Chapter 7 Who You Love

~ Audrey ~ Audrey had never done something so daring before in her life. With the help of the brothers, she managed to get into her room and changed into her jeans and t-shirt, before sneaking out through the back door. Maybe it was the champagne in her blood talking, but she had never felt more alive. With Caspian and Killian by her side, she felt fearless, like she could jump out of windows and rob a bank if necessary. The next thing she knew, the three of them got into the Vanderbilt’s black limo and the car took them across the city. Blood was pumping in her veins and her heart was racing faster than Paul Walker in the Fast and Furious movies. In the back of the limo, Audrey was sitting in the middle, Caspian was to her right and Killian was to her left. She was smiling and giggling the entire way, imagining the look on her dad’s face as his plan to marry her off crumbled into pieces. After a solid twenty minute drive, the car pulled up in front of a townhouse with some Greek symbols etched on the roof. The NYU flag waving above it was another dead giveaway. This must be the place, Audrey said to herself. She never attended one of these college parties before dating Ashton, she never had a reason to go. But tonight was different. All the NYU college kids were celebrating the end of finals week and Audrey was celebrating her five month anniversary with Ashton. “This is it. Thanks for the ride, boys,” Audrey said as she was about to get out. “That’s what she said,” Caspian couldn’t help himself. Audrey rolled her eyes at him for the millionth time that night and said, “Do you mind? I need to get out,” The brothers did not move for her. Killian rolled down his window and eyed the building suspiciously, saying, “Are you sure this is the place?” “Yeah. Now can someone move so I can get out?” “I don’t know,” he narrowed his eyes, ”I don’t know if we should just leave her here,” Killian said to Caspian. “Maybe we should take a look. Make sure she’s safe,” Caspian replied. “Guys, I’m fine—“ But before Audrey could finish her sentence, the boys already got up and stepped out of the limo. Killian stood tall as he adjusted his suit. Caspian cracked his neck as he watched the rowdy college kids coming in and out the door. “After you,” Killian gestured for Audrey to lead the way. Whatever, she said to herself and started walking. She thought the brothers were being too extra, but she didn’t care. The most important thing to her was that she made it to the party and that Ashton would be ecstatic to see her. As soon as she stepped into the house, loud hip-hop music was blasting and the sound of people laughing and cheering filled the air. The energy in that place was at an all time high. People were dancing, playing beer pong, taking selfies, making out – everything Audrey had imagined a college party would be. She scanned around the room and her eyes lit up when she spotted Ashton. He was standing with a red plastic cup in his hand, talking to some guys and girls in the middle of the living room. At this point, the champagne in her system had taken full control of her body. With a bright smile and confident steps, she strode over towards her boyfriend. “Ashton!” she beamed and linked her arms around his neck. “Babe! Hey, you made it!” Ashton grinned from ear to ear as he hugged her back. “I made it, sorry it took a while,” Audrey smiled into his chest. She was so happy to see Ashton, she forgot about the Vanderbilt brothers that were right behind her. The brothers stood tall, emanating this dark, masculine vibe as they scanned around the room. Everyone who saw them would do a double look. Girls batted their eyelashes at them and guys would stagger back, wondering who they were. When Audrey noticed that everyone was staring at her and the Vanderbilt boys, she immediately felt embarrassed. She turned to the brothers and said, “Okay guys, thanks for walking me in, have a great night you two,” Audrey wanted to get rid of them quickly as people started whispering and murmuring. She hated being the center of attention. The brothers, however, didn’t mind it one bit. Killian and Caspian stood in full confidence, their heads were cocked to the side, and their hands were firm in their pockets. “You two can go now…” Audrey said again, laughing nervously. Caspian shot Ashton a look and said, “Take care of her, all right?” Ashton didn’t say anything back. In fact, he was offended that another guy was telling him to take care of his girlfriend. “Good night, Audrey. We’ll see you again,” Killian nodded to Audrey. Something about the way he said those words sounded more like an order than a goodbye. Audrey didn’t say anything and watched as the brothers turned around and strode away. And as soon as the Vanderbilt brothers left the premises, Audrey let out a relieved sigh. Slowly, all the other people started going back to their business and no one was staring at her anymore. “Who the hell are those guys?” Ashton asked. His eyes were still glued to the door, making sure that those guys were out of sight. * * * - - - - - To be continued - - - - -