CHAPTER 52: KILLING TWO BIRDS

Catherine’s POV

I’d spent the whole day thinking of how the girls’ night would be.

Why on earth had I agreed to be part of Sasha and her girls so-called "girls’ night"? Why did I even agree to let them use the Vaughn mansion? Now, with evening creeping in and me still wondering what to wear, I was fighting the urge to text Sasha and cancel.

But it was too late.

I’d already tidied the living room twice, replaced the scented candles three times, and set out snacks even though they said they were bringing their own.

I finally threw on a baggy sweatshirt and shorts, I deliberately chose to look plain. The last thing I wanted was to look like I was trying too hard.

The sound of honking cars outside snapped me out of my thoughts.

They were here.

I forced a smile as Sasha and her clique strutted in, their arms were loaded with snacks, wine bottles, and too much perfume.

"Wow," Mia breathed, spinning in place. "This place is insane."

"Perfect for our little ritual," Zoe added, as she walked in further with her heels clicking on the floor.

Rina barely said anything; she was already wandering toward the glass balcony like she knew her way around.

Sasha stood in the center of the living room, scanning everything with a satisfied smirk. "Told you girls that this mansion is it."

I laughed lightly. "Glad you all like it."

"Oh, I more than like it," Sasha replied, while her eyes continuously moved over the grand staircase. I already knew what or rather WHO, she was looking for.

"Uhm.. is Julian around?"

I laughed in my head for a second. Of fucking course! "I have no idea. Julian’s whereabouts are always unknown."

Before I could change the subject, Lucy stepped into view, wearing one of her short dresses and a curious look.

"Who’s that?" Sasha asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh," I said quickly, my brain sparking with the worst kind of mischief. "That’s Lucy. Julian’s new girlfriend."

The reaction was immediate. Sasha’s eyes widened, then darkened. "Girlfriend?"

"Yeah," I said, pretending not to notice the way her shoulders stiffened. "She’s been living here for a while now and spending a lot of ALONE time with Julian."

For a second, she didn’t move. Her jaw clenched and her hand tightened around her champagne bottle. "Are you sure about this? How is it possible that no one has really heard about her?"

"Maybe he is trying to pipe low," I replied sweetly, leaning back on the couch. "This girl practically lives here. There’s no other explanation."

Sasha’s glare softened into something more dangerous; a calm smile. "Interesting."

Then, almost to herself, she muttered, "No one can take Julian from me, he belongs to me."

I hid my grin behind a sip of soda. In my head, I was already picturing Lucy’s shocked face once Sasha went off on her.

Instead, Sasha sauntered toward Lucy, with elegance and fake warmth. "Hi," she greeted brightly. "I’m Sasha. We were just about to start our girls’ night. You should join us."

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, thanks, but I don’t think..."

Sasha looped her arm through Lucy’s before she could finish. "Oh, come on. If you are new to this city, you should make friends. One drink won’t hurt. I insist."

Lucy glanced at me, clearly uneasy. I shrugged like I had nothing to do with this chaos.

Within minutes, the music was playing, the wine was flowing, and I realized Sasha’s version of "girls’ night" was not for the faint of heart.

She popped open a fancy bottle with a wicked grin. "Okay, ladies," she started. "We’re playing Never Have I Ever. Classic rules. If you’ve done it, drink. Simple."

The others cheered, and my stomach turned. I wasn’t much of a drinker but maybe one sip wouldn’t kill me.

Sasha started with, "Never have I ever cheated on a test."

Everyone drank. I didn’t. Cheating wasn’t my thing.

Then came, "Never have I ever gotten eaten down there."

Everyone drank again except me. Sasha’s eyes lingered on me for a second, but I didn’t move.

Round after round, I somehow stayed mostly sober, because this game focused more on the baddie gang life.

Rina said, "Never have I ever had sex."

Sasha’s eyes gleamed.

They all took a sip except myself and Mia.

I hesitated, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

Sasha gasped dramatically. "Whoa! Catherine? You’ve never had sex!"

I bit my lip. "Don’t single me out. Mia hasn’t had sex either."

"Oh, come on," she teased, her tone dripping with mockery. "Mia hates penetration but trust me, she’s done so many other wild things. I’m sure you haven’t. You act all quiet and innocent, try to live a little."

Gross. Why was she giving out all the information? I could tell from Mia’s expression that she didn’t appreciate Sasha letting out all that info.

"Thanks but I’m doing just fine," my voice came out tight.

She waved me off and turned to Lucy. "And you? Who’d you sleep with?"

Lucy’s expression sharpened. "That’s none of your business." She replied with irritation.

"It’s a game," Sasha said, smiling, though her voice carried an edge.

"Well, I’m not answering that," Lucy fought back. "Don’t poke into my private life."

The fake smile on Sasha’s lips faltered for just a heartbeat, then she laughed lightly. "Relax. No need to get defensive."

But her eyes were burning.

She clapped her hands. "Okay, let’s play a new game. Truth or Dare!"

Zoe spun the bottle, and the questions started off harmless. Mia was dared to flash her bra, Rina had to prank-call her ex. Laughter filled the room, but there was tension brewing beneath it.

When Sasha spun the bottle and it landed on me, her grin turned devilish. "Dare," she said softly. "I dare you to finger fuck yourself."

I raised my brows and my eyes widened.

What the hell? This girl was insane. This wasn’t a dare, it was a porno audition.

"Or I could just take a shot instead."

She smirked. "Coward."

I ignored her and downed the drink. The warmth hit my stomach hard, and I coughed.

Finally, it was my turn. I met Sasha’s gaze and said, "Truth or dare?"

She chose "dare". I don’t know what pushed me but this was what came out of my mouth, "I dare you to slap Lucy."

Her grin widened. "Gladly."

Before Lucy could even blink, Sasha stood and delivered a sharp slap across her cheek. The sound cracked through the air.

"That was brutal!" I shouted, half in shock, half in laughter.

Lucy’s face went red and her jaw tightened. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Girl, stop being upset. It’s a game, remember?" Sasha said sweetly, sitting back down.

The air was thick now. Lucy spun the bottle, her eyes never leaving mine.

It landed on me.

"Truth," I answered quickly, knowing better than to choose a dare.

"Do you have a crush on Julian?"

My pulse skipped, but I managed to scoff. "No way. He’s not my type."

Sasha leaned in, grinning. "Of course. Besides, Catherine has Collins, her boyfriend."

I nodded my head with a fake smile but Lucy stared at me with anger.

The bottle spun again, this time it was Sasha to Lucy.

"Truth or dare?" Sasha asked with a light tone, even though her eyes were sharp.

"Truth."

"What’s your relationship with Julian?"

Lucy’s smile deepened. She glanced between Sasha and me, then said slowly, "It’s... undefined, though we do everything couples do."

The room went silent for a second. My stomach twisted.

Sasha’s expression froze, then cracked. Her laugh came out thin. "Undefined? Wow."

Something inside her snapped. The next few rounds blurred into laughter, tension, and more drinks. I only took one extra shot, but it hit me like three. The room was beginning to tilt slightly.

By the time I blinked again, Sasha and Lucy were standing, shouting over the music.

I didn’t even know what started it.

"Say that again!" Lucy yelled.

"You heard me," Sasha snapped back. "Julian is only using you because he is bored. It won’t be long until he discards you. Don’t flatter yourself."

"Shut your mouth. You know nothing!"

The next thing I saw was Lucy grabbing Sasha’ hair, Sasha shoving her back, and Rina spilling her drink in panic.

Everything happened fast, from laughter to chaos. I tried to stand but nearly fell.

Then, suddenly, the noise stopped.

Julian’s voice cut through the air. "What the hell is going on here?"

Gabriel was right behind him.

Lucy straightened, trying to smile. "Nothing, Jules. Just girls having a little misunderstanding."

Sasha scoffed and stormed out, her cheek still flushed red. Her minions followed behind her.

I just stood there, dizzy, watching everything blur together.

"Catherine," even though I was drunk, I still recognized his voice which broke through the haze. "Are you okay?"

I blinked up at him. The room was spinning or maybe I was. His face was the only thing in focus and impossibly close.

"You shouldn’t..." I started, but the words slipped away. My knees buckled before I could stop them.

The last thing I felt was Julian’s arms catching me, and his voice coming out angry and low, calling my name again.