Ch35

NOVA

“What do I have to do?” I ask, my voice barely carrying over the rustle of the wind.

Enzo’s head tilts back slightly, a dark laugh slipping past his lips. He shakes his head slowly, looking at me like I’ve just confirmed his worst suspicions.

“Damn. So fast.” He scoffs, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “You don't even hesitate, do you? You just keep giving me reasons why I shouldn't trust you.”

“Enzo, I'm just trying to understand...”

“Get in the car.”

He gets into the driver’s seat and slams his door before I can say another word. I pull open the passenger side, sliding into the cold seat and dragging my hemline down as far as it will stretch, which isn't very far at all. The engine turns over with a heavy roar, and within seconds, we’re pulling away from the curb.

The ride is quiet. Enzo keeps both hands locked on the wheel at ten and two, his eyes fixed dead ahead on the dark asphalt. The silence between us feels heavier than any argument. I press my knees together, staring out the window as familiar streetlights blur past.

Gradually, the scenery starts to click into place. We’re driving right past our high school, cutting down the long strip of boulevard I’ve traveled hundreds of times. My heart does a quick stutter as we pass the plaza where my parent’s shop sits wrapped in nighttime shadow. I know this entire neighborhood like the back of my hand, every turn and alleyway second nature to me... which only makes the sudden right turn Enzo takes onto a dark, winding residential road all the more jarring.

We roll past a line of sprawling estates before he finally pulls the car onto the grass shoulder in front of an unfamiliar, two-story house with amber light spilling from every window.

He kills the ignition. The quiet is instantly replaced by a low, rhythmic thump.

“Is this where the party is holding?” I ask, my hand trembling slightly as I reach for my seatbelt release.

“Yes,” Enzo says curtly. He doesn't wait for me. He clicks his belt off, steps out into the night, and rounds the car.

I scramble out after him, the pavement cold beneath my heels as I try to match his long, aggressive strides up the front walkway. The music gets louder with every step, the heavy bass rattling the porch steps as we reach the front door. Enzo doesn't bother ringing the bell. he just knocks three times against the dark wood.

The door swings open, revealing two older guys holding red plastic cups. Their eyes drift down from my face, taking in the razor-thin straps, the plunging neckline, and the fishnets, lingering way too long before finally rising to look at Enzo.

“She’s with me,” Enzo says, his voice flat and warning.

The guy at the door smirks, stepping back and swinging the door wide. “Whatever you say, man. Go on in.”

We step into the crowded foyer. Enzo doesn't take off his jacket, he turns to me, pointing toward a low leather couch in the corner of the main sitting room.

“Sit there,” he orders. "Wait for me.”

“Enzo, wait...”

Before I can ask where he’s going, he’s already disappearing into the crowd toward the hallway near the back of the house.

I swallow hard, feeling the sting of a dozen eyes tracking my movement as I pick my way across the room. I sit down stiffly on the edge of the leather sofa, pulling my knees toward my chest and awkwardly resting my arms over my lap to cover as much bare skin as possible. Every second feels like an eternity.

I haven't been sitting there for more than two minutes when the couch cushions sink beside me.

“Hey there,” a guy with ruffled brown hair says, leaning in. He’s holding a fresh cup in his hand and grinning at me with lazy eyes. “Haven't seen you around before. You look... incredible. Can I get you a drink?”

“No, thank you,” I say, pressing myself further into the corner of the sofa. “I’m good.”

“Come on, just a beer? Or something sweet?” He shifts closer, resting an arm along the back of the couch right behind my shoulders. “You look like you're having a terrible time. Let me fix that.”

“I said I’m fine,” I repeat. "I’m waiting for someone.”

“Oh, yeah? Who...”

“Fuck off, Leo,” a female voice cuts through the music.

A familiar girl steps around the glass coffee table, crossing her arms as she glares down at him. Bethany. She’s wearing a fitted denim jacket over a lace top. My first question is... what is she doing here?

Leo rolls his eyes, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, Bethany. Just being friendly.” He stands up, sloshing a bit of his drink over the edge, and wanders back toward the kitchen.

Bethany turns to me, her eyes sweeping over my tight ponytail, the tiny black dress, and the fishnets, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her face.

“What are you doing here?” she asks, taking the spot Leo just vacated.

I let out a breath. “Bethany. Hi.”

“Word around the front door is you came with a date,” Bethany says, leaning back and resting her chin on her hand. “And that word says it’s Enzo. You two hooking up now?”

“Eww, no!” I blurt out. “No way. Absolutely not.”

Bethany laughs, rolling her eyes. “Oh, please do. Honestly, it’s what all the girls want to see. The golden boy finally taking a fall.”

“Please, leave Enzo out of this,” I plead. “It’s not like that. I got a guy... I know I can get him. Everything is just... complicated right now.”

Bethany’s smile falters, her brows drawing together as she looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“No,” Bethany says. “Enzo.”