Isabella

Justin, Zack, and I arrive at my parents’ mansion in an upscale coastal town, while Collin, Julie, Katy, and Brandon head straight to Collin’s parents’ place, where the party is already underway.

Once in my bedroom, I drop onto my bed and let out a deep sigh. I’m not excited about Collin’s party, mostly because of his insistent behavior and suggestive comments. Still, I cannot skip it, as he is one of my closest friends, and honestly, I need a distraction to forget about Daniel and his lucky girlfriend, a.k.a. Lucy.

An hour later, I’m wearing a simple green dress, and my hair is pulled into a messy braid. I head downstairs to meet my brother and Zack, only to find the latter talking to Tara in the living room, which catches me completely off guard.

Tara is a beautiful girl from the cheerleading squad. We’ve spoken a few times, but nothing beyond that. I had no idea Zack was close to her, and judging by their goofy smiles and the way they look at each other, it is obvious something is going on.

“Tara, what a pleasant surprise,” I exclaim, announcing my presence as I walk toward them.

“Hi, Isabella,” she says shyly.

“I invited Tara to join us today,” Zack explains, resting an arm around her waist.

“I’m happy to see you here with us, Tara.” I give her a warm smile, hoping to put her at ease. Honestly, it’s a relief to see Zack moving on from me.

“Thank you,” she replies, glancing at Zack before looking back at me, visibly uncomfortable and nervous, probably because she knows about my past with him.

“Hey, do you mind if I talk to Tara in private for a moment?” I ask Zack.

He nods. “I’m going to grab a drink. I’ll be right back,” he tells Tara, squeezing her hand before heading toward the dining room.

Once he is gone, I turn to Tara and begin, “I’m really glad to see you with Zack.”

“Really?” she asks, looking down at her sandals. “You’re not angry with me? I mean… You and Zack were dating until a few weeks ago.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I assure her. “Zack and I are definitely over, and I’m honestly relieved to see him with you because he is still one of my closest friends, and I care about him a lot.”

She suddenly wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me into a tight hug. “Thank you, Isabella. I was so afraid of upsetting you. Even though I don’t know you well, I really respect and admire you. You’re the best cheerleader, and you’re smart, polite, and kind.”

I smile when she pulls back, finally able to really look at her—her dark eyes, her dark hair, and her soft features. We’ve been on the cheerleading squad together for three years, yet I’ve never gotten to know her well, as she has always been quiet and reserved. Still, I know the basics—her father works in politics and her mother is a well-known singer.

“Thank you, Tara. You’re sweet,” I say with a giggle, flattered. “How did you and Zack get together, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“We were paired up for a science project, so I went to his house on Tuesday night, and one thing led to another,” she confesses, blushing scarlet.

“Say no more.” I chuckle. “Well, welcome to our group of friends, then.”

She hesitates. “I know you don’t usually accept outsiders into your group, Isabella.”

It’s true; we don’t accept outsiders into our group. Still, I feel like it’s time to change a few things and open doors to new people and new opportunities—and by new people, I mean Daniel Smith.

Zack strolls back toward us, stopping beside Tara and wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Is everything all right here?” he asks, shooting me a questioning look.

“Everything is fine,” I reply, easing his suspicions.

“Hey, Collin just sent me a bunch of texts, complaining about us being late to his party,” Justin interrupts, waving his phone in the air. “We should get going before he completely loses it—especially at you, Bella.”

I roll my eyes and look away to hide my irritation. I really wish I could skip the party and stay home binge-watching shows while eating ice cream.

“Let’s head to Collin’s party, then,” Zack decides, intertwining his fingers with Tara’s as he leads her to the front door.

Justin shoots me an amused smile, causing me to shrug in response before following the new couple toward the cars and, unfortunately, toward Collin’s estate.

* * *

Collin’s mansion is bigger and far more extravagant than my parents’—it even has its own private beach, where the party is already in full swing.

As soon as Zack, Justin, Tara, and I step onto the sand, Katy, Brandon, a few cheerleaders, and some football players greet us warmly, offering drinks and other party favors. Justin accepts a beer but waves off everything else, fist-bumping his teammates and flirting shamelessly with the girls. Katy hooks her arm through mine and pulls me away from the chaos so we can order non-alcoholic drinks at the bar.

Minutes later, I’m sipping my lemonade and fidgeting nervously, wishing I were anywhere else. I really don’t want Collin to see me here.

“Is something bothering you, Bella?” Katy asks before taking a sip of her soda.

“Why do you ask?” I frown, ignoring the boys trying to flirt with us as we make our way back toward our friends.

“Your face,” she says simply. “You look uneasy.”

I let out a deep sigh before admitting, “Collin made it pretty clear he expects more from me tonight.”

She stops walking. “Do you want that?”

“No,” I answer immediately, because it’s the truth. 

“Then don’t,” Katy states.

“I won’t,” I mumble, leaning closer to her. “But I don’t know how to tell him I’m not ready yet to do that kind of thing.”

“If he actually cares about you, he’ll respect your choice, just like Zack did.” She flashes me a reassuring smile. “Now come on. Let’s try to enjoy ourselves.”

Before I can protest, she drags me onto the makeshift dance floor, catching me off guard and making me stumble over my own feet. Just when I’m sure I’m about to fall flat on my face, two strong hands grab my waist, steadying me.

“Wow, Bella. Already losing your balance?” Collin’s voice reaches my ears, and I grimace before even looking at him. “Thank god you’ve finally shown up. I thought you weren’t coming.”

I grimace, noticing the strong smell of alcohol on him and his unfocused gaze. “Hi, Collin,” I murmur, forcing a small smile despite the tight knot in my stomach.

“We should go somewhere quieter,” he suggests, leaning in and pressing a sloppy kiss against my lips, making me stiffen. “I’ve been waiting to be alone with you.”

“No.” I pull back. “I’m staying here with Katy, my brother, and everyone else.”

His expression darkens. “It’s my birthday, and you’re supposed to be with me.” He kisses me again, ignoring my resistance.

“Back off,” Katy snaps, shoving him away from me, causing him to stumble in the sand and barely manage to stay upright.

“Get lost, Katy,” he snaps back, glaring at her with clenched teeth and glassy eyes.

“Let’s get out of here before he manages to get back up,” I tell my best friend, grabbing her hand as we run toward the mansion and head straight for the living room, where partygoers are dancing and chatting loudly.

“Collin is disgusting,” Katy scoffs. “You need to break up with him once he’s sober, Bella.”

“You’re right,” I admit. “I should have ended things when we were on my father’s jet. I wanted to tell him I wasn’t ready to do ‘that’, but he didn’t give me the chance. He kept crossing boundaries, no matter how many times I tried to pull away.” I cringe at the memory.

“He turns rude and disrespectful when he drinks,” Katy remarks through clenched teeth. “That’s exactly why I don’t trust him. How did you not notice that side of him sooner? Didn’t he try something last Saturday night?”

“…Yes,” I confess. “We were dancing, and he started acting in ways that made me uncomfortable, which made me push him away and tell him to stop. Well, he apologized, so I convinced myself it was just the alcohol. But the moment I relaxed, he did it again.” I shake my head, frowning. “I kept telling myself he was still Collin and that he deserved another chance.”

Katy stops walking and turns to face me. “No, Bella. That’s not okay. It doesn’t matter if he’s your friend or how long you’ve known him. Someone who ignores your boundaries doesn’t respect you.”

“I know,” I murmur, the truth finally sinking in—Collin isn’t who I thought he was. “I’ll talk to him when he’s sober. I promise.” I smile softly at her. “And thank you for stepping in back there.”

“That’s what best friends are for,” she replies, winking. “Now come on; let’s dance.”

I chuckle, nodding. “Let’s have fun, Katy.”

I start dancing, trying to shake off my worries. Still, I keep glancing toward the doors every now and then, a constant fear gnawing at me that Collin will eventually find me.

* * *

I spend the entire afternoon hanging out with Katy and Brandon—Zack is too busy being glued to Tara, and Justin disappeared minutes after we arrived at the party.

When it’s almost eight p.m., I text my brother to let him know I’m heading back to our parents’ house, which means I’ll need a ride, since I chose not to drive today.

Isabella

Jus, where are you? I’m going back to our place.

Justin 

I’m busy with a girl. 

Justin

You can take my car and go ahead without me. 

Justin

One of the guys can give me a ride later. 

Justin

The keys are in your purse, but make sure you tell Collin you’re leaving. 

Justin

He’ll be pissed if he finds out you left without saying anything.

I roll my eyes at his reply, not surprised that he is occupied with yet another random girl. Still, my stomach twists at the mention of Collin’s name, considering I’ve been avoiding him for hours.

Since Katy, Brandon, and Julie are swimming in the ocean, I decide to leave on my own, ignoring Justin’s warning about Collin and getting out of this place as fast as possible.

* * *

Once I’m safely inside my bedroom, I finally let myself relax, releasing a long breath of relief, as I’m away from Collin and his presence altogether. Thankfully, somehow, I managed to avoid him the entire party by sticking to crowded areas and staying out of his line of sight.

After taking a bath and changing into a simple white dress, I flop onto my bed and turn on a movie on the laptop. My phone keeps vibrating on the nightstand, but I ignore it, already knowing whose name is probably lighting up the screen.

A moment later, a loud knock on my bedroom door startles me, making me jump and tense instantly.

“Bella? Are you in there?” Justin’s voice comes from the other side of the door, and my shoulders relax in relief.

I hurry to open it, eager to tell my brother what happened with Collin and ask for his advice. However, much to my horror, the moment he steps inside, my eyes widen—Collin is right behind him.

“Hey, sis. Why did you come home so early? The party is still going strong,” Justin says casually, completely oblivious to Collin’s glare at me.

“I’m tired,” I reply, stepping farther into the room to keep some distance. “I just wanted to relax.”

“I missed you, Bella,” Collin cuts in, moving closer and slipping an arm around my waist. He seems more clear-headed than earlier; nevertheless, my body stiffens instantly.

I push his arm away and step closer to Justin, teasing, “I thought you were busy with some girl, Jus. Looks like that didn’t work out for you.”

He rolls his eyes, groaning, “Rachel showed up.”

“What did she do?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

“She grabbed the girl I was with and pulled her hair while yelling profanities. I tried to stop her, but she was completely unhinged.” He shudders. “It was terrifying.”

“I see… But why are you two here? Shouldn’t you go back to the party?” I insist, already trying to shoo them away.

“I want to be with my girlfriend,” Collin declares, his lips curling into a sly smile.

“I’m not your girlfriend, Collin,” I retort, meeting his bloodshot eyes head-on.

The tension between us is thick and suffocating. Yet my brother is so distracted—or drunk—that he doesn’t seem to notice any of it.

“Actually, most of our friends decided to come here with us, and they’re swimming in the pool right now,” Justin tells me. “I’m going to join them to give you two some privacy.” He gestures between Collin and me.

“Justin, please, don’t,” I plead, trying to stop him. “Let’s talk about Rachel because you’re obviously upset about what happened.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “I don’t want to talk about Rachel and ruin your moment with Collin, Bella. Don’t worry about me.” He heads for the door, then pauses long enough to add, “Collin, don’t do anything my sister doesn’t want. I’m watching you, man.”

“Relax, Jus,” Collin responds dismissively. “I respect your sister, and I would never do anything she doesn’t want.”

I gape at him in pure disbelief. 

Liar.

Justin closes the door behind him, leaving me alone with the very person I’ve been desperately avoiding.

“We’re finally alone, Isabella,” Collin growls, grabbing my elbow and pulling me closer.

I’ve never been this scared in my life.

* * *