It’s fucking hotter than Hades’s ballsack, and the alcohol pumping through my veins doesn’t help matters. For a solid hour, Daya and I stick close to each other and dance. We both briefly separate to dance with a few men, but I tend to tire of the groping hands quickly and always find my way back to my best friend. Suddenly, a heavy presence crowds into my back, his hands sliding around my waist and pressing in close. A whiff of spearmint and whiskey invades my senses right before I feel his breath on my ear. “You're beautiful,” he whispers, his spearmint gum stinging my nose now that he’s closer. I wrinkle my nose and turn my head to see a tall, attractive man leaning over me. He has strawberry blonde hair, pretty blue eyes, and a killer smile. Just my type. I grin. “Why, thank you,” I respond sweetly. Social situations nearly send me into hibernation, but I’ve always been skilled at flirting. Too bad most times, I can’t stand to do it. Men have a unique way of killing my mood every time I come within ten feet of them. “Come upstairs with me,” he yells over the music. His voice isn’t aggressive by any means, but it’s not a question either. It’s a demand that leaves little room for argument. I like that. I cock a brow. “And if I don’t?” I ask. His smile widens. “You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” The other brow joins its twin, hiking halfway up my forehead. “Really,” I say demurely. “What kind of plans do you have for me that I’d regret missing out on for the rest of my life?” “The kind that leaves you naked and sated in my bed.” “Bitch, let’s go already,” Daya cuts in. My head turns to her, but I feel the man’s eyes linger on my face, caressing my cheek like a feather tracing across skin. Daya is standing in front of us, impatiently waving her hand towards the stairs that lead to the second floor. She must've been eavesdropping, and she doesn't look the least bit ashamed. When we both just stare at her, she huffs and rolls her eyes. “We get it, you’re hot for each other. And she doesn’t go anywhere without me. So, let’s go already.” She waves her hands at us more urgently, shooing us towards the stairs. The man laughs and seizes the opportunity provided by my dear best friend. Grabbing my hand, he leads me towards the black metal stairs at the back of the