AT THE PARTY NEXTDOOR BY MELLA

ing shroud. The iron scent of the Merlot was sickeningly sweet, and as the dark liquid drip

d," I didn't hear the rest. I was too busy watching the faces of the people peering through the curtain. A few girls from the college

und of my dig

I was a scholarship student in a borrowed dress, standing in a pentho

d. A heavy, warm weight draped over my sh

wrapped it around me, pulling the lapels tight across my chest until

my shoulders, his gr

ic.

n seconds, the thumping bass died. The laughter in the room vanished. T

dy from the crowd with his own. He looked out at

?" he asked, his vo

had giggled looked like she want

of Miami. "This woman is my guest. If anyone feels the need to comment on her, laugh at her,

tering his tone. "You'll be leavi

othing to do with the cold wine. This was the "something powerful" Sk

aniel commanded. "

xpression softened, just for a fraction of a second. He reached

murmured. "There are cloth

ust go home,"

he countered, his eyes locking onto mine with a

a mask of sisterly devotion. "I've got her, Daniel! I'

rated suspicion, but he nodded curtly. "Ten

penthouse. The moment the door to the marble-lined guest

. She leaned against the vanity, crossing her arms as s

tone. It was flat. Cold. "The 'Damsel in Distress' act really w

e!" I snapped, my voice tre

saved you from making a fool of yourself. You actually think he likes y

niel's blazer to my c

n't get excited. He's an Alpha; he defends his territ

her eyes gleaming

ld smell her expensive floral perfume. "They have a pool going. A bet. Dave put down five grand that Daniel coul

d to tilt. "No.

o my ears. "He's playing a part, Tyla. The protective hero, the intense neighbor... it's all a scrip

finally reaching her eyes, bu

n't want to see you get hurt when he moves on to the next gir

nding in the middle of the luxury

over the chair. It felt heavy. It fe

as I just a high-stakes game for

the door opened, and Daniel stood there, his eyes searching

sed to kill for me, all I could hear was Summ