My Alpha Bully My Lover

7

The doorbell rang just as I was finishing my third attempt at curling my hair, and I almost burned myself with the iron in my haste to answer it.

“Finally!” Demi exclaimed as soon as I opened the door, arms spread wide for a hug. Her energy was contagious, and before I knew it, I was laughing as she spun me around in an exaggerated hug.

“It’s been too long.” I said, grinning as I stepped back to let her inside. Demi always had a way of lighting up the room, her bubbly personality making even the dullest day feel exciting.

“Way too long.” She agreed, plopping herself down on my couch like she owned the place. “I swear, you’re the only person I can count on to make me laugh these days. Everyone else is so boring.”

I snorted. “Right, because I’m such a riot.”

“You are,” She said, giving me a pointed look. “You just don’t know it.”

We spent the next hour catching up, trading stories and laughing until my stomach hurt. Demi had a way of making everything feel lighter, like the weight of the world didn’t matter as long as she was around.

“So,” she said after a while, her tone turning sly. “What’s the plan for tonight?”

“Tonight?” I repeated, frowning.

“Yeah, tonight,” She said, rolling her eyes like it was obvious. “We’re going out.”

I hesitated, already feeling a knot of anxiety forming in my chest. “I don’t know, Demi. I’m not really in the mood.”

“Oh, come on,” She said, grabbing my hands and pulling me to my feet. “You’ve been cooped up for way too long. It’s time to have some fun.”

I bit my lip, glancing down at my outfit—an oversized sweater and leggings that screamed “stay home.” I didn’t exactly feel like the picture of confidence, and the idea of going out where I’d have to deal with people, where I might run into him, made my stomach twist.

“I don’t know…”

Demi groaned dramatically. “Don’t start with the ‘I don’t know’ thing. You’re coming, and that’s final.”

“I don’t even have anything to wear.” I said weakly, gesturing to my very not-going-out outfit.

“Lucky for you, I came prepared.” She said, grinning as she grabbed her bag. “I brought options.”

Before I could protest, she started pulling out clothes—dresses, skirts, tops—all of them far more daring than anything I’d ever wear.

“This one,” She said, holding up a sleek black dress. “It’s perfect.”

I stared at it, already feeling the familiar wave of insecurity creeping in. “I don’t know if I can pull that off.”

“Yes, you can,” Demi said firmly. “Trust me, you’re going to look amazing.”

“But-”

“No buts,” She said, cutting me off. “Go try it on. Now.”

I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with her. Grabbing the dress, I headed to my room to change, my heart pounding in my chest.

When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The dress fit like a glove, hugging my curves in a way that made me feel both exposed and… kind of powerful. But the longer I stared, the more the insecurities crept in.

What if I looked ridiculous? What if people stared? What if he was there?

“Are you coming out, or do I have to drag you?” Demi called from the other room.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to open the door and step out.

Demi’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw me. “Oh my God, you look incredible!”

I gave her a weak smile. “You think so?”

“I know so,” She said, grabbing my hands and spinning me around. “You’re going to knock everyone’s socks off tonight.”

“I don’t know, Demi…”

“Stop doubting yourself,” she said, giving me a playful shove. “You look amazing, and we’re going to have the best night ever.”

I wanted to believe her. I wanted to feel as confident as she made me sound. But as I grabbed my coat and followed her out the door, I couldn’t shake the nagging voice in the back of my head telling me I wasn’t enough.

The pre-drinks were in full swing by the time we arrived at Demi’s friend’s apartment, the music blasting in the background as laughter and chatter filled the air. Demi immediately became the center of attention, flashing her brilliant smile and effortlessly slipping into conversation with everyone around her.

I, on the other hand, felt like I was fading into the background, a quiet observer of her magnetic energy. I tried to push the thoughts away, to enjoy the night, but it wasn’t easy.

Demi was gorgeous. Everyone knew it. She had that kind of effortless beauty that made heads turn, the kind of beauty I had always been envious of. Her long, tan legs were exposed in a short skirt, and the tight crop top she wore accentuated her slim frame. Her hair cascaded in perfect waves, shining under the dim lights of the apartment. It was almost as if she had been born with everything I wasn’t—grace, poise, and the kind of body I could never seem to achieve no matter how much I tried.

I glanced down at myself. I wasn’t unattractive, not by a long shot, but I wasn’t Demi. My legs were shorter, my frame thicker. My clothes, though cute, didn’t hug my body the way hers did. I’d always been a little on the curvier side, and even now, in this dress, I felt like I was just a bit too much.

When I moved to grab a drink, I noticed people staring—some were glancing at me, but others weren’t trying to hide their admiration as they took in Demi. I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious, shrinking into myself as I tried not to make eye contact with anyone.

Demi, though, noticed immediately.

“Hey, come on,” She said, leaning in and placing her hand on my shoulder. “What’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I forced a smile. “Nothing, just tired.”

She raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. “Don’t try to pull that one on me. I can see it. You’re in your head, aren’t you?”

I nodded, looking away, unwilling to meet her gaze.

“Listen to me,” She said, her voice softening. “You are stunning. Do you get that? I know you think I’m all model-perfect, but trust me, you’ve got something I don’t.”

I laughed bitterly. “Yeah? Like what?”

“You’ve got this… this confidence that I can never match. You walk into a room and own it, even when you don’t realize it. You don’t see it, but everyone else does. You just need to believe it.”

I shook my head, unconvinced. I could tell she was trying to help, but it felt like empty words to me.

“Just remember,” She said, squeezing my arm gently. “You don’t need to be anyone else. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

I swallowed, forcing myself to nod even though the insecurity still gnawed at me. As she turned back to talk to someone else, I stood there, wondering if I’d ever believe her. If I could ever feel like I was enough.