Sky Ren's POV
The bass was thumping, my heels were killing me, and I had glitter in places I didn't know glitter could reach. But the party? Oh, it was perfect.
Everyone was there—dancing, yelling, existing. I high-fived juniors, complimented three girls' outfits, convinced the janitor to dance (don't ask how), and stole a cookie from the law society table. Obviously, I had no shame.
Then I saw him.
Him.
Kai Ashford, in all black like some kind of broody god, standing alone near the back wall, looking like the party had personally offended him. One hand in his pocket. Sleeves rolled up. Hair slightly messy like he didn't try but obviously did. Eyes locked on nothing—and somehow everything. People looked at him and backed off. Like he radiated don't even breathe in my direction.
So naturally, I ran right toward him.
"Kai!" I beamed, breathless. "There you are!"
He turned slowly, jaw tightening, like he'd heard death calling. And realized it was me.
"I was wondering if you'd show," I continued, already looping my hand around his arm. "Didn't peg you as the party type. But hey, happy to be proven wrong."
"You're glittering," he muttered, blinking at me like I'd just landed from another planet.
"Thanks! I bedazzled my dress this morning. With glue. And hope." I gave him my biggest, proudest smile. "Come dance."
"No."
"Too bad," I chirped, dragging him away from his moody little corner. "I don't take no from mafia-looking law students with emotional constipation."
The crowd swallowed us. Lights blinked. Someone screamed Taylor Swift. I laughed so hard I nearly lost my balance. Again.
We didn't dance so much as... exist in chaos. I twirled. My hair spun like a cape. I was laughing, half-hollering the lyrics.
And then I tripped.
Typical me.
Except this time, I didn't fall flat on the floor like usual. This time—he caught me.
Strong arms. Quick reflexes. A heartbeat under his shirt, right against my hand. His scent was expensive danger, sharp and addictive.
His eyes locked on mine. Cold. Frustrated. Sharp.
And still—he didn't let go.
And I?
I fell.
Not to the floor.
This time, I fell in love.
(Again. Shut up.)