Page 45 of Roaring Flames

How can I feel this way about Ansel after everything that happened with Grayson? I love Grayson. I truly do, yet…

Those damn butterflies refuse to settle down.

“Let’s go inside, little psychopath.” He chuckles. “We’re already late enough as it is.”

He tugs me into the school.

And I swear my skin continues to tingle long after he releases me.

The first member of the “asshole club” I see is Ethan. He has his back to me, moving in the opposite direction, yet he tenses as if he senses my presence. The muscles in his back flex and ripple.

And I, being the mature young lady that I am, immediately beeline down a different hallway, moving as fast as my legs can carry me.

Not today, Satan. Not today.

The next person I see is Emery, who’s waiting by my locker while absently fiddling with his lip ring. Just like with Ethan, his entire body goes rigid even before I’m in his line of sight. Slowly, he turns his head in my direction, his nostrils flaring.

I promptly decide that I don’t need anything from my locker and pivot on my heel, returning the way I came. All the while, my heart pounds erratically in my chest and my hands are clammy. My blood feels tainted by battery acid.

I can’t avoid all of them forever, however, no matter how much I wish I could.

Third period is chemistry, the one class I share with Ethan, Emery, and Desiree. The only saving grace is that Ansel is in this class as well.

A strange, prickling heat invades my body as soon as I step through the door of the classroom. I can feel numerous pairs of eyes on me, but I purposely ignore them all as I claim myseat near the front of the classroom. Ansel is already here, no surprise, and is busy organizing his supplies.

“You doing okay?” he asks out of the corner of his mouth, straightening his mechanical pencils.

“Are they still looking in my direction?” I ask just as softly.

Ansel not so subtly looks over his shoulder and nods once. “Yup.”

“Damn.”

“Izzy!” a familiar voice chirps.

Mimi moves to stand in front of my desk, a wide, beguiling smile on her beautiful face.

Mimi is one of Desiree’s best friends and someone I’ve gotten to know over the past few weeks. Her wheat-colored hair gives her an angelic look. Paired with her heart-shaped face and narrow chin, she’s an absolute knockout.

“Oh my god! I was looking for you everywhere yesterday!” Mimi continues in her high-pitched, trilling voice. “I wanted to wish you a happy birthday and give you your present!”

“My present?” I frown at her in confusion.

“Of course, silly.” Mimi pulls her backpack off and begins to dig through it. She releases a satisfied hum when she procures a beautifully wrapped package complete with a bow. “Happy belated birthday, girl!”

“Oh.” My face feels like it’s on fire, mainly because I can’t remember the last time anyone cared enough to give me a birthday gift.

Except for Grayson, of course.

Hesitantly, I take the gift from her outstretched hands. I almost don’t want to rip the paper. How much time did it take her to wrap it?

“Are you just going to stare at it?” Mimi places a hand on her hip and cocks it to the side. “Or are you actually going to open it?”

Before I can do just that, Mr. Holter moves to the front of the classroom and clears his throat. “All right. That’s enough, children. Take your seats.”

“Later,” Mimi mouths with a wink as she moves past me.

I nod and gently place the present in my backpack.

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