Page 23 of Divine Obsession

She stood, grabbing her bag, and my hand in a steel grip. “Let’s go!”

Two-thousands R&B music boomed through the speakers as we advanced into the house party. The lights were low, hiding everyone in the shadows – as well as their secrets. Smoke floated around us like we were as high in the clouds as those around us. We must’ve passed about a hundred couples making out in the dark hallways before reaching the living room, only to see the coffee tables covered in white powder.

I recognized some faces from my new college. Rich kids always tried too hard. A real estate mogul’s daughter drowning in a vodka bottle. Some senator’s son playing strip poker. Was that the mayor’s kid…?

Kali dragged me away before I stared too long, pushing through the crowd to make it to the center of the dancefloor. We squeezed through the others in the dark room, only a couple of blue and purple lights providing some clarity. It was so packed, I touched someone every time I moved.

Kali shouted Akon’s lyrics toSmack Thatwhile swaying her hips to the beat, though the music was so loud, I could feel thebass in my veins. I joined her without a second thought, feeling good and having fun as better song after the next came on.

50 Cent’sJust A Lil Bit.

Ciara’sOh.

Eve and Alicia Key’sGangsta Lovin’.

Destiny Child’sSoldier.

We danced until I couldn’t feel my feet anymore.

“Drinks?” Kali leaned in and yelled in my ear, and I still barely heard her. I nodded, but as we moved to leave, she stopped in her tracks. I didn’t hear what she said but could make out the profanity.

I scanned the crowd while turning around, but was met with a dark shadow looming over me. When I looked up, my heart jumped in my throat.

Standing right behind me, was none other than her brother.

“Going somewhere?” Trevor didn’t raise his voice; it came out deep and clear despite the deafening music. He wore a different varsity jacket than his basketball one; half black wool hoodie, half leather sleeves.

Glancing behind him, I saw a group of guys entering the spacious living room and shaking hands with some as they passed by, heading towards us.

So, Trevor and his friends had just gotten here.Great.

“Sup, Kali?” One of them dapped her up. He looked straight out of a 2000s CK ad – baggy jeans, white t-shirt, Chicago Jordans and a backwards baseball cap turned to the side.

“We were good until now,” She replied, throwing her brother a nasty look.

The guy turned to me. “Natalia, right?” When I nodded, he raised his chin in Trevor’s direction. “This one won’t shut up about you.” That earned him a shove from Trevor, but he only laughed it off.

My cheeks heated up and I was suddenly glad for the little-to-no lighting. I turned to my side, scared of what Kali would think, but she was already busy talking to someone else.

Trevor’s friend offered another smile as he passed me, extending a hand. “Zach.”

We shook hands briefly before he moved on to the others.

Next thing I knew, I got pushed –hard– in none other than Trevor’s direction. My hands reached out, holding onto his shoulders for support, at the same time his arms came around me.

I looked over my shoulder to see some people pushing through the crowd.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here.” Trevor caught my attention again, making me realize I’d been clutching onto him the entire time.

I immediately let go and took a step back. “Why?”

“Not really your scene.”

“And what’s myscene?” I asked, slightly annoyed and possibly offended.

I could feel his eyes on me,analyzing. It was too dark to really see much, but then blue lights flashed across his face, bringing out the sharp cut of his cheekbones and jawline. The perfect angles of his hair, from the carefully buzzed fade and tapered lineup, to the smooth cornrows that gleamed under the light. The smoothness of his rich, dark-brown skin. The slight dip of his cupid’s bow. The shadow of facial hair framed his lips – a faint mustache and a neatly trimmed patch of hair on his chin that hinted at deliberate precision – the one detail that hinted at the danger beneath his refined exterior.

Ferocity amid elegance.

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