Kingsley Academy

Chapter 7

The next party came sooner than I expected. Word spread fast that another one was happening tonight, bigger and wilder than the last, and I knew I had to make an appearance. After everything with Kade, the eyes of Kingsley Academy were on me now, and I wasn't about to fade into the background.

Standing in front of the mirror, I tied my blonde hair into a high ponytail—a sleek, Barbie-like look that lifted my face and made my cheekbones pop. The long strands of blonde swung behind me as I twisted the pony tighter, making sure it was perfect. I swiped on my favorite mascara and eyeliner, the dark makeup making my blue eyes stand out, sharp and bright.

My lips, glossed to perfection, curved into a satisfied smile as I took a step back to admire the look. I slid into my long, stiletto heels, the kind that made me feel like I was walking on air. The heels elongated my legs, adding to the confidence that surged through me.

Olivia and Harper had already messaged me a hundred times, eager to meet up and head to the party together, but I ignored them. I didn't need anyone tonight. I wanted to make my entrance solo, commanding the room from the moment I stepped in.

When I arrived at the party, the buzz of music, laughter, and conversation hit me like a wave. The mansion that hosted it was practically glowing, lights streaming from every window, and I could hear the pulsing beat of music from inside. Typical Kingsley fashion—everything over-the-top, expensive, and exclusive.

I walked in without hesitation, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I pushed through the door. Instantly, I felt the shift in the atmosphere. Eyes turned toward me, conversations quieting for just a second as people took in my arrival. I could feel their stares, their admiration, their curiosity.

Perfect.

The room was packed with students, all dressed in their finest—girls in glittering dresses, guys in tailored jackets—but I knew they weren't the ones who mattered. Kade mattered. I scanned the room, knowing exactly what I was looking for.

And then, I saw him.

He was in the corner, lounging on a couch, with his arms wrapped around some blonde girl. Typical. His hands were all over her, his mouth on hers, kissing her like the entire party didn't exist. 

As I glide through the crowd, the familiar buzz of the party surrounds me—music pounding, people laughing, lights flashing in rhythm to the beat. I'm about to make my way to Olivia before seeing Noah. The guy from earlier.

He's standing near the bar, a drink in his hand, talking to a couple of guys, but the moment he sees me, his attention shifts completely. His eyes widen slightly, taking in my appearance—the ponytail, the dress, the heels—and for a moment, I can see that flash of surprise on his face. Like he wasn't expecting to see me like this.

"Hey," he calls out over the music, raising his drink in a casual greeting, a smirk playing on his lips. "Looking sharp tonight, Allison."

I smile, feeling a spark of satisfaction as I walk toward him, my hips swaying deliberately. "You clean up pretty well yourself," I say, my voice light and teasing as I reach him, letting my hand graze his arm just long enough for him to notice.

He chuckles, shaking his head slightly. "You've got a whole look going on tonight. Barbie vibes?"

I roll my eyes playfully. "Please. I'd like to think I'm more lethal than that."

Noah raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Yeah, I can see that."

The banter is easy between us, but there's something more lingering in the air—something electric, something that pulls me closer to him. He's different. He's not like Kade, or Cole, or any of the other guys who fall over themselves trying to get my attention. Noah's calm, unbothered, but I can feel the tension building between us.