Page 17 of We're At It Again

Maya bit her lip as she gazed into my harsh eyes.

“I’m going to get a drink.” Hudson said with his hands in his pockets, unbothered by my lack of conversation.

He strutted through the crowd, towering over most of the partygoers.

“Hear me out,” Maya said. “We became econ partners and I think he’s cool once you get over his arrogance. We were talking about the party during class, and I invited him along.”

I wanted to scream and curse her for inviting my worst enemy and the most annoying human being to my boyfriend’s party, the same boyfriend who despised him. However, I could never be upset with Maya. She always had the natural ability to make friends with anyone she crossed paths with, even if the friend was a deranged and arrogant jerk. But, he used to be her friend too.

“It’s fine.”

How much trouble can one person make, anyway?

I offered an encouraging grin and glanced toward Austin and his buddies. I sighed in relief, optimistic that he hadn’t seen Hudson yet and that the party was too crowded for their paths to cross.

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10

HUDSON

I WAS NEVER ONE FOR PARTIES OR SOCIAL GATHERINGS. The thought of surrounding myself with people I barely associated with at school was appalling. If I didn’t enjoy their company at school, why would it be any different outside of it?

The rhythmic pulse of bass and the chatter of teenagers filled the spacious kitchen, where neon lights danced across the sleek countertops and polished tiles. I slipped through the doorway with purpose. With a confident stride, I entered the kitchen. My eyes swept over the room with a smirk playing on my lips. This was the haven of my enemy, and the thought brought a glint of mischief to my eyes.

I wasted no time in making myself at home. My gaze settled on the gleaming array of liquor bottles arranged on the counter, and with a deft hand, I reached for the most expensive bottle of whiskey I could find. With a satisfying pop, I unscrewed it and poured myself a generous measure, relishing knowing that my presence would upset Jockstrap.

Sipping my drink, I walked to the snack table, where bowls of chips and pretzels beckoned. I grabbed a handful of snacks, my movements lazy and unhurried as I lounged against the counter, soaking in the party's chaos.

Chambers stormed into the kitchen, interrupting my moment of relaxation, his expression dark with anger. My smirk widened as I watched his eyes pop in shock.

“Who invited you?”

I straightened up, leaning back against the counter with a casual, arrogant demeanor.

“This is a lovely home.” I said, knowing that ignoring his question would add more fuel to the fire.

I guess I’m an arsonist.

“I am not in the mood for your arrogance, Wilder.”

Unfazed by his hostility, I took another sip of whiskey, moaning in delight.

“This is scrumptious.”

His fists clenched at his sides; his jaw tightened with fury. I grinned at his face flushed red with rage, his nostrils flared as he struggled to control his temper. The frustration boiled beneath the surface, and I couldn’t resist pushing his buttons further.

“Cheers, Jockstrap.” I said with a smirk before taking another sip of my drink.

“Hudson, cut it out.” Maya said, stepping into the room with Luna trailing.

The air crackled with tension as Jockstrap glared at me, his fists clenched at his sides and his jaw set in determination. The room seemed to hold its breath as the heated exchange escalated, the noise of the party fading into the background as all eyes turned to confrontation. Luna stepped forward; her face etched with concern. She placed a gentle hand on his chest.

“He won’t cause any trouble.”

He turned to her with a look of bewilderment, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

“Did you know he was here?” he asked, his voice laced with accusation.

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