Chapter 15
My heart pounds as I replay Valentine’s words in my mind.
“Meet me after school.”
Against all logic, I’m counting down the minutes until the final bell rings
No way am I actually going to kiss him. A real kiss. But I still want to meet him.. to give him a piece of my mind! That’s all.
But as the day drags on, I can’t focus on anything che. My thoughts keep wandering back to him–his smirk, the way he declared I was his girlfriend in front of everyone, so casually. The nerve of him! And yet, I can’t deny the excitement bubbling up inside me.
I’m not supposed to be thinking about this. I’m not supposed to care. But the more I try to push the thoughts away, the more they stick.
The final bell rings, and my heart skips. I take my time gathering my books, trying to play is cool, but my stomach is in knots, buzzing with anticipation.
“Just tell him off.” I mutter to myself, weaving through the crowd in the hallway. “Give him a piece of your mind, and that’s it”
He’d slipped a note during class, telling me to meet him behind the school, I walk there slowly, but when I round the corner, my steps falter. Valentine’s already there, leaning against the wall with that infuriating grin.
“There she is,” he says, pushing off the wall as he strolls toward me, looking like he knew I’d come
I cross my arms, trying to appear unaffected. “Tin only here to tell you that you can’t just go around saying stuff like that. I’m not your girl friend, Valentine
He raises an eyebrow and steps closer, stopping just inches away “I know you’re not. YeL
Heat rushes to my cheeks at his boldness, but I hold my ground. “That’s not happening. You can’t just decide things like that without even asking.”
Valentine chuckles, low and soft. “I wasn’t lying when I said I liked you, Scarlet. Just thought I’d speed things up a little. But if you want me to do it the old–fashioned way..
Before I can respond, he leans in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “So, will you go out with me?”
My heart’s racing from how close he is, his breath warm on my skin.
I open my mouth to say no, to tell him this isn’t how things work. But instead, I just stand there, frozen, completely torn between what I should do and the part of me that’s been waiting for this moment.
“—” I start, but the words catch in my throat
Valentine’s smile widens, his eyes dancing with that mischievous glint. “Don’t overthink it, Blackwood Just go with it.”
I swallow hard, pulse thundering as he leans even closer
Why am I hesitating? This was supposed to be my moment to shut him down with confidence. And yet here I am speechless, my thoughts spinning as my heart races.
“Valentine,” I finally say, my voice barely audible as I step back, puiting a little distance between us. “You don’t want to date me,”
His confident smirk falters for a second, replaced by something softer. “What makes you think that?”
I hug my arms around myself, trying to stay calm, even though my heart’s still racing “My family you wouldn’t fit in with them.”
His expression darkens slightly, his jaw tightening. “Is it because I’m poor!”
A pang of guilt hits me. I didn’t mean to make him feel that way, but I can’t tell him the truth either.
“No, Valentine. It’s not about money. My family’s just complicated”
He studies me, brows furrowed. “So, because I don’t fit into their perfect little world, you won’t even give this a shot?
I bite my lip, struggling to explain without revealing too much. “It’s not that simple”
Valentine sighs, taking a step back. “It’s never simple with you, is it, Scarlet?”
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Chapter 15
I look down, feeling the weight of his words.
“I’m s
sorry.” I whisper, wrapping my arms tighter around myself. “There are just things you don’t know. My family isn’t normal.”
He watches me, brow furrowed. “I don’t care about your family, I care about you.” He pauses, exhaling in frustration. “But if you’re so worried about them, what exactly are you afraid they’ll do!”
I freeze, unsure of
hat to say.
After a moment. I force myself to meet his gaze. “Nothing. I just can’t date you.”
His face shifts, disappointment flickering across his features before he gives me a playful look. “Alright, Blackwood. If you’re not ready to date, how about we try something else?”
Teye him warily, heart still racing from e
everything he’s just said. “What do you mean?”
A slow, mischievous smile spreads across his face as he leans in close, lowering his voice. “Friends with benefits.”
My eyes widen, and a gasp slips out “Valentine!” I hiss, glancing around in case anyone overheard. “You can’t be serious”
But the look in his eyes says he’s completely serious. There’s a challenge there.
shrugs, his
gaze intense as he holds mine. “Why not? We’re both attracted to each other. You already said dating isn’t an option. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a lide fun
“I never said I was attracted to you,” I argue.
Valentine mise an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “You didn’t have to. It’s kind of obvious
My cheeks barn. I cross my arms tighter, trying to hold onto some semblance of composure. “You’re unbelievable,” I mutter, hoping he can’t tell how his words are making my heart race.
He laughs sofily, stepping closer until we’re inches apart again. “Come on, Scarlet. You know you like me. You’re just too stubborn to admit it”
My heart’s pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it.
He’s not wrong, and I realize that now. But I can’t give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he’s getting to me. I need to stay strong, to push him away before things get too complicated with my family’s situation
“I’m not going to be your friend with um.benefits. Whatever that even means!” I exclaim
He reaches out, taking my
chin between his fingers, tipping my face up. I stop breathing, my gaze flicking to his lips. Is he about to kiss me
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