A story unravels, following two distinct friend groups: one embodying the virtues of loyalty, trust, and friendship-the so-called "good" group; the other steeped in manipulation, rebellion, and chaos-the "bad" group.
As their final school year progr...
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__ LOREN VANE __
Slurry words. Slutty skirts. And definitely drunk. Partying with college boys and girls was in the plan. But spotting Astor and Anastasia here—fuck, that was a mood swing I didn't need.
I was on a high, lost in the haze of bodies and booze, until Anastasia Carlton decided to ruin it. She sauntered over, hips swaying, eyes locked on me like I was her prey. I rolled my eyes, pressing my lips harder against the guy in front of me, trying to ignore her presence. But of course, that wasn't enough. Anastasia, with her stupid smirk, danced beside us, mocking me with every movement as she pulled out a cigarette from behind her ear, lighting it up like she had all the time in the world.
She was a hell of a good dancer, and that only annoyed me more.
"Okay, I'm leaving. This got boring," I said to the guy, trying to push him off me. He wasn't having it. His hands lingered on my hips, pulling me back.
"C'mon, whatever your name is, let go," I snapped, feeling the tension rising.
"Aren't you supposed to at least fuck me or give me a blow job before you leave? You're dressed like a slut, so act like one," he growled, his grip tightening.
I was too tired to argue, too tired to care. But before I could even react, I heard her voice—sharp and dripping with venom.
"Shut up, asshole, she said no." Anastasia's voice cut through the music, and she shoved him off me with surprising force.
Astor appeared out of nowhere, stepping between us, his bitter gaze settling on me. "Yeah, get off her. She'll just break your heart," he muttered, throwing shade like the asshole he was.
I didn't even break his heart. Okay... maybe a bit.
The guy stormed off, but I didn't stick around to bask in their heroics. I made my way to the bar, grabbing a shot to wash down the bitterness of their intrusion. The alcohol burned my throat, but before I could even process the heat, I felt a heavy arm wrap around my neck, fingers digging into my cheek, squeezing hard.
"What the hell!" I screamed, jerking away.
Astor. Fucking. Knight.
"Wanted to scare you, hi, little nemesis," he teased, his voice thick with amusement. He loosened his grip just enough for me to breathe, but not enough to let me go. "Instead of screaming at me, why didn't you defend yourself against that asshole? Or were you planning on letting him have you?"
I glared at him, fury bubbling under the surface. "Leave me alone, Astor. I don't want to talk to you!" I yelled, trying to walk past him, but it was no use.
Anastasia blocked my path, bumping into me with that infuriating grin plastered across her face. "Aww, Loren's all alone tonight? No friends to back her up?" Her voice was sugary sweet, dripping with mockery. "Now we can do whatever we want. You're a weak bitch, aren't you? All that attitude, but deep down, you're just scared. Right?"
