The Devil himself

Traffic was slow on the way to the Petrelli cottage. It was the first time Luck had thrown a party that wasn't at his father's club, after hours, in a clearing or on a golf course. This time, it was official, he was using one of his father's cottages that was in the inner city to throw this party. So it was more special than the others.

The lighted pathway, flanked by small bushes cut in the shape of the family crest, the big fountain illuminated with neon lights facing the entrance hall. It was all fantastic, almost as big as the school that, lately, was my home. The car stopped. We shook hands with each other and waited for Matthew to open our doors. We took a deep breath and got out, saying goodbye to Matthew, who just waved because he wasn't happy that we were there.

I didn't know how he didn't tell my mother, but I think it had something to do with Vivian threatening to tell his wife about the affair he was having.

We followed the mansion ahead. Yes, because that cottage was definitely a mansion. Almost entirely made of wood and glass, facing a gigantic lake of dark water and flanked by a dense forest. You could clearly see outside the place that was the improvised nightclub. Because the neon lights were flashing outside through the glass on the second floor.

We went upstairs, music was playing loudly in the large ballroom. There was a large bar to the right with high stools where the bartender was supposed to be, but it was empty. This was an informal "graduation" party, where Luck was the host. It turned out that he had always been a fan of parties. Most of the time we just ignored who was using the iPhone to snort coke, who was smoking pot, and the moaning in some corner of someone having sex. Because deep down we just wanted to feel free and fall in love like any teenager. However, things didn't seem to work that way for me. I had serious socialization problems, I was very shy, and I was insecure about myself. I hadn't even kissed anyone at seventeen. It was embarrassing just to talk about it.

I think that's what charmed me about Luck, he was brave, daring, adventurous. Deep down, that's what I wanted for myself. And he also had a reputation to maintain, he was the mayor's son, the darling face of the town. The new generation of New Braunfels.

But here he was, throwing a party he called "Graduation" for some students from the nearby schools. The invitation was secret and only for selected people, and of course, Vivian had arranged three invitations guaranteeing us a decent graduation, unlike the boring stuff at our school. I looked at the neatly laid out part of the nightclub. Neon lights blurred the view. The electrifying beat of the music seemed to shake the chandeliers.

• Aaaaaaah! I love this song! - Vivian swayed her hips from side to side, while singing loudly. I definitely don't know what her problem is, because even though she was doing badly, she insisted on singing. - Let's go! - she said, pulling my hands as she danced and sang, and headed toward the club.

I shook my head negatively. Okay, I drank, but dancing in the middle of a bunch of strangers was something I refused.

• It's okay, Vivian," I warned. - Look, why don't you go with Alice? - I looked to the side looking for my friend and noticed that she was already far away, talking to other girls we met at another Luck party.

• Better, why don't you go alone? I'm going for a walk and in a little while we'll meet up, I'll get to know the place better, because it's not every day that the mayor's son, Christopher Petrelli, opens the door of his humble cottage and offers a graduation ceremony for the students.

• As if Luck didn't have a hand in it, right? - she let out a stifled smile and continued. - Okay, then, but don't do anything I wouldn't do. - She blinked and went on with the music.

A few hours passed, I talked to colleagues from other parties, and the drinks kept coming to me. At some point I even risked dancing a little with Vivian and Alice.

I left the improvised club when Vivian started sticking her tongue in the mouth of a guy who must have been about ten years older than I had ever seen at any previous party. It didn't take long before she came out into a dark corner with him. I walked over, only to find Alice being mashed by someone against a wall. The truth was that almost everyone there was like this. This was the point of the party where most people went crazy, whether it was drink, drugs, or a hard-on.

Actually, I think I only realized this because I was always the only one who wasn't almost into someone in public. I walked slowly, cutting in front of the average group that was still at the party, ignoring the dizziness resulting from the mixture of drinks I had consumed, towards the bar, following this line of reasoning: well, if I don't have anyone, drinking will be my company today.

• I can't believe they have already started having fun without me!

Something hits me inside my chest and I lift my head to look at him. Luck's raspy voice was capable of giving me chills. He gave a shit speech, about enjoying our life to the fullest.

When some friend of his told him to go fuck himself, Luck replied that he was being a good Samaritan helping his father's campaign, running again that year. That was the only reason it had taken so long, but he hoped that everyone was with these word choices: Fucking their brains out until dawn. And that it should be an unforgettable graduation for this fucking town.

And I wanted it to be unforgettable, like I wanted...God! He was beautiful. With only part of his social attire. The white blouse with undone buttons, a little crumpled at the neck as if he had tried to open it in a hurry, the sleeves of the blouse were pulled up to his forearms completely covered by tattoos. The navy blue pants, the only immaculate thing about him, sculpted his body perfectly. His sublime hair was a mess, I confess that this gave him a more dangerous look. My eyes followed him as he greeted some friends and picked up a large bottle of whiskey from the air. Which one of his friends threw.

• Girlfriend, you are literally drooling. - Alice gave me a little nudge on the chin and then a wink. - Do you really like him? - She let out a sad smile. - Look, Nicole... - she huffed. - I know this is not the time or the place, but there are so many nice boys out there, and you are beautiful! As beautiful as me and Vivian.

I cut her off just as I realized where she was following the conversation.

• Look, I know you all worry, but I'm a big girl. It's not like there's anything going on between us, we've never spoken before. - I disguised it by looking away, as if those words wouldn't hurt me.

• Hey, honey, you're missing. - A handsome young man called Alice's attention, abruptly cutting the conversation short. She turned and kissed his lips sweetly.

I realized that this was the same guy she was with before.

• Nicole, this is Alec.

• Alec, this is my faithful squire Nicole.

We greeted each other. They looked at each other and kissed, and I gave them privacy.

Not that they had known each other long, but she seemed quite comfortable with him and I didn't want to interrupt.

She gestured and I could tell she wanted to go, but she didn't want to leave me alone. It wouldn't be fair for her to stop going out with someone because of her friend without a date. Some boys had even gotten to me. I wasn't stupid, I looked good, but the ones I wanted hadn't even looked at me.

• It's okay, Alice. - I said in a drunken voice and smiled broadly at her, who, although reluctant to leave me, understood and nodded, returning my smile.

• Am I with your cell phone?

• Yes. - I warned.

• I have mine and Vivian has hers. You can call me anytime, I'll be here in a second if you need me. And please, drink some water. - She walks over to a place filled with sealed water bottles and puts one in front of me. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and heads out of there, probably looking for the privacy of the deck or boathouse to stay with Alec. But first he shouts over the music reminding me:

• Enjoy these two hours before Matthew comes to pick us up.

I felt bad for being alone. But my friends didn't need to know. I made my choice, except for the drinking, which was a common behavior of mine today, just like at other parties. I was tired of not accepting invitations from guys who wanted to be with me. I just couldn't because I had really developed a harmful obsession with Luck. No, that wasn't healthy, but fuck, most people deep down weren't.

Not two minutes passed and I decided I didn't know where those thoughts were coming from, I'm not like that...it was probably the booze thinking.

• Gin and tonic, please - I asked, - My voice trailing off and my stomach a little knotted. I ordered for a guy who prepared drinks for some girls who were at the pool table. I knew that he was neither a bartender nor my subordinate, but the drink apparently gave me the courage to open my mouth shamelessly. He was a friend of Luck's, I think his name was Antony, I know this because I remember him always hanging around with Luck at other parties.

• I think I'm going to need your ID. - A man of about twenty said with a playful smile, pushing the drink glass at me.

I laughed dryly. I was not in the mood for patience. It was probably the only night of freedom I would have before Madeleine returned and I went to Wharton College in Philadelphia to study finance and investment management. After that, I was going to run Diamonds Enterprises with Madeline, and I was there alone, drinking, ignoring a lot of singing and dreaming about someone I couldn't have.

• You shouldn't hit on clients. - Your tone is amusing. - Will you hit on me too if I want a drink?

• Suck my dick, Luck. You think I'm your waiter? I only serve pretty girls. - Antony, smile at me. Both dimples appearing in his dark face.

I turned in surprise to Luck. He was sitting next to me, one arm resting on the countertop. Smiling mischievously, he was looking at me with the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen.

You don't look underage. - He smiled at me, sipping his drink from the bottle.

I looked at him for a moment and couldn't tell if it was me he was talking to. I admired his lips touching the drink, the slightly protruding veins in his neck, his slowly rising and falling chest.

• Or, perhaps, is it? - He looked at me, squinting his eyes and taking my breath away.

• As if it ever mattered to you. - His friend, Antony interrupts. He laughs and leaves the bar.

• Shut your mouth, motherfucker! - Luck shouts, and I can't tell if he was really being mocking.

It seemed like his friend's line was in jest, but it made me tense.

When he turns to me, I complete, "Yes, I mean, no, I am not a minor.

Yes, it was a lie, but let's face it, seventeen wasn't such a bad age, I would have a birthday soon, I think that's what he was talking about being a minor. After all I knew that Luck was older than me by seven years.

He smiled again looking pleased.

• And what is a beautiful girl like you doing here all alone?

I hadn't realized that I was holding my breath until I let it out deeply. I admired him for a few minutes before answering. Was I imagining it or was it really happening?

• I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you, but you were here alone," his eyebrows drew together in disapproval, and he stood up and turned away.

Instinctively, I stood up and took hold of his arm. He stared at me with a surprised look, and then stepped closer.

• Don't go. - That was the first thing I could think of and say.

• Okay," he gave me some space in his words so that I could introduce myself.

• Nicole... my name is Nicole.

He leaned closer to my ear and whispered:

• I've been watching you for a long time, N-i-c-o-l-e - he said slowly. - My name is Luck, and by the way, you look really hot.

Damn it, this couldn't be happening! Not to me! He never looked at me, and just today he came to talk to me. All right, the "20 bucks a pop" outfit is drawing a lot of attention, but man, it's Luck Petrelli! And he is flirting with me. I tried to smile as normally as possible so as not to look so silly.

• Well, and what college do you intend to go to, Nicole?

• Wharton. - I mean.

• In Philadelphia. - He adds. - The home of the filthy rich.

I shrug, a smile curving over my own lips.

• I studied there. - Finance.

• Yeah, I know. - I speak excitedly, replacing my drink with Alice's water. If that were to happen I wish I were sober.

"I know almost everything about you," I think.

• Really? - The hint of a smile crossed my face

Holy shit, don't tell me I said that out loud? My heart was beating hard against my ribs.

Luck took the lead and guided me down a private staircase. We followed a long corridor until we reached a huge hall, where we walked some more, in an awkward silence. It seemed an eternity until we arrived but it was probably less than two minutes walking. Some more time before we reached a hallway with many bookshelves and familiar pictures. He was guiding me so quickly that I could barely make out the details. Until he took a key from his pocket and opened two large double doors. First he entered, and then he gestured for me to follow him. It was a huge room with a canopy bed, a bar, and some armchairs.

• More drinks? - He offered me, walking towards a small bar in the luxurious room. He turned on the small stereo, where Miss you love by Silverchair was playing. I don't know why, but the quiet beat of the music relaxed me a little.

I thought about denying it because I had already drunk way more than I could handle. I pretended to- I'm sorry. - I swallow some of my humiliation, my voice drenched with raw shame. - I'm not used to drinking. I show him the bottle of water.

• Really," he bends his head to speak in my ear. - This is the first time I've ever seen you drink at one of my parties.

Does this mean that he has noticed me before?

This can't really be happening.

Ignoring the treacherous burning in my cheeks, I try to say something bold. - Actually, I want to enjoy the now. - I give him the sexiest look I can find. Jesus Mary Joseph! Where did that come from?

• Um... a girl who likes to enjoy the moment. And what would you like to enjoy tonight, Nicole? - He slid his hands gently down my bare, crossed legs.

My whole body shivered. His hand was warm on my cold skin. He looked straight into my eyes as he slid his hand along the edge of my dress.

• So Nicole, do you want to get out of here? Go somewhere more private? What do you say?

I was too tired of always being the good girl to deny it. For once in my life I wanted to be reckless, to do what I wanted without thinking about the consequences. I wanted to kiss him, to walk out of there with him.

• You don't talk much, do you? - he whispered, as he came closer to my ears again. - Don't worry, I'll make you comfortable.

• You make me a little nervous - I managed to let go. - And I'm also here with my friends, it would be good to warn them.

I may have imagined it, but I thought I saw his mouth twitch before he answered with a soft negative.

• We're not leaving the cottage. Don't worry, I know your friends, they're probably having fun too.

He put his hand on my face, giving me no time to decide, and next to my ear he brushed back my short hair. Then he smiled. I cupped my trembling hands in his, and we stood up and started to walk. He put his hands on my back, close to my buttocks. That simple gesture made my cheeks burn and a latent heat rise in my legs. Luck didn't take his hand away and was guiding me

• Come on, this way.

I didn't want to make any mistakes because of the drink, like throwing up on him or feeling pressured to do something I didn't want to do. But I felt bad when I saw him pour two glasses. So I accepted, in a gentle way.

• So here we are, alone. Two people who like to enjoy their moments. - He smoothed my shoulders up and down, looking directly at my lips.

• Yes. - I bit my lips, returning his gaze.

He grabbed the back of my neck and kissed me deeply, stealing from me my first kiss. Apparently he was a decent kisser, but definitely not what I expected from a first kiss with Luck. There is no passion, no spark, no fire. Plus his mouth tastes like cigarettes and booze. Actually, I didn't mind, my breath must have smelled of whiskey too. I returned the kiss with the same intensity, his hands roaming the edges of my dress. He finally paused the kiss, giving us a chance to breathe.

I actually thanked him.

Luck took the glass from my hand and rested on the bar, calmly unbuttoning his blouse. I noticed that he had many tattoos and a sexy, defined body despite being thin.

• Do you like what you see? - He let out a perverted laugh. His voice was husky and horny. - I want to see you now.

He wanted me to take off my clothes? He wanted me to take off my clothes? I was so nervous that my mouth went dry and my hands trembled involuntarily. Shame on me, if I leave, he'll hate me.

With his lips pressed into a hard line, he shook his head as if he was upset.

Then he moved closer, kissing the back of my neck and undoing the ties of my dress.

The truth is that I have been waiting for this all my life. But it just seems wrong to happen the way it is happening. How could I take the next step with him when I had never kissed him, apart from the stolen kiss we just had?

• Luck... - I managed to let go.

I know, I wanted this, but how could I ask him to stop? I wasn't ready, I barely kissed the moment we met?

What do I do?

What do I do?