Page 24 of All Your Lies
“Please, Marco. Our outfits took forever, and we’re already ready,” Rosie pleads and pushes out her bottom lip for good measure.
I do the same when he just stays silent, watching us, and then I get an idea.
I get on my knees, clasping my hands together above my head. “Pretty please, I promise we’ll be good,” I say.
“No way I’m kneeling before him,” Rosie grumbles.
He looks down at me and gives me a little smirk before looking out the window. “Fine, let’s go,” he says as he turns toward the door.
We get to the party about twenty minutes later. The house is massive. It’s white with four immense columns that alternate in red and black lighting, creating an ominous effect.
From the outside, the thumping music is audible. I’m buzzing with excitement. My first actual party.
As we make our way up the steps, he stops and reminds us to stick by him, don’t accept drinks from anyone, and so on.
The moment the doors open, it looks like a bomb went off. People are everywhere, and red cups litter every surface. A thick layer of smoke is in the air, muting the colorful flashing lights. It’s a little crazier than what I expected.
We weave through crowds of people, and I feel a hand grab mine. I glance downward and see it’s Marco’s. He avoids mygaze as we move through the house. We stop near the kitchen and Rosie sees a friend from art class she wants to say hi to. He hesitates, then tells her to return swiftly, his voice laced with apprehension. A roll of her eyes, a light skip, and she’s gone.
It’s then I realize I’m left by myself with him. I glance around, unsure of what I’m supposed to do. When I look back at him, he’s staring at me.
“I’ll be back. I have to check something,” he says before walking away without a second glance.
“Okay...” I stand around awkwardly, not knowing anyone. I’m not a social butterfly, and I don’t like crowds. I wish the wall would swallow me up.
Seconds later, he’s back at my side.
“That was quick.” I smile over at him, relieved not to be alone.
“You want to go out back?” He nods toward the back door, a small smirk playing on his lips.
“Sure,” I say embarrassingly quick.
He grabs my hand again and pulls me toward the door, then out onto the back patio.
Red twinkle lights cast a warm and enchanting glow, transforming the backyard into a captivating oasis. Tons of people are swimming and in all stages of undress.
To the right, a firepit crackles with warmth. Multiple people are gathered around, drinking and toasting marshmallows.
He leads me toward the left side of the yard, the faint scent of flowers growing stronger. We descend a few stairs and arrive at a secluded area with a well-tended garden.
“Thanks for letting us come tonight. Rosie was so excited,” I say while looking up at the sky, although I’m aware his eyes are on me.
“Everything was worth it after seeing you in this. You look gorgeous.”
I smile, then feel him place his hand on my hip before giving it a little squeeze. Surprise has my stomach plunging, and I inhale sharply. A surge of giddy anticipation washes over me as our gazes meet.
His sudden forwardness is confusing to me, given that he has shown no interest in me during our past few weeks of spending time together or at any point before.
I don’t know what changed, but I’m glad it did. Maybe this will work after all.
As he pulls me closer, the atmosphere becomes charged with energy. We’re now chest to chest, and his gloved hands are grabbing the sides of my face. His lips are so tempting that I can’t help but imagine how they would feel against mine.
The devious grin adorning his face has nothing to do with his current costume, as he catches me staring at him.
His head tilts down toward mine, deviating from the expected cheek kiss. The anticipation makes my palms sweat, and butterflies consume my stomach.
His lips brush against mine in a soft kiss that leaves me moaning for another. His tongue runs against my lips, asking for entrance to my mouth. I open it slowly and he takes full advantage, plunging his tongue in. It’s warm, soft, and intoxicating.
