Chapter One

(Past)

It was unusual for them to show up to a college party. They had only made an exception because someone from the races was throwing it. Vince weaved through the crowd and growled to himself. He hated college parties, they were always drunk and purposely making fools out of themselves just to impress the other drunk messes. He could think of so many other ways to be spending his Saturday night. Maybe this was the reason why he didn't enroll into college a couple of years back when he graduated. Hell, he probably wouldn't have graduated if it weren't for him practically living with Dominic and his father because if it were left up to Vince; he would have dropped out. High school just wasn't that important to him. Yet, he found himself unable to think of what exactly was important to him.

He had to keep his mind off stupid shit like this; it always brought him down when he thought about his life. What was there to show for it? All he had was a nice car and a close group of friends; whom he loved of course but, he felt empty.

Only a few more people and he'd be out of the crowd; finally making it into a clearing. After bobbing and weaving for a few seconds more he practically threw himself into the opening; glad that he wasn't being touched by moving bodies anymore. Walking away, he tripped over something and almost threw his beer on the floor. Stopping, he looked for the source; it was a tanned pair of legs. Moving closer he found a woman sitting against the wall with her feet out and her eyes closed; she looked upset about something.

Vince couldn't help but look at her. She seemed like a normal girl, her hair was a light brown almost blond; long and straight; her skin was tan from obvious trips to the beach, her clothes weren't slutty just, eccentric. He was almost blinded by how hot pink her shirt was, along with her large beaded necklace. She definitely looked different than the rest of the girls that littered this party. Against his will, he found himself curious; crouching down to apologize.

"Sorry about that, I didn't hurt you did I?" He talked louder than normal because the music was loud and thumping. Her eyes opened slowly and it was obvious she wasn't passed out from being wasted; she actually looked completely sober. Slowly, her eyes opened; she blinked a few times, adjusting to the light and smoke that filled the room; finally she made eye contact. Vince was taken back by her eyes; they were a mix of blue and green. Around the outside they were a dark blue and the inside was a nice green color.

"What?" She looked genuinely confused. He pretty much just kicked her and she didn't even notice? Maybe she was drunk.

"I said I'm sorry for kicking you." Vince stated. Her eyes squinted slightly from thinking before she shrugged.

"Well, I imagine I tripped you, so were even." She smiled just a little bit but, you could tell she was still upset. Vince couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a small smile.

"Beer?" He held out his full cup to her. What was he thinking?! Now he'd have to go back through that crowd of hot mess just to get another one. She shook her head; inside he was thankful for that.

"I don't drink, but thanks."

"You're at a party and you don't drink?" Vince snorted playfully.

"I was dragged here against my will."

"I see, I guess that explains why you're being a wallflower."

"I'm having too much fun tripping the drunks; tripped about six people already." Vince erupted into laughter.

"I'm not drunk." He said; still smiling.

"Are you sure?" He nodded. "Then that makes it worse because you're sober and you still tripped." She made a good point; he was sober so he should have been watching where he was going. Laughter erupted from him again; shaking his head he plopped down next to her; his legs burning from being crouched down so long.

"Do you mind?" Vince asked referring to him sitting down.

"If you want to sulk with me, I won't complain." She smiled.

"So why are you sulking?" Vince tilted his cup back and took a big gulp.

What the hell are you doing? Now he was going to be stuck here listening to some random girl's problems! Girls just go on and on…

"Uh, well, I worked my ass off for weeks and I still failed this really big test, so now I have to work twice as hard to keep my grade up and instead of staying in the dorm to study, my friend Travi said I just had to come to this stupid party." She rolled her eyes.

"Travi? What the hell kind of name is that?" She laughed and shrugged.

"She transferred here from Transylvania University last year so I don't know, that's the nickname she got from, who knows where."

"So she's from Europe?" Vince's eyebrow rose in confusion.

"Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky." He erupted in laughter; she followed suit, he noticed the way her eyes twinkled when she laughed.

"So you're a nerd then?" Vince joked.

"Not really, I just think there are more important things to do in college besides get drunk and play beer pong." She explained seriously.

"Says the girl at a raging party."

She chuckled and shook her head; he was just too much.

"Vince! There you are," Leon was standing in front of him with a girl on his arm. "We're taking off man, you coming?" Vince nodded and stood up.

"I guess I'll see you around." He said looking down at her.

"Do you go to school here?" She asked; he shook his head. "You don't go to school here and you don't know my name, I highly doubt we'll run into each other." She smiled sweetly.

"Well what is your name smartass?" He was only kidding and he could tell she knew that.

"Brooke Connelly."

"Well, Brooke Connelly, I'll see you around." He gave her a slight wave and turned to leave.

"What the hell! You're not going to tell me your name?" She snapped lightly in disbelief. When he turned back around, she was standing up with her arms crossed like a little kid. Vince smiled sexily down at her; she was really short; couldn't have been taller than 5'3.

"Vince De Luca." She just smiled up at him; he waved again and walked towards the exit. Neither one of them knew if they would see each other again.