The salon had been rowdier than she anticipated.

You're frowning again, came a voice on her left. They were near enough that Bella's breath had fallen in sync with theirs.

With a look of feigned indifference, she said: I'm bored of this and I'm bored of you.

(The lie was childish and stupid.)

Evan laughed breathlessly while taking her hand. Acidic yet coy; you are full of surprises. Their words melted in her ears and it seemed like the room was spinning.

It was dangerously ironic at how parched and dizzy she felt even after she'd pulled her hand away.

▼ s i x t y - s e v e n ▲ : pause...then rewind.