She was on top. She had it all. She was perfect, and she didn't have to try. She had him; that lucky charm. That Bradford boy. She was flying.

But all it took was one party to cause her to drop. All it took was one day to destroy her life.

And that day changed her whole life. That day created a secret. From that day on, Danielle Mae Harris needed to be saved.

PROULUGE
I never noticed the significance of this. The way his lips felt, the way his hands on my waist grazed, and the way he smelt. I never realized how insanely wrong it all felt; so wrong it somehow bordered onto right. I never thought of this moment deeply, but I know who was going to be there. And how good it should’ve felt. But I don’t remember thinking this over—if only I had more time.

No. No time. He didn’t give me time. All my thoughts vanished as his eyes gazed into mine. His light hazel eyes glowed, the green specks mesmerizing me. His full lips in a small sloppy smile and his breath seeping with vodka. He erased each and every thought as he dipped in for a kiss.

I laid there motionless. No ability to move or speak. My hormones and brain separated, and everything changed.

Suddenly, it didn’t feel so good.

Suddenly, I wanted to leave.

Suddenly, my mouth was dry.

My chest was tight and I couldn’t breathe. I just need time. I needed a second. I needed to say no.