𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟐

STELLA
RUSSEL

"Slow down, Dean. My birthday party isn't supposed to be messy." I rolled my eyes, but despite my words, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Dean was already half-drunk, swaying as he tried to hold his drink steady. Honestly, I regretted inviting half of the classroom to my birthday, but I knew I couldn't please everyone.

My eyes flitted over the room, pausing for a second on the piles of presents. Marcella's gift was especially thoughtful, and Avery, Lily, and the guys had all come through with their gifts. Even Grayson's, though I hadn't seen him yet, would probably be ridiculous, as usual. Of course, the one person who was supposed to be here—Damon—was nowhere to be seen. Where the hell is he? I thought to myself, frustrated.

Just as I was about to ask again, I felt someone slide up behind me, the familiar warmth and scent of cologne filling the air. My heart skipped before I could stop myself. "Hey, princess. Missed me?" Grayson's voice was low, smooth as velvet, and it sent a shiver down my spine.

I turned, crossing my arms, and gave him a pointed look. He looked me up and down with a slow, deliberate gaze that made me flush despite myself. The satin pink dress clung to my curves, reaching just above my thighs—perfect for a birthday girl. "Pretty dress, you look gorgeous," he said, his voice dripping with admiration.

I couldn't help the cocky smile that spread across my face. "I know I look gorgeous. Thanks," I teased, already feeling the effects of the alcohol in my system.

He grinned back, clearly amused by my confidence. "So don't be mad, but I got you two gifts." Grayson leaned in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered, "I swear, I couldn't choose. You're just too damn special to me, princess. I had to spoil you."

I raised an eyebrow, amused despite myself. "What am I, your girlfriend?" I scoffed, taking a shot of tequila from the waitress that my dad had hired. The liquid burned, but I liked the way it settled into my stomach.

"Technically, you are," Grayson smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. Always such an asshole.

I couldn't stop my eye roll. "I'll pick you up after the party. Your gifts aren't even here yet." He reached over and casually snatched the glass from my hand. Before I could protest, he handed it to the waitress, who had been lingering nearby.

"No drinking, tonight's a night to remember, my princess," he declared, looking down at me with a playful glint in his eyes. I groaned. This was going to be a long night.

It was about that time that Damon finally walked in, looking ridiculously handsome as usual. He strolled over, a grin on his face as he glanced at Grayson. "Birthday princess first, buddy. Don't you have some manners?" Grayson scowled but playfully elbowed Damon. "I swear to God, you're an asshole."

Damon chuckled and pulled me into a hug, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. "Here you go, princess. Just... don't kill anyone, alright?" He handed me a small box, which I eagerly opened.

The moment the lid came off, I saw the gleaming steel of a dagger. My eyes widened, my lips curving into a mischievous grin. This was perfect.

"You bought her a dagger?" Grayson growled, eyeing the gift like it was a threat to his very existence. "God damn it, I should've bought her a gun instead!"

I picked up the dagger, admiring the way it caught the light. Without hesitation, I raised it toward Grayson, playfully threatening him. "I'm sure I'll put it to good use," I said, my voice dripping with playful malice.

To my surprise, Grayson didn't flinch. Instead, he gripped my wrist, pulling me close against him. "You'll need training, princess. I could tutor you," he murmured, his lips curling into a smirk.