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I try to be subtle as I drive, but I can't stop stealing glances at the damsel beside me. She's perfection and simply too good for me.
Marissa has always been the sunshine in my storm. In the beginning, I used to think that she was that way because she didn't have any problems of her own. But I later realized that she just always created her own happiness.
Finally, we arrive at the venue, and the music pulses through the air as Marissa and I step out of the car and make our way towards the entrance of the party.
I can feel the tension radiating off her as she catches sight of the paparazzi gathered outside, their cameras flashing and bulbs popping in a relentless barrage of light.
Her grip tightens on my arm, her nerves palpable as she watches them. A jolt of emotions cascades through me and envelopes my entire frame at her eccentric touch, but I fight to keep my poker face.
"It's okay," I murmur reassuringly, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Just smile and wave. They'll eat it up."
She nods, her expression tense as she forces a smile. But despite my attempts to ease her nerves, I can see the apprehension in her eyes as we approach the entrance. She waves at the cameras, but I can tell she's uncomfortable, and she's doing her best to put on a brave face.
The paparazzi swarm around us like vultures, snapping photos and shouting questions as we make our way inside. But I turn on my charm, politely smiling at the cameras but ignoring the questions.
Once we're past the sea of flashing cameras, I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful to be away from the prying eyes. Usually, I’d love the attention, but being with Marissa makes me want to shield her from them.
The instant we step inside, the noise and chaos of the outside world fades away, replaced by the low hum of conversation and the soft strains of music. The party is in full swing, and the room is filled with actors and celebrities mingling and schmoozing.
Eyes zero in on us as my friends and colleagues say hello. Marissa is no doubt the most beautiful woman in the room, and I don't fail to notice how the admiring glances of my peers follow us.
My male colleagues flock around her like sharks, vying for her attention and showering her with compliments.
Marissa's smile doesn't quite reach her eyes as the men crowd around her. She shifts her weight from foot to foot, angling away from them. I feel a surge of heat flush my face as I watch my colleagues flock around Marissa.
I lead her towards a quiet corner of the room, hoping to provide a moment of respite from the overwhelming attention. As we settle into a cozy seating area, a couple of my male colleagues approach, each greeting Marissa with a bit too much enthusiasm.
"Hey, darling, you look absolutely stunning," one of them says, leaning in a little too close for comfort.
I would bury my fist in their faces if I could, and the thought catches me off guard. These are feelings I'm not accustomed to when it comes to women. But she's different.
"Thanks," Marissa replies, trying to play it cool.
I give him a curt nod, my eyes narrowing in warning. But that doesn't seem to deter him or the other guy beside him.
"Hey, Bryce, long time no see!" he exclaims, clapping me on the back as he sidles up to Marissa. "And who's this lovely lady you've brought with you?"
I grit my teeth, forcing a courteous smile as I step protectively closer to Marissa. "This is Marissa," I reply through clenched teeth, my tone giving off the don't-mess-with-me vibe.
But their eyes still linger on her with a predatory gleam. "Well, she's certainly a sight for sore eyes. Can't blame a guy for admiring the view, can you?"
My blood boils at his brazen comment, my temper flaring as I square off against him. "Actually, I can. And I suggest you back off."
He raises an eyebrow in amusement. "What's the matter, Bryce? Can't handle a little competition?"
I grit my teeth, my temper flaring as I shoot him a warning glare. "This isn't a game, . Marissa isn't some prize to be won."
Jake chuckles, unfazed by my threat. "Relax, man. I'm just having a bit of fun."
My fists clench at my sides as I struggle to suppress my anger. "Stay away from her. She's off-limits."
But he just laughs, an annoyingly cocky smirk on his face. "Whatever you say. Just remember, you're the one with the reputation of jumping from one woman to another. I would treat her right if she were mine."
Seething with anger, my hands ball into fists by my sides. I want nothing more than to wipe that smug grin off Jake's face, but I know that would only make things worse.
Who is he to act like Marissa is just some prize to be won?
"Watch your mouth, dude. You don't know anything about me."