Without breaking eye contact, I step forward and pluck one of the drinks from Connor's hand. His smile falters as I tilt my head back and drain the entire drink in one continuous gulp, the liquor burning a path down my throat. I crush the empty cup back into his palm before gesturing at the water bottle in Nora’s hand.

"Drink more water," I manage through clenched teeth before turning to head inside.

"He's insane. I'd watch myself with that one.” Connor's chuckle follows me, and it takes everything I have not to show him what real insanity looks like. But Nora doesn't need to see that side of me, not here, not now.

I bite my tongue and keep walking.

Fucking progress.

Weaving through the crowded house, my thoughts as dense as the press of bodies, I wonder how I let her get under my skin again. Unease gnaws at me knowing she's out there with Connor. I need to find Jake—he brought her here, maybe she'll listen to him. But first, I need to find Christian.

Just one more hit to get through this night.

"Where's the weed?"

"Sure you don't want to try something a little stronger?"

Yes.

"No. Where's the weed?"

"It's not like Nate Sullivan to turn down a⁠⁠—"

"Give me a fucking joint. I'm not asking again."

"Jesus, chill man." Christian hands me a joint, annoyance flickering in his eyes. I snatch it and storm out, hoping to find Nora alone, Connor nowhere in sight. But the patio is empty. Panic claws at my chest—Connor is bad news, and if that son of a bitch touches her...

The backyard reveals nothing but typical party chaos. They couldn't have gone back inside; I'd have felt her presence. There's only one other place he'd take her to be alone.

Farrah's voice cuts through my thoughts like a rusty blade. "Nate! Are you going to ignore me the entire night?"

"Have you seen my brother?"

"Are you serious right now?"

"Have you seen him or not?"

"Oh, so I have to answer all your questions, but you get to ignore mine?"

"Fine," I snap, turning to face her. "Yes, I'm ignoring you. No, I don't want to fuck you. Yes, I'm preoccupied. No, I don't want to discuss it. Now, have you seen my brother?"

Her anger is almost tangible. "I actually cannot believe you."

"I'm going for a walk."

"I'll come with⁠⁠—"

"No," I cut her off sharply. "I need to be alone."

Her sneer is immediate. "Alone? Alone with that little⁠⁠—"

I whirl around, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Don't."

"What's your obsession with her?"

A bitter laugh escapes me. If only she knew.

"Go do a few more lines, Farrah."

"Fuck you. You're one to talk, asshole."

She's not wrong. But at least I'm honest about it.