“You sure you’re good with this?” Kyle asked, holding out the small, pale pill between his fingers. The bass from the speakers thrummed through the air, vibrating in Tara’s chest as she leaned in closer to hear him over the music. She nodded, her dark curls bouncing, and plucked it from his hand without hesitation. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

They’d met an hour ago near the edge of the dance floor, Kyle’s lanky frame and easy smile catching her eye as he offered her a water bottle. Tara, with her sharp cheekbones and a body that moved like it was made for the rhythm, had been alone but radiating energy, her fitted tank top clinging to her curves as she swayed to the beat. They’d talked—shouted, really—about the DJ, the lights, the way the crowd felt like one living, breathing thing. Now, here they were, on the cusp of something new.

Kyle watched her swallow the pill, his gaze lingering on the way her throat moved. “You’re gonna love it,” he said, his voice low but carrying a hint of excitement. Tara grinned, her lips curving into something mischievous, and grabbed his hand. “Come on,” she said, pulling him toward the pulsing heart of the crowd. “Let’s see what happens.” The lights flashed, and for a moment, everything seemed to slow.