Devotion to Danger

The Party

{Clara’s POV}

We sat around for a while, drinking and catching up which was nice. I was worried that it’d be hard to talk to everyone, but so far it was so easy. That was until the drinks everyone had began to work into their systems. Adrien turned on some music, and cranked it up. I sat by the fire pit pulling a blanket up around me. The afternoon sky was beautiful, like a painting, reds, oranges, pinks, and purples outstretched across the sky. I couldn’t help but stare at it, it was incredible.

Eventually I saw Viktor and Daniella show up, I didn’t want to say anything yet, figuring I’d talk to them later and let them enjoy the party. Everyone had moved to the other side of the porch, dancing and listening to music. They were more into this than I was, I noticed Scarlett swaying her hips, trying to get closer to Viktor. It’s when I noticed how handsome he really was. He was wearing a black button up shirt, he had his sleeves rolled up exposing his tattooed arms, and his red vest was now unbuttoned. The top of his shirt had the first three buttons undone, exposing the tattoos on his upper chest, and neck. His hair was slicked back loosely, like he’s just run his hands through it a few times, and his piercing blue eyes captivated me as he watched Scarlett dancing.

Scarlett was gorgeous, her beautiful blue eyes and flaming red hair, she was elegant, and refined. She’d make a good match for him I suppose.

When I wasn’t paying attention I heard a commotion behind me, I turned to see Braxton leaning against the couch behind me. He smirked down at me, and immediately I felt uncomfortable. I pulled the blanket tighter around me and turned back towards the fire.

Braxton plopped down beside me on the couch across from the fire. He leaned closer to me and chuckled. “You know, you really grew up to be beautiful.” He said breathily, I could smell the whiskey on his breath.

“Thank you Braxton..” I smiled softly, before I turning back to stare at the fire.

“I didn’t realize someone could look so cute, and innocent, while also being so drop dead gorgeous.” He whispered in my ear, brushing my hair back behind my ear and trailing his fingers down my back.

I pulled away. “Braxton, you’re drunk.. so I’ll forget this happened but please refrain from touching me like that.” I said, standing up and trying to walk away, but he grabbed my wrist hard.

“You think that you can act like a brat and just walk away from me? You should learn how to talk to men, you’re terrible at it. There’s no reason to try to play hard to get, I want you already.” He sneered, tightening his grip on my wrist.

I fought against him, struggling to pull my wrist away. “Braxton, let me go!” I said, trying to keep quiet to not draw too much attention to ourselves, figuring I can get out of this on my own. Tears began to brim in my eyes, and spill down my cheeks, and I couldn’t help but whimper.

His grip tightened again and I cried out, pulling away from him harder. “Come on, stop acting like this.. I know you want me too.” He smirked, pulling me hard.

I felt strong arms wrap around me as I was lifted into the air, Braxton finally relinquished his grip, and as I looked down I could see Viktor holding me. His eyes scanned over me, landing on my wrist and I swear it was as if he** froze over. That icy gaze holding me still, frozen against him. My body shivered with anticipation, and worry.

He turned his attention to Braxton and through gritted teeth he said. “Leave, while I’m still allowing you to.”

Braxton stood, looking up at me and rolling his eyes. “Whatever, she’s not that pretty anyways!” He scoffed, walking off.

Viktor’s breathing became ragged and I watched as his fist balled up. I placed my hand on his chest, causing him to look at me. I shook my head. “He isn’t worth it Viktor.. thank you, for helping me.” I smiled softly, more tears slipping down my cheeks.

He reached his hand up, wiping away the tears and I froze, staring down at him as he held me high against his chest. He pulled his hand away, before shaking his head. “Sorry.. I..” he began, but I cut him off.

“I’m sorry to cause you more trouble.” I whispered softly. “I was trying not to make a fuss, I thought I could get away from him on my own..”

He grabbed the back of my hand softly, looking at my wrist, Braxton’s hand print was bruised around my wrist already. He looked over it, looking as if he were thinking something through before he sighed. “You need to be more careful.. there’s nothing wrong with needing help you know. If you need help, just ask for it, and stop putting yourself in these situations.”

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I fought against him, making him set me down. “I didn’t do anything Viktor, I was sitting here, enjoying the fire pit! It’s not my fault that he came over here acting that way! I didn’t put myself into any kind of situation by sitting on my brother’s porch!” I seethed, before turning on my heel and rushing inside. Of course he just thinks of me as a pest that can’t stop getting into trouble. I ran into my room, closing and locking the door behind me. I paced back and forth in my room, how could he blame me for that? As if Braxton’s actions were my fault! I didn’t do anything wrong.. did I? Did I do something to lead him on? Did I do something to make him think I would be okay with that? I shook my head, no you stupid girl, you didn’t do anything wrong, stop acting like you did.