ed down the hall as Cynthia hurried to finish her makeup. The e

me. The dress Alison had insisted she wear was stunning-form-fitting and glamorous-but

hurry up!" Alison shoute

of her room, forci

e, just like you wanted," Alison said, grabbing

ctly?" Cynthia asked, trying

omise it'll be fun! Trust me," Alison repli

ark leaned against it, smirking. "Look who's finally

a nervous smil

brightly at Cynthia. "Ignore him! Let's get i

from Alison, who rambled on about how great the night would be.

Cynthia finally asked, peering

wn. It's super chic and exc

me to be there?" Cynthia que

serve to have fun!" Mark chime

Cynthia said, though

h building with flashing lights and music spilling out from insid

n said, excitement

Alison flashed a smile at the

atmosphere was electric, with people dancing, laughing

said, grabbing Cynthia's hand

ynthia replied, scanni

ison said, leading her to t

nks," Cynthia replied, try

a little!" Alison exclaimed. "How abou

relented, trying to ma

and Alison raised her gla

lison's. "To a fabulous night!" she

elt overwhelmed. The music was deafening, and she c

ed over the noise, pulling

ntarily forgotten. She lost herself in the movement, laughing

aned in close. "I'll be right back. Just talk to some friends

e here?" Cynthia exclai

fine!" Alison reassured her, disappearing i

d, noticing strangers bumping into her, their laughter mingling

iful," a voice sl

licked-back hair and a confident grin. "

ed away," Cynthia replied, trying to

? Why don't you hang out with me instead

o," Cynthia said, ba

pretty to be standing alone," he in

crowd for Alison. "Where did she g

with me," he urged, his to

e," Cynthia said firmly

grabbing her wrist tightly. "

nthia exclaimed, p

h, and Cynthia turned to see Jake from the previou

hard to get," the stranger

terjected, her heart rac

his voice low. "I think

protect her?" the stranger l

tion wash over her. "I can tak

eered, his gaze dismissive. "Yo

jaw clenched. "You need

hia's heart pounded. She wanted to run, t

worth my time," the stran

," Cynthia said, trying

?" Jake asked, concer

replied, though

ested, glancing around the crowded r

son?" Cynthia prote

u somewhere safer," Jake said, gently g

ise faded slightly. "Is it always like this?"

get carried away. You have to be ca

.. vulnerable," Cynthia admitted,

o enjoy yourself, not feel uncomfortable,"

he relief was short-lived. "I ju

eone. Don't worry; I'll help you fin

ed in her pocket. She pulled it

you? You need to

text my stepmom," Cynthia said, h

say?" Jake asked, cu

ants me to come home," Cynth

want to stay and enjoy the night?

d, feeling torn. "I don't

Jake finished for her, his gaze steady. "

ooding her mind. "Okay. Just a litt

t felt electric. Cynthia felt a r

in!" Jake suggested, pull

ion easing slightly. But deep down, a voice warned her to be c

again, and she pulled it ou

home NOW.

sked, noticing her sud

shing for me to come home," Cynth

her. You're