a's

eel like the world spun around me. But every paradise has its cracks. Sebastian was a locked vault, his past a mystery he guarded with steel. And then there was the basement-always b

ur. It wasn't just about getting to school; it was a ticket to campus royalty. Fresh from a shower, I slipped into a black dress that hugged every curve, tied my hair up, and adde

sper from the shadows, jolting me. I turned, and there he was-fresh from the shower, towel slu

tone," I said, steadying my voice over the

eyes pinning me like a

ually as we sat at the dining table, his earlie

Must be big," I pressed, my in

plied, voice flat, a wall slamming shut

ugh me. "I'd like to show you a spot after school,

mind spinning-date? Kiss? "Oka

I added, snapping back to

r and allure. He held the door, and we stepped into the crisp morning. His Bentley roared to life,

eping closer with every mile, and

ind it from some jealous girls. Sebastian, mid-call, snagged it one-handed and flicked it back, voice calm. "You've got to be more careful

That same volleyball sailed his way. He caught it, crushe

voice soft, almost pleading. "I lost my money too. And

ing it neutral. "I've got a place now. We both wanted Drake so bad we lost our hea

?" There'd been sparks-brushes of hands, charged glances-b

school." Excitement flickered across my face, though I hadn't dar

think of was him. Nerves frayed, anticipation b

"I'll call Franklin-he's probably with him."

at your

all outside, smirk sharp enough to cut. I wave

ol against my skin. He started the engine, and we peeled out. Silence hung heav

voice sliced throug

uce, greasy chips, icy sodas. Back on the road, we aimed for a hil

arked, and he led me to the hill, its shadow swallowing the light. "Don't tell me w

rned, offering his back. "I

reckless romance of it pulled me in. I cli

w and heady. I clung tight, intoxicated, not wanting it to end. At t

cars weaving, lights pulsing, a city that never quit. He dropped to t

ice low, eyes on the sprawl. "This was our spot." Famil

ave a b

r took him at twelve." He grabbed a stone, flung it down

I said, tossing my own ro

ng, and he ran. Took me hours to find him-some couple saw a boy climbing. He

he'd raised, and my cheeks burned. Our fingers brushed, lingered, the air alive with tension. His eyes met mine, fierce, admi

n. Then he turned, hand lifting my chin, tender, electric.

at you wish for

, dread choking me. Sebastian shot up, yanking