Page 151 of Fame & Rhythm

I nod. “What, are you trying to get me drunk?”

He lifts a brow. “Maybe. Is it working?”

“Not yet,” I say, though the room is already starting to tilt slightly. “You’ll have to try harder.”

He laughs and signals for more drinks.

An hour later, four more shots, another whisky, and a beer, I’m well past tipsy. The buzz has turned into something heavier. My balance is off, my thoughts slower, my laughter easier.

Trent’s not bad company. He is funny even. And whether it’s the alcohol or I’ve just stopped caring, his kissing doesn’t bother me as much anymore.

I’m pressed against him on the dance floor when Ella and Danger appear beside us.

Ella’s frowning.

Danger… looks amused.

I sway slightly as I turn toward her, barely catching myself. “Oh, hey, sissy,” I slur. “What’s Danger doing here?”

He slides an arm around her waist from behind, smirking.

“Annie,” Ella says carefully. “I think you’ve had enough. If you want to be even remotely sober by the time we get home—”

“Oh, relax,” I cut in with a laugh. “I’m fine. Trent’s keeping me company.”

As if on cue, Trent steps in closer behind me, his hands settling at my hips.

Ella’s expression hardens. “Annie, you need to come home. Now.”

I laugh again, louder this time. “Nah. I’m having fun. You should try it.”

“Annie—”

“Oh, just piss off,” I snap, the words coming out sharper than I intend. “Go home with your dangerous boyfriend.”

She exhales hard, folding her arms. “You’re acting out, and you know it. Stop being a bitch and come home, or I’ll call Mum.”

Anger surges through me, sharp and immediate. “You came out here just like I did, Ella. You tell Mum I’m here, and I’ll tell her you’ve been drinking and dancing with Danger. How do you think she’ll feel about that?” I snap, stepping into her space.

“Right,” Danger cuts in, calm but firm. “I think someone’s had a bit too much.”

He places a hand on Ella’s arm. “C’mon. Let’s give Annie a minute. We’ll come back for her.”

I smirk, tilting my head at her.

She’s ruining this. Ruining the one night I don’t want to think.

“No,” Ella says, her voice tight. “If she wants to stay, she can stay. Let her figure it out on her own.” She fixes me with a look I don’t quite understand. “Have a good night, Annie. I hope you get whatever it is you think you need.” Then she turns and walks away.

Danger lingers for a second, glancing between us. I swallow hard, something about her words sitting wrong in my chest.

“Just… slow down, yeah?” he says, handing me a card. “Call me when you’re ready to go home.”

I nod, slipping it into my hand.

Then he’s gone too.

I turn back to Trent, who’s already at the bar, another round waiting. Like, none of that even happened.