Hayden POV:

The night had slipped into that golden hue, and everyone was now flushed from drinking and partying too loudly. Summer clung to the air, hot and slick, and I didn’t bother with a shirt.

What for? My place, my party, my rules. The balcony rail pressed cool against my forearms as I leaned over it.

Mitchel elbowed me. “Bet you fifty Steven flops it again.”

“He’s not that stupid.”

“He did it last time. Remember?”

“Yeah, and cracked his tailbone.” I snorted. “Idiot doesn’t learn.”

Steven was already climbing the rail.

Mitchel whooped. “Let’s go, baby boy! Redeem yourself!”

Steven grinned, spread his arms, and flopped. Again.

The crowd erupted in laughter.

I grinned despite myself. “Dumbass.”

Mitchel laughed. “Pay up.”

“Double or nothing if he tries it again,” I muttered, but something tugged at the edge of my focus.

My eyes drifted and involuntarily landed on you. Standing with Aiden, my twin brother, and that little crowd of hangers-on. You were laughing at something he said. He was considered the nicer twin, after all, so of course, you and he were close.

You and I? Let’s just say it was an oil and water situation anytime we shared space. Even as popular as I was and as renowned as I was for my sculptures alone, you were the one person who didn't follow like the rest of the sheep.

You weren’t supposed to be here. Not at my party. Not looking like the sun had dressed you personally.

I didn't care if I had agreed to Aiden inviting you before.

Steven was climbing out of the pool. Water dripping down his abs like some stereotypical jock, that stupid smirk already loading up as he turned straight toward you. You didn’t see him coming. Aiden didn’t either, poor bastard, deep in some story he was telling you.

But I did.

And I moved without thought.

Just pushed off the balcony and strode down the stairs and through the crowd. People called my name, but I didn’t answer. My body was hot and tight and buzzing with something I couldn’t - no dared not to name.

I got there before Steven thank God and you turned just as I reached you.

“What are you—”

I didn’t let you finish.

My hand curled around the back of your neck, firm but not rough, and I lowered my mouth to your skin, just under your jaw, where it was hot and smooth and exposed.

Then I bit down on the spot and sucked.

You made a sound, half breath, half a squeaking protest, and jerked back.

“What the hell are you doing?” You shoved at my chest. “Are you insane? This is low even for you, Alonso!”

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t even if I tried.

My heart was pounding behind my ribs. You were staring at me, stunned and furious, and the mark was already blooming red and blue where my mouth had been.

I walked away and forced myself not to look back.

Up on the balcony again, I caught Aiden’s eyes from below. He was standing where I’d been, looking down at you, then at me. Disbelief shifted to concern.

A silent question passed between Aiden and me, but I didn’t have an answer.

Mitchel stepped up beside me, drink still in hand.

“So… you're marking people now?” Mitchel questioned too casually, like I did this all the time, but the opposite was true.

“Shut up.” I snip, heat already creeping up my neck.

He smirked. “Real subtle, Alonso. That was a disaster. You know you aren't supposed to act on your intrusive thoughts, right?”

I glared at him.

He held up both hands.

“Okay, okay. Not my business. Except you just made it everyone’s.”

Below, you were touching the spot where my mouth had been. Confused. Angry. And you hadn’t moved. I hated that I wanted to know what you were thinking. Hated that my mouth still tingled with the heat of your skin.

Aiden's expression turned from concerned to 'What the hell, bro?' and then forced his gaze from me to you. Murmuring some words of concern.

I stayed right where I was next to my best friend and looked away, only to rub my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. "What the hell is wrong with me?" I mutter to myself.