Chapter 8
Tread Valentine’s response and let out a sigh of relief.
For some reason, despite everything he’s done, I believe him when he says he didn’t read my diary.
This is the same guy who stole my diary and is blackmailing me into going to prom with him, And yet.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. It’s just a test conversation, nothing more. I can’t let myself get swept up in his charm.
I sigh and put my phone down, wondering what I’m going to say to him at school tomorrow.
I picture him standing by his locker with that smug grin, probably thinking he’s already won. I need to figure out how to get through this without letting him get the upper hand again.
My phone buzzes again, and 1 glance at is one last time before bed.
“Goodnight. Princes,”
I smile despite myself and immediately scold myself for letting him flirt with me again,
In the morning, my nerves buzz under the surface, but I keep my face calm as I walk down the hallway
This is just another day, I remind myself. Nothing has changed between me and Valentine.
I spot lum leaning casually against his locker, that signature smirk plastered on his face. He’s surrounded by his group of friends, all of then Laughing at something he just said. The sight sends a wave of irritation through me, but I force myself to breathe. Stay calm, I tell myself
“Hey, princess” Valentine calls out as I get closer, his voice playful and mocking. The laughter from his friends fades into silence as their eyes turn toward me, waiting for my reaction.
I narrow my eyes at him, refusing to let him see how much his words affect me. “Cut it out, Valentine,” I reply coolly, keeping my composure. “I’m not your princess
He shrugs, that infuriating grin still in place. “Suit yourself, but it fits you, you know? Just like that dress I can’t wait to see you in at prom.”
A flush creeps up my cheeks despite my best efforts to stay neutral. “You’re delusional if you think I’m excited about it,” I shoot back, pretending to rummage through my locker to avoid his gaze. “I didn’t even buy a dress s yet?
Valentine step closer, his confidence never faltering. “Oh, come on! You can’t go to prom without a dress”
Troll my eyes. “I know that.”
“Then what’s the hold–up?” he asks, leaning against my locker like he has all the time in the world. “You should start shopping. pick something out. You know if you let me
I can even help you
“Help me? Like you helped yourself to my diary!” I map, my
my irritation flaring up again. “No thanks.”
His grin falters for a moment, but he recovers quickly, “Alright, I deserve that one. But seriously, I can help. I’ve got a good eye for fashion, you
know.
“Fashion! Since when?” I raise an eyebrow, trying to hide the small smirk threatening to break through. “Last time I checked, you were wearing that awful graphic tee with the cartoon character on it
“Hey” Ira retro” He points at his shirt, defending it. “And
because I have a laid–back style doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good dress when 1
I can’t help but smile. “Did you help all of your girlfriends shop?”
Valeraine’s smirk fades for a second, and he scratches the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. “Uh.. I don’t have girlfriends”
“Right… is that why Emily threatened me the other day?”
His eyes darken. “What did Emily say to you?”
I cross my arms. “She just warned me to stay away from you, that I wasn’t worth your time. You know, typical jealous–girl nonsense,”
“She doesn’t know shin,” Valentine growl, suddenly grabbing my hand, startling me. “I didn’t even hate her that long, Scar. She wasn’t really my girlfriend”
1/2
Chapter 8:
“Yeah, well, whatever. Who you date is none of my business. We should get to class,” I say, trying to pull my hand free, but Valentine’s grip tightens His grey eyes lock onto mine, intense and unwavering.
“Forget class. Let’s go somewhere else today,” he says, his voice low and serious.
My hear races as I feel the warmth of his hand around mine. This is not how I imagined my day starting. I tug against his grip, my mind swirling with thoughts. “What are you talking about? I can’t just skip class.”
“Why not?” Valentine challenges, stepping even closer. “Just for today. I want to spend time with you without all these eyes on us”
1 glance around, noticing his friends and a few other students staring curiously. I bite my lip, weighing my options. “Spe–spend time with me! You’re already taking me to prom
Valentine lowers his voice as he leans in “Come on. Scar. Where’s your sense of adventure?”
1 bite my lower lip, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Maybe I’m losing it because I’m actually considering skipping class with him.
My mind is racing, torn between micking to my boundaries or giving in to this ridiculous idea. One minute, I’m determined to keep my distance, and the next, I’m contemplating an impromptu escape with Valentine.
I hesitate, glancing at him. His expression is hopeful. “You really think I’m going to just ditch school because you asked me to?”
Why not? It’s just one day,” Valentine says, his tone teasing. I promise I won’t make you do this all the time. I wouldn’t want to ruin your squeaky clean reputation.”
My heart skips a beat. Part of me wants to say no, to stand my ground and not let him manipulate me again. But another part–the part that’s been intrigued by him, against my better judgment–wants to do something impulsive, just this once.
“Fine,” I say, surprising even myself. “But just for a bit.”
Valentine’s grin
1 up to act
nwidens, and he lets out a breath like he didn’t expect me to agree. “Deal,”
to act indifferent, but inside, my stomach is flattering, What the hell did I just agree to
E
