2 kids

No basement.

Alex.

We're all wondering how we'll survive tonight.

Except for Ashley who has never been familiar with our version of a party – stuck in that awful basement for awful reasons.

This marks our first official party with no basement available. Nowhere to run off to, nowhere to hide. Tonight, we're out in the open.

Judging by Ciara's sour expression and Ace's eyes darting from one side to the other, they're thinking the same. Only Ray seems to be thrilled to be surrounded by strangers, music, alcohol, and stinky sweat. For a guy who threw parties at his house because he preferred his own basement and could keep an eye on us all easier, he seems to have forgotten the meaning of his past decisions.

Heather drags Mae by the hand, both laughing. Strange to see exactly those to be excited now. Until Mae didn't meet Ashley, she almost never went upstairs. Hated the stares of the others, hated the music, the noises and the smell. Hated the sweaty bodies and strangers. Hated it only a fraction more than the basement.

Heather never emerged from the basement unless the situation desperately required it. Even then, most of the time, she managed to find someone to replace her. Though she never stopped cursing the basement, cursing them all, she always sat in it for the whole party.

Almost like Ace, returning even after having claimed he'd never step foot in it again.

I look at Parker who's minding his own business, listening to Francis' complaints. Poor guy is in for a wild night, keeping an eye on Ray.

Violet and Sophie stroll up to us, and I can't help myself but to offer Sophie a friendly smile. Despite the smile reaching her eyes, they're emptier, shining less. The hope that always glazed them is now almost gone.

"Do you know anyone here?" Nina asks me.

I shake my head, and when I realise she wasn't looking at me, say. "Personally? No. By name? Too few. Our fame has limits."

She glances at me, those dark eyes looking black like the night. "You're pretty well known around the world. These people here surely know who you are."

I laugh, noting her words. "We're just here to have fun."

"Fun with strangers," she notes. "Like a club."

Ace and his arrogant, mischievous grin are summoned. "I heard you want to go clubbing?"

Nina successfully ignores him, but he pushes further. Does he realise he's digging his own grave?

"Admit it, love," he leans closer. "I'll take you clubbing anywhere you want to go."

Nina turns to him, fire burning in her eyes. "What makes you think I want to go with you?"

"Everyone wants to go clubbing with me."

I inhale and exhale deeply, closing my eyes at the embarrassment. The list of people, especially females, who would give anything to be in Nina's position right now is long, but I never thought Ace would say those words aloud.

God, I need to disappear before those two kill each other. Or end up fucking, but arbitrating by Nina's behaviour, Ace's chances are extremely low.

"Don't flatter yourself too much, Kingsley."

I swear something deeper than amusement flickers in Ace's eyes, something more lustful and slightly primal. A challenge, excitement.

I interfere, finally seeing a way for me and Ashley out. "Try not to get too drunk and don't do shit you'll regret tomorrow." I offer Nina and Ciara a wink, clutch Ashley's hand tighter and disappear in the crowd of people. I'll apologise to Ciara later for leaving her with them.