Marcus's house was even more impressive inside than out.
High ceilings, marble floors, modern art on every wall. The party was in full swing maybe two hundred students packed into the massive open-concept living space, dancing, drinking, laughing.
The moment we walked in, conversations stopped.
Kai's arm tightened around me as dozens of eyes turned our way. Hostile. Curious. Judgmental.
"Ignore them," Kai said quietly, guiding me through the crowd.
But ignoring them was impossible. I felt every stare, heard every whisper.
"That's her? She's so… plain."
"What does he see in her?"
"Scholarship trash."
Sophie appeared out of the crowd, grabbing my free arm. "Thank God you're here. This party is brutal without you."
"Where's Riley?" Kai asked.
Sophie blushed. "Around somewhere. We're not… I mean, we're just talking."
Kai raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. "Stay with Aria while I get us drinks?"
"I can come with" I started.
"Stay," he said firmly. "Please."
