Entrapped by love- never trust a stranger

Chapter 7

The night of Luke's party arrived, and I found myself standing outside a grand house, lit up with soft, golden lights. Music and laughter echoed through the air as I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. My heart was racing, both from excitement and anxiety. I had decided to wear a simple, yet elegant dress, hoping it would be enough to blend in with the crowd.

As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a wave of warmth and the scent of expensive perfumes mingling with the aroma of gourmet food. The house was full of people—some dancing, some engaged in deep conversations, and others, lost in their worlds, making out in shadowy corners. I felt a pang of discomfort as I watched them. My stomach twisted, and I suddenly felt out of place like an outsider observing a scene I didn't belong to.

I walked through the crowd, scanning the room for Luke. I saw him across the room, looking as handsome as ever in a tailored suit, laughing with a group of people. His eyes met mine, and he excused himself, making his way toward me.

"Melanie! You made it," he said, smiling, though there was something different in his eyes—something softer.

"Yes, I did," I replied, my voice sounding smaller than I intended. "It's a beautiful party."

"Thank you. I'm glad you're here." He glanced around, his expression becoming more serious. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"It's lovely, really," I lied, trying to smile back. "But... I'm not sure I fit in here."

His brow furrowed as he stepped closer, his presence calming yet intense. "Why do you say that? You belong here as much as anyone else."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know. It just feels... overwhelming. I think I should go. I don't know anyone at the party."

"You know me."

"Yeah, but you're busy. I understand that. It's your party."

"Exactly, it's my party and I decide if I want to stay or leave."

I gazed at him, confused. What did he mean?

"Where do you want to go?" he asked, his voice soft but insistent.

"What? You're leaving?"

"Yeah."

"But... you can't. It's your party."

"So? Do you think any of them care if I leave? Some of them are so drunk they don't even know where they are. They have food, drinks, and even bedrooms..." He paused, a knowing look in his eyes. "If you know what I mean."

I swallowed hard, the implications of his words sinking in. I had noticed couples heading upstairs, and they hadn't returned. My discomfort must have shown because he quickly added, "Don't look at me like that. We're all adults here."

"I know, but...I don't think I belong here," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Here, no. But I think you belong with me."

His words made my heart race, and before I could respond, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me. His warmth was intoxicating, his touch setting off sparks beneath my skin. I could feel his breath on my lips, and then suddenly, his mouth was on mine.

The kiss was everything—gentle yet demanding, sweet yet filled with a deep hunger. I melted into him, letting go of the anxiety that had been twisting my stomach all night. His tongue parted my lips, exploring my mouth as if he couldn't get enough. My hands, almost on their own, reached up to touch his face, to hold him close. I wanted to stay in this moment forever.

His lips tasted of sweet champagne as I kissed and sucked on them. Oh God, how good it felt to be in his arms. Suddenly, I wanted more. My body felt on fire.