Chapter 10
The world around me blurs as I try to process Valentine’s confession.
“Scar? Are you okay? Your ice cream is melting,” he says, leaning back in his chair like it’s just another day.
How can I be okay?
“Are you are you pulling some kind of prank on me! My voice trembles, disbelief creeping in. It has to be a joke, night!
Valentine’s expression hardens for a second, then softens as he shakes his head. “No, Scarlet, I’m not joking. This isn’t a game.” His gray eyes lock onto mine, cutting through my defenses, searching for something I’m not sure I’m ready to reveal. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”
I swallow hard, still not convinced. “But why? Why now?” My heart is racing, and I feel like I’m teetering on the edge of a cliff, staring d abyss. “You’ve always treated me like a joke. What’s changed!”
down into an
“I was scared,” Valentine admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know how to deal with what I was feeling, so I thought messing with you would be easier than admitting the truth. But I can’t hide it anymore. I want you, Scar
I blank, trying to make sense of his words. “I don’t understand. What’s so special about me!”
Everything.” he says, his tone firm and sincere. “Your strength, your innocence–it’s refreshing. You stand up for yourself, even when I push you. I’ve always admired that about you.”
My heart skips a beat at his words, but the weight of his confession is overwhelming. “But I’m just Scarlet. The girl who sits in the back of the class and barely goes out.”
Valentine’s gaze darkens for a moment, like he’s wrestling with something. He hesitates before answering. “Because you’re everything she wasn’t,” he finally mutters,
I frown “Who?”
His eyes flick away, and he shrugs. “No one. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I want you, and I will have you non matter what”
“Have me?“” I snap, my confusion quickly turning into anger. “You can’t just decide to have me, Valentine. I’m not some object.”
He grins, that infuriating smirk plastered across his face. “Try and stop me, then.”
I stare at him, completely thrown by
by his arrogance. Does he really think he can just claim me like that?
I cross my arms and glare at him. “You’re unbelievable. Just because you like me or whatever–doesn’t mean I’m going to fall into your arms. 1 have self–respect, you know,”
He leans closer, his smirk deepening. “Come on, Scar. You can’t deny the chemistry between us. I see the way you look at me when you think I’m not paying attention”
I roll my eyes, hating that he’s right. As much as I try to fight it, there is something between us. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let him win this casily.
“In your dreams, Valentine. I’m not one
se of your linte groupies who falls all over you,”
His eyes sparkle with amusement, clearly enjoying the challenge. “Oh, but you will. By the time prom comes around, you’ll be begging me to be your date.”
My checks burn with irritation. “You’re such an idiot, I huff, crossing my arms tighter across my chest. The audacity of him acting like he’s already got me figured out is infuriating. I refuse to be another girl he toys with.
“You’ll think about it later, he teases, leaning back with that stupid, confident grin. “Picture it you and ine, dancing at prom, everyone staring at us because we look so good together.”
I try to shake the image from my mind, but it lingers, unwanted. “That’s not happening. I’m not going to fall for your charm just because you think you’re some kind of prince.”
“I don’t think I am a prince. Far from it,” he replies, his tone serious now. He leans forward, his eyes darkening. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t win my princessTM
“Wow, you’re really laying it on thick,” I retort, feeling a strange flutter in my chest at his words. “And what if I refuse your Are you going to try and blackmail me into being with you?”
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2:26 PM Oc
Chapter 10
Suddenly, Valentine stands up, his tall frame towering over me as he slowly circles my chair. He leans in, his breath warm on my neck, and I shiver. I can’t help but notice how good he smells, his cologne wrapping around me, making me feel lightheaded
“My sweet girl,” he murmurs, his voice low and seductive. “I won’t have to force you. You’ll give yourself to me willingly. And I’ll make sure I’m the best you’ve ever had.”
I swallow, my heart pounding in my chest. His words and
are too much, too intense, but they y send a thrill through me I can’t deny.
Valentine’s fingers brush against my neck, and 1 freeze, unable to move as he leans in closer, his lips almost grazing my ear. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Scar,” he whispers, his voice rough. “The way your eyes light up when you’re mad, the way you try not to smile at my jokes. I want to know every part of you.”
My eyes flutter closed, my body betraying me as I lean into his touch. “Valentine,” I breathe, hating how my name sounds like a plea.
“I want to kiss you until you’re breathless,” he continues, his fingers trailing down my arm, sending sparks through me. “I want to feel you against me, to hear you mean my name when 1 make you come.”
A soft whimper escapes me, and I hate myself for it. I should push him away, tell him to stop, but a part of me wants more.
“What makes you think I’d ever let you have sex with me?” I whisper, my voice shaky
He smirks, his lips brushing against my ear “Because I know you’re curious, Scarlet. You’re too smart, too interesting not to be. You act like you’re __jhy, but I know.” He pauses.
“You know what lask, breathless.
“I know there’s a fire inside you,” he says, his lips barely grazing my earlobe again.
A shuddering sigh slips from me. “You don’t know anything”
He chuckles, standing up straight. “Maybe not. But I will find out everything”
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