"So, are you going to invite me in?" I nervously ask as he stares at me.

"Yeah, yeah. I didn't expect you to say yes," Louis stammers, finally coming out of the clouds. He turns to unlock the door with the keycard, and a dog barks on the other side. I had no clue he had a dog. "Oh, yeah, uh, if Finn doesn't approach you, don't be offended. He only trusts Jace and me after everything he's been through," he notes.

I hum as he opens the door. I want to ask more about what he meant by that statement, but I hold back. Instead of walking in first, he holds it open. I stall a little until I realise he's holding it open for me. I let out an anxious breath and take a step in, mumbling, "I'm sorry." A large, fluffy dog with black fur greets me. A mixed breed? He barks, taking a few steps back with nervous brown eyes until Louis shushes him. He shuts the door and locks it behind us.

"I'll be right back," Louis notes. He walks away, and I glance around. This flat is immaculate, showing off his family's wealth. The floor is marble; there's a silver fireplace with a giant, flat screen television hanging above, a luscious black couch and large windows to show off the city lights. My eyes fall to the kitchen, where the cabinets and counters are white, complemented by silver appliances. Sleek. For being a flat, it's spacious and expensive looking, but it lacks any personal flare to it. I set my purse down on the little table beside the door before facing Finn. He whimpers away, pacing a little in place.

"Hi," I whisper, almost cautious that Louis will hear after warning me about him. I hold my hand out, and he lets out a huff of air. I'm nearly as timid as him. He hesitates before stepping forward to sniff my greeting hand. His wagging tail makes my smile brighten, and I let out a tiny laugh. "Looks like Louis is a liar," I mock, more so to myself. Or maybe this dog knows I'm weaker than him and feels no threat. I kneel, and he approaches me, allowing me to pet him. I'm in love with the texture of his curly fur, feeling so soft against my skin. He starts to whimper, but his tail is flying everywhere. I let out a small giggle, enjoying how happy this pup is to see me. I don't think I've even smiled like this in ages.

"I got," Louis stops. My hands leave Finn, and I immediately stand up. Louis' face is off as he looks between us.

"Sorry," I squeak out.

"Stop apologising over everything. I'm just surprised he likes you so much," Louis states lowly with his eyes on him. Finn sits down with his tail thudding against the ground. I hug my arms to my chest and swallow. He almost looks lost, and I try to redirect him.

"Are those the clothes?" I ask quietly. He nods and holds it out. I thank him softly and take them from him. There's an odd energy radiating between the two of us, and I am barely breathing. It's unreal how thin this air feels around him. "Uh, where's the loo?"

"There are three doors over there. The middle one, between mine and Jace's rooms," he states lowly. Jace. His friend that I had heard about on that beach trip, for all of two seconds. I don't even know what he looks like. I don't remember anything else, and I certainly didn't think they lived together. Obviously, I know nothing about this perfect stranger.

I make my way into the bathroom and lock myself inside. It's a small bathroom with a glass door shower, white walls and a small sink that looks like one of those fancy bowls built into the counter. I hum to myself, not expecting this to be where he lived. I half expected a messy dorm room or a messy, run-down flat with cracked walls and dirty dishes piled in the sink. I set the clothes down and take a look at my reflection. My brown hair is wet and returning to its original waves. My mascara has begun to smudge beneath my hazel eyes. Honestly, I look like a mess from the little time in that rain. I turn on the sink water and dip my finger beneath the faucet. My finger attempts to dab away the makeup smears as the anxiety begins to toy at me. I hate that he saw me like this. I look like a drowned rat.

I turn off the water and use the black hand towel to dry it off. With a heavy sigh, I finally remove the soaked cardigan and hang it on the towel hook. I peel off the wet dress with a slight shiver before awkwardly hanging that as well. I drop my heels before grabbing the black tee he gave me. I lift it to my nose, getting a tiny hint of his delicious cologne. It's faint, but it's there, bringing a small smile to my lips. I don't think I've ever loved a cologne so much. I slip it on and admire that it is long enough to fall right above my knees. I don't need the shorts, after all, this is just as long as my dress.

I scoop up my heels and make my way out. He's no longer in the living room, and I take it that he's in the bedroom. I set the heels down and take a seat on the couch. My eyes skim around the sleek flat, taking in its beauty. It's luxurious, especially compared to my home. My eyes linger on the lightning flashes in the sky above the city. The city is beautiful from this view, even amidst the London rain. I would love to sit on this couch and read a good book, looking up at that view every so often.

His bedroom door opens, taking my attention away. He comes out, now dressed in a black tee and grey sweatpants. His wet hair has been pushed back, and he still looks mesmerising.

"Josh won't mind you being here?" he asks, bringing a slightly vulgar feeling to my stomach. I look away with a breathy laugh.

"He, uh, is at the party and so far gone. He doesn't even know," I answer shamelessly. I half expect him to tell me to text Josh or that it's time to go. Instead, he sits beside me on the couch, and my heart skips a little. Alone with him in his flat, sitting on his couch in just his shirt, my bra and my panties. It's a vulnerable position I'm in, and I'm very aware of it. I cross my right leg over my left and look out the window more.

"Can I ask you something?" he asks softly. I hum, finally matching his eyes with mine. His lips press together for a moment, stalling slightly. His eyes fall to my arm, and I realise I no longer have the cardigan to cover up. "Does he hurt you?"

"What?" my face falls instantly. My heart no longer beats in my chest as I gaze in shock. My hand covers the bruise, and my lashes flutter as I try to process what he just asked.

"Does he hurt you? After Monday, I've been dying to know," he repeats slowly with those eyes focused intensely on mine.

"How could you ask something like that? No, he doesn't hurt me," I get defensive fast, inching away slightly. My heart is now pounding rapidly in my chest. He has a hint of a frown as he gazes back. "That was...that was a first. Whatever you saw was an argument between us. You really shouldn't be asking me that."

"That was a first? Really?" he questions back. I'm breathless, unable to comprehend how he is just openly asking me such things. Never in the two years I've been with him has anyone asked me such things.

"I don't know what you're talking about. We're happy," I try to stand my ground. His eyes are boring right into mine, and my chest aches. If I wasn't vulnerable before, I truly am now.

"It's terrifying how you can confidently say that, but you're obviously lying. You may have your friends fooled, but I'm not," his statement leaves my body cold. I look away, unable to defend myself this time. I can't tell if he's bluffing or if there is something about me that makes him realise it's a lie.

"I was there tonight because I want to be a social worker, to help children," I redirect the topic with this tension becoming too much to handle.

"Megan," he sighs out of frustration. He's not thrilled that I changed the topic.

"My brother, Jason, and I were in an awful situation with our birth parents. I've always wanted to help children like this woman named Mary did for us. That's why I was at that boring old conference. It means a lot to me. I wouldn't put myself through an abusive relationship after what we went through as children, so stop asking me if I am in one," I breathe out.

He stays silent this time, and I pick anxiously at the shirt. That's information I took a while to admit to my friends. Hannah was the only one that knew about that situation, being my best friend since we were children. The others found out after about two years. Even then, this information is easier to reveal than what he wants to know about Josh. So much easier. The idea of admitting everything Josh has put me through is terrifying. If I admitted it out loud, I'd be scared of the demons that could come out and torture me. Some things are better left unsaid, and I refuse to believe that I have gotten into a relationship like that.

"Is that fireplace real?" I change the topic once more. Farther and farther away from the subject of Josh. I hope he'll drop it because I cannot deal with it.

"Yeah, it's electric," he sighs, giving up. I watch as he grabs a silver remote and taps a button. The lights dim, and a little fire comes to life. I gaze in amazement. His family is rich-rich. There's a low rumble of thunder outside, and it's calming. I feel at peace in this flat.

"You're not a fan of your father," I state the obvious, keeping my voice low. I look at him, and the fire's soft glow makes him even more enticing.

"No, I'm not, but I love how you keep trying to dodge the conversation," he brings us right back to square one. My chest tightens, and my muscles tense. His eyes are on the bruise, and I don't move an inch. "Maybe it was a one-time thing like you said, and I'm overthinking things. Just know that if he is hurting you, you don't deserve it. You will never deserve it, and he doesn't deserve someone as breathtaking as you, especially if that's the case."

"Breathtaking? You're just saying that" I let out a hint of a laugh, unable to fathom that this is real. Comparing me to Hannah and Ali, who are both drop-dead gorgeous, I probably look like a nobody. Josh most definitely doesn't ever call me that. It truly feels like some kind of joke. A wall is high up around me, and something is telling me that it's just to get me to come out and tell him what he wants to hear.

"No, I'm not," he whispers huskily.

Time is standing still as I gaze back at him. The warm glow on his face has my attention, and all I can focus on is him. After all this time with Josh, I haven't ever been in a trance like this. Those eyes are so perfect, with flames flickering in them. That shirt fits all too nicely on him showing off the lines of muscles, and those tattoos are so intriguing. I've never felt wanted by Josh, not like this. It's the same trance I fell into the night we met. Those eyes are burning right into me, and I am no longer thinking straight. My body is overwhelmed by the electricity pulsating through me, an energy so strong I had only ever felt on that beach with him.

My phone interrupts my thoughts, and my heart drops. A sudden wake-up call that makes me realise what the hell I'm doing. My skin is so unbelievably hot, and an ache is dwelling down low. He is the first and only guy that has even turned me on to the point that I almost feel desperate for his touch alone.

I grab my phone and frown when I see Shane's name on my screen. I can breathe easier knowing that it isn't Josh. I try to catch my breath before answering. "Yes?" I ask, my voice unsteady. I stare off at the fireplace with these nerves creeping through me. His stare is felt on me. I need to get out of here before things escalate.

"Hey, uh, Josh and I are heading to your dorm. He's too far gone, and we can't keep watching him all night," Shane chuckles, not realising how off I am. I pale, the heat escaping me instantly.

"You're what?" I ask in a wavering voice.

"Heading to your dorm, if that's alright," he repeats before he mumbles something to Josh. My heart is on the ground, and I wish the floor would swallow me up.

"Uh, okay. I'm just about to leave the convention. I'll be there soon," I lie quickly before ending the call. I stand up before finally turning to Louis. His lips are pressed into a hard line as he stares at the wall. "I'm sorry, I need to go," I whisper before running to the bathroom. I attempt to change quickly into the damp dress, the dampness making my entire body shiver. I keep the cardigan off, draping it over my arm. I make my way out to slip the heels back on, fear coursing through my veins.

"I'll drive you back," Louis finally says something, despite it being the last thing I want to hear.

"No, it's alright. I'm just gonna go. This was a mistake anyways. I should have never come in. Josh is going to kill me," I get out frantically. I grab my purse and look at him, noticing the slightest hint of a frown. God, I wish this wasn't the case. He stands, and my stomach dips. "That night on that beach should have never happened. Tonight most definitely should not have happened. I have a boyfriend, and you really need to stay away from me. He can't know what we did," I stammer out with a nervous laugh escaping me. His eyes are hard on me. He is far from happy.

"That was your choice to come in," he scoffs, snapping amidst another crash of thunder.

"You offered, knowing I'm with Josh. You kissed me first on that beach, and I should have stopped it. I don't know what you're trying to pull, but we can't be doing this," I defend back, my heart pounding so fast that it may give up.

"Like I knew you had a boyfriend back then. One that you apparently love so much, despite willingly getting under me that night. Hell, you love him so damn much that you're here with me instead," his words pierce right through me like a sharpened stake. I poked a bear with a stick, and I regret it. The air I take in is shallow. The tables have turned in a matter of seconds.

"That question you asked me at that coffee shop, if I regret that night," I start in a near whisper. His eyes are burning right through me. "I do," I end it, turning to grab the doorknob.

Except I don't, no matter how much it pains me to say I do.

I let myself out, almost running right into someone's chest out in the hall. I stop moving and barely breathe as I look up at the guy with wet, black hair and chocolate brown eyes. He's in all black, but I can see that he has a half sleeve of tattoos on his left arm. My stomach is in knots as his eyebrows furrow together. Based on the key card in his hand, it has to be Jace. I never met him, and now I'm running out, looking like a flustered, nearly tearful mess.

"Excuse me," I whisper, moving past him quickly. I make my way straight to the lift with this fear and anger not subsiding. Lucky for me, the doors to the lift open the moment I press the button. I guess I can thank Jace for that. I hurry into the lift and frantically tap the button to the lobby, terrified that they will beat me there. That heat between my legs is empty after freaking out on him. Why did I do that to myself?

Truthfully, I do want him to stay away. It's too dangerous having him around when all my insides do is melt by his presence. It's too risky when Josh could wrap his hand around my neck and make me regret ever even looking in his direction.

The mere thought of Josh going to my dorm has me on edge. Why not just push me off the cliff so I can escape it all?

I have an excuse for being out. I was at the convention. I truly sat through the entire thing. It ended not too long ago. Although if Josh even tries to question me about it, I'm terrified that he could see right through me and know that I was with him instead. Maybe I'm out of my mind, but my hands are trembling, and my heart won't quit racing from worry.

I torture myself by walking back beneath this storm. I'm too scared to run and risk falling due to wearing heels while it is downpouring. The lightning flashing above only heightens the fear. Maybe I should have accepted that ride instead of picking a fight. I'm an idiot. A bloody idiot.

I feel more relieved when I make it to the dorm. I hold my arms tightly over my chest as I walk down the corridor. I'm cold and soaked and wish I was still warm and dry in Louis' flat. My heart is in my stomach as I near my room and find both Shane and Josh outside. Shane is laughing at something Josh says, with his back towards me. He turns, and I can finally see Josh's face entirely. They both have wet hair, but they aren't nearly as soaked as I am. Shane bursts into a cheeky grin, showing off his little dimple.

"Finally, I can head back to the party. Have fun watching this idiot," Shane cheers with a little smirk. He walks past me to leave, and my eyes are on Josh. His eyes hold a drunken gaze, with red lines etched into them. My insides are coiled up, and I swallow. He's funny to everyone else when drunk and high. I hate being alone with him when he is under the influence.

"Where were you?" he scowls, looking me up and down. The putrid scent of alcohol hits me, and I fight back a grimace. If he can't even remember the convention, he is too far gone.

"The convention that you drove me to and left me at, to walk back in this storm," I remind him with a frown. I take out my keys and unlock the door. He pushes it open and stumbles into my room, cutting me off before I have the chance to step inside. He's unsteady on his feet, and I am trying to breathe through this. I kick off my heels, relieving my feet of the ache. I close the door and drop my cardigan and purse down onto my wooden desk.

His arms are suddenly trapping me against the wall, placed on both sides of me. I back up against the wall, feeling the concrete bricks behind me. I barely breathe as I gaze into the brown eyes that have darkened drastically. His eyes look me up and down hungrily, and I can't move an inch. His breath fans over me, and all I can smell is that alcohol. I'm terrified that he can smell his cologne.

"I missed you," he mumbles in a raspy voice. I swallow the lump in my throat, unable to say a word back. His head lowers as he goes to kiss my neck, one of his hands now on my hip. His lips are ice cold from the rain, and I am already nauseous.

"Josh, no," I start in a pathetic whimper, attempting to press onto his chest. He lifts his head and uses the other hand to grab onto my face roughly, his thumb pressing into my left cheek and the rest of his fingers pressing firmly into the other so that I have no choice but to look directly into his eyes. His other hand that is on my hip is now tighter. He's stronger when drunk. So strong that I fear being touched by him when he's in this state. "You're hurting me," I let out a strangled sound.

"Did you just tell me no?" he growls lowly in a dark whisper. My heart has dropped entirely as those angry eyes pierce into mine.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," I choke out. His scowl still crosses his lips before they roughly crash onto mine.

I don't want to be here.

I'd rather be in his flat with him instead.