"We need to get to class," Mitch says, breaking the tension. Everybody turns to him. Charlotte narrows her eyes at him. She dislikes him. Severely. But she doesn't speak, and doesn't even comment about his hand on my lower back. "Come," Mitch orders me next. I follow, much to the shock of the rest of the group, and we walk in without speaking. Some students stare at me, but I remain unresponsive. I’ve felt detached from myself ever since Mitch entered the classroom yesterday. He sticks by me all day, like a newborn baby unable to stray from his mother. Even during lunch, he doesn’t allow Hannah to come near me. We sit together, but he won’t let me be alone with her. He makes small talk with everyone and keeps his hand somewhere on me at all times. "I need to pee," I say when lunch is over. "Hold it, love. Classes are almost over," Mitch replies. The sudden urge to throw something hard at his face is almost too big of a temptation to ignore, and I grab my bag tight. "I can't hold
A loud slap from Jace’s desk cuts through the quiet, startling everyone, including Mitch. His hand jerks away from my leg, as if burned. I bite my lip to stifle the grin threatening to spread across my face. "Get to studying," Jace orders, his voice low and dangerous. "I don’t want to hear another word from anyone." The tension in the room shifts. A few moments of silence follow as students begin to focus on their work, scribbling notes, flipping through textbooks. Even Mitch is reading. I have no clue what his grades are like, but something tells me he wants to perform. "Hey," Hannah whispers from beside me, her tone light. "We’re still going out tonight, right?" She glances at me, then shifts her gaze to Mitch, her expression casual. "You’re coming too, Mitch? You should join. It’d be good for you to hang with Nora's friends, get in our good graces." "Where?" Mitch asks. His voice is tense. "Amsterdam," Hannah says with a cheery tone, "the quiet part. We always have a few drin
Jace. He gave me this. I stare at the beautiful necklace in my hand, my mind racing. There's a second package on the seat next to me, and I tear it open with trembling fingers. Cat treats. He got treats for Humphrey. Warmth floods my chest, and I can’t stop the tears from welling up. Why does he have to be my teacher? Why couldn’t we have met in a coffee shop like normal people, instead of this twisted situation? I quickly start the car, eager to get home. But as I pull my seatbelt on, my foot hits something hard under the seat. Frowning, I reach down—and my fingers brush cold metal. I lift the gun slowly and turn it around in my lap. A gun. I have a gun in my car. Is he expecting me to shoot Mitch? Is this just for my safety? The weight of the gun in my hand is nothing compared to the heaviness settling in my chest. I shove it back under the seat, almost frantic, and drive home with a thousand thoughts running through my head. When I finally step inside, the comforting sme
"You know, you should really thank me," Mitch says as we merge onto the highway. I pause for a moment, trying to make sense of his words. "Thank you?" I ask, confusion settling in. "For taking you away from him. He hurt you," Mitch replies, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. "I saved you." I stare at him, my mind spinning. He can’t be serious, right? "He's never hurt me," I reply back, my voice strong. Mitch’s face twists with anger. He pulls out his phone and throws it onto my lap. A video plays on the screen—it's me, bent over Jace's desk, Jace behind me, hitting me with a ruler. "Watch," Mitch snarls. "I don’t want to watch," I snap, quickly turning the phone off. "He was clearly abusing you! I'd never do that!" Mitch hisses, his voice rising. "I would never hurt you like that!" "You hurt me, Mitch. You threw me against the lockers earlier," I counter, anger rising in my chest. Mitch turns his gaze towards me, even though he's still speeding down the highway.
Ryker approaches, laughing loudly at something Mitch said. His arm is slung around Mitch’s shoulders, hand firmly keeping him in place. “You’re hilarious, man!” Ryker exclaims, his voice too loud. Hannah quickly sidles up to me, turning us both toward the bartender. “Two glasses of your finest red, please,” she says in a sugary tone. The bartender nods as the boys reach us, still laughing. My nerves are on edge. My brother is watching us. And Mitch is- His hand suddenly lands on my waist. “Are you drinking?” His voice has an odd tone. I glance over my shoulder at him, brow raised. “Yes? We’re out,” I reply, puzzled. “One glass. It’s not classy to drink too much,” Mitch declares, chin raised in some fake superiority. I don’t respond. The glass is placed in front of me, and I drink half in one go. Mitch leans against the bar, close enough for me to feel the heat from his body. He glances past me. “Did you know they’d be here?” he hisses, his fingers brushing over my bare arm, se
I nod, my heart aching. I want to stay. I want to lose myself in this moment with Jace. I want the rest of the world to fall away. Jace carefully opens the door, nodding to a man who is peeing, and pulls me out. The man looks at me and grins knowingly, and I roll my eyes at him. I can't stop the joy in my body from coming out. Even a disgusting encounter as this is funny to me. A woman waits for the female restroom in the hallway, and Jace pushes me past her without a word. I smile apologetically at her, my cheeks flushed, as I walk back toward the bar, trying to calm my racing heart. The entire encounter with Jace lasted less than thirty seconds, but my world has just shifted completely. Mason is with two male friends and Amanda, happily laughing and ignoring me. The group is talking amicably with each other. Mitch is surprisingly loud, high as a kite, and Ryker is feeding into it. Shots line the table, and Ryker forces one down Mitch's throat, cheering when he finishes it. Hanna
He wasn't wrong. The forest path is pitchblack, with no lights on either side, and I'm surprised the driver is still driving at such a high speed. Slowly, the house comes into view. A few lights glow on the porch, but the curtains behind the glass walls and sliding doors obscure the living room completely. The green Aston Martin sits in the driveway alongside Jace's Porsche and Lamborghini. They’re parked like trophies, and I shake my head at Mason, who took Jace's car here. They must’ve hailed a taxi into town. The car slows to a stop, and the driver wipes his forehead as he glances at the clock. He beams with happiness. "Two minutes earlier than expected!" "Well done. I felt very safe," I say with a smile. The door slides open again, and he waves. “Let me know if you need another ride, milady. You’ve been great company.” I nod, stepping out into the cool night air. Sudden nerves invade me. I bite my lip in anticipation as I slowly walk to the door. My spine tingles with a mix
“Not the couch,” I protest seriously. Jace’s loud laugh rumbles through the room. ithout a second thought, he sweeps everything off the coffee table with a single, powerful kick. “Hmm, maybe tables can be our thing, then,” he teases in my ear, his voice dripping with mischief. He lowers me down and finally undoes the straps of my dress. "And kitchen islands," he whispers, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of my neck. "Desks. The grass outside…" Jace’s voice trails off as the dress slips from my shoulders. I’m left in my dark green bra, and his gaze lingers, dark with desire. “I fucking love this thing,” he murmurs, eyes fixated on the fabric as though it’s a piece of art. “Unfortunately, it’s coming off,” I say with mock sadness. “I’ll miss you,” he whispers to my bra, giving it a reverent nod, and I can’t help but giggle. His arm snakes around my back, undoing the clasp with a single fluid motion. “Mr. Adkins, so naughty,” I tease, feigning innocence. “Naughty isn
"Yup. He'll be out within seconds. No suspicious wounds or concussions," Jace replies, a hint of pride in his voice. "Why do you even have that?" Mason asks, narrowing his eyes. "For situations like these," Jace says, gesturing to all three of us. "That's so-" The doorbell rings. Loudly. "Go!" I hiss, pushing Jace toward my brother. They quickly crouch behind the couch, and I adjust the cushions to hide them better. The doorbell rings again, and I sigh, steeling myself. "I want you out as soon as this is over," Mason mutters behind me. I smack the couch in warning and rush to open the door, revealing Mitch standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers. "Uh, hi," I say, forcing a smile. "Hi, love," Mitch replies, stepping into the house. It feels like I'm inviting the devil in—just not the one I want. "These are for you, beautiful lady," he says, offering me the roses. "Thanks, that's... sweet," I reply, trying not to look toward the couch where Jace and Mason are hi
By the time Math class rolls around, I'm a tightly wound ball of nerves. Every time Mitch gets close, my skin crawls, and all I want to do is swat him away like a fly. He's constantly touching me, wrapping an arm around my waist, and keeping me away from my friends. He's also inserting himself into every conversation, trying to play the role of Mr. Popular. Ryker and Brent awkwardly laugh at his stories about the weekend, but it’s painfully obvious they’re uncomfortable. Mitch either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care, bragging nonstop about all the hot girls while keeping his grip on me. It's fucking torture. Finally, Jace rounds the corner, and I can’t stop the relieved sigh that escapes me. It's like a god walking in to save me from hell. He’s talking to Simon and doesn't even glance our way, but just seeing him makes my entire body relax. God, he’s hot. Jace walks with his usual confident stride, an arrogant smirk that only makes him look more perfect. He's carrying his laptop, p
I missed half of my first class, so I don't even bother going in. Instead, I wait outside my next class, lost in thought. "I'm so happy, Jace. It's great to hear you're staying with us," I hear Sarah, our principal, say, pulling me from my daydreams. I glance up to see her walking with Jace, his eyes already locked on me. "I'll stay as long as I can," Jace replies with a respectful nod, all gentleman-like. "Norali! What are you doing here?" Sarah asks, noticing me, her expression confused. "I... I was late. Missed my first class," I admit with an apologetic smile. She tuts disapprovingly. "You're never late." Before I can reply, Mason rounds the corner, instantly spotting us. His face hardens even more. "That's not like you at all, Nora," Sarah continues, shaking her head. "You can blame me for that," Mason calls out, drawing both their attention. "Mason?! I was wondering why there were students wandering around. It’s exam week; you shouldn’t miss any classes," Sarah scolds.
Mason hasn’t spoken to me all weekend. I’ve come downstairs for food, but each time he heard me on the stairs, he went outside to smoke. I can’t really blame him. But it's Monday and we only have one car to drive. And so when I come down, Mason sits at the kitchen table, drinking coffee. He looks at me when I enter. And scowls. I’m wearing jeans and my favorite top, with a high ponytail and Jace’s jewelry. "Good morning," I say nervously. "Is it?" Mason’s tone is sharp, seething with anger. Right. "You can’t stay mad forever," I murmur, trying to sound calm. "Watch me," he snaps, not even looking at me as he gets up and heads outside to the car. I sigh. There's no coffee for me. Not that I was expecting any. But I'm too late to make any for myself, and I definitely can't ask Mason to stop along the way. Resigned, I follow him out and slide into the passenger seat. Mason starts the car in silence. I open my Math book, hoping to study for the exam today, but it’s hard to focus
"Murderous" doesn't even begin to cover my mood. All night, I've been thinking of ways to kill Jace. My supposed best friend. Backstabbing asshole. He used my little sister. Rage burns in my veins as I pull up to his driveway. It’s not a feeling that will ever fade. I'm sure of it. The Ashton Martin in the same spot where I left it, and I hate myself for ever driving it. All the signs... All the jokes, the touches, the weird behaviour.. It was all because he was fucking my baby sister. Jace opens the door as I cut the engine, and we lock eyes. He sighs heavily, but says nothing. Asshole. He walks back inside, leaving the door open for me. I want to rip it off its hinges and hurl it at him, but instead, I slam it behind me, the force rattling the windows. My fists clench reflexively at the sight of him, my whole body tight with fury. He sets a cup of coffee on the kitchen island in front of me, like some sort of peace offering. I almost hurl it at his head. “What’s your intenti
He seems taken aback by my compliment and stares at me for a few seconds, his eyes honest and open. “It all led me to you—so I can’t possibly wish for it to be different. My foster parents just taught me to protect the ones I love.” Jace’s hands tighten slightly on my waist. “You… love?” I ask, sliding closer, my lips barely a breath away from his. His smirk turns devilish. “There’s one little monster I love. And she’s currently sitting on me very seductively.” I giggle, wrapping my arms around his neck. My nails drag lightly over his skin, making goosebumps rise in their wake. “If I’m a monster,” I whisper in his ear, “then what does that make you?” He shivers under my touch. "Why don't we get rid of those clothes on your body and find out?" Jace asks as he slides my body fully against his. His dick is hard, and presses against me suggestively. I giggle again. I hear the door opening, and I automatically look to the side, my arms still around Jace. Shock hits me like ice wate
Jace returns with two steaming cups and places one on the nightstand behind me. "Tea," he says, noticing my curious look. "Ever the romantic," I yawn as the comforting scent of lavender fills my nose. "Only for my fair maiden," Jace replies, sliding into bed beside me. Without hesitation, his hands pull me close. He leans against the headboard and fits me snugly against his body. My head rests on his chest, an arm lazily draped around him. The covers end at my waist as his fingers trace gentle patterns on my back, his lips pressing a tender kiss to the top of my head. "I'm glad you're here," he murmurs into my hair. "Me too," I sigh, letting my body sink into his warmth. After a moment, his tone changes, slightly more serious. "What happened with him? Did Mitch try to kiss you?" His fingers tense against my back. I’m too tired to react the same way, so I just mumble, "He’s tried, but he hasn’t succeeded. Did you have someone follow me?" He hesitates before admitting, "I may h
“Not the couch,” I protest seriously. Jace’s loud laugh rumbles through the room. ithout a second thought, he sweeps everything off the coffee table with a single, powerful kick. “Hmm, maybe tables can be our thing, then,” he teases in my ear, his voice dripping with mischief. He lowers me down and finally undoes the straps of my dress. "And kitchen islands," he whispers, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of my neck. "Desks. The grass outside…" Jace’s voice trails off as the dress slips from my shoulders. I’m left in my dark green bra, and his gaze lingers, dark with desire. “I fucking love this thing,” he murmurs, eyes fixated on the fabric as though it’s a piece of art. “Unfortunately, it’s coming off,” I say with mock sadness. “I’ll miss you,” he whispers to my bra, giving it a reverent nod, and I can’t help but giggle. His arm snakes around my back, undoing the clasp with a single fluid motion. “Mr. Adkins, so naughty,” I tease, feigning innocence. “Naughty isn
He wasn't wrong. The forest path is pitchblack, with no lights on either side, and I'm surprised the driver is still driving at such a high speed. Slowly, the house comes into view. A few lights glow on the porch, but the curtains behind the glass walls and sliding doors obscure the living room completely. The green Aston Martin sits in the driveway alongside Jace's Porsche and Lamborghini. They’re parked like trophies, and I shake my head at Mason, who took Jace's car here. They must’ve hailed a taxi into town. The car slows to a stop, and the driver wipes his forehead as he glances at the clock. He beams with happiness. "Two minutes earlier than expected!" "Well done. I felt very safe," I say with a smile. The door slides open again, and he waves. “Let me know if you need another ride, milady. You’ve been great company.” I nod, stepping out into the cool night air. Sudden nerves invade me. I bite my lip in anticipation as I slowly walk to the door. My spine tingles with a mix