Sway Me (book 1)

Chapter One- Party Animal

Chapter One- Party Animal
.
.
.

><><><><

It all began with a single decision to follow my curiosity instead of retreating to my room. Now, I stood frozen in shock, watching Giovanni—a man I had just met hours ago, who had captivated me in ways I couldn't comprehend—hold a woman down on the couch. His strong arms pinned her as she writhed in ecstasy, her screams a raw mix of desperation and pleasure.

I felt paralyzed, caught in a whirlwind of horror and an inexplicable thrill. This was my first time witnessing such a scene, a vivid clash of desire and dread that sent my mind spiraling. Heat rushed through me, betraying my senses as I realized I was both captivated and repulsed.

Just as I mustered the courage to turn away, Giovanni's dark eyes locked onto mine, sensing my presence. The world around me faded, leaving only the stark truth:
I am a reluctant spectator in this twisted scene, witnessing something I never imagined I would see. A frantic thought echoed in my mind: how did I let it come to this?

*****

I made my way out of the school library. I had just returned the books I had used for the just concluded end-of-session exams. Since the exams were already over, there was no need to hoard them up in my room and end up forgetting to return them before I went for the school break, which might cause my lending privileges to be suspended.

Giulia had already blown up my phone with several text messages, and I was yet to respond to any. "You coming to the party? Don't bail on me!" It was the last text she sent.

I knew I couldn't hide forever. Giulia was relentless when it came to social events, and tonight's party was a tradition I had no say in breaking.

"Just one last party before break," I muttered to myself, shaking my head as I ordered a cab to  return to the apartment where I stayed with Giulia.

She had suggested I accompany her to Italy for the break, and I was yet to decide if I was going to go. I still had a week to decide, and the trip was in two weeks' time. I wasn't sure if Giulia was even giving me a choice in the entire matter, but she was subtly not showing it.

She had already made me apply for a declaration of presence, but she claimed that it was my decision to get on a plane with her when that day comes. Knowing Giulia, she'd likely already booked my flight—how could I say no to her?

I might have little say in the whole Italy trip, but tonight's party was a must. I had no say in this one, and I had no right to complain tonight. I had managed to slip out of all the parties this semester, not because my grades were slipping.

On the contrary, I had no difficulty with studying and getting good grades. I have never had. Rather, it was because those night college parties were not my scene. But I had turned down too many parties this semester, and I made a promise that I would not turn down the last one after the school exams, and that was the present one happening tonight.

Giulia was a party animal. She had always been, for as long as I have known her. She was an extremely intelligent girl, and I admired how she wonderfully balanced her studies and social life. But I guess that was just Giulia. She loved social events, and she lived for the party. As a matter of fact, we met for the first time at the first college party I had attended. It was her first as well, but she was a natural that night. I would not have guessed that given a million chances.

At that time, I was giving the whole social life thing a try since I had excelled in high school. But there was Giulia, looking perfect, acting like she had been partying her whole life. She did not look one bit like a freshman when she danced her heart out at Cole Saunders' Freshman party, which, in fact, was attended mainly by sophomores and seniors, but the theme welcomed newcomers.