002

Chapter 2

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Natalie

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I walked as fast as my legs could carry me, no taxi, no spare cash and no extra time.

Unfortunately, she was already there upon my arrival and just before she could call me, I popped up. My chest was burning and little streaks of sweat clung to my skin.

“Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

“Why are you sweating?" she asked, walking towards me, eyeing me carefully.

She reached toward my face, her fingers almost brushing the thin line of perspiration near my temple, I slapped her hand away instinctively.

“I was in the neighborhood," I replied quickly and her brows knotted for a second, then smoothened.

“Okay. Get in," she said.

And I knew she didn't believe me, but she wasn't a type to push.

I immediately slid into the passenger sit forcing my breathe to balance as she drove towards Mia's place.

It was Mia's turn to cover our outfits tonight, next time will be me and I'm hoping there won't be a next time.

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The club was already vibrating when we arrived, music pounded through the walls hard and lights flashed in different streaks of blue, red and gold.

The moment we stepped inside, the attention shifted; not silence but awareness. They always notice when we enter

We moved to our reserved VVIP section in a top corner and Florentine dropped into her sit like she owned the building.

“Oh God! Do they always have to freeze like this all the time?” She said dramatically and threw her hands up. "Turn the vibe back on!!”

The DJ grinned nervously and raised the volume and drinks arrived within a second; top shelf, expensive and totally unnecessary.

Florentine and Mia started immediately, while I nursed through my glass pretending to sip while scrolling through my phone.

"Hey, we're not here to stare at screens. The school throw us a party and you're texting?” Mia screamed at me through the noise.

“I'm not texting," I said.

"Then grab a drink,” she said again and I shaked my head. The last time I drank, I made a mistake I couldn't afford to repeat, especially when there was something I was protecting.

Alcohol makes me careless.

Mia rolled her eyes and downed another shot.

The vibing continued, including the loud noise the music was creating until Mia lifted her hand up; she was visibly drunk.

“This is no fun," she declared loudly, leaning back in her seat.

“Why don't we play a game?" She said, and a few people cheered.

“What kind of games" someone asked.

“Relationship game!" Another voice suggested, from the crowd.

“Hmmm.. that's a good one," Mia said.

“Since it's a new section, those who's got boyfriends: claim them, and that gives the singles a chance to mingle. Right?" She said and laughter spread.

“I'll go first” Mia announced.

“Technically I just broke up with Hayes Alonso. Long distance issues, Tragic, right?” she pretended to wipe a tear before she laughed.

"It's not like I care anyways, they're a lot of rich boys out there. Right?”

A few people murmured in admiration and last I checked, Hayes Alonso was an ex senator's and politician's son. Of course.

"Florentine?” Mia gestured dramatically and Florentine stood up smoothly.

"Well, I’m seeing someone,”

"Oh. Who is he?” Mia leaned forward.

"Dylan Rollins.” Florentine said and gasps rippled across the section.

“The school president’s grandson?”

“No way.”

“She really doesn’t miss.”

"I'm jealous. Wait that means Dylan will be attending classes with us!”

Florentine smirked faintly and sat back down

"Nice,” Mia said, turning to me as she nodded her head.

My stomach tightened, it was really my turn.

“Talie. Your turn,” Mia said slowly.

Seconds passed, turning to minutes.

“Don't tell me you don't have a boyfriend. A hot girl like you with a sexy body like yours, the curves and boobs and the face crowned by your tight jawlines. That would be criminal,” Mia said and laughter erupted around us.

“Isn't your dad a politician, you should have half the city chasing you," someone added and my pulse hammered in my ears.

I needed a name. Any name.

Mia walked up to me and raised her fingers to my face, cupping my chin.

“I do," I said suddenly and silence fell, expectant.

“His initials are L and M. Why don't you guess, it's part of the game,” I said, forcing a playful smile.

A few voices threw a few random names, but then someone cautiously said, "Leonardo..?”

My head snapped up.

".. Moretti?” the name landed heavily in the air.

“Yes. Leonardo Moretti," I replied, not sure where I've heard it from but at least I thought there would be a little calm before any storm.

"What?”

"OMG! She really is a politician's daughter?”

"Leonardo?!”

"She’s lying.”

“No one dates him.”

The reactions were instant, little cheers and admiration but much of shock. Real shock.

Mia's eyes locked onto mine, widened and searching.

"Leonardo? I'm shocked. But that's quality” she said.

My heart was pounding so loudly and I was sure everyone could hear it, but I lift my glass anyway, finishing the drink at a go.

The alcohol burned my throat and something tells me: I've just signed up for something huge.