Chapter 10. Breaking the Rules

2014

Amelia’s POV

The bass vibrated through the floorboards as I pushed through the restroom door, heaving a sigh of relief. I stepped into the hallway, about to head back to the party—and froze. In a dim corner, a young woman with glazed eyes leaned against the wall, a tall, muscular guy whispering something in her ear, his hand dangerously close to her waist.

Panic hit me. She was intoxicated, struggling to push him away. Should I intervene? Alert security? My thoughts collided, but my feet stayed frozen. Then, as if sensing me, he looked up, locking eyes with me in a cold, calculating stare.

For a heartbeat, neither of us moved. His gaze was steady, assessing, deciding whether I was a threat or just an annoyance. My heart hammered in my chest, my breath coming in shallow gasps. The girl snapped back to reality for a moment, breaking free and fleeing the scene.

“Hey!” the guy shouted, calling after her, but she was already gone. His eyes