chapter one

" Two minutes, two f*cking minutes, that's all we have left " Bella announced, flouncing out of the room.

She hated the fact that her friends had to so sluggish whenever they wanted to go out.

With the way they were acting, she was sure they would miss all the fun in the party.

Lindsay stood up, " I'm out " she flipped her hair backwards and left the room too.

" Give me two seconds " Tori glanced at her reflection one last time on the mirror, feeling like an entirely different person.

She was dressed in a white knee-length gown that Lindsay had picked for her the previous weekend.

 

The dress hugged her figure, the white fabric against her late summer tan. Her hair coiled into tight ringlets, bounced around her shoulders and her simple makeup gave off just the right finishing touch.

She blew herself a kiss and twirled before rushing out. Bella stared daggers at her as she rushed over to the car.

" Where's Ryan? " Tori asked.

" Gone, he couldn't wait for us, thanks to the both of you " Bella tossed the key to Tori. " You're driving "

" Ow come on, you know how i feel about driving during the weekends " Tori groaned.

" Everything comes with a price, remember?. This is yours, for being so slow "

Tori rolled her eyes, so much for agreeing to attend a stupid party.

" Whatever " she got into the car and started the engine.

They were on their way to a pool party, that was held in honour of their school band since their latest album just became a hit.

The drive lasted thirty minutes that felt like an eternity to Tori. When they finally arrived, she had to find a space to park.

" Meet me inside, at the VIP " Bella said and left with Lindsay.

" Bitches " Tori muttered under her breath.

She honked at the red car in front of her, “ Get your car out of my way asshole "

A guy got down and reeled towards her, obviously drunk.

" I can't believe this fool, it's been barely thirty minutes since the party started, but he's already drunk " she said as he approached her.

He knocked on the window and she let out a sigh before whining down.

" Whoo are,.. you to yell at me... " He stuttered.

She took a deep breath, “ Get your trash out of my way mister, i didn't come all the way here to have you kill my mood " she said calmly even though she felt the urge to run her car over him.

" D.. don't you dare talk to me that way " he belched.

Tori covered her nose as the stench of stale meat and beer filled the car.

She wanted to reverse but the man held unto the car, refusing to let go. Great! It was just a fine evening to smack some fool.

She got down from the car and tried shoving him aside, but he groped her, cackling.

" Hey, let me go " she tried to break free from his grip.

" Such amazing body " he licked his lips, Tori felt the strong urge to throw up.

" Help me! " she shouted, but was sure no one would hear her because of the blaring music.

" No one's coming love " he dragged her closer to himself.

Tori pulled herself closer to her car so she could grab her phone, but he managed to pull her back, effortlessly.

“ Someone help me! “ she cried, her heart now racing against her chest with heavy thuds.

The man was just an inch away from her, the thought of his lips on hers made her skin crawl. She squeezed her eyes but didn't feel his touch.

Someone pulled him away and dealed him a blow, Tori watched as the newcomer trampled on the drunk fellow, he was now bleeding and could barely move a limb.

“ Stop “ she held back the man's hand, preventing him from hitting the drunk fellow again.

“ That's enough “

He raised his head to look at her, his hazel orbs, those glistening hazel orbs that even a visually impaired person would fall for at one look.

“ I'm sorry “ she let go of his hand, taking a few steps backwards, with her eyes down.

He turned to her with a warm smile, one that gave her butterflies. “ Are you alright miss? “ he asked.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a wry smile “ I'm fine. Thank you for saving me “

“ Was nothing, i couldn't just watch that fool take advantage of you “ he said.

“ Hey buddy! “ someone called from behind.

“ I'll see you around miss “ he winked before leaving.

“ Did he just wink at me? “ Tori smiled to herself.

She turned to the drunk man and saw him staring blankly at her. She raised her middle finger at him and mouthed a fuck you, before going inside.

The VIP lounge was already filled up, she managed to squeeze her way to Bella.

“ Jesus Christ Tori, were you having a baby or what? “ Bella asked at the top of her voice. The music was loud, not much people could here what she said.

Tori sighed, “ It's a long story, i'll explain when we get home “

“ The lounge is filled up, i couldn't save you a seat, you can grab a drink at the bar “ Lindsay suggested, Tori nodded and walked off.

She sat at the bar and watched as the bartender stylishly served her mocktail.

“ Thanks ” she smiled, he smiled back.

“ Anytime “

Her mind trailed back to what happened earlier, she couldn't bring herself to think what would've become if her if that guy hadn't shown up when he did. She shook her head lightly, then took the entire glass in one gulp.

Someone pulled a stool beside her, “ You don't seem to be having fun “

She turned to see it was the guy who had saved her earlier. A smile slowly crept up her lips.

“ Didn't think we'd be seeing each other again this soon “

“ I know right “ he turned to the bartender. “ My usual “

Tori's brows arched. “ You must be frequent here, seeing you're asking for your usual ”

“ Yes, this is my band's place “

Tori nodded, “ I see “ Her eyes slowly widened. “ Wait, did you just say… your band's place. Are you a member of the KOTS?? “

He flashed her a smile, “ Are you new around? “

“ I am, resumed about three weeks ago “

He nodded, “ I guess that's why you don't know me. Well let's do a formal introduction “

“ I'm Tori Black “ she extended her hand for a shake.

“ Dorian Kosarin “ he took her hands.

“ Hey Dorian, what are you doing here? “ a guy approached them.

“ Hi “ Dorian smiled.

“ We're about to toast, come on “ he dragged Dorian up.

Tori chuckled, watching as they struggled with each other, Dorian suddenly paused and turned to her.

“ Aren't you coming? “ he asked.

“ Umm, i'll just toast from here, the VIP's already full “

“ Well, you can join us. Right Cole? “ he turned to his friend.

Cole squinted at Tori, “ She doesn't look familiar, where do you know her from? “

“ We just met “ Dorian replied. “ Cole, this is Tori, and Tori, Cole “

“ It's a pleasure meeting you Cole “ Tori smiled, extending her hand for a shake.

“ You too “ Cole hugged her instead, leaving her stunned.

“ Come on “ Cole pulled Tori towards the VVIP, despite her objections.