AURORA'S POV

I didn’t even know his name, but the moment our eyes met, my chest tightened like it recognized him. There was something raw and feral in his gaze.

It crawled under my skin and lit up every nerve, making me feel claimed without a single word.

And worst of all, I hated that I wanted to lean in closer, just to see if that pull was real.

I gasped, trying to move, but my knees bumped against his thigh. Feeling overwhelmed by the whole situation, I collapsed back on the floor.

"Can't you speak?" he snapped, and I stiffened.

His gaze bored into mine, and my lashes fluttered, turning away from him.

"Your weight is crushing my knee," I stuttered.

My chest heaved, almost like he was trying to lower himself to take a closer look at me.

He searched, and I wasn't too sure, but I think I took a deep breath when he leaned closer. "That's not my weight," he mumbled in a low tone.

Realizing what he meant made my ears burn. I shifted uncomfortably, but he trapped me with his other hand, and I shivered.

The sound of my heart pounded loudly inside my ears. "Why's your heart beating so fast? Don’t tell me you haven't touched one before?"

I snapped my eyes wider. How could he tell? I was barely even breathing well because I didn't want him to hear my pulse racing.

"Can... you please move so I can..."

The words died away when he leaned closer, still searching like I was some kind of puzzle. Then he muttered, "Why is it you?"

His brows knitted, like he recognized something? Or was I failing some silent test?

But he didn't say anything as he pushed away from me.

At that moment, I realized that we were still in the hallway and everyone was watching. Heat flushed against the back of my neck as I scooped my bag up, ready to bolt with the speed of lightning, when I felt his hand clutch my wrist.

A chill crawled up my spine.

"Where do you think you're going?" he frowned.

"I... I... have class."

He yanked me closer and I missed a few steps, and he snatched my arm, holding me firmly as he pointed to his shirt.

"Then who's going to take care of this mess?" He pointed toward his ripped shirt and my throat went dry.

His skin was smooth, almost too smooth, with his tight abs folding in perfect shapes.

I wondered if he worked hard to get a body like that.

"Are you seriously checking me out after ruining my shirt? Tell me, was this your plan?"

"I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to ruin your shirt. I just didn't see you earlier." I gave a slight bow.

I quickly fished inside my bag, and took out a few dollar bills, and the boy watched me, curious.

"That's all I have on me." I shoved the cash inside his palm and he froze, staring at the money.

"All of this?" He arched his brow.

"Hmm. I know it's a lot, but keep the change."

"What?" The boy scoffed, shaking his head. "Do you even know who I am?"

Confusion crossed my face as I opened my mouth to speak. Then my phone buzzed.

Seeing Jessica’s message, my face tightened.

-You little slut, you just came back and Ethan is already sneaking into the locker room. Make sure you use protection XOXO-

My hand tightened over the phone. Memories of how he treated me just because he was with his friends burned against my mind.

Since he was in the locker room, great—I was going to give him a piece of my mind.

And I needed an apology.

I spun on my heels, marching down the hallway as the rest of the world faded.

The moment my hand connected with the door handle of the locker room, I flung it open and burst inside.

"Oh, you feel so good."

My feet halted when I heard the moans coming from the corner. Time held for a moment when I saw Ethan rocking against a girl with brunette hair moaning loudly with pleasure.

I cupped my mouth with both hands, taking a step back, my feet kicking against a mop stick and it clattered against the floor.

They both peeled away from each other, and Ethan gasped when he saw me.

"Aurora, why are you here?"

I scoffed, feeling tears in my eyes. "Oh, now when you're high on sex you remember the name of your girlfriend?"

Ethan scrambled forward, adjusting his zippers. "Look, I know you're mad, but it's not my fault. You just showed up out of nowhere and took me by surprise."

I shook my head bitterly. "How did I not see you for what you are?" I poked at his chest but he snatched my arm.

"I didn't want to bring it up, but since you mention it, there's no need to play nice. For three years I waited, but you told me you weren't ready. So what, you thought I'd wait forever?” He sighed.

"Besides, you weren't here and I thought I'd stick my dick in the next available kitty unless yours was ready..."

“Whack!”

My palm launched across his face and it whipped to the side.

"You're an animal. And you disgust me," I snarled.

Light, soft chuckles filled the air and my attention moved over to the side. That was when I noticed her.

Brielle, my nemesis.

My heart shattered inside my chest.

"Wow, little Rory has grown into a big girl," she scoffed, placing her hand over Ethan's shoulder.

Fear surged through me as I staggered back with tears in my eyes. "You're fucking her? Of all the girls you could have, why her? Don't you remember what she did?"

"Stop acting like a child. It was three years ago and besides you're fine now, aren't you?" Ethan snapped.

My fist clenched, feeling anger and pain coursing through my soul. "For three years I've been living in a nightmare. Going through therapy and taking countless medications after she trapped me in the school basement for days. You think this is me overreacting?"

"Awww, babe, she's crying." Brielle pouted at Ethan and he rubbed her shoulders.

I wiped the tears off my face quickly and straightened my shoulders.

"You’re both disgusting. Enjoy each other.” I spat then I rushed out.

Ethan and Brielle’s eyes followed me as I snatched the key from the handle. They lunged toward me, but I yanked it free, slammed the door shut, turned it twice in the lock from the outside.

I smirked with satisfaction.

"Aurora, you crazy bitch, open this door right now!" Ethan pounded against the door but I rolled my eyes, clutching the cold keys tightly.

As I turned, I met those gray eyes boring into me, brows narrowed with his arms crossed together.

My mind screamed at me to run.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked firmly.