Eric stayed with Liam, watching everyone compete in drinking.
A lot of girls approached them, but Liam's cold gaze scared them all away, leaving Eric bored with no one to flirt with.
Frustrated at his friend's annoying attitude tonight, he grabbed a bottle of wine and walked away, seeking energy from the groups of girls enjoying themselves on the other side of the room.
He let his eyes wander, nodding to the music and moving his body along with the melody, scanning for an easy target.
As he sipped his wine slowly, his roaming gaze caught a spectacularly dressed girl in short, dirty-blonde hair standing just seven feet away.
She held the same bottle of wine and stood alone, letting her eyes enjoy the party.
Fate could not have been more perfect for Eric, and he took a bold step to approach her.
Unlike the other girls in the room, she was dressed informally.
A black chain-choker crop top and leather high-waist trousers made him even more interested.
Maybe she was an invitee from Camilla's college who is rebellious or who misunderstood the party for a club night.
As he got closer, he noticed she had piercings all over her face.
But rather than ruining her looks, like some he had seen, they made her seem unique.
She wore no makeup or maybe it was applied so perfectly it looked like her bare face.
He admired her for a moment, unsure if a girl like her would fall for his usual antics.
When he noticed her gazing back, he quickly put on a warm smile and held his wine bottle tighter.
Just as he summoned the courage to ask her for a dance, a girl suddenly jumped in front of him, distracting his attention.
"What the…?" he nearly cursed, but decided to push the intruding Mia aside first and refocus.
Annoyingly, he couldn't find the girl anymore.
The bottle she had been drinking from was empty on the floor.
He made to chase her, but Mia, seeming indifferent to his plight, got in the way again.
"Geez… Liam is over there!" he yelled, pushing her off without caring if she fell.
He scanned the room, hoping it wouldn't be difficult to find her, since she had a distinct vibe.
But it seemed like a beauty ghost had appeared to steal his heart and then vanished.
Feeling frustrated, he reached into his pocket and was relieved to find a pack of cigarettes.
He glanced at Liam for a lighter, but Liam was still struggling with Mia's antics.
Eric headed out of the room instead.
He walked into the garden, where he usually smoked freely when visiting the Andersons, avoiding the watchful eyes of their family.
To his surprise, someone else was already there, puffing away.
Immediately, he recognized the leather trousers and short blonde hair.
A smile broke across his face, believing fate had brought her here as well.
He moved closer confidently.
"Can you help me with this?" he asked, stretching his cigarette toward her.
She turned to him, slightly startled, but quickly recovered.
Her hazel eyes burned at him. Eric felt those eyes were familiar but couldn't place them.
"Are you stalking me? How'd you know I'd be here?" she asked.
"I should be asking you that, because this is my spot," he retorted, still stretching.
She glared at him for a moment, then decided to help him light his cigarette, which was nearly out.
Eric took a puff, trying to relax and not let it slip—it was a hefty stick after all.
"I'm Eric," he introduced himself, keeping his eyes on and off her as she smoked the weed effortlessly.
She seemed dangerous but also very attractive, radiating a strong aura.
It wouldn't be an easy task to get her attention.
"What?" she asked, and he thought she hadn't heard him clearly.
"Can I know your name?" he asked with a smile.
Eric wasn't sure if he had said something funny, but she chuckled instead of answering.
He felt embarrassed and confused but decided not to ask, thinking it would only ruin his chance.
"Name isn't important… want a different smoke?" she asked, offering one of hers.
Eric hesitated before taking it.
He might be a playboy, but he wasn't reckless and definitely didn't want to end up in the mental hospital for life.
She lit the stick and pushed it toward him. Eric examined it briefly, then took a short sniff.
His throat burned, and he coughed lightly, trying not to seem weak.
Watching him, she chuckled loudly, though not mockingly this time.
Eric relaxed and enjoyed the stick, hoping it would be the last time he tried weed.
Vivian laughed, hearing his introduction.
She couldn't believe her little brother's buddy had grown up so much and was now flirting with her.
She had wondered why he was staring at her at the party, but now she understood—he hadn't recognized her.
She gazed at him carefully, finding him muscular and attractive.
If he weren't Liam's friend, maybe she would have agreed to a night with him.
At least it would take her mind off the exasperating situation with her boyfriend.
She watched him struggle with the weed and couldn't help smiling; he looked pathetic and cute at the same time.
It was the least punishment she could give him.
"Did the birthday girl invite you here? You look different… I haven't seen you before, though your eyes look familiar."
"I'm actually here for the food and drink, just an uninvited guest." she answered.
"Really? And you won't tell me your name? Why? Because your boyfriend is crazy?"
"Well, I'm single for now. Want to get out of here?" she asked, deciding to have some fun tonight.
The party had grown boring anyway, and she needed some excitement after a big disappointment earlier.
If he had picked such a terrible time to approach her, she might as well make use of him.
He stared at her for a moment.
Seeing the weed affect him and noticing his drowsy eyes, she picked up another and moved closer.
Her face drew near his, pressing the stick against her lips to touch the one he held.
"Stay still," she ordered when it wouldn't light.
Eric watched her face get closer, his heart pounding against his chest.
He wondered if it was the weed or her sexiness that affected him—the smoke curling from her lips blurred his vision.
Out of nowhere, he reached for her face, moved the stick aside, and pressed his lips gently to hers.
For a long moment, their lips remained locked without either attempting to pull away.
Vivian was startled, unsure how to react to his boldness.
She pursed her lips, but he pushed further, making her reluctantly respond, before she finally pushed him away with her lips.
"Do you want to have sex with me? I'm pretty awesome," he said with a mischievous smirk and wink.
Vivian found herself unable to resist his charm and smiled at his flirtation.
She didn't realize how much he had grown and no longer the shy boy who hide whenever she appeared.
She remembered breaking his nose once in anger and wondered if she should try again, but for now, his high-end nose looked adorable, like a cold puppy.
Eric gazed at her, trying to read her expression.
It didn't seem like she hated it, and when he saw her smile, he took it as approval and went for it again.
He grabbed her by the collar, pulling her closer, and sealed their lips completely, overpowering her with his strength.
She placed her palm on his shoulder, trying to push him away, but he held tight, asserting his dominance.