FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 8

Shanelle POV

As the anticipation built up inside me, I glanced at the clock on my bedroom wall. It was already 9:00 p.m., and I hurriedly surveyed myself in the mirror, making sure every detail of my outfit was just right.

I had opted for a sleek black dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. Its off-the-shoulder design added a touch of sophistication, while the knee-length skirt showcased a playful edge. I paired it with strappy heels that elongated my legs and completed the look with a statement necklace and a bold red lip. I couldn't help but feel confident in this ensemble.

Beatrice and Kayleen burst into my room with equally limited excitement for tonight's mission or whatever they wanted to call it. They looked stunning in their own distinctive styles. Beatrice, always the bohemian spirit, wore a flowing maxi dress adorned with intricate patterns. Kayleen, on the other hand, donned a form-fitting jumpsuit that accentuated her model frame. Her silver stilettos added a touch of glamour to the overall look.

After a few finishing touches and shared compliments, we made our way downstairs to the living room. The house was filled with a heavy tension, and we eagerly awaited the arrival of Vincent and Dan.

When Vincent descended the stairs, the atmosphere in the room shifted. It was as if a storm had rolled in, dark and enticing. He looked every bit the dangerous bad boy that he was. His black leather jacket hung effortlessly on his broad shoulders, and his jeans clung to his muscular legs. A hint of stubble adorned his jawline, emphasizing his rugged charm. The way his dark, intense eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail, sent a shiver down my spine.

I knew better than to let my guard down. Vincent was not the type of guy I usually went for, and the danger that emanated from him only made it more alluring. But I forced myself to stay focused. I reminded myself that getting involved with someone like Vincent was a sure-fire way to invite chaos into my life. I couldn't afford to catch feelings for someone so unpredictable.

Just as I was reining in my thoughts, Dan appeared with his usual charming smile. His presence was like a breath of fresh air, a welcome contrast to Vincent's enigmatic aura. He led us outside to his car, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at Vincent. He was waiting for all of us to go first, his eyes assessing me from head to toe with an intensity that made me nervous yet ignited a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. His gaze gave nothing away, leaving me to wonder what was going on behind those captivating eyes.

I knew I had to push these thoughts aside. Tonight was about looking for Kaden, I had no room in my life for a dangerous distraction like Vincent. 

OoO

As we approached the vibrant chaos of the frat party, I couldn't help but feel my nerves intensify. I noticed my hands trembling involuntarily, and Kayleen, always perceptive, gently took hold of them. I managed a nervous smile, appreciating her silent support. Parties were supposed to be my thing, my element, but this time was different. We weren't here to indulge and revel; we were on a mission, desperate to find someone and escape this never-ending nightmare.

The frat house loomed before us, a sprawling structure pulsating with music and laughter. The exterior was adorned with neon lights, signaling the raucous atmosphere within. As we stepped through the threshold, I was immediately assaulted by a wave of sights and sounds. Teenagers, drunk on youth and cheap booze, moved about in a dizzying dance. The air was heavy with a mix of sweat, alcohol, and anticipation.

Vincent led us further into the madness while Dan departed to find a parking spot. The crowd swallowed us, bodies pressed together like sardines in a can. The intensity of it all overwhelmed me, but I knew there was no turning back. I had to push through the discomfort and focus on our mission.

Vincent pulled me aside, his voice barely audible above the thumping bass. He outlined our plan, instructing us to split up and search for Kaden. We were to reconvene outside the frat house if we found any leads. Nodding, I tried to summon a sense of purpose and determination, mentally bracing myself for the challenge ahead.

As I separated from my friends, a sense of unease washed over me. I felt like a lost soul in a sea of faces, unable to find an anchor amidst the chaos. But I couldn't allow myself to falter. I straightened my posture, put on a mask of confidence, and began to navigate my way through the throng of partygoers.

My presence didn't go unnoticed; whispers followed me, curious gazes lingered. People wondered who I was, why I was here. Their attention fueled my determination to find Kaden, to bring an end to this ordeal.

I was approached by a guy, his voice barely audible amidst the deafening noise. He offered me a drink, but my focus remained unwavering. I described Kaden to him, hoping he might have seen someone matching that description. Unfortunately, his answer was a disappointing shake of the head. I thanked him politely and resumed my quest.

Moving through the crowd, I accidentally bumped into another girl, disrupting her equilibrium. Her anger was palpable, but then she looked at me, recognition flaring in her eyes. 

"Hey, I know you. You're Shanelle Falcon right?" She blurted out my name to the surrounding revelers, her voice cutting through the noise. 

"Oh my god, it is you! Quick, somebody, take a picture of us! Shanelle Falcon is here!"

"Oh my god, it is her. Wait, what is she doing at our party?"

"Holy shit! We have a celebrity in the house people! Move out of the way!"

Suddenly, all attention was on me. The partygoers swarmed, brandishing their smartphones, eager to capture the unexpected celebrity encounter.

Panic gripped my heart, squeezing it mercilessly. The room began to spin, and the walls closed in. I was trapped, engulfed by the frenzy I had inadvertently stumbled into. I desperately scanned the crowd, searching for an escape, but everyone around me was consumed by the spectacle, oblivious to my mounting distress.

Then, just when I thought I was completely trapped, a firm grip encircled my arm, grounding me. It was Vincent, materializing like a lifeline in the chaos. He guided me away from the cacophony, leading us to a dark corner outside, away from prying eyes.

"Take a deep breath," Vincent whispered, his voice a soothing balm against the storm raging within me. 

"Breathe with me. In... and out. In... and out."

I clung to his words, letting them anchor me in the present moment. Together, we breathed in synchrony, each inhale and exhale a tangible reminder that I wasn't alone. The panic began to recede, gradually replaced by a newfound calmness.

"Feeling better now?" I nodded slowly, grateful for the concern.

"Yes, thank you." He reciprocated with a single nod and slid his hands into his pockets.

"Don't mention it."

My gaze drifted back to the house, a sense of unease settling in as I wondered where Kayleen and Beatrice had disappeared to. Waves of anxiety washed over me, fearing the possibility of losing my friends.

"Where are Kayleen and Bea?" I asked, stealing a quick glance at Vincent as he dialed a number on his phone.

"They're with Dan; he's coming to pick us up," he reassured me. Relief flooded through me, knowing they were safe, but then a sudden realization struck.

"Wait, what about Kaden? Did you find him?" Vincent's gaze remained fixed ahead, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"No, not yet. But, we will definitely be meeting him tomorrow."