My roommate was bloody amazing. Full-stop. No, no - exclamation point! Last night, Christian walked me all the way to my dorm, even though I assured him I was over what happened in the common room. However, I made things awkward by offering to shake his hand.

Luckily for me, he grinned before leaning down to kiss me. I'd never get used to that, being so affectionate with someone who wasn't related to me. It felt nice, actually. But I wondered how long it would last.

Once Christian left, I entered the dim room and switched on the light. What I was met with was about fifty stuffed animals covering the entire bed on the left side of the room. There were pigs, bears, sheep, fish, monkeys - and so much more. It looked like someone came back from a carnival.

I let out a squeal, alerting the dark-skinned girl who skidded out of the bathroom in a white robe. The first thing I noticed was the electric blue pixie cut she was sporting, then I noticed the horseshoe septum piercing and last, the rubber duckie she was holding.

It was safe to say, Mackenzie Palmer was a rather refreshing girl, and I felt foolish for even being apprehensive about her hating me. She had the friendliest face out of everyone on the team, and I was grateful that she ended up being my roommate. And her dad owned an amusement park, which I found pretty impressive. I introduced the panda that Christian won for me to the rest of her stuffed animals.

After I let Kenzie (she asked me to call her this) return to her bath, I promptly rang Mum to tell her about my first mate. Call me a baby, but I was happy. I also ransacked through my backpack for the copious amounts of notebooks I purchased before coming here. Everything that I experienced on this trip was going to be documented. I also left Ruben a few messages about how my trip was going. Once I was finished making notes and copied them to my laptop, I fell asleep.

~

"Eden," Kenzie summoned from the room the next evening. I cleansed my face and wiped it with a towel before answering her call. "There's someone here for you." She appeared a little apprehensive, and that was saying something because Kenzie gave off bold vibes.

I fixed my dress in the mirror before departing the bathroom. Kenzie stood to the side with a disconcerted appearance whilst Christian favoured against the shut door. He wore dark jeans and a black hoodie, equaling his mood at that moment.

"Christian," I greeted and stalked towards him, inclining onto my tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek. Kenzie's jaw dropped, but I overlooked her, too focused on the broody man before me. I hadn't yet forgotten about his ominous behaviour in the common room yesterday. "Are you okay?"

The corner of his lips tugged up, and I felt my heart rate spike, exhilarated that he wasn't being a total ice-block. I didn't need him going back to being the tinman. "I am now." When I tried to step away, he yanked me back into his arms and declared, "I'm glad you're dressed because you're coming with me."

I raised a brow and leaned my chin on his chest, feeling his arms encircle my waist. "Why? And where are we going?" The door to the bathroom locked and when I turned my head, I marked Kenzie's toiletry bag was gone. She was presumably going to take advantage of my absence and luxuriate in a bubble bath.

He shrugged indifferently, and I grimaced. "Some friends are throwing a little party at the karaoke bar. To celebrate Charlie becoming captain." He smirked, spotting my lips twisting into a pout. "Don't you dare tell me you weren't invited. You're my date."

"I don't know any of your friends." Everybody knew I was a social incompetent. Last night in the common room was proof enough. Poor Ashley was only trying to be friendly by handing out cupcakes, but my big mouth just had to express that they were essentially anus cupcakes.

You could say that I warranted that vile look from her. I embarrassed her the same way she did me. At least we had one thing in common. She made anus cupcakes, and I made anus tea. Bloody hell, I missed Jeremy.

"You know Jeremy, Astrid, Nolan and my siblings," Christian tried soothing me but I was already overthinking this. They were going to think I was a complete child. I wasn't even of legal age to drink. What if my presence hindered them from drinking and I ended up ravaging what was supposed to be a fun night? "Stop overthinking, baby."

I groaned, "who else is going to be there?" If I at least knew what to expect, then I could prepare myself during the car ride there. I could google a pep talk or something. And maybe I could even have one alcoholic drink if they let me.

Another shrug from him as he smoothed my loose hair from my face. "Not sure. Think some guys from the team will be there. Wherever they go, girls will follow. But we can stick with the tight-knit group so you'd be comfortable. But I won't force you to go if you don't want to, angel."

An electrical disturbance billowed in my brain and I stood there with an unusual feeling boiling inside of me. Christian raised a concerned brow at what was no doubt a pinched expression I was wearing. "The cortical region of the frontal lobe of the brain stresses decision-making abilities and self-control."

He blinked. "Okay."

"I think I'm experiencing activity in the left part of my cerebral cortex," I proceeded and stepped away from him, causing him to frown. "I read an article that said many psychologists believe females are inclined to undergo this more often, simply because they are more reasonable and in touch with their emotions than their male counterparts."

Christian shook his head, suddenly becoming amused. "Wait, hold up." I shrieked when he stretched out to pull me back to him, a grin straining at his lips. "I don't speak science but I do, however, speak Eden." I blinked. "Is this your way of telling me you're jealous because other girls will be there?"

A huff left my lips, and I crossed my arms, neglecting the fact that he was grinning at me. I couldn't even find it in me to be happy about him behaving normally again. "Jealousy is revolting and injurious. It leads to actions deriving from a place of mistrust and insecurity." I poked his chest, and he laughed. "I will not let my insecurity run wild and threaten to damage any relationships I'm terrified to lose-"

"Eden-"

"So no, Christian," I persevered, lifting my hands to swat at nonexistent dust on his hoodie. "I am not jealous. I just had a temporary mental lapse. Due to me not knowing where we stand in this relationship, this lapse was highly expected. But, I refuse to allow any morose feelings to ferment and cause me to manifest my jealousy in a completely unflattering way -"

Christian seized my hips and bent down, mouth crushing mine. His tongue swept against mine and I could hardly even remember what we were talking about. The swell in my brain was gone, superseded by anything and everything that was Christian James. He lifted me up, one hand collaring the nape of my neck and the other clutching my arse as my legs bound around his waist.

Slamming me against the door, I let out a loud moan as I felt his bulge press between my legs. The many mature romance books I read definitely didn't prepare me for this feeling. My blood felt on fire and it tinged the edges of my vision with red. Christian let his mouth stray to my neck, sucking harshly as I tugged on his hair. Our breathing was heavy, courtesy of rubbing against each other as if we were cats.

When he pulled away, his icy eyes were alight with fire. His voice was a low reverberation, sending shivers down my spine. And by the smirk on his face, he knew what reactions he could pull from me. "You're allowed to be jealous, baby." He slid me down his body until I stood on precarious legs. "God alone knows what I'd do if another man touched you." With a pat to my arse, he murmured, "get your jacket and say bye to Mackenzie."

"Okay," I whispered, no doubt looking like a wolf in heat. Wow, was I really missing out on this all these years? Now I knew why Mary was always so excited to go see Shane.

The drive to the karaoke bar was uneventful, probably because my nerves were on edge. Christian glimpsed at me, momentarily taking his eyes off from the road, and I scolded him. All I received in return was a snort before he placed his right hand on my bare thigh and kept it there the entire way to the karaoke bar.

When he parked the car, I discerned the trembling of his fingers. I looked forward and saw the box of cigarettes on the dashboard. I pouted, not fancying the concept of him at war with himself. He was unmistakably trying to stop the yearning.

I tipped over and tugged his hoodie, kissing the seam of his lips before pulling away. My confidence was growing little by little, and I was thankful for it. I wouldn't be able to survive here without any. Scratching in the pocket of my denim jacket, I gave him some peppermint gum. He laughed and allowed me to drop it into his mouth, giggling when he ventured to nip my fingers.

And just like that, my trepidation dissipated. I hardly even broke a sweat when I was acquainted with Liam, a big, broody mountain of a man who was adhered to Charlie's side. His eyes were withdrawn most of the night, but whenever he glanced at the curly-haired blonde at his side, affection bathed in those coffee-brown whirls.

I did, however, perspire after Charlie and I performed Rihanna's Bitch Better Have My Money. Let me just say that I had no idea I could be that aggressive. Charlie and I weren't even singing, but rather screaming violently at the audience. She threw in some cheerleading moves and I applauded her.

The tempo changed as Snoop Dogg's Drop It Like It's Hot began pumping and Astrid sauntered onto the stage, dropping right into the splits. Sabrina, who I was happy to say I had a lot in common with, bounced around us in a ring. We were past the point of drunk. I only had one beer, but this being my first time drinking, it took a toll on me. Sober Eden would wet herself if she knew what Drunk Eden was capable of.

Charlie took off her t-shirt, and I screamed like the drunk idiot I was. Liam stood up, concluding that she was done performing, and marched onto the stage before tossing her over his shoulder and going back to the couches our group was lounging on. Nolan took Sabrina's hand and led his drunken girlfriend away. Astrid, I swear to God she fought Jeremy with that mic, brandishing it as if it was a weapon.

"Astrid, what the fuck?!" Jeremy hollered, eluding her fluctuating defence. Before either of us could blink, she leapt from the stage and ran to - I don't even know where. Jeremy rubbed a tired hand over his face before pursuing her.

I was the only one on stage now, swaying drunkenly with my mic clutched to my chest. Hearing a throat clear, I shifted to the side to see Christian standing there wearing a smirk. With a childlike squeal, I jumped right into his arms, laughing as he pretended to drop me. The mic fell to the ground. "You having fun, angel?"

There was no way I could even lie about it. I was having a magnificent time. His friends were so wondrous and accepting of me being here. Although, some tossed one another weird looks when we first arrived and Christian pulled me onto his lap, playing with my hair.

As if I was harbouring a dangerous secret, I whispered to Christian, "I have to pee."

"Well, good." It was Jeremy that responded, stopping next to us and making me realise I didn't whisper. "Maybe you could get Astrid out of the bathroom. She won't come out, saying that fucking Beyonce wants to steal her lemonade."

That pulled a laugh out of me as if it was the most entertaining thing in the world. I gripped Christian's shoulder, convulsing with snickers whilst both men gawked at me like I just told them I had five nipples or something. A final snort left me as Christian put me down and I shook my head, more laughs escaping.

I made my way to the public bathroom, intent on asking Astrid to share Beyonce's lemonade with me, but I was stopped by a beefy redhead who grinned devilishly at me. His eyes were red-rimmed, a sign that he was doing drugs. "Hey, princess." Ignoring him, I walked past him, but he stopped me with a tug to my arm. "I'm Kyler."

"Nice to meet you, Highlighter," I smiled at him. "But I have to go. My friend's smuggling supposed illegal lemonade."

Highlighter snorted before asking, "are you drunk?" I swayed slightly and laughed at my clumsiness. "I'll take that as a yes. Why don't we go somewhere more private?"

Before I could move, Highlighter bent to my height and I screeched, feeling revulsion overtake me. He nipped at the soft skin of my neck, groaning. I complained and struck his arms but he held them in place before propelling me against the wall; I was sure that he was going to leave bruises. His hands slowly hiked further and further. I opened my mouth to call for help, but Highlighter slammed his palm onto my mouth.

Suddenly, I was fourteen-years-old again, struggling against my restraints. Even though my eyes were open, it felt like something trapped me in the dark. I could smell the metallic stench of blood, but I knew I wasn't bleeding.

I heard the unmistakable sound of a gun. I heard the door being kicked down, the sound of sirens. I saw myself crying out for my parents. I saw the heartbreak in Mum's eyes, hand pressed to her pregnant belly as I sobbed against Papa. I saw Mary's wide green eyes, filled with horror as she took in my tiny figure drenched in blood.

We're gonna live happily ever after, Eden.

No. It wasn't real. None of it was real.

What was real, however, was the drunken male groping me. That he was even touching me made me want to bawl my eyes out. My skin felt contaminated, and it left me feeling debauched in the worst way possible. His hold was painful, and I wriggled, feeling the pads of his thumbs dig into my wrists. When he raised his head to gaze at me, I thought I was going to pass out; the feeling growing when he veered closer. Highlighter was just about to lean in and kiss me when a voice suddenly interposed.

"Eden!" It was the voice of Nolan.

Highlighter was swiftly ripped off from me and tossed to the ground. A tall figure arched over him and struck him in the jaw, a profanity escaping Highlighter's chapped lips. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

I didn't even know that I was crying until the pungent taste of my tears filled my mouth and I was pulled into Nolan's warm chest as we watched Highlighter get beat up. How drunk was I? "Shh," Nolan whispered whilst rubbing my back.

"Get the fuck out of here!" The tall figure roared at Highlighter, who blundered away slowly. I watched as Highlighter shouted something at Christian, who wielded his raw knuckles at him, challenging him to say something more. Highlighter stood up as straight as he could, and with the little dignity he had left, he rambled away.

Christian turned around to face us, his blue eyes now the colour of an enraged blizzard. His eyebrows were furrowed and his jaw tensed; I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified for whoever would have the misfortune of being at the receiving end of his fury. He stood up straight and glared at the spot Highlighter previously occupied before his glacial eyes descended on my shivering figure.

He slowly opened his arms and muttered lowly, "come here."

I immediately pushed away from Nolan and leapt into his arms, whimpering as he sheathed his arms around my waist and held me close. "I'm sorry," I muttered, hating the fact that the night was ruined. Christian rested his chin on top of my head and squeezed me, growling when I winced in pain. There would definitely be bruises.

"It's okay. It's not your fault," he whispered as he stroked my hair and nodded at a grim Nolan. "We're gonna leave now, okay?" I felt bad about ruining their night, even though I knew it wasn't my fault.

"Okay." All I wanted to do was go to bed. My head was pulsating and my body throbbed. I no longer even wanted some of Beyonce's lemonade. At that moment, Astrid peeped out of the bathroom (still holding the mic) and grimaced at what she saw.

"I'm going to complain to the manager of this place," Nolan discoursed whilst walking over to us. "Someone tried spiking Brina's drink when I went to get her phone from the couch." The thought of Sabrina being drugged made me shudder.

I lifted my head from Christian's chest, "is she okay?" Nolan nodded with a sombre smile and told me to go home to get some sleep. He and Liam would deal with whatever was happening. Christian winched me up in his arms and carried me outside. I wrapped my arms around his neck and closed my eyes due to how light-headed I was feeling.

He opened the back door and slowly settled me onto the seat, afraid of causing me any pain whatsoever. "I'm sorry this happened to you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my head.

When he went to move away, I gripped his hand, my voice coming out shaky. "This is not your fault, okay? Predators like Highlighter lurk in the dark waiting for unsuspecting drunk girls." Without a doubt, Christian would feel to blame. He was hushed and there was indisputable fury boiling in his eyes. I bumped his nose and he let a smile slip.

Christian shut the door before hopping into the car. The moment the engine rumbled, I was out like a light, dreaming of frightened cries and dark rooms reeking of blood.