Page 20 of Lords of Ruin: Owned

I sigh, rolling my eyes at her impatience but feeling a small smile tug at my lips. Before I can reply, the faint sound of footsteps behind me makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Hey Willow, ” Jasper says, leaning casually against the locker next to mine. “What are you doing lurking around this late after school?”

I glance at him from the corner of my eye as I grab my books. “I could say the same thing about you. Thought you had practice?”

He grins, his eyes flicking to the mess spilling out of my locker. “Cancelled. Coach pulled a hammy, so we’re free. Thought I’d go do some work for my physics final, but then I stumbled upon you.”

I snort, shoving a loose paper back into my locker. “And you decided bothering me was a better use of your time than studying? Sounds about right.”

“Hey, I’m multitasking,” he says with a mock-serious nod. “Procrastinatingandbeing a good friend. Impressive, right?”

“Sure, Jasper. Super impressive,” I reply, shoving a notebook into my bag. “Let me know how that works out for your GPA, because I heard Mr.Johnson is a grade A hardass.”

He leans in slightly, his grin softening. “So, what’s your excuse? Lurking in hallways, dressed like you’re about to hit a runway?”

I roll my eyes, but a faint blush creeps up my neck. “Just trying out a new style. You like?”

“Doesn’t matter if I like, do you?” Jasper leans against the locker beside mine, his signature easy grin in place.

“I don’t know.” I let out a deep sigh, meeting Jasper's bright hazel eyes with my own. I've always questioned why Jasper doesn't make my heart skip a beat. He's not unattractive and his words are always just right, but when I gaze at him, there's no spark. Maybe just a slight warmth in my chest, but nothing more. “It’s a little flashy.”

“Anyone in particular you’re trying to impress, or are you just doing us all a favor by showing up like that?”

I roll my eyes, a soft laugh escaping me. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously right.” He tugs at the strap of my bag, his fingers brushing mine for a moment.

I can feel the blush creeping up my neck, but I refuse to let him see me flustered. “It’s not that deep.”

“Well, whatever you’re experimenting with, keep it up.” His voice lowers just enough to send a small shiver through me. “Because this? It works.”

I glance at him, and for a second, I take in the way his messy hair falls across his forehead, his bright hazel eyes crinkling slightly when he smiles. Jasper’s the kind of boy-next-door cute that sneaks up on you when you’re not looking, and I hate how easy it is to notice. I also hate that someone as nice and kind as him doesn’t make me as tongue tied and breathless as Vincent, or Cast does. Jasper is the kind of guy I always thought I could marry.

“You’re so full of it,” I say, shoving my notebook into my bag.

“And you love it.” He crosses his arms, his grin softening into something warmer. “Seriously, though I don’t want to study, so why don’t we skip studying and grab milkshakes or something.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Tempting, but I don’t think truancy is going to fix my problems.”

“Hey, you never know until you try.” He shrugs, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a way that makes the warmth in my chest beat brighter. “Besides, I’m great at solving problems. Or at least distracting you from them.”

“Yeah, I bet you are.” I glance down at my phone as it buzzes, Jasmine’s name lighting up the screen.

Before I can read the message, Jasper leans closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Let me guess—your next suitor’s waiting for you outside?”

“Jasmine’s my ride, not my suitor,” I say, laughing.

“Well, lucky for her.” Jasper steps back slightly but lingers, his hazel eyes catching the fluorescent light just right. “But hey, if you ever want to ditch Jasmine and hang out...you know where to find me.”

I freeze, not entirely sure if he’s serious or just joking in that easy, Jasper way. “Are you...asking me out?” I try to keep my voice casual, though my cheeks heat.

Before Jasper can answer, a low voice cuts through the air, smooth and sharp like a blade. “She’s busy.”

I don’t have to turn around to know who it is. Cast. His presence is unmistakable—commanding and somehow suffocating all at once.

Jasper straightens, his easy grin faltering slightly as Cast steps into view, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his perfectly tailored jacket. His green eyes are cool and unwavering as they flick between us, landing squarely on Jasper.

Jasper’s brows knit, his easy demeanor slipping slightly as Cast steps closer, the air between them charged and uncomfortably tense.

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