y

o girls at the mirror scattered instantly, as if even my anger could burn. I ma

lways have to r

ew energy. But no-Rhett had barged into my space, hovering like a shadow I c

it away, River's gaze lingered. That steady, unreadable gray stare. It had warmed

t feel like meeting a stranger. It f

I whispered. "Wh

My chest tightened, but I hit the lock screen and shoved i

t paper. Empty roll

d back and laughed bitterly. Th

est bathroom. Ou

nds later she text

d straight into her brain. My best friend

na was the bolt cutter.

nute later. "If you're gonna cry, at least don't do

d it, and muttered, "I wasn

" she asked,

t of someone new. And the worst part

. "Different? You me

ised 'Wait...

type, and half the girls on campus have been whispering a

for him... it wasn't normal attraction. It was deeper, a

River was by the window, laughing softly with friends. The sunligh

n he lo

ttered, a smile threatening at the edges of my lips-

ung sharper than

ding me,"

t," Yuna said. "And ho

by Reese and Reid like they were his personal bodyguards. He

wer my calls,"

I replied, forci

iver. My pulse spiked, alre

Ayla. I don't like th

ed through the room. "For God's sake, can you

promised y

. "Your promise. Do you even realize what it feel

from the table. "I'm not your bird in a gilded cage. I

and Yuna hurr

are we

need a

mean, like... a bar? A

it. I've alrea

that rattled my chest. I downed one shot. Then

una tried to sn

oice slurred. "

when I

a simple black hoodie, but his eyes-t

unsteady as I whispered, "

n't an

lips met-what should've been a conscious kiss twisted into something reckless, wild, tangled bet

trembling as they searched mine. "Ayl

im. "I don't want to go home. Home isn't a home-it's

hing in that intoxicating scent. God, he smelled so good

e lingering taste on my lips. The world spun, and all I could fee

a blur. And t

d comforting. At the same time, I heard

e help

and to my temple, trying to

nt," the vo

re I managed to ask aga

hm

ave out and I collapsed back on

k I'm g

my stomach even worse. Something was pus

thing went hazy again. The only

f-open eyes to follow. Then I felt fresh

is feel

ah... like you. You sm

rest, okay?" River laid

t him go. My hand reach

leave. Stay wi

. I'd been craving this tenderness for so l

l, I never want