Ava goes looking for Lily

Ava’s eyes dart around the crowded rooftop as she searches for Lily, but she can’t spot her anywhere. It isn’t like Lily to act so out of character—so ****. She pushes through the party, her heart racing. She finally sees Lily standing in a shadowed corner of the rooftop, her back to the crowd and facing an older man. He is tall with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a sharp suit. He exudes an air of authority. Ava approaches cautiously, her heels clacking on the floor. As she gets closer, she sees Lily’s face, half-covered in the shadow of the awning overhead. Her usually pristine appearance is off; her makeup still perfect, but her eyes are glassy, and her expression is tense. “Harrow,” she murmurs. There’s a pleading edge to it.

Harrow leans closer. “I’ve got what you need,” he says smoothly, pulling out a small, silver vial from his jacket pocket. He holds it up between them, its contents glinting in the dim light. “But you know the deal.”

Lily’s eyes dart around nervously. Her eyes find Ava. “Ava, what are you doing here?” she says, her voice thin.

Ava steps forward. “I was looking for you,” she replies, trying to keep her tone light.

Harrow’s gaze shifts to Ava. “Well, well,” he drawls, his voice oily. “Who’s this?”

“This is Ava,” Lily says flatly, as though she’s trying to maintain control over the situation. “She’s... a friend.”

Harrow’s grin widens as he reaches out to take Ava’s hand, lifting it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure.” He lingers on her for a moment longer before turning back to Lily. “So, are we going to do this?”

“What’s going on?” Ava asks, concerned.

Harrow cuts in. “It’s nothing to worry about,” he says. “Just a little business. Unless you want to join us?” He holds up the vial again, shaking it lightly so the contents glint in the dim light. Ava recognizes it immediately. Cocaine. The sight of it sends a jolt of adrenaline through her. She’s dabbled before.

Ava looks at Lily, but her gaze is distant. Ava feels the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Part of her knows this is a bad idea, that she should refuse and take Lily away from Harrow. But another part of her that doesn’t want to. It’s been too long since she’s really had fun. Lily’s presence, the closeness, makes her heart race. “Okay, let’s do it,” she says.

Her acceptance seems to relieve Lily, whose shoulders slack. She smiles again. Harrow’s grin widens, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He hands Ava the vial, and she prepares a line on the table beside them. Lily moves closer, her body brushing against Ava’s as she leans in to share the experience. The proximity sends a shiver down Ava’s spine. As they both snort the cocaine, Ava feels the familiar burn in her nostrils, followed by a rush of euphoria that spreads through her veins. The world sharpens, the lights become brighter, the music louder. Every sensation is amplified to an almost unbearable degree.

Lily’s eyes flutter closed as the **** takes effect, a soft smile playing on her lips. Ava watches her, captivated by the way Lily seems to come alive, her tension melting away, replaced by a seductive confidence. “Fuck,” she groans, shutting her eyes.

Harrow observes them with a satisfied smirk. Ava doesn’t pay him any mind, lost in the high and the connection with Lily. Lily’s eyes open, locking onto Ava’s with new intensity. There’s something raw in her gaze. Ava’s heart skips a beat, her breath catching as she realizes how close they are. Before either of them can do anything, Harrow’s voice breaks the moment. “Now, Lily,” he says, his tone businesslike again. “You know what comes next.”

Lily’s expression falters, a shadow passing over her features as she nods. She turns to Ava, her voice barely above a whisper. “Ava, you should go back to the party. I’ll be fine here.”