Chapter 22
My pulse quickens as Valentine makes himself comfortable, resting his head on my lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I freeze, unsure of what to do with my hands. My thoughts are a chaotic mess, torn between shoving him off or not
I don’t hate this completely.
“What are you doing!” 1 ask, my voice sharper than I intended.
He perks up at me with a lazy grin, completely unfazed. “I’m exhausted,” he says, closing his eyes briefly. “Had a long night. Only three hours of sleep, so I’m just gonna borrow your lap for a bit.
I blink, struggling to form a response. “You can’t just-
He cracks one eye open, his voice dropping into that infuriatingly teasing tone. “You know, you don’t seem too mad about it, Scar.”
I open my
mouth to argue, but nothing comes out. He’s not wrong. I feel like I should push him off, but for some reason, I don’t
There’s something oddly calming about his presence, no matter how irritating he is. My hand hovers awkwardly above his head, caught between touching his hair and keeping my distance. “This is weird,” 1 mutter, glaring down at him.
He just smirks, shiftung slightly to get more comfortable. “Just a quick little nap. We have to go back to class in ten minutes anyway?”
1 let out a quiet sigh, glancing at his face. He really does look exhausted. Against my better judgment, my hand slowly lowers, brushing lightly through his dark hair
His hair is softer than I expected, and as I run my fingers through it, my movements are hesitant at first.
Valentine doesn’t say anything, his breathing slow and steady, and for once, he’s quiet. The gentle motion of stroking his hair is surprisingly soothing, and I catch myself relaxing, too,
“This is ridiculous,” I whisper under my breath. Still, I keep going, half expecting him to make some cocky comment, but he doesn’t. His breathing deepens, and his features soften, all the usual tension melting away,
Is he actually sleeping!
Tve never let anyone get this close to me before not like this. The thought sends a flicker of panic through me, but I can’t bring myself to stop. My eyes wander over his face, taking in the way his lashes brush against his cheek, the way his lips part slightly as he sleeps
He really is so handsome, I think to myself
My hand moves on its own, brushing lightly against has cheek. His skin is smooth and warm under my fingers. His cheekbones are sharp, his lips soft–looking-
I pull my hand back quickly, my heart hammering in my chest. What am I doing?
My gaze flicks to his lips again, and I swallow hard. The thought crosses my mind before I can stop in: What would it feel like to kiss him?
The blush creeps up my checks, and I shake my head, horrified at myself. No way. I glance at the time on my phone. Only a few more minutes. until lunch break ends. I sigh, hesitating before resting my hand on his shoulder and giving it a small shake.
“Valentine.” I whisper, my voice shaky, “Time to wake up.”
He stirs, his eyes opening slowly, and when his gaze meets mine, there’s a lazy, content smile on his lips. “Hey,” he murmurs, his voice low and
My heart skips a beat. “You uh, you should get up. We need to get back to class
He stretches but doesn’t move from my lap. “Five more minutes,” he mumbles.
Troll my eyes, but a small smile sneaks onto my face despite myself. “Get Valentine.”
“Fine, fine” be groans, sitting up slowly. He gives me a playful wink. “Thanks for the nap. Soir. Best pillow ever”
Icross my arms, trying to scowl, but the warmth in my chest betrays me. “Why are you so tired anyway?” ask. “Partying too hard on school night?” 1 add.
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2-28 PM d
Chapter 22
“Late shift at the diner,” he says, standing up.
“Late shift at a restaurant? On a school night?” I ask, frowning. “I didn’t know you had a job
He nods. “Yup. Some of us have to work to survive, you know.” He grabs my backpack before I can stop him.
I flinch at his words. “Oh.. I didn’t mean
ון
Valentine’s expression softens, and he shakes his head. “No, I’m sorry for snapping at you, Scar. I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant I can’t afford to lose the job, that’s all. I have to help my mother pay bills. Her job an’t good enough to take care of us both.”
1 offer him a small smile. “You really should take better care of yourself, though. Three hours of sleep isn’t enough.”
He shrugs. “Tve survived on less. Besides, your lap was a pretty sweet deal. Might have to make it a regular napping spor
I scoff, rolling my eye. “Like I’d let you.”
He laughs, the sound warm and easy. “Oh, come on. You secretly loved it.”
“Right,” I deadpan “A dream come true. Now give me back my backpack.”
He holds it just out of reach, grinning mischievously, “Not a chance. As your devoted boyfriend, it’s my duty to carry your stuff””
“You’re not my boyfriend!” I say, laughing despite myself
Valentine raises an eyebrow. “I am too.”
“You’re impossible,” I mutter.
He finally hands back my backpack, his grin softening. “I hope you know I’m just joking around,” he says quietly. “I’d never try to force you into any relationship, Scar. You know that, right?”
I nod, my throat tightening. “Yeah, I know.”
“And if you ever want me to go away, if you ever hate me tell me for real and I’d leave you alone for real,”
His words hit me harder than I expect, and I meet his gaze, my chest tightening. “Valentine, I., I don’t hate you. And I don’t want you to go away”
A warm, genuine smile spreads across his face, and my heart flutters. “See you later, Princess.
He turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, my heart racing and my mind spinning. As I watch him go. I catch myself smiling, warmth blooming in my chest.
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