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𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟕

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 |
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬

𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑, swirling the drink in my hand, half-listening to Sofia as she chattered with her friends. The party was loud, chaotic—drinks spilling, people doing lines in the corners, music shaking the walls. It was almost exactly like the parties back home in the U.S. The only difference was the accents, but the energy? That was the same.

Felipe had come over earlier to introduce himself. Seemed like a decent enough guy. Knew how to throw a party, at least. But honestly? None of it was holding my attention. I couldn't stop thinking about the scene from earlier with Catalina.

That girl had an attitude. The kind that pissed me off, but also... made me want more. She was sharp, quick with her comebacks, completely unafraid to push back. And I couldn't stop thinking about her.

I hated it.

I hated how much I was starting to obsess over her, but I couldn't shake the thought. As much as I tried, it wasn't going away. A part of me was hoping—no, expecting—her to show up tonight.

And just like that, the vibe in the room shifted. People stopped, turning their heads toward the entrance. I followed their gaze, my grip tightening around my drink.

There she was.

Catalina, standing in the doorway. Adriana was right by her side, but all I could see was Catalina. She wasn't in some over-the-top party dress—no, it was more daring than that. A tight pink skirt that clung to her hips, with a white glittery crop top that showed just enough of her perfect titts that were impossible to ignore, not matter how hard I tried.

This girl could drive anyone crazy.

I cursed under my breath, hating how she had this effect on me. She moved with confidence. People were staring at her, but she didn't seem to notice. Or maybe she did, and just didn't care.

Then, of course, Alejandro showed up. He slid in next to her, leaning in close, making her laugh.They walked toward the bar together, too close for my liking, and for a split second, I wondered if there was something between them.

I couldn't help the flicker of jealousy that hit me. The way Alejandro looked at her, like he knew something I didn't. I hated how easy it seemed between them, the way they laughed and moved like they belonged together.

I downed my drink, feeling the burn as it went down. I wasn't used to feeling like this—so wound up over a girl, especially one as infuriating as Catalina. But there was no denying it. She had me hooked, even if I wanted to push her away.

She was a problem. And I wasn't sure if I wanted to solve it or let it consume me.

CATALINA'S POV

The music was so loud I could feel it vibrating through my body.
Adriana and I were in the middle of the crowd, dancing like we didn't have a care in the world.

Her carefree energy always pulled me in, and tonight was no different. I let myself get lost in it, moving my hips to the rhythm, my blonde hair whipping around as we laughed, completely wrapped up in the moment.

But even through the haze of music, alcohol, and lights, I felt it.
His eyes.

Rafe was watching me.

I could feel his gaze from across the room. Every move I made felt amplified under his attention.
I hated it. No, I loved it. No, I hated that I loved it.

I was always aware of him. Even if I tried to ignore him, he was there, taking up space in my mind.
I glanced over my shoulder, just to confirm, and there he was. Leaning against the wall,empty glass in hand, staring at me like he owned me with his eyes. His smirk was barely there, but I could see it-the challenge in his expression, the way he looked like he was waiting for something. It pissed me off. But deep down, it did more than that.
I kept dancing, but my focus had shifted, my movements sharper now, more deliberate. I wanted him to see it, to know that I wasn't affected. Even though my body betrayed me, heating up under the weight of his stare.

Before I knew it, he was moving through the crowd, coming closer.
And I didn't stop him. I should have. I knew I should have, but I didn't. Adriana had drifted away, caught up in her own world, leaving just the two of us in this crowded space.

Suddenly, he was right there, his body close to mine, the heat between us almost suffocating.
"Having fun?" His voice was low, teasing, as he leaned in, his breath hot against my ear.

"Why? Jealous, because you clearly don't?" I shot back, refusing to back down. I could play this game too.

His hand brushed my arm, the touch barely there, but enough to send a shiver through me. "Not jealous," he murmured. "Curious."

As I wanted to react, Adriana suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me out of the center of the dance floor. "Come on," she giggled dragging me toward the back corner where a group was huddled, their eyes glazed over and giddy.
"They've got the good stuff."

I frowned, trying to focus. "What are you talking about?"

"You'll see" she said, her eyes flashing with mischief.

Adriana dragged me through the throngs of people, her grip tight on my wrist as we maneuvered through the crowded room.
I could feel Rafe behind us, following closely.
Curiosity caught the Cat.

Sofia trailed behind him, looking less than thrilled, but still clinging to his side.
Adriana led us into a dark corner where Felipe sat, surrounded by a group of girls, basking in their attention like he was some kind of king.

His eyes lit up when he saw us approaching, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well, look who it is," Felipe drawled, his voice loud enough to draw a crowd. "Catalina and Rafe.
How about we make this party a little more interesting?"

He leaned forward. "How about you two take a line together?
Or are you two too royal for that?"

The crowd started murmuring excitedly, eager to see a show.
Rafe stood next to me, his presence unnervingly calm. The chant grew louder, and I could feel all their eyes on us, waiting for us to make a move.

Rafe glanced at me, raising an eyebrow as if to say, Are you really going to back out now?

The chant grew louder, and I could feel all their eyes on us, waiting for us to make a move.