's P.

at it all out in one breath, his frustration palpable. "Well, you didn't ask..." I mumbled, avoiding his gaze and staring at the floor. He sighed, his anger deflating as he took a seat next to me. "Look, Val," he began, his voice softer now. "I just don't want to see you get hurt again." "I know," I said, finally meeting his eyes. "It's just...I haven't been to a party in forever, and I wanted to remember what it felt like. And don't worry, I'm not drinking. I'm the d

beyond embarrassing. "Have a seat," Mason said, gesturing to the armrest of the couch next to him. I sat down carefully, aware of how short my dress was. The last thing I needed was to flash someone accidentally. Finally, the two people who had been making out pulled away, and I froze. It was **Jax**. His eyes locked onto mine, wide with shock. He looked like he'd just seen a ghost. The game resumed, and I tried to focus on the dares, most of which were ridiculous and borderline inappropriate. Then, the bottle landed on Jax. "Alright, Jax," Mason said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Truth or dare?" "Dare," Jax said without hesitation, his confidence unwavering. "Okay,"Dragging out the word as he scanned the circle, his eyes landed on me, and my stomach dropped. "Kiss...Val", Mason says with a smirk. "Wait, what?!" Seriously? There are other girls here, you know. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. This is just perfect. Jax starts walking toward me, shoving aside the girl he was making out with, his eyes locked on my lips with a hungry look. Oh no. Jax is completely wasted. In seconds, his soft lips are on mine, and it feels incredible. He pulls me closer, his strong arm wrapping around my wais

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Flashb

trembling. "I did? Even if I did, it meant nothing," he said, his tone cold and detached. My breath hitched in my throat. This wasn't the Ryan I thought I knew. "Oh, baby, I can't hold back anymore when

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ack to R

n't have to apologize," he murmured. "I've got you." "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I could feel him smile against my hair. "Do you want to go home?" he asked after a moment. "Yeah," I said, pulling away slightly. "I think I should." "I'll take you. I'll let Reynolds know." "Please don't tell him what happened," I said, giving him a pleading look. "But-" he started, but I

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ter That

oorframe. "My parents are out too," he said, running a hand through his hair. "You can stay at my place for the night if you

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