His unexpected mate [the green coven series]

MAKING OUT

ALICE POV

After the scene in the hallway, I headed to the cafeteria where Val was waiting for me to grab a quick sandwich together. For a first day of college, it feels like I've filled my lifetime quota of chaos, although given the circumstances, my life can only irreparably worsen from here.

"Why the long face, girl?" pouted Val, trying to lift my spirits as we nibbled on our sandwiches in the shade of an oak tree covered by Spanish moss.

In short, I recounted the morning's events to her, carefully omitting any mention of the amber-eyed boy. I only spoke of the two altercations with the blonde with the fake breasts, Harmony.

At the mention of her name, Val wrinkled her nose in disdain. "I know how frustrating she can be. Do you have a taste for risk, don't you?" Although I could sense a vein of fear in her tone, she must have been bullied like Angie, after all, they all attended the same high school.

I shrugged. "No, it's just that I couldn't resist when she was being a jerk to Angie for no reason, we were ignoring her."

"I know, don't worry. Unfortunately, I know all too well how poisonous she can be. Anyway, we absolutely need to break out of this depressive spiral today, and I know exactly how to do it."

"Oookay, spill," I said.

"I heard from reliable sources," she began conspiratorially, "that tonight is the first party of the year! The ThetaPhi fraternity is kicking off the season of fun!"

"I'm not really the party type, Val, if I'm honest. Back in Italy, I preferred reading a book and drinking herbal tea to going dancing at the club with friends."

"Okay, are you still in Italy?" she asked rhetorically. I sighed, and she persisted, "I don't think so, right? New life! Tonight, I'll introduce you to the joys of college!"

"Val, really, I..." but looking at her puppy eyes and pouting expression, I couldn't resist, rolling my eyes. "Okay, I'll regret it, I know, but fine. I'll go with you."

It was as if I had just told her she had won the lottery. She practically leapt on me, grinning and squealing that I wouldn't regret it, that it would be an awesome night, and I would forget all about Harmony and her shenanigans. I hope she's right.

I had two more classes after the lunch break, and luckily, they went smoothly—no Harmony, no handsome amber eyes around. I was texting Ilaria and my brother when Val and Angie barged into our room, squealing and grinning, holding a bunch of clothes and accessories. "Aliceeeee!"

Turning my gaze towards them, I asked, frowning, "What?"

Two pairs of eyes stared back at me. "So, we've got some options from Angie’s wardrobe. We're going to get ready together and leave in one hour," Val said. "You know, Angie’s mom owns a small boutique, and she always gets last season's unsold items for herself. But since I'm the best friend ever, and you're going to bring me—maybe us—back to Italy, we can share the sexiest dresses on the planet with you!!!"

Angie smiled and nodded, a slight blush on her cheeks at Val’s statement, but she seemed genuinely happy.

"Sorry, guys, I don't know how we're supposed to dress up for a college party. It sounds like a house party, right? Usually, I just wear jeans and crop tops. We're not going to a club, so why dress up?"

"Jeeeez! Because there will be plenty of good-looking guys! ThetaPhi is known to be rich in jokes and handsomes! So, move your ass, get showered, and try this one!" Val ordered, passing me a black dress with a deep back neckline.

With a sigh, I nodded and followed the orders of my bossy roommate.

Exiting the bathroom, I noticed that both Val and Angie were already ready, looking stunning. Val wore a tight electric blue dress that accentuated her complexion and blonde hair, paired with golden stiletto heels and shimmering golden makeup.

Angie, on the other hand, sported a figure-hugging asymmetrical dress in fiery red, with geometric patterned heels and light, natural makeup that highlighted her deep brown eyes. She was a natural beauty.

"You two look stunning," I stated, jaw dropped.

"You look gorgeous too darling" Val echoed, "but we need to curl your waves a bit and we're going to glam you up like divas," she said with a sly smile.

Rolling my eyes, I slumped into the chair in front of the desk, where they had set up a makeshift vanity, and they got to work creating what they deemed the perfect look for me.

In the blink of an eye, we were descending the college stairs. Philip and Karla were waiting for us outside the campus, hand in hand—a beautiful couple, I thought to myself. It's evident he only has eyes for her. Every time I glanced at them last night at dinner, they were lost in each other, so sweet it could give you diabetes.

Together, we headed towards the party's location—the fraternity's grand villa. The music blared, audible from at least 500 meters away. Some girls danced in bikini, others played beer pong in the front yard with a couple of jokes. No one seemed particularly attentive to us, thankfully.

As we entered, one of the guys introduced himself as Jacob and pointed us towards the buffet and drinks with a wide smile. "Mi casa es tu casa," he said, arms spread wide, flashing a charming smile, ready to charm. We brushed it off. Better that way. Did he mistake me for Spanish or does he think I'm Italian speaking Spanish? A question I'd rather not have an answer to.

Later on, I realized that the music pumping through the speakers was solely Latin, and the buffet was Mexican-themed. So, it was likely that the evening had a theme, and perhaps I made a fool of myself thinking the comment was directed at me. How embarrassing. I can already feel the blush creeping up my cheeks, as embarrassment becomes the predominant feeling within me.

However, I can't ruin my first party or spoil the evening for others. So, reasoning it out, the only solution is to just go with the flow and brush it off. After a couple of blueberry margaritas, I started to relax and soak in the vibes around me. Val and Angie were tearing up the dance floor, Karla and Philip were probably making out somewhere at full throttle. Without much thought, I grooved my way over to my two new friends, riding the flow and embracing the lascivious atmosphere spreading all around the house.

I was just slightly buzzed. In Italy, you can drink alcohol from the age of 16, so I'm used to handling more than a couple of drinks with ease. I had just enough in me to loosen up and dive into dancing to the reggaeton pumping through the speakers without overthinking it. Feeling the rhythm build up, I moved as if I were alone, swaying and sensually moving my arms in time. Angie and Val joined in, and we danced together, hot as hell and unfiltered. I felt free in a way I hadn't in a long time.

Still dancing, I felt someone brush against my bare back. I turned around, expecting to see Alex in front of me, or at least hoping for it. Instead, behind me stood the guy from before, Jacob, whose gaze could melt the North Pole, starting to dance with me, and I don’t want to think about any consequences, I need to forget Marco and get lost in those plush lips.

Within two minutes, we went from dancing together to being practically entwined with each other. The song blasting in our ears and veins was Pitbull's "El Taxi." He had one hand planted firmly on my hip just below the deep neckline of my dress, the other on the crook of my neck, his knee between mine, while I caressed his neck and hair, and he stood against my forehead, eyes into eyes.

Suddenly, a surge of lust coursed through me as his piercing and seductive gaze ignited my desire. Unconsciously, I bit my bottom lip, and the next thing I knew, he was pressing his lips against mine, nibbling and teasing them, his tongue seeking entrance. I gasped, and he seized the opportunity to explore my mouth, our tongues dancing together with passion and intensity. It was a kiss that stole my breath away and sent shivers down my spine.

Damn, this man knows what he’s doing.