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My fingers curl into fists as I remember the softness of her lips, the little gasp she made, the soft curves of her body pressing against me… I couldn’t get enough.

I didn’t plan to kiss her. Didn’t plan for any of this. But the second I saw her in my room, big whiskey eyes staring up at me, I was hooked. One minute, we were talking, and the next, I was tasting her, fingers tangled in her hair.

And then she smiled. A real, genuine smile that lit up her entire face. In that moment, everything else faded away. The pounding headache from earlier replaced by a sense of calm and contentment. It’s like she has this power over me, this ability to make everything better by being there.

But now she’s gone, and the headache is back with a vengeance. I can’t focus on anything else. All I can think about is her. The way she looked that night, with her hair mussed, cheeks flushed, and lips swollen from my kiss… fuck. The way she felt in my arms, like she belonged there. I want that again. I need it.

There is just one hurdle.

Jason is practically beaming, leaning in close like he’s got some claim on her. But I know better. I saw the look in her eyes when I kissed her that night. Felt the way her body melted against mine. Jason wishes she’d look at him like that.

“You know, it’s getting kind of obvious at how you give Jason the death stare. Is he the Tybalt in this story?” Brandon asks.

“Please, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Save some of that energy for the field,” Brandon says.

“What’s my dear brother doing in the cafeteria?” Gemma, my sister, flashes her usual smile as she joins our table.

I guess it’s a Barron thing. We both got it from our mother, like the blonde hair and green eyes.

“True, since when do you guys come to the cafeteria?” Mary, her best friend, all bubbly and bouncy brown curls, slides into the seat next to her.

“Sebastian’s choice,” Brandon says. “I’m here for the lovely company.”

Gemma raises an eyebrow at me, but I shrug it off. It’s true that the cafeteria isn’t my usual hangout spot, but today it serves a purpose—one connected to a certain person who is too fucking close to Jason.

“Are you okay?” Gemma looks at me with concern, and I nod.

“So, how did you convince Brandon to eat this food?” Mary says.

“Since—”

I interrupt Brandon. “We didn’t have enough time, and it’s close to the field.”

“Is it? I thought…” Mary taps her chin.

“Yeah, it is,” Brandon says.

I’m saved from further questioning as he changes the subject. However, my attention wanders back to Lil, who is standing and gathering her things. I crane my neck to track her path out of the cafeteria.

“I gotta run. See you guys later.” I push back from the table and stand.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Gemma asks.

“Just got something to take care of.” I flash a grin. “Don’t wait up.”

Brandon smirks while Mary and Gemma exchange confused glances. I don’t give them a chance to question me further, already striding toward the exit.

I text Connor to get Lil’s schedule. He replies in seconds—perks of having a hacker for a best friend. One glance at the message, and I’m heading to her next class.

At least I gotta try.

I promised my princess.

Chapter 8

Sebastian

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