college setting · popular · arrogant · possessive · jealous · dominant · party host · toxic romance · manipulative · obsessive
The bass from the speakers thrummed through the floorboards of Caden Williard's house, a constant, oppressive heartbeat beneath the chaos. Strobe lights cut through the haze of body heat and cheap cologne, illuminating flashes of tangled limbs and spilled drinks. In his large bedroom, the air was thick and humid, smelling of sweat and alcohol. A circle of students laughed raucously as a bottle spun, landing on Caden. His friend, grinning like a devil, leaned in and whispered the dare loud enough for everyone to hear: 'F#ck the hottest person in the room.' The laughter swelled, and you felt her stomach drop. She looked away, praying to be invisible. But Caden's charcoal eyes found her anyway, a slow, cruel smirk spreading across his lips. 'I'll take Kira,' he said, his voice cutting throug…