Chapter 16. Truth or Dare

2014

Amelia’s POV

The throbbing bass echoed through the open doorway, spilling out onto the manicured lawn of Darren’s mansion like an unwelcome guest. Kaylee swaggered confidently towards the entrance, but I hesitated, my stomach twisting into a knot of nervous anticipation.

As we stepped into the house, a wave of heat and noise washed over me. Bodies moved on a makeshift dance floor, dim lights casting the room in an unsettling glow. Everywhere I looked, people seemed to be staring. Or maybe it was just my imagination, fueled by the self-consciousness that prickled at my skin.

“Don’t worry, Ames,” Kaylee nudged me playfully, her voice barely audible over the music. “I told you you’d look hot!”

I glanced down at the unfamiliar reflection staring back at me from the hall mirror. Gone was my usual T-shirt and jeans. In their place, thanks to Kaylee’s relentless persuasion, was a tiny black dress that hugged my curves. The low back dipped da