She shut the door and asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I think it’s a bad idea,” said Louis, “You and Max.”

“Why?” she asked, challenging his almost desperate look.

“You know his reputation,” said Louis, “He’s just going to hurt you.”

At that moment, Max pulled up to the curb in a small red convertible. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Micky whispered at Louis, clearly upset, “So stay out of it. You are not my babysitter anymore, Louis.” She stalked away from him and Max smirked at him as he opened the car door for Micky.

Louis swore under his breath. He couldn’t stand to see Micky hurt, especially by Max. Louis knew how he operated. He’d take her to this party, get her drunk, convince her he loved her, sleep with her, and then never speak to her again. Louis had seen it happen before. It would kill Micky, who was so trusting. He decided to go to the party anyway, just to keep an eye out for her. Besides, she’d thank him later.

Micky arrived at the party on Max’s arm. She talked to everyone she encountered, mostly schoolmates. Mia was excited that Micky had finally come to one of Niall’s famous parties. The large room was dimly lit and smoky. Music was pounding and many people were dancing. Micky spotted Louis among a knot of football players, but didn’t acknowledge him. Max handed her a drink. “What is it?” she asked him.

“Punch,” he said, taking a sip of his own. She took a little sip and thanked him. Little did she know that he had spiked her drink and he was drinking straight scotch.

After an hour or two, and another drink, Micky was a little tipsy. She stopped tensing up when Max touched her and he kept an arm around her.

The party was on full force by then, and Louis had lost sight of Micky and Max. He was searching, on the verge of panic, when a drunk girl grabbed him and started dancing, dragging him along.

Meanwhile, Max was pretty drunk and getting a little to cozy for Micky’s comfort. His words were slurred and he kept trying to kiss her. She dodged it and had a hand against Max’s chest, when Liam Payne tapped his shoulder, “May I have this dance with the lady?”

Micky slipped out of Max’s grip while Zayn distracted him and joined Liam on the dance floor.

“Thanks,” she yelled over the noise.

“No problem,” he said, loudly, “Having trouble?”

“I’m fine,” she said, obviously not.