"You seem to do all the reckless things when you are with me."

Brooklyn

“You sure you don’t want me to drive you home?” Anna asked me for the fourth time as we stood on the porch of her house.

“Seriously, you don’t need to. I’ll just take a cab.” I assured her flashing a small smile.

“Okay just be careful and I guess I’ll see you at school tomorrow. Finally Friday.” She sighed contently.

“Yeah, see you there.” I gave her a small wave and started descending the stairs as I heard her door close.

A cold breeze hit my face as soon as I stepped in the street making me shiver. I hugged my black coat to my body tighter. The only audible sound was the clicking of my wedged black ankle-boots against the pavement and the sudden gusts of wind. It was already dark outside even though I still could make out the sun setting on the horizon. Some dry leaves rustled on the ground moved by the chilly air. You could say it was a creepy scenario.

I kept walking down the deserted street, ignoring the unpleasant feeling in my stomach and wanting nothing more than to find a not-so-empty street soon. As I neared a corner I looked at the houses that surrounded me. They were all detached houses, with their gardens and their cars parked in the driveway or the garage. By the size of the buildings you could tell it was a rich neighborhood, even if it was out of Manhattan.

I buried my face deeper in the collar of my coat trying to desperately warm my face. When I got to the corner I sighed happily at the sight of some cars driving by and some people out of their houses. However my happiness didn’t last long as a man dressed in dark clothes began to walk towards me. I wanted to turn on my heels and sprint off but it wouldn’t be a good idea considering that I was a slow runner wearing wedges. My heart started beating faster, pounding against my chest like a hammer. I was only a few feet from the creepy man and I tried to avoid the intense gaze he had on me and focus my terrified eyes on the floor. He’s probably just a neighbour. I told myself. I didn’t realize, since I wasn’t looking, that I had bumped into someone, that someone being Creepy Man.

“Um, sorry.” I mumbled and aimed to start walking again but was stopped by his body in front of me.

“Why the hurry, doll?” Creepy Man asked in what, to me, was the scariest voice I’ve ever heard.

My breath got hitched in my throat and words wouldn’t come out. He chuckled.

“Cat got your tongue?” He said in a mocking tone.

“I have to go.” I reunited all my courage and tried to walk away but he stopped me again by grabbing my forearm.

“You’re not going anywhere.” He hissed in an evil tone of voice.

“Look, I have to go home or my parents will kill me so go rape some other girl, will ya?” Was that really me speaking? I may be looking confident on the outside but I was inwardly shaking in my boots.

“Uh, feisty. But don’t worry I ain’t gonna rape you. Just give me all your money and any other expensive things you have.” He said surprised by my confident outburst.

“I don’t have any money on me so sorry.” I sent him a sorry-not-sorry tight-lipped smile and tried to walk again.

“But I’m sure you have a phone.” He was clearly getting impatient and his grip on my arm got tighter.

“I’m not giving you my phone.” I exclaimed refusing to give my baby to a man that would most likely sell it to buy drugs or something. I love it way too much.

“You’re not making this easy, doll.” I cringed at the name he called me. Ew. “We can do this the hard way if that’s what you want.” He smirked evilly getting a knife out of his pocket and pointing it dangerously close to the exposed skin of my neck.

Okay, where are all the people that were here a minute before? The street was empty now. Oh my luck. I swallowed the lump in my throat slowly, afraid that any movement would mean my neck being cut open.

Suddenly I heard a car skidding and stopping as a boy flung out of it at light’s speed, making Creepy Man turn around and giving me the perfect opportunity to kick him in his lower stomach. He gasped and fell on his knees holding his crotch. Maybe I kicked him too hard? Are you stupid? He was gonna behead you!

“Get in the car.” The boy ordered me and I obeyed, too scared to even see who it was, although his voice sounded familiar.

I hopped in the passenger’s seat, trembling but proud of how I had handled the situation.

The boy approached Creepy Man – who was trying to stand up – and punched him in the face, causing him to fall again.

The boy kept beating him and muttering cuss words as the man tried to defend himself unsuccessfully.

Then the red varsity jacket the boy was wearing lifted, giving me a clear – and nice – view of his butt, covered by black boxers since his pants were sagging. Then it clicked on me. His perfect round and touchable ass and they way his jeans were hanging so low and then his neck and how his air was spiked up to perfection. Justin.

A few houses lit up and people leant out of the windows and balconies to see where all the noise was coming from.

“Justin! Stop!” I cried before someone would call the Police and even worse, my dad would show up. Knowing my luck it wasn’t so unlikely to happen.

Justin turned around, leaving the body to fall limp on the ground as he quickly came and hopped in the car starting it and driving off.

He kept his eyes on the road as he tried to steady his breath. Well, here goes a side of him I didn’t know.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled sincerely when we stopped at a red light.

I furrowed my eyebrows together. “Why? You just saved my life.” I threw my arms in the air for emphasis.

He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair.”But you had to see me beating the fucking life out of that scum bag. I’m sorry, I just let the anger get the best of me.”

“It’s okay, as I said you saved me.” I said nonchalantly. I wasn’t gonna feel pity for someone who had a knife pointed at me and wanted to steal my precious phone. “But how comes you don’t have any injury?” I examined his face for any bruises or blood but found nothing. Only his knuckles were a bit peeled off and had dry blood on them but it didn’t even look like it was his.

“The prick didn’t even know how to use his fists.” He snorted. Well, you surely do. I latched on my bottom lip as images of Justin hitting Creepy Man flooded through my mind. How could I find it sexy? I don’t know but I did. I guess it’s just his badass side I found attractive.

“But he had a knife, he could have stabbed you.” An unknown feeling ran through my body as I thought about what could have happened. I mean, it’s normal that I worry about Justin, right? We’re friends after all.

“He dropped it to the floor the second you kicked him in the balls. Nice move by the way.” He patted my thigh like he was proud of me while sending me a wink.

“Thank you, I guess.” I shrugged, hiding a smile. “Must be my badass self coming out.”

Justin chuckled and shook his head, focusing back on the road.

After a few moments of silence I spoke.

“Justin, why are we in a car?”

“What do you mean?” He frowned pretending to be confused but I knew he was just playing stupid.

“Well, I recall you telling me you didn’t own a car.” I crooked an eyebrow urging him to spill.

“I do now.” He shrugged his shoulders, clearing his throat.

“I see that.” I stated since it was obvious. “What I mean is how you suddenly got a car.” I inquired.

“Long story.” He said sighing and running a hand down his face and neck. Oh God, he looked so hot at the moment that I had to look away.

“Fine, don’t tell me but I’m not dumb. I know you’ve stolen it.” I said matter-of-factly, folding my arms across my chest. “Actually it looks familiar.” I mumbled to myself taking in the creamy leather seats and the polished dark dashboard.

There was another comfortable silence until Justin made a sharp turn to the left.

“Hm, Justin, my house is the other way.” I jabbed my finger in the opposite direction.

“Oh, didn’t I tell you?” He looked at me faking surprise.

“Tell me what?” I asked slowly, dreading his answer as a smirk stretched across his face, almost reaching his ears.

“You’re not going home.” He replied simply.

“And why’s that?” I asked incredulous. It’s already late as it is, I don’t need any more delays.

“Because you’re coming to a party with me. A real party.” He announced, beaming.

“Oh no, I’m so not going to a party with you. Justin stop the car.” I commanded but he shook his head like a 5-year-old.

“Justin, I don’t want another week of punishment so just take me home before my parents decide to lock me in the top of a tower forever.” I said completely serious and warningly but it didn’t seem to affect him.

“Then I’ll go save you just like Rapunzel.” He laughed at his own joke.

I groaned irritably concealing my pink cheeks. “Justin I’m being serious. Just take me home please.” I did my best puppy face and battled my eyelashes.

He gaped. “I can’t believe you’re using the puppy face against me.” He looked at me at a red light. “Well, two can play this game.” He mumbled before smirking devilishly.

And in a second he was making the cutest puppy face on Earth as he pouted his bottom lip and battled his natural long lashes – which by the way I envied. I swear if you had been there you would have died from cuteness.

“Please Brooke, come with me.” He tilted his head to the side as my mouth opened to aw. “I saved you, you owe me.” He continued, getting more adorable by the second. “C’mon Princess, I promise you will have fun.” When he called me Princess I knew he had me and as bad as I tried to decline his invitation I found myself giving in.

Don’t judge me, if you had seen what I saw you would have accepted in the blink of an eye so at least give me some credit for taking my time.

“Fine.” I said dragging the ‘i’ as a huge grin appeared on his face and he happily kept driving. “I need an alibi to tell my parents though.” I started thinking about something to tell them and add to my list of lies. Lying was becoming so frequent that it didn’t feel bad anymore.

“Where were you before I picked you?” Justin randomly asked me.

“I was working on a project at a friend’s house.” I replied, not knowing why it was relevant for anything.

“Then tell them you’re staying there or something.” He suggested, keeping his eyes on the road.

“The things I do for you.” I sighed and saw him smiling from the corner of my eye while I pulled my phone out of my pocket. I dialed my mother’s number and waited for her to pick it up.

“Brooklyn, where are you?” Her worried voice echoed through the line.

“Hi mom, I was calling to ask you for permission to spend the night at Anna’s house. We’re just working really hard on the project and we’re very focused so we want to keep working tonight.” I lied, hoping she would buy it.

“Oh, okay. Can you put her mom on the phone? I’d like to talk with her.” Why do mothers always have to talk with other mothers in these situations?

I shifted in my seat. Damn. “Her mom isn’t home now, she went to get some take away for dinner.” I said the first thing that came to my mind.

“Oh well, then I’ll see you tomorrow honey, call if you need anything okay?” She urged and I could tell she didn’t like the idea one bit because she doesn’t know Anna’s mother. “ Any hour.” She added.

“Okay mom, don’t worry. Say goodnight to everyone in the house.” I said and waited for her goodbye to hang up.

“Done.” I clapped my hands in my thighs and stuffed my phone back in my pocket.

“Good, we’re almost there.” Justin announced flashing me a quick grin.

“Where is it?” I asked curiously.

“You’ll see.”

A nervous feeling settled in my stomach. I’m so not gonna fit in that party. I already know and let’s pray it won’t be in some dive hole. For the rest of the ride I just tapped my nails on my knee nervously and leaned my head on the window awaiting what was to come.

________________________________

As soon as we entered the club my whole body started pounding like the loud music blasting through the speakers was making the blood in my veins dance to the beat. It was an unknown feeling to me since all the parties I’ve been to had the music at a normal volume, not one that would make me go deaf in a maximum of 10 minutes. There were red lights lighting the dance floor and blue ones on the platforms at the sides. It was a big place that didn’t look like a club but like an abandoned factory, only without all the machines. People were dancing – well more like grinding - to a song I couldn’t identify but sounded like some rapper. The walls were plastered with posters but they weren’t visible with all the couples making out – or God knows what - against them.

I looked worriedly at Justin. “I don’t think this is my scene.” I yelled in his ear so he would hear me.

“Just let loose, Princess.” He yelled back. His face indicated that he was ready to start partying like there was no tomorrow.

We got some stares as we got deeper in the space, mixing with the hordes of sweaty young people. I could either blame it on the fact that I was – so far – the only white girl in here or on the fact that I looked like a nun on my clothes compared to the rest of the girls.

I glanced down at my outfit. My black skinny jeans didn’t show my legs like the short skirts and hot pants other girls were wearing but at least they were tight. My purple sleeveless top, ruffled in the front, looked way too formal in comparison to the cleavages and crop tops that surrounded me. Even my wedges didn’t seem high enough to fit here.

I felt Justin grab my hand and drag me to the bar of the club. Nearly everyone we passed saluted him, giving me the idea that he was kinda famous in this zone. Guys checked me out and girls shook their heads at my appearance. I was feeling self-conscious and I immediately regretted ever agreeing to come here.

We finally made it to the counter and stood there since there were no stools. I think this is the perfect moment to tell Justin I don’t drink before he orders something poisoned for me.

“What do you want?” He asked. The loud noise caused us to stay close and he casually rested his hand on the small of my back as he spoke in my ear.

“Water.” I replied, earning a chuckle from him.

“Really? Water?” He raised one eyebrow at him.

“I don’t drink.” I shrugged, tossing my long hair behind my back.

“Tonight you do.” He said like he had the power to decide over me.

I opened my mouth to complain but the barman appeared asking what we wanted and obviously Justin ordered for me.

“Two cubalibres please.”

“What the hell is that?” I shouted at Justin as the man got two plastic red cups and put some ice cubes inside.

“You’ll see.” He winked, clearly enjoying what was about to come.

The man held two different bottles, one on each of his strong hands, which looked like they could kill you with just a punch. He was at least 6 feet tall so I decided against asking him.

He handed us the two cups. The contents were a brownish color but that was probably because he had put coke on them. I hadn’t been able to make out what the other bottle’s label said. The only thing I was sure about was that it was alcohol.

Justin brought the cup to his lips and took a long gulp, making a satisfied noise at the end.

I looked down at my cup unsure. “C’mon, try it.” He urged.

I stopped thinking and just brought the rim of the cup to my mouth letting the liquid flow down my throat. Just a small sip made me wanna gag.

“Ew, this thing tastes like...bad.” I stated trying to get rid of the bitter and burning sensation that had settled in my mouth and throat.

“You’ll get used to it.” Justin patted my shoulder, laughing at my disgusted expression. “Let’s dance.”

Before I could protest we were on the dance floor, moving to the beat of the music. I knew the song that was currently playing, it was Scream by Usher.

 I looked around me to see how girls were dancing but opted for something more discreet. Grinding my butt against some boy’s little friend wasn’t my thing.

Justin looked at me amused as I playfully hit his arm. He took the opportunity to attach my hand to his neck while he grabbed my waist with his free one. Our other hands were occupied holding our drinks. He tried to pull me closer but I refused to look like I was dry-humping him in the middle of a crowded place.

We were dancing like that for a few minutes. I avoided Justin’s eyes because they were sending me flirtatious glances. Before I knew it I had drunk the entire contents of my cup and upon noticing this Justin led me to the bar again.

I didn’t want to drink anymore because I was already feeling light-headed. My body felt like it floated through the crowd instead of walked and I would suddenly giggle at nothing in particular. At the same time I was enjoying the feeling so when I saw two shots placed in front of us on the counter I launched my hand to grab one.

“Hey, not so fast.” Justin stopped my hand midway making me whine. “Oh no, you’re tipsy.” He said between laughs. His laugh was adorable. Had I already said that?

“Whatever, what is this?” I waved a hand at him and then pointed at the tiny cups filled with a transparent liquid.

“Tequila.” He replied. I kept the same expression on my face as this new found information didn’t help at all. “See that?” He pointed to a small plate with two slices of lemon and a little mountain of salt.

“Yeah.” I nodded, giggling because I had no idea why they were there.

“Lick your hand like this.” He licked a spot on his hand and I followed, not even questioning the aim of it. “Now, put some salt.” He sprinkled some on the wet part and I did the same.

“Okay, now you have to lick the salt, drink the shot and bite the lemon, got it?” He finally explained the function of everything.

I nodded but inside I was wondering why it was so complicated to drink a shot.

“Good. 3, 2, 1 Swag!” He did his own countdown and I followed all the steps he had indicated.

After I licked the lemon I decided that this tasted even worse than the other beverage. I kept grimacing until the taste had somehow subsided.

“How was it?” Justin asked curiously.

“Horrible.” I admitted. “But I want more.” I giggled stupidly.

“I think you should wait a little before you drink anymore.” He said taking me away from the bar and back to the dance floor.

“Omg, are those Mike and Sam making out?” I exclaimed clapping my hands happily for her.

“Seems like that.” Justin chuckled at my excitement.

I was feeling even more dizzy now and I was about to start grinding with Justin – in a new bust of self-determination - when Tyson appeared.

“Tyyyyyyyson.” I slurred, hanging my arms around him for a hug.

Tyson laughed and hugged me back. “What are you doing here and why are you drunk?” He shot a blaming glare at Justin.

“I thought she needed to know what a real party is but she’s a wimp.” He shrugged joining his laughter.

“I’m not a wimp!” I whined, hitting his chest. “I’ve never drunk before.” I folded my arms defensively.

“You could have brought Kelsey too.” Tyson nudged me playfully.

“I’ll make sure to bring her next time.” I giggled at how the words came out in a slurry way.

“Well, since you’re coming here so often lately, I need a nickname for you.” Tyson said thoughtfully.

“You can call me BB.” I suggested.

“Why?” Tyson asked confused.

“My full name is Bella Brooklyn: BB.” I explained and sighed like I had had to explain it a million times already.

“Okay then, BB.” Tyson repeated. “I like it.” He gave me an approving smile and I just giggled.

Then I felt a body pressed against mine from behind. I thought it was Justin so I let him grab my hips and swayed them to the rhythm.

“What’s your name shawty?” The voice spoke, making me realize it didn’t belong to Justin. But at this point who cares?

“Brooklyn.” I flashed him a cheeky smile.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” He whispered in my ear as we started grinding.

I giggled obnoxiously. “What’s yours?”

“Brandon.” He replied and soon he was placing soft kisses down my neck.

That seemed to make me come back to my senses and remember I had a boyfriend. I pulled away a little.

“You want another drink?” He asked, assuming I had already had a few. I nodded. I mean, a drink is better than having him trying to kiss me.

We waved our way to the bar, that I now knew so well, and the same barman from before asked us what we wanted.

I ordered another shot like the one I had had before and Brandon ordered whatever. I drank it quickly like Justin had shown me. At this point I didn’t even know where he was and searching for him in such a packed place would be pointless.

After we finished our drinks, Brandon slid his arms around my waist so I was walking ahead but he was leading me to wherever he wanted to go. We reached a flight of stairs that were probably the emptiest part of the club and walked up to the first floor. It was like a terrace that looked down at the people dancing. There were some sofas, most of them occupied by people having sex or God knows what and there were also people smoking weed or getting high with cocaine on the tables. Why would he take me here?

Right now I would think I’m stupid for letting a stranger take me with the intentions of probably rape me. But then, under the effects of the alcohol, my mind wasn’t able to think clearly and my body just followed whoever wanted to move it.

We found an empty love couch and Brandon sat there with me on his lap. For the first time I took on his appearance. He was black, big and muscular – but I think all the boys here are – and had lots of tattoos along his arms until a grey v-neck covered them. He had a golden chain hanging from his neck and his hair was so short you would think his head was shaved. The thing that scared me the most was the fact that he didn’t look near my age at all. Don’t ask, it will be better. What if he was 30? No, that’s too old, but he could easily be 25. Ew, pedophile.

Suddenly he took a blunt from his pocket and lit it, inhaling the herb-smelling smoke. I think I was getting high just by breathing the air on this place. Clouds of smoke danced in the air, making different scents mix.

“Do you know what an iguana is?” He asked in my ear while his hand rested on my thigh. I thanked God I was wearing long pants.

I shook my head innocently and a giggle escaped my chapped lips before I could stop it. It was like I was aware of what I was doing but I couldn’t stop myself from doing it.

Then he took a long puff of the joint and squeezed my face gently with his other hand, making my mouth open in the shape of an ‘O’. His lips barely brushed mine as he exhaled the smoke inside my oral cavity. My first instinct was to cough it out but I couldn’t since his mouth was still pressed against mine. So I swallowed it, causing me to cough lightly after. He chuckled at my inexperience and only then I started thinking about what I had done. We can pass drinking alcohol but I practically had drugs.

 I wanted to panic but my body was so relaxed that I found myself falling into Brandon’s lap. He steadied me and out of the blue he kissed me. He grabbed my ass making me straddle him. If I didn’t want to kiss him then why was I doing it? I lifted myself from him before he could shove his tongue inside my mouth, the mere thought making me gag.

“I have to go.” I mumbled and he probably couldn’t hear me because of the music but I didn’t care. I just wanted to run away from there and from him.

What have I done? Was the question that replayed in my mind constantly as I made my way downstairs, tripping and leaning on the walls for support. I was panting just for the rush of adrenaline that ran through my heated body. I leaned against one of the posters-covered walls and let myself slid down it until I was sitting on the floor. Where is Justin when you need him?

Justin

“Man, where did she go?” I asked Tyson when I couldn’t find Brooklyn.

“I don’t know bro, she was here just a second ago.” He shrugged. “She probably found some boy or something.”

How could he be so calm? Inwardly I was desperately running my hands through my hair in concern. If something bad happened to her it would all be my fault. On the outside I tried to appear as if I didn’t give a shit but I knew I did. I hate to admit it but I care about her. She’s done a lot of things for me in the short time we’ve known each other and well, we’re friends right? Friends care for friends.

Let’s not talk about the fact that Tyson suggested she could be with some boy. I’m not jealous. At all. But she has a boyfriend and I doubt very much that she wants to cheat on him and considering how drunk she is that’s very likely to happen. I finally ran a hand through my brown locks in frustration and worry. However, finding her among all these people was impossible mission. I sighed giving up and thinking I would eventually found her. I could text her but with this noise she wouldn’t hear her phone.

Tyson and I found the girls and danced with them. I had another drink but I wasn’t feeling dizzy at all. Alcohol didn’t have much of a big effect on me anymore.

“Justy!” Alejandra exclaimed clinging to me. I pushed her off me making her pout.

“What’s wrong?” She asked in a tipsy voice.

“Nothing.” I shrugged, not even looking at her.

You shouldn’t play with her feelings. I honestly don’t see what’s so fun about having a ‘relationship’ based on sex. Brooklyn’s words from last weekend played in my mind over and over. She’s right. I should dump Alejandra once and for all.

“Can we talk?” I boringly asked her as I walked towards the entrance. I didn’t have to look back to know she was following me. Hell, if I jumped off a bridge, she would jump after me.

Once we were outside, the cold air hit my bare arms and my face but I didn’t care, it felt good after how heated that hole was.

“What do you want to talk about?” She questioned excitedly. Oh no, she’s thinking I’m gonna ask her out.

“Look, I’m gonna just get to the point.” I’ve broken up with lots of girls before so it isn’t that hard for me to do it once more.

Her expression changed to one of worry once she heard that.

“I wanna end whatever we have going.” I said bluntly.

“Justin no-“

“Nothing you say will make me change my mind so don’t even try.” I cut her off.

“What did I do wrong? I can change Justin, just tell me what you want me to do.” She begged me with her eyes brimming with tears.

I felt a pang of guilt. I may be a player but I’m not heartless, I don’t like breaking girls’ hearts.

“No Alejandra, there’s nothing you can do. I just don’t feel the way you do. I don’t want a relationship right now.” I explained, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I’m not asking you for a relationship. We can keep what we had, just sex. No strings attached.” She pleaded, sobbing.

“See what you’re doing? You’re offering me your body. You need to have some self-respect Alejandra. And you’re not gonna earn it this way.” My voice came out slightly angry. Angry at the fact that she was basically offering me just sex when she was supposedly in love with me.

She sniffed hard. “This is about that whore right? I should have seen it coming.” She shook her head scoffing.

“What are you talking about?”

“That white girl has you wrapped around her little finger and ever since you met her you haven’t been the same.” She explained her pointless argument.

“Don’t bring her into this Alejandra.” I warningly jabbed my finger at her. “Oh and if there’s a whore here, it’s you.” I spat before I left to go back inside, the words rolling off my mouth like venom.

“Asshole.” I heard her scream before I crossed the doors of the entry. I didn’t even turn around. I let her have her little tantrum. At least I won’t have to worry about her anymore.

“Where were you?” Mike asked as I got to my group again.

“Talking with Alejandra.” I said simply.

“You dumped the bitch?” His eyes widened. I nodded. All the boys sniggered. They hate her.

“Oh my gosh, I’m gonna see how she is.” Sameera quickly announced and ran outside. She’s the only one who can stand her.

“Did you see Brooklyn man?” I asked Tyson again, looking around me in hopes to spot her somewhere.

“Nope.” He said taking a sip from his red cup. I snatched it from his hand and drank the remaining contents. Vodka with lemon. Not my favorite but it’s alright. “What the fuck? You’re gonna get me a new one now.” He complained getting all worked up.

“Bro, it’s just a drink. Chill, I’ll go get you another one.” I lifted my arms in defense and made my way to the bar.

Where are you?

I had finally decided to send a text to Brooklyn upon seeing that she was nowhere in sight. I might as well try to see if she hears her phone. As I neared the bar I saw a circle of people surrounding something or someone. I peeked inside and saw a girl lying on the counter with her top lifted showing her belly. A guy was about to pour vodka on it. Body shots. What caught my attention was the fact that the girl was blonde and that her skin wasn’t black.

I broke into the circle and stopped the guys just before a single drop would hit Brooklyn’s skin.

“Show’s over!” I shouted as loud as I could and people groaned, starting to disperse.

Brooklyn looked at me and giggled. “Hi Justeeeeen.”

Fuck. She’s completely drunk. “Come here.” I extended my arms to lift her body but she whined.

“I don’t wanna stand up. I’m comfortable this way.” Every time she talked a giggle would escape her plump pink lips. It was a bit annoying but it wasn’t the time to complain because this was partly my fault.

Since she didn’t want to stand up I slid one of my arms under the back of her knees and another under her back lifting her. I carried her to my group bridal style until as she wrapped her arms around my neck staring at me dreamily.

“You’re my prince charming Justin.”

I chuckled. “You’re very drunk, do you know it?” I raised my eyebrows at her. She giggled again and I shook my head. Once we were with my friends I carefully set her on the floor but held her waist so she wouldn’t fall.

“Hello guyyyyyys!” She slurred excitedly. They broke into fits of laughter at the sight and I couldn’t help but join them. Brooklyn was too funny when she was shit-faced.

“I’m gonna take her home.” I said earning nods from the boys.

“Yeah, you should.” Tyson patted my back.

“Where is Sam?” Brooklyn asked suddenly moving her big eyes in every direction, frantically searching for her.

“I’m here.” She appeared by her said. “Wow Brooklyn, I never took you for the party type.” She chuckled.

“I saw you and Mike making out!” Brooke ignored her. “Yeaaaaah.” She squealed happily.

Sam covered her mouth with her hand and blushed, even though it wasn’t very visible under the dim lights. “Shut up, he’s right there!” She hissed. “Ah, you licked my hand!” She yelled and brushed her hand on her pink dress.

“Uuups.” Brooklyn cupped her mouth with her hands.

“Please, just take the slut out of here. What is she doing here in the first place?” Alejandra’s pissed and drunken voice shouted, making her way towards us.

“Hi bitch.” Brooklyn greeted her making everybody snap their heads in awe.

“What did you say?” Alejandra towered over her challengingly.

“I said bitch.” She repeated more slowly this time, lifting her head so they were at the same height.

Everyone made Oh’s and Ah’s and looked amused yet surprised to see this new side of Brooklyn. I was surprised myself.

“Let’s go.” I mumbled into her ear and she scowled at Alejandra, turning to follow me whilst I grabbed her hand in mine. There’s no need to lose her again.

“Yeah, go away bottle blonde!” I heard Alejandra yell after us. Brooklyn made sharp turn.

“You did not just call me bottle blonde.” She asked more than stated, taking a deep breath.

Alejandra had this smirk on her face that said ‘Ups seems like I just did.’

And then, the unexpected occurred. Brooklyn launched herself at Alejandra, shoving her and making her stumble backwards. She attempted to shove her back but Luke grabbed her by her arms as I did the same with Brooke.

“Calm your tits girls or else they’re gonna throw you out.” Luke warned them but they kept exchanging death glares. If looks could kill, they would both be six feet under ground already.

“We’re leaving anyway.” I announced. When Brooklyn opposed resistance I just threw her light weight over my shoulder and with a quick goodbye to the guys, I walked to the exit.

“Put me down.” Her small fists collided repeatedly with my ass but they didn’t make any harm. I held her legs so she wouldn’t be able to kick me and didn’t let go until we were outside. I sat her on top of the hood of the car I had stolen. It was a black Mercedes shaped like a 4x4 that someone stupidly had left unattended in a small, empty street. I just took my chance to make it mine.

I stood between her legs, holding her hips in place so she wouldn’t fall or something. In that position our faces were at the same height and I could feel her hot breath on my skin. Her pupils were dilated and her breath smelled like something else, not only alcohol.

“Brooklyn, did you smoke something?” I asked, afraid of already knowing the answer to my question.

She looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Answer.” I urged her, getting impatient.

“I-I didn’t. But there was a guy who asked me if I knew what something was. It was a Spanish word that sounded like ‘I wanna’ and I didn’t know what it was so I guess he showed me.” Her teeth sunk in her lower lip in regret, fearing my reaction.

“An iguana.” I mumbled to myself. “Fuck, Brooke, you have to be careful. I’m not leaving you out of my sight again. Did you have anything else?” I tried to be gentle not to scare her anymore.

She shook her head still nibbling on her lip. “Stop doing that, it’s gonna bleed.” I said freeing her lower lip with my thumb.

“Did that guy do anything else to you?” I asked, dreading the answer this time. Her clothes looked okay so I guess he didn’t touch her but who knows, the world is full of perverted men.

She seemed unsure and shivered.

“Are you cold?”

She nodded. “A bit.”

I reached for my red varsity jacket that was lying on the driver’s seat because her coat was inside the trunk. I helped her put it on and she mumbled a ‘thanks’.

“Are you gonna answer me now?” I made eye contact with her to see fear in her brown orbs.

“Don’t get mad okay? He…kissed me but I stopped him before he could even get his tongue out of his mouth, I swear.” She replied quickly. It seemed like she was confessing it to her father instead of me.

I sighed and ran a hand through the mess of my hair. “Okay, just forget you even did that and forget about that guy, yeah? You weren’t in your right mind.”

“I cheated on my boyfriend.” She said to herself, scoffing. “I’m a fucking cheater.” She was about to cry but I stopped her.

“It was just a kiss Brooke and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I hope that sounded reassuring because I didn’t know what else to say.

She nodded but I knew she wasn’t convinced.

Suddenly she started giggling again.

“What’s up?” I frowned at this sudden change of attitude.

“It’s actually fun letting loose a bit. I’ll just be more careful next time.” She smiled widely at me. Okay?

“So there’s gonna be a next time?” I smirked.

“Well, I didn’t get to spend much time with you this one.” She admitted digging her hands on the pockets of my jacket.

“True.”

“Aren’t you cold?” She changed the topic when a gust of wind blew around us.

“Nah. I’m god here.” I patted her thighs that were somewhat straddling me.

She giggled.

“You’re very giggly today.” I pointed out making her repeat the action.

“I should take you home now.” I sighed.

“I can’t go home.” She shook her head. “What time is it?”

I took a glance at my watch. “1 am.”

“No way…I’ve never been outside my house so late.” She cracked a smile that could either mean disbelief or pride.

“You seem to do all the reckless things when you’re with me.” I scooted closer to her and cocked my head to the side.

“Well, you bring out my rebel side.” She cocked her head to the opposite side and took her hands out of her pockets to tug at my t-shirt slightly.

For a minute or so we simply stared into each other eyes, trying to make out what the other was feeling. After all, they do say the face is the mirror of the soul. Our eye contact broke when I flickered my eyes to her lips. Upon seeing this she bit her lip again and she looked at my lips too. I licked them as I always do when I’m nervous. When our gazes met once again I could see she wanted to kiss me as much as I wanted to kiss her. In spite of knowing this was wrong in so many ways because she was drunk and had a boyfriend, I still leaned in and when she didn’t hesitate to do the same our lips collided.

Her hands made their way up my chest to wrap around my neck as mine slid around her waist under the fabric of my jacket. I pulled her closer as our lips moved in sync, slowly but passionately. Absentmindedly my tongue traced her bottom lip and I was surprised when her lips parted to give me enough space to slide my muscle inside. Our tongues battled for dominance as the kiss grew more and more heated. You couldn’t fit a sheet of paper between our bodies. I massaged her sides with my hands above the cloth of her top as her hands stroked my scalp tugging at the baby hairs at the back of my neck. WE both moaned into the kiss.

After a few minutes we pulled away for air, our chests rising and falling rapidly, trying to regain our breath. I looked into her happy eyes as she cracked a small shy smile and I mirrored her actions. I was still holding her waist and her hands were still clenched behind my neck when she spoke.

“I should have kissed you before instead of that guy. You’re a much better kisser.”