**Val's P.O.V**
"Heyyy, Reynolds…" I forced a nervous smile, my voice wavering as I tried to sound casual.
"Don't 'Hey Reynolds' me," he snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut through the party noise. "You said you were staying at Brielle's. What are you doing here? And what are you even wearing?!" He paused, taking a deep breath. "Do you have any idea how worried I was when my friends told me you were here? And you didn't even bother to tell me you were coming to this party!" He spat it all out in one breath, his frustration palpable.
"Well, you didn't ask…" I mumbled, avoiding his gaze and staring at the floor.
He sighed, his anger deflating as he took a seat next to me. "Look, Val," he began, his voice softer now. "I just don't want to see you get hurt again."
"I know," I said, finally meeting his eyes. "It's just…I haven't been to a party in forever, and I wanted to remember what it felt like. And don't worry, I'm not drinking. I'm the designated driver." I waved Brielle's car keys in his face, hoping to lighten the mood.
He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Just…be safe, okay? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay, Reynolds," I said, grinning. "Love you, Old Guard."
"Don't call me that," he muttered, standing up and walking away.
I watched him disappear into the crowd, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. Before I could dwell on it too long, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see **Mason** smiling at me, his dimples on full display. I had to admit, Mason was undeniably attractive.
"Hey, Val," he said, his voice warm and inviting.
"Hey," I replied, returning his smile.
"You enjoying the party?" he asked, leaning in slightly to be heard over the music.
"It's…alright," I said with a shrug. "Not really my scene, but it's something."
"We're playing truth or dare over there," he said, gesturing to a group of people gathered in a circle. "You wanna join?"
"Truth or dare? Uh…can I just watch?" I asked, already feeling my social anxiety kick in.
"Of course," he said, leading me over to the group.
As we approached, I recognized a few familiar faces from school. Mason announced my arrival with a dramatic, "Look who decided to join us!" Everyone turned to look at me, except for the two people who were too busy making out in the middle of the circle.
"Hey," I said awkwardly, waving at the group.
The reactions were mixed. Some people looked surprised, others confused, and a few muttered things under their breath.
"Is that Val?"
"No way, she looks so different."
"Ugh, what's *she* doing here?"
"Damn, she's hot."
I felt my cheeks burn as a few guys whistled in my direction. This was beyond embarrassing.
"Have a seat," Mason said, gesturing to the armrest of the couch next to him.
I sat down carefully, aware of how short my dress was. The last thing I needed was to flash someone accidentally.
Finally, the two people who had been making out pulled away, and I froze. It was **Jax**. His eyes locked onto mine, wide with shock. He looked like he'd just seen a ghost.
The game resumed, and I tried to focus on the dares, most of which were ridiculous and borderline inappropriate. Then, the bottle landed on Jax.
"Alright, Jax," Mason said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare," Jax said without hesitation, his confidence unwavering.
"Okay,"Dragging out the word as he scanned the circle, his eyes landed on me, and my stomach dropped. "Kiss…Val", Mason says with a smirk.
"Wait, what?!" Seriously? There are other girls here, you know. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. This is just perfect.
Jax starts walking toward me, shoving aside the girl he was making out with, his eyes locked on my lips with a hungry look. Oh no. Jax is completely wasted.
In seconds, his soft lips are on mine, and it feels incredible. He pulls me closer, his strong arm wrapping around my waist.
He stumbled slightly, looking at me with a mix of surprise and confusion.
"Sorry," I mumbled, trying to push past him, but he grabbed my wrist.
He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "You look stunning." His voice sent shivers down my spine, and I felt my cheeks flush. Then he pulled away, leaving me speechless as he returned to his seat.
I excused myself and bolted for the bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest. As I climbed the stairs, a guy I didn't recognize grabbed me and pulled me into a corner.
I tried to scream, but his hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my voice.
"Get off me!" I shouted, my words barely audible as I struggled against him.
He twisted my arm, sending a sharp pain shooting through my body. "Stop struggling, and I won't hurt you," he said, his voice cold and menacing.
Yeah, right. I kicked him as hard as I could, aiming for his most vulnerable spot. He doubled over, and I took off running, not stopping until I was sure he was far behind me.
My heart was racing, and I realized I had no idea where the bathroom was. I was lost somewhere on the second floor, feeling dizzy and struggling to catch my breath. Then the memories came flooding back.
---
### **Flashback**
"Don't you just love it when I touch you?" he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. Tears streamed down my face as he caressed my arm.
"Ryan, please don't. You promised me," I pleaded, my voice trembling.
"I did? Even if I did, it meant nothing," he said, his tone cold and detached. My breath hitched in my throat.
This wasn't the Ryan I thought I knew.
"Oh, baby, I can't hold back anymore when I know you're mine," he said, his grip tightening.
"No! Get off me!" I shouted, pushing him away, only to be met with a sharp slap across my face.
"You little piece of shit!" he snarled, shoving me back.
---
### **Back to Reality**
"Val, it's okay. I'm here."
I looked up to see Jax standing in front of me, his eyes filled with concern. "Please, just breathe," he said softly.
"I'm sorry," I sobbed, my voice breaking. "I…I can't forget it."
Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his shoulder. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around me, his hand gently rubbing my back.
"You don't have to apologize," he murmured. "I've got you."
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
I could feel him smile against my hair. "Do you want to go home?" he asked after a moment.
"Yeah," I said, pulling away slightly. "I think I should."
"I'll take you. I'll let Reynolds know."
"Please don't tell him what happened," I said, giving him a pleading look.
"But—" he started, but I cut him off with a sharp glare.
"Fine," he relented, sighing.
As he turned to leave, I grabbed his hand. "Can you give these keys to Brielle?" I asked, holding out the car keys.
He nodded, taking them from me. "I'll be right back."
I watched him walk away, my mind still reeling from everything that had just happened. He'd seen me at my weakest, and for some reason, that thought terrified me.
---
### **Later That Night**
"The door's locked," Jax said, cursing under his breath. "Where's your mom?"
"Out of town," I sighed, leaning against the doorframe.
"My parents are out too," he said, running a hand through his hair. "You can stay at my place for the night if you want."
"Okay," I said, nodding. "Thanks, Jax."
He smiled, and for the first time that night, I felt a small sense of relief.
---