Tiffany watched Jacob sleep for a few minutes, then stood up.While she was cleaning his room, she found her diary on his desk. Now it was time to take it back and go home. End this silly blackmail once and for all.But somehow, it felt like she was betraying him and instead of grabbing her diary and heading out, she walked over to the desk and placed it exactly where she’d found it.Something must be seriously wrong with her.She looked around the room, studying it again. It was a simple room.A few posters were tacked to the walls, mostly bands she didn’t recognize. The desk was cluttered with textbooks, crumpled papers, and stray pens, yet there was something oddly organized about the mess. It was a side of Jacob she hadn’t paid attention to before—just a normal guy with a space that reflected bits of his life.Her gaze lingered on a photograph tucked into the edge of his mirror. He couldn’t be more than five in it, all toothless and innocent.She smiled. He was so cute.“Mom, no.”
“So now you get to witness the true reality of my life. Jacob stuck in this messy, broken, and old house with his poor mother,” he said. “I wasn’t born with a golden spoon in my mouth. So you are probably thinking I got some audacity to ask a girl out like you,” he added bitterly.“I see your assholy attitude is back. You must be feeling better,” Tiffany retorted.Jacob smirked his expression a mix of relief and annoyance. “Guess some things never change, huh? Even when I’m half dead, I still manage to get under your skin.”“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just surprised you have the energy to be a jerk again,” Tiffany shot back, crossing her arms. She leaned against the doorframe, trying to maintain a tough exterior, but inside, she felt the tension shift. Despite his words, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, a reminder of how close they had been just hours before.“I’m sorry,” Jacob’s voice dropped, a more serious tone surfacing. “I just…I never wanted you to see how I li
Tiffany didn’t hate him, and she was willing to go to prom with him willingly.The thought brought a smile to his lips. It made his headache lessen.And she was here, with him. For once, he didn’t have to feel alone. He let out a soft moan as he felt her cool fingers massage his scalp.This had to be a dream, right?“You aren’t actually here, are you?” He murmured, his eyes closed.He felt her shift. “What?” she whispered.“I have a feeling I’m in some kind of fever-induced coma and imagining you next to me,” he said.Tiffany giggled. “You are always saying weird things. Is your headache getting better?”“Yes. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you’re doing right now. God, you have such a soft hand. I’m in heaven,” he said.“You still feel really hot. Maybe I need to take you to the hospital,” Tiffany said.Jacob’s eyes snapped open. “What? No, that’s not necessary.”“Why not? I can ask John to drive us and then…”“No!” Jacob exclaimed, interrupting her. “There’s no need
Tiffany stormed out of the bathroom, her heart pounding with anger and adrenaline. She couldn’t believe the nerve of those two confronting her like that. But a small part of her felt a thrill of satisfaction at the way she’d handled them, the shock on their faces when they realized she wasn’t some pushover.She was her father’s daughter, after all.She rounded the corner, her mind still reeling, when she nearly collided with a solid chest. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, steadying her, and she looked up to see Jacob’s concerned face.“Whoa, where’s the fire?” he asked, his brow furrowed.Tiffany let out a shaky laugh, the tension draining from her body at the sight of him. “Just had a little run-in with the queen bees,” she said, trying to play it off.Jacob’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening slightly. “What did they do?”She shook her head. “Nothing I couldn’t handle. Let’s just say they won’t be bothering me again anytime soon.”A slow grin spread across his face, his eyes gli
Tiffany’s heart fluttered like a trapped butterfly as she descended the stairs, her fingers lightly trailing the smooth banister. She paused at the bottom, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.As she entered the living room, Tiffany’s eyes darted around, searching for her family’s reactions. Her gaze landed on Lucas, her younger brother, who was frozen in place, his jaw hanging open.“Tiff… you look beautiful! Like a movie star,” Lucas exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine awe.Tiffany felt a rush of affection for her little brother. “Thanks, Luke,” she said, ruffling his hair playfully.Lucas ducked away from her hand, his eyes still wide with admiration.“Lucas is correct. This dress is perfect for you,” Riley said.A warm blush crept up Tiffany’s cheeks. “You’re sweet,” she murmured, smoothing down the front of her dress self-consciously.Is it too much? she wondered, suddenly second-guessing her choice. What if Jacob doesn’t like it?The moment was shattered by the sound
Tiffany took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was here with Jacob, not alone.They walked up the steps, Jacob still holding her hand. She could hear the muffled sounds of music and chatter filtering through the large double doors. The moment they entered, she was greeted by a wave of color and energy.Tiffany’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene. The ballroom was stunning, with shimmering decorations that reflected the soft glow of fairy lights strung across the ceiling. A large banner proclaimed, “Welcome to Prom Night!” in bold letters. It felt like stepping into a dream.“Wow,” she murmured. She spotted a group of her classmates nearby, including Amber and Emily.“Let’s find a table,” Jacob suggested. Tiffany nodded, grateful for his lead.As they made their way through the crowd, she spotted Amber and Emily across the room. They were talking and laughing with a group of their friends, their smiles wide and carefree. But as soon as they saw Tiffany with J
Tiffany and Jacob stepped outside into the cool night air, the music from the ballroom fading behind them. The excitement of the evening still buzzed in Tiffany’s veins, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her as they moved away from the chaos inside.“I can’t believe you won Prom King!” Tiffany exclaimed.“It’s all just bullshit, really,” Jacob replied, his smile infectious.“Whatever, you were reveling in that moment,” Tiffany said. “I could see your head blowing up like a balloon with pride.”Jacob chuckledJust then, a dark van pulled up beside the curb, its windows tinted and engine idling quietly. Tiffany’s smile faltered as she caught sight of the vehicle.Jacob’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing in concern. “What’s wrong?”Before she could answer, the side door of the van slid open, and two figures in dark clothing jumped out. Tiffany’s heart raced as a wave of panic washed over her.“Jacob!” she shouted, her voice high-pitched and laced with fear.Without a moment’
Jacob’s world spun as rough hands shoved him forward, the coarse fabric of a hood obscuring his vision. His feet scrabbled for purchase on the uneven ground, his heart pounding in his chest.“Watch it!” he snapped as he stumbled, nearly falling. A harsh laugh was his only response.Disoriented and angry, Jacob tried to focus on his other senses. The musty smell of decay filled his nostrils, and he could hear the echo of footsteps in what seemed to be a large, empty space.Suddenly, the hood was yanked off his head. Jacob blinked rapidly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. As his vision cleared, a chill ran down his spine.He found himself in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse, its cavernous interior shrouded in shadows. Dust motes danced in the weak shafts of light filtering through grimy windows high above. The air felt heavy and oppressive.“Where am I?” Jacob demanded, his voice echoing in the vast space. “What do you want with me?”One of his captors, a burly man with a
Lucas turned to Amy and smirked. “Well…”Amy raised an eyebrow. “Well?”Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Some date night, huh?”Amy let out a laugh that was half-exhaustion, half-hysteria. “Oh yeah. Kidnapping, gunfights, your sister going all James Bond on us. Is this really what your life is like?” she asked, sinking onto a nearby sofa.Lucas sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched. “Not usually this dramatic.”“Says the man who kidnapped me the first time we met,” Amy pointed out.“That was a special circumstance,” he defended with a small smile.Amy leaned her head against his shoulder. “I should be running for the hills right now.”“Are you going to?” he asked softly.She turned to look at him, her eyes meeting his. “Not after your confession. Did you really mean it?”Lucas’s face. “I meant what I said back there, Amy. I love you.”Amy put her arms around him, drawing him closer. “When did you know?”Lucas leaned down and brushed his lips over hers
Taking a deep breath, Lucas reached for the bar. His hand hesitated for only a second before he pushed it.The door groaned open, and for a split second, neither of them breathed.No alarm.Lucas let out a sharp exhale and grabbed her hand. “Move.”They bolted outside into the chill night air, the sharp scent of gasoline and metal in the wind. The alley was empty, dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp at the far end.“Which way?” Amy whispered, adrenaline surging through her veins.Lucas pointed left. “There’s a road a few blocks down. If we can make it there, we can steal a car or flag someone—”A gunshot cracked through the air, splintering the bricks near their heads. They both ducked instinctively, pressing themselves against the side of the building.“They know,” Amy gasped.Lucas clenched his jaw. “Run.”They took off, weaving through trash bins and broken crates. Another shot rang out, ricocheting off metal behind them.“STOP! Or I will shoot your head this time!” A voice
Lucas shifted in his chair, the zip ties digging into his wrists as he avoided her gaze. “Not exactly the most romantic setting for this conversation.”“I think we’re past worrying about ambiance,” Amy said dryly. “So?”He exhaled slowly. “I was going to say… I love you, Amy.”No one said anything for a while.“You… what?” Amy finally asked.“I love you,” he repeated, his voice steadier now. “Have for a while. It’s why I couldn’t stand seeing you with Asa. Why I acted like such an idiot.” He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. “And now I’ve gotten you kidnapped by the mafia. Stellar boyfriend material.”Amy blinked rapidly, processing his words. “You love me.”“Yes.”“And your way of showing it was to tell me to kiss another man?”Lucas winced. “It was a stupid thing to say.”“So you stalked my date and then jumped me in a bathroom to prove it?” she asked, unable to hide her amusement. And her happiness.“When you put it that way…”“And now we’re tied to chairs in some abandoned war
Amy and Lucas were marched across the parking lot toward a black SUV with heavily tinted windows. Two more men in suits opened the rear doors.“Ladies first,” Scar-face sneered, shoving Amy forward.“Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” Lucas growled, the threat so cold and certain that even the thug hesitated.“Big words for a man in zip ties,” Baldy laughed.They were forced into the backseat, the leather cool and buttery soft against Amy’s bare legs. The door slammed behind them. The bearded man slid into the passenger seat while Scar-face took the wheel.“Where are you taking us?” Amy asked, her voice steadier than she felt.No one answered.Lucas shifted closer to Amy, his bound hands awkwardly seeking hers. When their fingers touched, she clung to him, drawing strength from the contact.“I’m sorry,” he whispered, so quietly only she could hear. “I never wanted you involved in this.”“Involved in what, exactly?” she whispered back.Before Lucas could answer, the bearded man turned
Amy knew she should stop this madness. They were in a public bathroom, for God’s sake, with her date sitting just outside. But Lucas’s fingers were working magic, and rational thought was rapidly abandoning her.“This doesn’t change anything,” she gasped as he slid one finger inside her, her hands still fumbling with his zipper.Lucas smirked against her neck. “Doesn’t it?”“No,” she insisted, even as her body arched into his touch. “You can’t just—oh!—show up and expect me to—”He curled his finger just right, and whatever argument she was building dissolved into a soft moan.“What was that?” he murmured, adding a second finger.“You are insufferable,” she managed to say, finally getting his zipper down.Lucas chuckled, the sound vibrating against her skin. “And you’re still on a date with the wrong man.”He entered her in one smooth thrust, swallowing her cry with his mouth. The feeling of fullness, of rightness, was overwhelming. Amy clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulde
“Oh, Hi, Harpy,” Lucas said casually as he leaned against the closed door.He drove as fast as he could to get there, and he would not leave until he got a real answer from Amy. He was tired of playing games.“Lucas. What the actual fuck? You can’t be here. This is the women’s restroom,” Amy hissed.“Actually. This is a unisex bathroom,” Lucas declared.“It doesn’t matter!” she screeched.Lucas moved fast, and soon, he was towering over her, pressing his palm to muffle her voice. “Shh…you want us to get caught?”Amy’s golden hazel eyes widened above his palm. She pried his fingers away from her mouth.“Caught?” she whispered fiercely. “You’re the one barging into bathrooms like some deranged stalker! How did you even know I was here?”Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “I had someone watch you.”“You had someone—” Amy closed her eyes briefly. “You are insane.”“How could you kiss him?” Lucas asked abruptly, his jaw clenching.Amy stared at him, incredulous. “Are you kidding me right n
Asa paused before getting in the car and looked at Amy, a small smile teasing his lips.“What?” Amy narrowed her eyes and asked.“You’ve got something in your hair,” Asa said, reaching out to pluck a tiny piece of confetti from her curls. “Looks like the victory fountain at the eighteenth hole got a little enthusiastic.”Amy touched her hair self-consciously. “Is there more?”“No, just that one.” His fingers lingered near her temple for a heartbeat longer than necessary.Amy felt a flutter in her chest that had nothing to do with the strange man who’d been following them. “Thanks for getting it.”“No problem,” he said. “I’m having a really good time,” Asa said, his voice genuine.“Me too,” Amy said.“I’ve been wanting to ask you out for a while.”“You have?” Amy couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.“Since the day you helped me carry groceries up the stairs when the elevator broke. You were wearing paint-splattered overalls and complaining about your sister borrowing your car wit
“What are they doing now, Jimmy?” Lucas texted the man he hired to spy on Amy and Asa.Lucas stared at his phone as the message sent, his fingers tapping impatiently against the edge of his desk. His thoughts churned, the irritation growing with every passing second.His phone buzzed with a reply.Jimmy: They’re still on the mini golf course. No sign of anything strange. They’re just playing, talking, looks like having fun. She seems relaxed.Lucas narrowed his eyes, his mind racing.Lucas: Keep watching. I want to know if they kiss.Jimmy: They are on the last hole now. Looks like they’re finishing up. Could be wrapping up soon.Lucas: I want to know everything. Stay close, don’t miss anything.He stared at the screen, watching the little dots indicating Jimmy was typing. The delay felt agonizing, each second stretching longer than the last. Finally, the message came through.Jimmy: They are finishing up now. No kiss yet, though. She’s laughing at something he said. Looks like a prett
Amy paced across the bedroom.Seventeen steps to the window, pivot, fifteen steps back to the mirror. Her new sundress swished around her knees – impulse purchase, one size too optimistic. Twenty-seven minutes until he arrived. Twenty-six, actually. The clock on her microwave was fast.“You are a grown woman,” she told her reflection, which stared back with unconvinced eyes. “You’ve been on dates before.”“Why am I so nervous?” she asked herself in the mirror. “It’s just Asa, your nice neighbor.The sundress was yellow – “Daffodil Dream” according to the tag – with tiny white flowers scattered across the fabric like stars on a summer night.She’d spent forty-three minutes and all her remaining dignity in the fitting room deciding between this one and a blue number that made her look like a corporate retreat brochure. The yellow won because it didn’t take itself too seriously. Amy wasn’t sure she could say the same about herself right now.Amy paused at the window, fingers fidgeting wi