Ayla

I really wasn’t in the mood to talk to River. But he just wouldn’t move out of my way. His tall frame stood firm, blocking my path, shifting every time I tried to slip past him.

“What are you doing, River? You’re in my way. I’m in a hurry,” I snapped.

“Did I do something wrong?” His voice was calm, but his eyes scanned my face like he was trying to figure out what was going on inside my head.

I let out a long sigh. The truth was, I couldn’t even untangle my own thoughts right now. We barely knew each other, yet somehow it already felt messy between us.

Add Papa’s constant pressure on top of that, and then running into that girl in the bathroom earlier—the one who was all smiles with River—and yeah… I had plenty of reasons to keep my distance.

“No,” I answered shortly.

I looked up at him. There was a crease between his brows, his expression soft but full of questions. And that just made it worse.

Honestly, why did life decide to throw me this curveball? He was attractive, sure. Maybe too attractive. But ever since this morning, he’s been driving me crazy.

And yeah, maybe it had something to do with that other girl—the older, prettier one he seemed so comfortable with.

Insecure? Yeah. I’ll admit it.

“You’ve been avoiding me, Ayla.” His voice shifted—deeper, sharper. That crease smoothed out, replaced by a look that made my stomach flip.

“I told you… I can’t get too close—” My voice trailed off, the words catching in my throat.

How was I supposed to explain that getting close to him might be the worst idea ever?

“I changed my mind,” he said quietly. “At first I thought I could stay away. But I can’t.”

My breath hitched. There was something in his tone that stole the air from my lungs.

I quickly looked away. “You can always hang out with Hana instead. You seem to enjoy her company.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Great. Perfect way to sound like a jealous psycho. I just wanted to shut this down, but River’s lips curved into a small, amused smile.

“Hana Nakamura?” he repeated, then exhaled slowly. “Oh, I get it now.”

That was enough for me. I was ready to walk away when his hand closed gently around my arm. Warm. Strong.

“You’re seriously upset because of Hana? Listen, she’s just a friend. We’ve known each other forever, back when we were both in Japan. But it’s never been like that.”

I shot him a sharp look. “And what exactly do you think I assumed that could bother me this much?”

His smile deepened, his eyes locking on mine like he could see right through me. “Let’s talk somewhere private, okay? I’ll explain everything.”

Half of me wanted to say no. The other half… well, curiosity is a dangerous thing. In the end, I gave in. Better to hear him out than let my overthinking eat me alive.

**

River led me to the back garden near the library—a quiet spot hardly anyone ever went to. There was an old wooden bench under a flamboyant tree, bright red blossoms scattered all around. We sat with a little space between us, but the air between us felt charged.

“Hana’s been my friend for a long time,” River began, his voice calm. “We went to the same school in Japan. She was a year above me. She helped me out a lot back then. That’s it. Nothing more.”

I studied him, every word, every movement, searching for a lie. But I didn’t find one. Everything about him sounded… honest. Slowly, the heat of embarrassment crept up my neck. Nice job, Ayla. Way to make drama out of nothing.

“So… you two were never… more than friends?” My voice was soft, unsure.

He shook his head. “Never. And if I ever was, do you think I’d be sitting here explaining all this to you?”

That hit me like a little electric shock. My chest tightened as I looked away, fighting the stupid smile tugging at my lips. God, this was humiliating.

“Why’s your face red, Ayla?” His tone turned teasing, eyes glinting with mischief. “Wait—don’t tell me you were… jealous?”

I whipped my head toward him so fast I almost gave myself whiplash. “N-no!” I stammered, even though my shaky voice gave me away completely.

River chuckled—low, warm, and unfairly attractive. The sound made something deep in my chest flutter. I didn’t even try to argue after that. I just sat there, pretending to be fascinated by the petals falling from the tree.

For the first time all day, my head felt light. All those heavy, negative thoughts melted away, leaving only this strange, unexpected calm. And maybe something else too—something warm and dangerous.

**

We headed back for our afternoon classes when the whispers started.

“Is that Ayla and River?”

“Are they dating?”

“She’sso shameless, isn’t she?”

I stiffened, heat crawling up my neck. I wanted to turn around and tell them off, but before I could, River brushed his fingers against mine, a quick, reassuring touch that said don’t let them get to you.

“Let it go,” he murmured. “Come on. I’ll walk you to class.”

I nodded, letting him guide me past the stares like they didn’t matter. Somehow, with him there, they didn’t.

Before we parted ways, he hesitated for a second. “Later… want to go home together?”

My heart did a weird flip. “Yeah,” I said softly.

As soon as he walked away, I pulled out my phone and called Nate. “Hey, don’t pick me up tonight. I’m riding with a friend.”

“Yes, Miss Monroe,” he replied.

The second I hung up, a familiar voice popped up behind me. “You’re going home with River?”

I turned to see Reid grinning like an idiot, looking way too pleased. “Yeah… Why do you look so happy about that? Rheet and Reese were basically ready to murder him earlier.”

Reid just shrugged. “I just want you to be happy. But if he ever makes you cry…” His smile faded for a split second, his gaze sharpening. “He’ll have to deal with me first.”

I laughed, warmth blooming in my chest. Reid was different. Always had been.

Class flew by, and just as I was packing up, Yuna showed up. “Hey, wanna go home together?”

Guilt hit me like a truck. “Yun… I’m so sorry. I already promised River.”

“Oh.” Her expression fell for a second, but before I could say anything else, a familiar voice cut in.

“She can come with us if she wants,” River said from behind me, sounding completely unfazed.

Yuna shook her head quickly. “No, no, I wouldn’t want to third-wheel. You guys go ahead.” She gave me a knowing smile before hurrying off.

River looked at me. “Ready?”

I nodded, though my heart was pounding like crazy.

When we reached the parking lot, I froze. No car. Just a sleek red sport bike gleaming under the lights.

“You…” I swallowed hard. “You ride a motorcycle?”

River smirked. “Why? You scared?”

“It’s not that. I just… You told Yuna she could come. How exactly were we all gonna fit on that?”

He laughed softly. “I would’ve borrowed Hana’s car.”

My stomach dipped. “You two really are close, huh?” My voice sounded way too small.

“Ayla.” His tone softened, and then—his hand ruffled my hair like I was something precious. “Hana’s just a friend. Remember?”

I stared at him, completely thrown and way too warm all over.

“I’ve never been on a motorcycle before,” I admitted quietly.

He stepped closer, his voice low, reassuring. “Don’t worry. I won’t go fast. I promise—I’ll keep you safe.”

Something in his words made me trust him completely. I slipped on the helmet he handed me and climbed onto the seat behind him. When my hands touched his shoulders, my pulse went wild.

“Hold on tight, Ayla.”

So I did—wrapping my arms around his waist as the engine roared to life. The bike eased forward, and the cool night wind kissed my face. My nerves melted into something new—something thrilling. I’d never felt this free before.

My first time on a motorcycle… and with him. I couldn’t stop smiling, laughter bubbling out of me as the city lights blurred past.

“Having fun?” His voice carried back to me over the rush of air.

I nodded against his back, even though he couldn’t see. I was happy. Genuinely.

When we finally pulled up to the Corsetti mansion, the engine cut off, leaving behind the sound of my pounding heart. River swung off first, then helped me down—his hands lingering just a second too long.

But before either of us could speak, the gates swung open. And there she was.

Mom. Standing in a flawless evening gown, her gaze sharp as a blade, fixed right on us.

I froze. River went completely still. For a few agonizing seconds, no one said a word.

The only thing I could hear was my heartbeat, hammering so loud it felt like the whole world could hear it too.