𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙋𝙊𝙑:

Abi's apartment was packed music humming through the walls, voices overlapping, drinks in every hand. The air smelled like perfume, something sweet, and the faintest trace of smoke drifting in from the balcony.

Will's hand was steady on my back as he led me inside, his fingers barely there, but I could still feel them.

No one knew about me and will and we intended to keep it that way

"Finally," Abi said when she spotted us, her dark eyes lighting up as she pulled me into a hug. "You two took forever."

"Blame Will," I said easily. "He takes longer to get ready than I do."

Abi laughed. "That actually wouldn't surprise me."

Will scoffed. "Okay, meanie."

She handed me a drink before looping her arm through mine. "Come on, I have so many people for you to meet."

She dragged me toward a group near the bar, leaving Will to trail behind us, his fingers brushing my back once before he let go.

It didn't take long to settle into the rhythm of the night.

Ieuan was the first to find me, already holding a drink in each hand, grinning like he was having a good time.

"Isabella!!" he greeted dramatically, pressing one of the glasses into my palm. "I am so glad you're here. Someone new needs to witness Orla being a lightweight tonight."

"I am not a lightweight," Orla huffed, appearing at his side with a glass of wine. "I just pace myself."

Ieuan gave her a look. "You're already tipsy."

Orla gasped. "That is so rude."

I laughed, taking a sip of my drink. "Okay, well my bets on orla a lightweight."

"Thank you," Ieuan said, clinking his glass against mine.

Abi, who had appeared at my side again,

"Hey," I said, to abi then Will reappeared then, slipping easily into the space beside me, his arm brushing against mine.

"What's going on over here?" will asked

"a lost going on that's what" I said, tilting my head toward him.

Will smirked. "Sounds about right."

The conversation moved easily, flowing between drinks and laughter. Abi had somehow ended up in a deep discussion about music with someone I didn't recognize, Ieuan was recounting some ridiculous story that had Orla shaking her head, and I was constantly looking at will
of the way he leaned in a little too close when he spoke to me. Of the way his fingers occasionally brushed my arm, my hip, the small of my back. Of the way his breathe felt over my skin every time he murmured something low in my ear.

No one noticed. No one questioned it.

But I felt like I was going to lose my mind.

"Come with me," he murmured to me barely loud enough to be heard over the music.

I didn't ask where. I didn't need to.

I just let him take my hand, let him guide me through the crowd, past the kitchen, past the groups of people who were too drunk to notice us slipping down the hall.

The second he pulled me into the bathroom, he shut the door and pressed me against it.

"You're killing me out there," he muttered, his hands already on my waist, his body flush against mine.

I smirked, tilting my head up to look at him. "Am I?"

His fingers dug into my sides, his grip firm. "You know you are."

Then he kissed me.

It was deep, desperate, months of tension pouring into the way his lips moved against mine, the way his hands slid beneath my dress, gripping my thighs, pulling me closer.

My fingers tangled in his hair, my breath catching when he pressed his mouth to my neck, his teeth scraping against my skin.

"We shouldn't be doing this here," I murmured, even as I pulled him closer.

He exhaled sharply, his forehead resting against mine. "I know."

But neither of us moved.

There was a knock on the door.

"Occupied," Will called, his voice hoarse.

The person on the other side didn't protest.

I pressed my lips together, trying to catch my breath. "We should get back before someone notices."

Will sighed, taking a step back, running a hand through his already-messy hair. "Yeah."

I fixed my dress, glanced at my reflection, made sure I looked normal. Like I hadn't just been pinned against a door.

When we stepped out, no one was waiting. No one was paying attention.

The party carried on as if nothing had happened.

And Will?

Will just smirked, his hand finding the small of my back again as he led me straight back into the crowd. Like he hadn't just had me all to himself. Like he wouldn't do it again the second we had the chance.