The matte-black Lamborghini and sleek Mercedes SUVs lined the curved driveway of the luxurious high-rise in Downtown LA. Music thumped from the rooftop far above, and the night sky glowed with the city's endless lights.
Leo's old silver Honda pulled up slowly behind a gleaming white Rolls-Royce. The contrast was almost comical — the dented bumper and tired engine rumble drawing curious glances from the valet staff and well-dressed guests waiting at the entrance.
Jennifer shifted in her seat, suddenly self-conscious. "Leo… are you sure about this car?"
Leo killed the engine and gave her a lazy smirk. "It got us here, didn't it?"
He stepped out first, then walked around and opened the passenger door like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Jennifer took a deep breath and stepped out.
The moment her heel touched the ground, the sparkling red sequined gown caught the light like liquid fire. The off-shoulder sweetheart neckline hugged her full breasts, while the daring high slit revealed a long, toned leg with every step. Her silver-gray hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail that swayed behind her, catching the breeze. Long sparkling earrings dangled and shimmered as she moved.
Heads turned instantly.
A group of guys near the entrance stopped mid-conversation. A few girls whispered behind their hands. Even the valet paused for a second too long before taking the Honda's keys.
Jennifer felt the eyes on her and instinctively straightened her posture, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips.
They entered the private elevator. The doors closed with a soft chime and opened again on the rooftop.
The party was in full swing.
Hundreds of people filled the sprawling terrace. Colored lights pulsed over a glowing infinity pool where several girls danced in the shallow end, water glistening on their skin. EDM mixed with hip-hop shook the air as the DJ worked the booth.
Groups lounged on plush outdoor sofas, sipping expensive cocktails and champagne. In one corner, seniors were shouting over a rowdy game of beer pong. Elsewhere, couples were openly making out on lounge chairs, some already half-undressed.
A few people had clearly overdone it — one guy lay passed out on a couch, bottle still clutched in his hand.
The moment Leo and Jennifer stepped out, the energy shifted.
The DJ's hands froze mid-mix for half a second. The bass kept thumping, but the whispers started immediately.
"Wow… who the hell is she? She's fucking hot…"
"Damn, look at that dress…"
Eyes locked onto Jennifer — the way the sequins sparkled with every movement, the high slit flashing her thigh, the confident sway of her ponytail. But just as many eyes flicked to Leo, drawn to the tall, muscular guy in the simple black polo and cream trousers.
Jennifer's cheeks flushed. She felt the weight of every stare.
At the far end of the bar, Roy Watson was making out heavily with a blonde in a provocatively short dress. His hand was sliding up her thigh when one of his friends nudged him hard.
"Yo, Roy — check this out."
Roy pulled back, annoyed for a split second, then followed his friend's gaze. His eyes landed on Leo first — genuinely surprised he had shown up — but the moment they shifted to Jennifer, everything else disappeared. His gaze dragged slowly down the sparkling red dress, the deep neckline, the high slit, the way the sequins caught every light.
Without even glancing back at the blonde, Roy straightened up and strode toward them with that easy, confident swagger only rich kids seemed to master. He was dressed in a tailored black shirt and an expensive watch, hair perfectly styled. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
"Jennifer…" Roy said, voice smooth and appreciative. "Holy shit. You look incredible. That dress was made for you."
Jennifer blushed lightly but smiled. "Thanks, Roy."
Roy casually patted Leo on the shoulder. "Bro, what a surprise. Didn't think you'd actually come."
Leo gave a small shrug. "Why? Were you not happy to see me?"
Roy's attention was already entirely on Jennifer. "How could I not be happy you came? Come on, let me show you around. The view from the rooftop is insane tonight. Freshman welcome or not, this party is already popping."
Leo stood beside them, hands in his pockets, watching the interaction with that same calm, lazy expression.
Roy guided them through the crowd toward the sleek bar counter that overlooked the glowing infinity pool.
"What are you guys having?" he asked, leaning casually against the bar.
Jennifer scanned the glowing menu. "I'll have a cosmopolitan, please."
Leo didn't even glance at the options. "Just a non-alcoholic mocktail for me."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Come on, bro. Have a real drink. Loosen up a little."
Leo shook his head with a calm smile. "Can't. I'm driving us back later."
Roy shrugged, clearly disappointed, and waved the bartender over. As the man moved away to prepare the drinks, Roy caught the eye of one of his friends across the bar and gave a subtle nod. The guy understood immediately and strolled over.
"Leo, right?" the newcomer said, extending his hand. "I'm Marsh."
Leo shook it firmly, pretending he hadn't noticed Roy's little maneuver. "Yeah. Nice to meet you."
Marsh launched straight into conversation, asking about Leo's classes and basketball, keeping his attention locked in place.
Meanwhile, Roy turned back to Jennifer with a satisfied smile. He slid her cosmopolitan across the counter and took a sip of his own whiskey.
"So, Jennifer," he said smoothly, "I've never seen you at many of our parties before."
Jennifer smiled softly, her eyes flicking nervously toward Leo. "My parents are pretty strict, so I never really got the chance."
Roy nodded, his gaze slowly tracing the curve of her breasts and lingering on her glossy lips. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get used to it pretty fast." He raised his glass. "Come on, let's drink."
Jennifer clinked her glass against his and took a sip, the sweet burn of alcohol warming her throat.
Even while chatting with Marsh, Leo's attention stayed fixed on Jennifer and Roy. He watched as Roy leaned in closer and whispered something in her ear. Jennifer laughed softly, her cheeks flushing.
A group of attractive girls — aspiring models, judging by their confident struts and flawless makeup — made their way over. Roy introduced them to Jennifer, who smiled eagerly and introduced herself in return.
The mood lightened quickly. The girls grabbed Jennifer's hands and pulled her toward the dance floor. "Come on, let's dance!"
Roy nodded along to the beat, his eyes glued to Jennifer's back as she moved away. He glanced over at Leo. "Leo, come on! Let's vibe!" This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Leo waved him off with a relaxed smile. "You guys go ahead. I'm good here."
Roy shrugged and followed the group onto the dance floor.
Marsh slowly drifted away a minute later, his job clearly done.
What a coordinated move, Leo thought, taking a sip of his mocktail. They split her from me so smoothly.
On the dance floor, the alcohol and party energy had loosened Jennifer up. She danced freely with the girls, her sparkling red dress catching every flash of light, the high slit flashing her thigh with every sway of her hips.
Roy danced with the models for a few moments before smoothly sliding behind Jennifer. His hands settled on her waist as he moved in closer.
Jennifer flinched at the sudden touch, a bright smile blooming on her face as she assumed it was Leo. But when she turned her head and realized it was Roy, her expression faltered for a split second.
Roy noticed the brief disappointment but didn't let it show. He leaned in with a charming grin.
"Come on, let me show you some real moves."
He started swaying with the beat, his hands resting lightly but confidently on her waist, guiding her gently into the rhythm.
Jennifer hesitated for half a beat, then laughed softly and let the music take over. The alcohol and the electric atmosphere made it easy to loosen up. Her sparkling red sequined gown shimmered and shifted with every sway of her hips, the high slit flashing her toned thigh as she moved.
Roy stepped in closer, their bodies brushing together as they danced. His hands stayed on her waist, thumbs tracing small circles through the thin fabric.
From the bar, Leo watched everything with calm, unreadable amber eyes. His mocktail sat untouched in his hand. He could see every detail — the way Roy's fingers lingered a little too long, the way Jennifer's ponytail swayed as she turned, the way the sequins caught the colored lights and made her look like she was glowing.
The hunger inside him stirred faintly — not strong yet, but definitely awake.
Jennifer glanced back toward the bar, searching for Leo. When their eyes met for a moment, she gave him a small, almost apologetic smile before Roy spun her around again.
Roy leaned in near her ear, his breath warm. "You really do look incredible tonight. I'm glad you came."
Jennifer smiled, a little flustered. "Thanks… It's been a while since I've been to anything like this."
Roy chuckled. "Then we'll have to change that. You deserve to have fun."
He pulled her a fraction closer as the beat dropped, their bodies moving in sync. Jennifer laughed, caught up in the energy of the moment, but every few seconds her gaze drifted back toward Leo.
Leo watched, fingers loosely wrapped around his glass, the corner of his mouth twitching into the faintest smirk.
The night was only beginning.
/c/DevilsWhisper