Page 98 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

Possibly this isn’t the time to think about my parents but somehow, as I lie panting on Luca’s sweat-coated body, my face pressed hard against his heated skin, something almost ethereal strikes me. This is where they met and fell in love with devastating consequences. Is this fate working her magic and this time getting it right? Only time will tell but if we work out and are one tenth of how happy they are, it will be good enough for me.

EPILOGUE

IMOGEN

I’m late for class and that angers me more than anything. My alarm failed and now I’m playing catch up.

As I race from Willow Tree House into the bright sunshine, I bemoan the fact I only had time to pull on yoga pants and yesterday’s t-shirt.

My hair is a mess and make-up wasn’t even a consideration. My teeth are clean but my hair could use some work but I’ll worry about that later. For now the most important thing in my life is to get to history before the bell goes.

I’m guessing I slept in late because Jesse insisted on demanding my time and I wasn’t against that. I like him. He reminds me a lot of The Reapers back home. Cheeky, full of wit and banter and the way he stares deep into my eyes with a soft smile, has my heart fluttering like a bird in a cage.

We kiss, we touch, we make out but we don’t progress any further. I’m guessing we are alone in that because when the others head to their respective rooms, they are not alone. Jesse wants to but there is something holding me back from taking it further. I’m guessing it’s because of the niggling doubt in the back of my mind that he is keeping something from me. It’s therather bright smile blinding me to the angst in his eyes that tells me Jesse is hiding a secret that is cutting him up inside. He is respectful but the passion in his eyes is a darker kind. Not the soft lustful passion of a man toward the women he cares about.

He opens up but not entirely and it’s probably only because this is so new and I shouldn’t expect any different. But I want the whole of him before I give him the whole of me and I am so wrapped up in my deliberations I don’t even see the wall in front of me before I hit it and fall to the ground with a resounding thud.

“Fuck!” My books scatter and my head hurts as I meet the ground in a daze, wondering what just happened.

I must have concussion because the wall suddenly speaks to me and drops down before me, reaching out a steadying hand, a deep husky voice whispering, “Hey, are you okay?”

I attempt to focus and as my eyes drag toward the source of the concern, I blink against the image in front of me.

Did I die because this must be what heaven looks like? A guy is staring at me with concern, his bright blue eyes disturbingly like mine and his dark hair short but sexy as fuck as it flops over one side of a worried expression.

His mouth is set in concern and his eyes sparkle with apologies and as my eyes drift lower, I swallow hard because his body is struggling against the confines of a dark blue shirt, his muscles rippling in his forearms as he reaches out to steady me.

“I’m sorry.” I apologize because this must have been my fault for not looking where I was going and he raises a concerned eye.

“I’ll help you to the medical room.”

His words release my defenses and I shake my head, replying quickly, “No. It’s, um, fine. I wasn’t looking where I was going and well, I’m sorry.”

Relief reflects in his devastating smile as he whispers, “Let me help you up.”

I stand, my blood hot as I stare at the perfection in front of me and as he hands me the books that fell with me, he says with concern, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes.” I roll my eyes and a nervous laugh escapes me. “I’m such a klutz, and known for it I may add.”

His soft smile causes my heart to race and as I regard the empty hall, I say quickly. “I should, um, go. I’m late and well, you know.”

He nods and his gaze is thoughtful as I smile quickly and turn, heading toward history, which is now merely a distraction from what just happened. Who the fuck was that guy?

As I slip into the classroom, I head to my desk, Cassie chuckling as I slide in beside her.

“What happened to you, Imogen? Don’t tell me Jesse caught up with you before class.”

“Jesse?”

“Your boyfriend.” She rolls her eyes. “Honestly, Imogen, what’s got into you today, or was it as I first thought, Jesse?”

“As if.” I cut her smile dead with a toss of my eyes and she smiles sympathetically.

“Still not any further forward with that?”

“No.” I attempt to regain control of my breathing and say with a shrug. “I don’t know what to make of him – or the situation if I’m honest.”

“Why not?”

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