chapter 17 true colours

They make thier way out to the parking, Elena a confused of what is happening and why Sammy is acting this way.

"Hey, what's going on?" Elena asked. Trying to understand why he is acting crazy all of a sudden.

"We need to talk," Sammy said, his voice low and urgent.

"About what !" Elena asked, her eyes scanning the surrounding area to make sure they were truly alone.

Sammy hesitated, looking around nervously before focusing on Elena. "I know what you're doing , Elena , I know you're looking for something or someone better than me.

"Elena's eyes narrowed,"what are you talking about?"

Sammy's grip on her arm tightened. "Don't play dumb with me. I've seen the way you've been dancing with those girls guys gawking at you. She is suprised by his words.

"Do you think,I would do to you what your ex did to you?" His eyes filled with worry.

Sammy's grip tighten on her arm, "don't play dumb with me , I've lived this before I know how it goes.

Elena's expression remained neutral , but her heart was racing . What is wrong with him?asking herself.

"Let me go, Sammy!" Elena struggling to free herself, but Sammy's grip only tightened.

"Oh no, Elena , " Sammy sneered , his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity.

"We're just getting started, you see, I've been watching you tonight with what your wearing. You like being watched right especially by men?"

Elena eyes widened in alarm as Sammy's words send shivers down her spine." What are you talking about , Sammy?"

His voice taking a menacing tone, "I'm talking about the way you make me feel,Elena.

The way you always seem just out of reach. It's like your're taunting me , teasing me...and just can't get you and it's driving me nuts.

Elena's heart was racing now, her mind screaming for her to get away from Sammy. ""Let me go, Sammy. This isn't funny anymore."

Julian walked out to smoke and catch the cool night air, seeking a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts . He lit a cigarette, taking a long drag as he gazed out at the partygoers miling about in the distance.

As he exhaled , he caught snippets of a heated conversation coming from around the corner. His eyes perked up as he recognized it, Laced with fear and urgency.

"I said let me go ,Sammy! Please.

Julian's eyes narrowed, his grip his cigarette tightening. He quickly rounded the corner , his eyes locking onto the scene before him.

He immediately defusing the situation.

" Hey, Sammy , ease up , man . What's going on here?"

Sammy's turned to look at Julian.

"No,problem, Julian. Just a misunderstanding."

Elena's eyes met Julian's, a flicker of gratitude passing between them before she quickly looked away , her face pale.

Julian's eyes never left Sammy's face as he spoke , his voice firm but controlled. "Sammy , I think it's time for you to back off and leave Elena alone go you heard me."

Sammy's smile filtered ,his eyes Flashing with anger."?mind your own business,Julian." He sneered. "This doesn't concernyou."

Julian took a step forward, his eyes locked onto Sammy's. "Elena's friend of mine, Sammy . And I won't stand by while you harras her.Back off."

Tension as the two men faced off, their eyes locked in a silent challenge. For a moment, it seemed like Sammy might refuse, but then whit sudden movement, he turned and walked away, disappearinf into the darkness.

Elene let out a shaky breath , her eyes meeting Julian's. "Thanks , Julian ,she said. Her voice barely above a whisper. "I owe you one."

Julian smiled eyes crinkling at the corners , "No need to thank me , Elena , I'm just glad I was here to help."

As they stood there , the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding.

"Do you want o go back to the party , Ill have a words with Sammy am sure he didn't mean to do what he did something must have triggered him."

"I don't really feel like going back to the party right now."

Julian Nodded understanding, that's okay. We can grab some fresh air and take a walk instead. Im happy to keep you company."

Elena smiled slightly ,ooming relieved . "Thanks , Julian. That's sounds nice."

Together, thye strolled through the quite garden. The cool night air helping to clear their heads. They chatted about nothing in particular, enjoying each other's company.

Julian stopped walking and turned to Elena , his expression thoughtful. "Hey , I think I will go back to talk to Sammy about what just happened.

Elenas expression softened and she nodded . "Okay, Julian but be careful, okay?" She smiled.

Julian smiled reassuringly, "I'm not going to fight him , I'll just make sure he understands that his bahavior was unacceptable. And maybe , just maybe he'll apologize for his rudeness.

Elena smiled looking hopeful.

Few minutes later, Sammy came looking for Elena.

"Elena can I talk to you?" Sammy asked. His voice soft this time and apologetic.

She nodded cautiously . "Ok."

He took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm really sorry,for how I acted earlier. I was completely out of line , and I shouldn't have spoken to you like that.."

She remained skeptical, but she listened as Sammy continued.

"I know I've been acting weird tonight and it's because ...well I just got jelous thtw you were getting all this attention, and it all remineded me of my ex and I know it's not an excuse , I m really sorry please forgive me.

She was undsue if what to make of all this and Sammy's apology.

"Ok Sammy," Elena said finally, her voice measured. "I except your apology, But let me make one thing clear , I don't appreciate being shouted at and for nothing ,and learn to control your emotions. If you want to talk to me , thats fine but do no it in a respectful way and respect my boundaries and my freedom I don't want to be controlled."

This was her time to run , but she decided not to see the red flag .

Sammy nodded eagerly , his face lighting up with relief. "I will ,Elena I promise I'll be more careful and respectful from now on,"

Elena looked at him, "Good , I appreciate that, Sammy."

As they stood there still trying to enjoy the rest of the party , the tension between became less and lesser replaced with laughter. Thye went back to the party and had fun slow dancing and enjoying a moment of intimacy...