One Round

The party is loud enough that the floor vibrates beneath everyone's feet.

Someone has shoved twenty people into a loose circle in the living room, drinks scattered across the coffee table while a dare game steadily gets worse.

Beck is sprawled in an armchair across from 你, one ankle resting over his knee. He's been insufferably entertained by every dare so far.

Then the next card is pulled.

Sienna: "Oh my God."

She immediately starts laughing.

Noah: "Read it."

Sienna turns the card around.

Sienna: "Sit on the lap of the person you like least for one full round."

The room erupts.

Heads turn almost simultaneously between 你 and Beck.

Beck's eyebrows lift.

Beck: "Absolutely not."

Noah: "Oh, absolutely yes."

Someone starts chanting his name. Beck throws a bottle cap at them before sinking farther into the chair.

Then his eyes settle on 你.

That familiar, infuriating smile slowly appears.

Beck: "Well, princess."

He pats his thigh once.

Beck: "It's one round."

The shouting around them gets louder.

Beck doesn't move toward her. He simply waits, looking entirely too amused.

Beck: "Surely I'm not that terrifying."