𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 | SPINOFF

CHAPTER SEVEN

STELLA
RUSSEL

The party was spiraling, and I was too drunk to care. Flirting with a couple of guys who thought they had a chance with me was entertaining, until Grayson yanked me away, dragging me across the room and shoving me against the counter.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" He growled, clearly pissed off.

I blinked at him, pretending innocence. "Hmm?"

"Flirting with my friends? I don't care if you're a slut, but don't be one with my friends."

I smirked, leaning closer. "I never said you couldn't join in." My voice dripped with sarcasm as I winked. "Aww, is Gray Gray jealous? I always knew you loved me deep down." I bit my lip, edging even closer.

"Over my dead body, Stella Russel." He practically spat the words at me. "I'm not into spoiled princesses."

I raised an eyebrow, pushing back. "Mwah, then get over yourself, egoistic dick. Or should I call you... boyfriend?" I teased. "Are you my boyfriend, Meadows?"

The alcohol was hitting harder now, making everything feel like a game.

"Yeah, fuck no I'm not," Grayson retorted, pushing me away.

"Yeah, you're right. You're my bitch." I blew him a kiss, reveling in his frustration.

He let out a sarcastic laugh. "You're my bitch, Russel. Not the other way around."

I gasped, acting offended. "I'm nobody's bitch."

"You're mine," he whispered, leaning in close enough that only I could hear. "My bitch." With a wink, he walked past me, leaving me simmering.

I was furious. I wanted to chase him down and kick his ass, but I also needed a smoke. Jaxon was my go-to for that. As I walked through the crowd, looking for him, I found him sulking with a pissed-off expression.

"What's wrong?" I asked, immediately noticing his mood.

"Liliana and I fought again," he grumbled. "She can't stop avoiding me, and when I try to talk to her, she runs. I lost it and hurt her feelings again."

I pouted dramatically. "I need a smoke. Come with me." I dragged Jaxon over to the side where Dean and a few others were playing a game. I plopped down between him and Dean, grabbing a cigarette from Jaxon's pack and lighting up.

I exhaled, watching the smoke curl into the air as the bottle spun and landed on me and Garret, Dean's older brother. I didn't hesitate, leaning in to kiss Garret hard, pushing away all the thoughts swirling in my mind.

I felt a gaze burning into the back of my head. When I pulled away from the kiss, I turned, locking eyes with Grayson. He was glaring at me, his jaw clenched. Beside him, Avery, clearly drunk, clung to his arm. The realization hit me like a cold slap—I had given a fifteen-year-old alcohol. But I was too drunk to care.

I leaned into Jaxon and whispered, "Take me to your house. I want to go to Marcella, Damon probably already took her home. I'm too tired for this."

Jaxon sighed, pulling me up. As we headed for the door, Grayson and Alessio joined us. Grayson was holding up Avery, who was barely able to stand. Liliana, looking uncomfortable, trailed behind Alessio.

"I'll just get an Uber. The car won't fit all of us," Liliana muttered, trying to avoid the situation.

"No need," Grayson said, smirking. "Avery can sit on Alessio's lap. Problem solved."

Avery giggled drunkenly. "I miss sitting on his lap."

I shook my head, realizing just how drunk she was. "That's not a great idea, Avery," I whispered. "You'll regret this in the morning. Trust me."

But Avery didn't listen. She was already clinging to Alessio, slurring her words. "You don't like her, right?" Avery mumbled, referring to Alessio's girlfriend, Ava. "She's not better than me. You said I was better, right? You told me in the summer."

Alessio sighed, glancing down at her. "Avery, you're drunk. Let's get you home."

She looked up at Alessio, her voice soft and almost pleading. "You said you loved me once, not her," she mumbled. "Why don't you love me anymore?"

I glanced over at Lily, my lips curving into a pout. I didn't want to feel this way, but everything Avery says, makes me feel bad over her life. "She's so bad, Alessio. You should like nice girls, like me. I'm like the sun—not fire." Avery adds.

Yeah, Avery was the fucking sun for sure.

Slowly, she lifted her sleeve, revealing the bruise that darkened her skin. I gaped, feeling my heart clench.

Grayson scowled, glaring at me. We were so mad.

"She caused Dad to do this," she added, her head wobbling slightly, the words weighing heavier than she intended. The moment was too raw, too vulnerable.

"I don't want you hurt," she said, her voice shaking now, her bottom lip trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. She softly glances at him, hoping, praying, he'd see her the way he used to. "You don't want me hurt, do you? She gets me hurt, so how, you do to."

Alessio's expression softened, but his response was firm. "Avery, you started this. You chose to walk away."

Avery shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I want you back."

"I don't want you anymore, Avery," Alessio said, his voice gentle but resolute. "I love Ava."

I could feel the tension rise in the car as we all sat there in silence, Jaxon driving, Grayson beside him. Avery slumped against Alessio's chest, quietly mumbling, "But she's not me..."

Alessio didn't say anything more, just holding her as she drifted off, her heartbreak evident.

When we finally arrived at Jaxon's house, I was too exhausted to walk. Grayson ended up carrying me inside while Alessio helped Liliana with Avery. The moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted by Damon and Marcella's father, Uncle Crist, standing in the kitchen, having a conversation over wine.

"What the hell is going on here?" Uncle Crist asked, his eyes widening at the sight of us. Avery looked like a mess, and I was barely able to stand.

"God, call an ambulance. Is Avery drunk? She's fifteen! Didn't I tell you none of the girls should touch a drink?" Uncle Crist's voice was stern, the kind of voice that sent chills down your spine.

"I'm not," Liliana proudly declared.

Uncle Crist nodded approvingly. "You're the only good girl here," he said, patting her shoulder.

I stuck my tongue out at him, not realizing how childish I must've looked. I immediately regretted it. "Oh God, did I just stick my tongue out at Marcella's dad?" I muttered under my breath.

"I'm so disappointed in you girls," Uncle Crist said, shaking his head.

Before any of us could say another word, we heard a sharp voice from behind us.

"What the hell is going on here?" It was Mama Crist, and we were all about to get an earful.

Mama Crist was probably more strict than all our parents when it comes to situations like these.

We were so getting grounded by her.