Lily sends Ava away

Ava feels the pulsing bass from the rooftop speakers thrumming through her body, the adrenaline from the coke still sizzling in her veins. She watches Lily pull her dress back up over her hips in a quick and anxious movement. Lily’s eyes are bright, but there’s an undercurrent of worry there. “I need to talk to Harrow alone,” Lily says suddenly.

Ava blinks, the request slicing through the haze of the high. Her mind scrambles to catch up. The bond they felt mere moments ago, kneeling together over the table, seems to waver. “Okay…” she says, her voice trailing off. Lily glances over at Harrow, who is still leaning casually against the table, his eyes on her. Ava makes herself walk away. She’s glad at least to be away from Harrow.

The night is still young, and the rooftop is packed with people lost in their own highs. She weaves through the crowd and tries to shake off the unease hanging over her. As she approaches the edge of the rooftop, Ava spots the pool, its surface rippling under the glow of colorful lights. There in the water is Mia. She’s wearing nothing but her white underwear, which clings to her skin, turning almost translucent under the water. The piercings in her nipples strain against the fabric. Ava can’t help but smile as she watches Mia float lazily, her blonde hair fanning out around her like a halo.

Mia notices Ava standing at the edge. “Get in here!” she calls out, smiling. She splashes the water playfully.

Ava feels a surge of excitement at the invitation, the idea of the cool water irresistible. With a glance around, she sees the eyes of several men nearby fixed on her. They’re like animals, she thinks. Just like Harrow. But Harrow only had eyes for Lily. Not that she wants his attention. She wishes she could have dragged Lily away from him so they could enjoy the night together. But she was tired of feeling like an afterthought. It wasn’t just Lily. James, she had been an afterthought to him too. His wife was more important.

The way the men look at Ava—hungry, admiring—sends a thrill through her that momentarily pushes her worries about Lily to the back of her mind. She reaches over her head and pulls the dress off of herself. She stands there for a moment, savoring their attention. They make comments, some crude, some appreciative. With a coy smile, she steps forward, dipping her toes into the pool before slipping into the water. As she slides under the cool water her tension melts away. She swims over to Mia.

“You look amazing,” Mia laughs. They turn together in the water to look toward the men.

Ava laughs, her pulse racing. The knot of anxiety about Lily is still tight in her chest. She tries to push it down, to focus on the thrill of the moment, but it keeps bubbling up, nagging at her. She splashes Mia back, laughing, and flirting with the men around the edge of the pool. But every time she glances back toward where she left Lily and Harrow, her stomach twists. What are they talking about? Is Lily okay? Ava shakes her head, trying to dismiss the thoughts.

Mia notices Ava’s distraction and floats closer. “Hey, you good?” she asks.

Ava forces a smile and nods. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… thinking.”

Mia tilts her head, studying Ava for a moment. “Well, whatever it is, don’t let it ruin your night. We’re here to have fun, right?”