Alison tries to blend back into the party, the lights burning unsteadily, people dancing, music pulsing but she can only feel his presence.
She doesn't know where Scott is, but somehow, his eyes still feel on her. Her skin tingles. She checks her phone but nothing.
Myles stays close to her now. Protective. Watching.
Alison goes to the bathroom. Inside, she stares at herself in the mirror. Her lipstick is messily. Her dress strap slightly slipped. She tries to fix herself, physically and emotionally.
But the image in the mirror looks changed. Like "Who even are you tonight?" she whispers to her reflection. What is going on with you, you have to snap out of it.
She steps out of the restroom and here he is. Across the room. Not moving.
Dressed in black. Drink in his hand. His eyes locked only on her.
He doesn't smile. He doesn't wave. He just watches.
Alison's legs almost forget how to work. Her heart isn't beating right.
He starts walking toward her slow, deliberate.
Myles notice notice from a distance rush in. He grabs her hand. "Don't," he says.
Alison torn between her best friend's warning and this man she shouldn't want. But she doesn't stop Scott either.
Scott stops just feet away, eyes on her, ignoring Myles completely.
"Red," he says like it is a title, not a nickname.
Myles pulls Alison aside telling her. "This guy is not safe."
Alison snaps. "And what if I don't want safe?"
Myles flinches. Hurt, confused. "this is not you."
She answer; "Maybe you don't know me like you think."
She walks away before he can respond. Myles left in anger.
Scott who was waiting near the downstairs, with no words exchanged. Just a hand offered. She takes it. This time with full awareness.
The music is deeper now. Their bodies don't just touch, they speak.
His hand grazes the side of her thigh through the slit in her dress.
Her lips part. She leans in close, their foreheads almost touching she says; "You feel dangerous," she whispers. He reply to her with a soft tone; "That is because I am," he breathes back.
As the dance ends, he presses his lips against her cheek , softly but slowly and he whispers: "This night will change everything."
She shivers not able to speak properly. "You think I will remember you tomorrow?"
He chuckles darkly. "You will never forget me."
He leaves again. Disappears into the crowd.
Myles stands at a distance, his eyes unreadable.
Alison feels herself sinking into a version of herself she never known. And she likes it no, one have ever make her feel that way. A lot For the first time, it is not the night that feels dangerous it is her.