, tingling from his attention.
“This is nice,” I whispered, my hands resting on his shoulders.
“How ‘bout we make it even nicer,” he said, and something in his tone made me pause. His hand slipped under my dress, moving up my thigh, and suddenly this felt like too much, too fast.
“Daniel, wait—“ I tried to catch his wrist, but he brushed my hand away.
“Just relax,” he said, not stopping. “You’re so tense.”
But I didn’t want to relax anymore. His touch felt too insistent. “I think we should slow down.”
“Come on, don’t be a tease.” His voice had lost its earlier warmth. “You came up here with me. You were kissing me back.”
“Daniel, please—“
“I’ll make it good for you,” he said, his hands already pulling at my dress, ignoring my struggles. “Just stop fighting me.”
Terror crashed over me. The music downstairs was too loud for anyone to hear me scream. I twisted, trying to squirm free from him, but the size and weight of his body pressed to mine made it impossible.
That’s when it hit me: I was completely, utterly trapped.