Liz dropped onto the couch exhausted after two exams and a full day of classes. Her stomach growled for food but the need to just let her mind relax overcame the desire to eat. While changing out of tight jeans into comfortable yoga pants, she paused to admire her reflection. At 5'4'' with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, Liz considered herself average looking but was proud of her taunt belly, a product of a strict workout regimen.
Peaceful silence was broken with booming music from the apartment above.
She stomped up the stairs and knocked hard on the apartment door. No one answered. Music boomed into the hallway. Why is no one else stopping them? Liz wondered.
Well, here goes nothing. She turned the knob and stepped into the apartment. Instantly she felt underdressed in her yoga pants and t-shirt. Ladies were strutting around in high heels, short skirts and glittering tops while the guys lounged in jeans and shirts. Liz lifted her chin and took a step into the living room, looking for the apartment owners.
"Who you lookin' for, babe?" A smooth voice asked. Liz whirled around to see a handsome man looking down at her with a smirk.
Uneasy with his predatory evaluation, she said, "I'm looking for the people who live here."
The man moved a step closer. She could smell the faint scent of Old Spice and fought the urge to lean in. "Oh, you mean Casey and Mik. They're busy right now, if you catch my drift." He gave her a sly wink.
Liz took a step back and tried to gather her wits. "Fine. I'll ask you then. Please, turn down your music. I've had a long day and can't sleep with all this noise."
Expecting him to say of course, Liz began to edge towards the door. "No."
She stopped.
The handsome man gave a cruel grin and leaned against the wall, blocking her easy exit. Liz suddenly noticed that everyone was looking at the two of them talking. The girls were whispering behind their hands and giggling while the men just stared at her.
"I think you should just join the party."
Liz shook her head, "I'm not interested in partying tonight, but thanks." She tried to edge around him again.
He tilted his head and looked past her in thought. "No. You're staying."
Liz did not have time to register an objection as the man scooped her up and dropped her on a couch. The unnamed handsome man plopped down next to her and slipped an arm around her shoulders to prevent any escape. The other guests went back to their conversations and games. "So, you got a name?"