All That Matters

Chapter Nine

Ryan's POV

Song Suggestion - It Won't Kill Ya - The Chainsmokers ft.Louane ( I strongly recommend you listen to this while reading this chapter) ××

She took me by surprise as she grabbed the glass of vodka and pranced towards the crowd, her hair blowing wildly as the wind picked up. She turned around, and with a laugh she'd blended into the sea of people before I knew it.

I couldn't help but smile as I followed blindly in pursuit. The girl was Houdini, she was no where to be seen. I approached the bar and grabbed a bottle of beer. As I took a few sips, I took a moment to look around.

The sun had set and the place had lit up. The DJ had switched it up to something a little more chill and set the mood. Heat radiated from the barbeque station as the fire occasionally blared. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and glasses being filled to the rim.

Fuck I missed the parties back in London. Back when I was the king of keg headstands and beer pong, I remembered shaking my head with a smile.

I headed towards the dance floor. There was quite a bit of crowd there. As I pushed my way through, I caught a glimpse of Aria. "Holy fuck", I murmured. She stood admist the crowd, eyes closed as her body swayed to the music, lost as if in trance. She had an empty bottle of beer in hand.

Her eyes met mine and she grabbed my hand, pulling me on the dance floor.
"Dance with me", she mouthed as she wrapped her arms around my neck. She didn't know what she was doing , what she was getting herself into. I knew I should leave. I should never have spoken to her.

" I don't dance", I replied bluntly. "You're drunk". 

"Great observation", she yelled over the music. "Don't be such a pussy", she said throwing her head back in laughter. I swallowed and looked away as she came closer. I didn't want to do something we'd both regret later.

The party was in full swing. It was getting chilly. I looked over at Aria. She was right, she did surprise me. But it wasn't her being bold, it was the alcohol. I left the dance floor as she turned her attention to Alina and took a seat on the one of the lounge couches.

She was young, so innocent. Probably the biggest problem she had was that her crush didn't like her back. I didn't even know her. Neither do I want to, I added mentally.

I didn't have time for bullshit. I had other things to deal with. As I looked over at her, so elated, not a fuck given as her body swayed to the rhythm, I turned away. She was nothing to me. A selfish bastard that I was, I could never care for anyone but myself.