In those seven minutes, Nora didn't just give me my first kiss—she made everything better. I think she took a piece of my heart. But I was okay with it because it was Nora.

13. Bitches And Bonfires

CHAPTER 13

BITCHES AND BONFIRES

NORA

PRESENT DAY

I trail behind Camilla and Marcus, my sandals crunching softly against the path as we approach the bonfire's inviting glow. The crisp night air carries notes of sea salt and burning driftwood, mingling with bursts of laughter that rise above the rhythmic crash of waves. It should feel peaceful but my stomach remains knotted with anxiety.

Camilla catches my eye, her smile warm and reassuring. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I say, aiming for confidence I don't quite feel. "I'm gonna look for Jake and Ollie real quick."

"We'll meet you by the fire." As I turn away, Camilla catches my hand. "If anything goes sideways, come find me, okay?"

I nod, touched by her protectiveness after knowing me less than a day. But as I weave through the crowd, my heart plummets. Connor is here, a smirk playing across his features despite the fresh bruise where Nate's fist connected. His eyes lock onto mine, predatory, and each step he takes in my direction sends ice through my veins. I stand frozen, the festivities blurring around me as he closes in.

"I need to have a word with you," he says, voice low and menacing.

Before I can respond, salvation arrives in the form of a girl with flawless caramel skin and expressive brown eyes. Her long dark hair cascades in waves down her back as she steps between us with practiced grace. Dismissing Connor with a glance, she grabs my hand.

"You came!" she exclaims, her voice rich with both warmth and steel as she steers me away from him.

Relief floods through me once we're clear. "Thanks for the save," I manage, my voice lighter than it has felt all evening.

"No problem," she replies, her smirk blooming into a genuine smile. "I've had my fill of dealing with guys like him. Egotistical jackoffs seem to be everywhere."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "I see you're already acquainted with Eden's local wildlife."

"Well, I'm from London. We have our share of pompous jerks too. But trust me, they're universal." She pauses. "I'm Mia, by the way."

"I'm Nora." Despite her polished appearance, there's something immediately approachable about her.

She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off preemptively, bracing for questions about last night's drama.

Instead, she asks, "Oh, I was wondering if you knew Lydia Sullivan?"

My features soften with surprise. "Uh, yeah. She's a family friend. We spend every summer with the Sullivans at their lake house." Guilt washes over me for assuming the worst. "Sorry, I thought you were about to ask if I was the girl from the⁠⁠—"

"I try to stay out of drama," Mia interrupts kindly. "But you know how it is around here."