Chapter I: A New Beginning

  "Pick up the pace, kiddo. The weather’s going to be bad today," Dad rushed me.

  I don’t even know how we ended up late.

  I slipped on a beautiful white dress, short, loose, and perfect. My chocolate-and-caramel balayage waves spilled down my back as I let my hair loose.

  As I walked out, Mom gasped. "Oh my goodness, Aliana! Where’s your necklace?"

  I scanned the chaos my massive bedroom. "Eldora! Have you, by any chance, seen my necklace?" I called to the maid, my maid.

  "Sí, Aliana. Let me fetch it," she said, heading toward the bathroom.

  Mom smiled at me, but her lips trembled slightly and her hands clutched each other like she was holding herself together.

  "My dear, promise me that you will thrive and find happiness at Jereda de Cosmos."

  I smiled and nodded.

  "Yes, Momma. I’ll… I’ll be fine. I promise," I assured her, even though I felt the lump in my throat trying to rise.

  She reached up and brushed a stray curl from my cheek, her touch lingering a second too long.

  "My dear Aliana, whenever you encounter challenging situations or sense any danger, remember that both your father and I are always nearby. Whether it’s a new car, new clothes, or a fresh makeup kit you need, simply reach out to us. We’ll be there to support you without hesitation."

  "Exactly," Dad said, stepping in smoothly, like he’d been waiting for his dramatic cue.

  "Listen closely, my little one. Take to heart what your mother told you, never go without anything you need. Remember, you are my precious princess, and it is your birthright to live a life befitting royalty."

  I gave them my best spoiled-but-sweet grin.

  "Noted!" I said with a little salute.

  Eldora returned swiftly, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors as she held out the delicate necklace. Its charm glinted in the morning light. Dad took it from her, motioning for me to turn around. He gently clasped it around my neck, careful not to tug at my hair. The cool metal brushed my collarbone, sending a tiny shiver down my spine.

  “Splendid!” Mom exclaimed, clapping her hands softly with delight. Her eyes lingered on me with a warmth that made my throat tighten.

  “Eldora,” Dad called, slipping back into command mode, “see to it that Jefta is done packing my daughter’s belongings into the car and is ready to drop her off.”

  “Sí, se?or,” Eldora responded quickly before disappearing through the door.

  I turned to them, blinking. “You won’t be taking me?”

  Their eyes locked, and I could feel something unsaid passing between them. Dad let out a sigh and stepped closer, taking both my hands in his large, steady ones.

  “Kiddo,” he began, voice heavy with something almost like regret, “your mom and I won’t be accompanying you. The city’s air is still contaminated with afora. Until we can figure out how to purify it... we can’t risk stepping out.”

  Afora. That toxic energy in the air we weren’t supposed to breathe. My chest tightened a little.

  “What makes me immune to afora?” I asked, genuinely curious, and maybe a bit afraid.

  Mom smiled and rose gracefully, her movements fluid and soft. Dad stepped aside as she came forward, cupping my cheeks gently in her hands. Her touch was warm, grounding.

  “Aliana, my precious child,” she said, her voice a soothing lull, “you possess incredible strength and uniqueness. In due time, you’ll discover your true potential, and the answers you’re searching for will come. Jereda de Cosmos will help guide you on that path. You wanted to grow independently, remember? This is your chance.”

  Her thumbs brushed my cheekbones, and she suddenly wiggled her fingers, tickling the sides of my neck. I burst into laughter, squirming as she grinned mischievously.

  “Be patient, my love. And don’t forget to enjoy the process,” she added, pulling me in for a tight hug. I melted into her arms.

  Dad cleared his throat pointedly. “Keep it short. She has to go.”

  Mom narrowed her eyes at him, giving him a classic deadpan stare. “Ali, don’t be jealous,” she teased him without breaking the hug. “Just join in if you please, my prince.”

  He shook his head with a chuckle and stepped in, wrapping his strong arms around both of us.

  “Excuse me, sir,” Eldora said, appearing again with her usual grace and impeccable timing. “Jefta is done with Aliana’s belongings.”

  Dad gave a firm nod. “Good.”

  We made our way outside, the ornate front doors parting as if the house itself was seeing me off. As soon as my heels touched the steps outside, I paused, blinking against the soft glow of the morning light.

  “Mom… Dad,” I said slowly, eyes narrowing, “you’re outside.”

  A hint of concern crept into my voice. They’d told me they couldn’t step out because of the afora. Had something changed? Were they risking themselves for me?

  Mom simply smiled, radiant and calm as ever. “Of our home,” she clarified, “we’re still within the barrier. Look up closely.”

  I tilted my head back.

  That’s when I saw it, barely visible, like a shimmering bubble of heat over pavement, except delicate and vast. A shield. A magical dome arching high above the estate like a transparent sky, veiling our home in protection. No mortal eye could ever detect it, but now that I knew what to look for, it glistened faintly with runes and soft energy, strong, beautiful, ancient.

  “How come I never noticed that before?” I whispered.

  Mom smirked knowingly. “Because you weren’t meant to.”

  I didn’t get time to press for more. We’d reached the black limo waiting at the end of the driveway. Its chrome details gleamed in the sun, the family crest embossed on the doors like some royal seal.

  I turned to them one last time, drinking in their faces, the warm pride in Mom’s eyes, the rare softness in Dad’s. I didn’t want to let go.

  One last hug.

  They held me tightly between them, warm and strong, like they were trying to pour years of safety and love into that single moment. I felt the sting behind my eyes, but I blinked it away.

  I climbed into the limo, the door clicking shut with a finality that made my heart flutter weirdly in my chest.

  Jefta met my gaze in the rearview mirror and gave a single respectful nod before starting the engine. The car eased down the long, tree-lined drive, away from everything I’d known, toward whatever was waiting for me.

  Toward Jereda de Cosmos.

  My private jet, prepped and waiting, stood ready for my arrival.

  Okay. My name’s Aliana Diamandis Forbes, a combination of my parents’ names, Ali and Eliana Diamandis Forbes. Real creative, I know.

  Well… I’m not human.

  I was never human.

  I don’t even know what I am yet. Found that out two weeks ago, on my eighteenth birthday. Yup, surprise! You’re not human. Happy birthday. Bittersweet kind of gift, don’t you think?

  To be honest, I don’t really know my parents. Like, at all. Not really. All I’ve been told is that my mom’s a werewolf, a witch, and a shapeshifter, apparently, that combo makes her a “triplet.” Cute. And Dad? Dad’s a whole circus. He’s an Alpha werewolf, a Khayman (whatever that is), a siren, chimera, kitsune, djinn, fairy (yes, I laughed too), banshee, centaur, and hellhound. Ten things. Which, according to Mom, makes him a “decagon.”

  And since I’m their kid, that makes me a “tricagon.” What that actually means? I have no idea. Honestly, it sounds like a type of weird Pokémon.

  So far, I don’t have powers. Or as Mom says, I haven’t connected with them yet. Which is why I’m being sent off to Jereda de Cosmos. Apparently, that’s the place where I’ll figure it all out. What does Jereda de Cosmos even mean? Couldn’t tell you, I didn’t ask. Wasn’t in the mood. Mom insisted I go. Said I need to “learn more about myself,” “unlock my gifts,” “be away from humans.” Great. Sounds fun.

  And yeah, I’ll still be around humans, not like in L.A. Like, not breathing-on-me close. Thank God.

  Anyway, let’s talk about the good stuff.

  I’m pretty pretty. Like not to toot my own horn, but I might be the most beautiful girl alive. I’ve got hazel eyes that can steal souls (probably literally), a killer smile, ex-boyfriends’ words, not mine and wavy chocolate-caramel hair that kinda does what it wants, and it works.

  I’ve got a bit of an attitude…okay, a lot of attitude, but I’m not mean. I’m ... stubborn. Passionate. Okay, spoiled. But I’m sweet when I want to be. And yeah, I’ve dated. I don’t really stick around though. Not because I’m afraid of commitment or whatever, but because... meh. Guys are exhausting.

  Do I like girls? No. I don’t think so. I mean, girls are pretty, but I’ve never gone there. Not because I’m against it, I’m not into anyone right now. I mostly prefer males. Not “men”..ugh, men makes it sound like I’m dating grown adults with taxes and back pain. I like boys... guys... males. Yeah. That sounds right. Not my fault they’re always throwing themselves at me. Honestly, I’m exhausted from rejecting people. It’s a full-time job.

  I’m also super rich. Well, my parents are. But since they love me like a goddess, I live like one. Dad’s apparently royalty, he gave up his prince title to be with Mom, who used to be human. Yeah, before I was born. Not sure what changed or when, like I said, I don’t know much about them. Don’t give me that look. You don’t know your parents either. Not really.

  I’m spoiled, and I love it that way. Proud of it, even. I’ve never had a best friend, I think my attitude scares people off. But I’ve had friends here and there. Kind of.

  That’s... pretty much it.

  After 24 Hours…

  The plane finally landed in Australia.

  A black limo waited for me on the runway, its windows tinted like secrets. It was supposed to take me to the ship that’d carry me to Prego Island, where Jereda de Cosmos was located. Sounds dramatic, right? It kind of was.

  After a long, quiet ride, we arrived.

  The school was ancient. It sat inside a massive stone yard surrounded by towering walls, and at the center of it all was an enormous iron gate, tall, still, and intimidating, with the school’s logo etched right across it like a warning.

  The limo pulled over and stopped gently. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door.

  I slid out slowly, adjusting my outfit as my heels hit the gravel.

  “Miss Forbes,” a voice called.

  I turned toward it.

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  She was… interesting. Maybe in her sixties. Short, round-ish, with a head full of grey streaked with bright purple. Like, bright purple. She had this aura about her. Confident. Old-school.

  “It’s Aliana,” I corrected.

  “My apologies, Aliana,” she said politely, stepping forward. “Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.” She extended her hand.

  “I’m Mrs. Bushida, the school’s principal.”

  I shook her hand. Firm grip. Kinda cold.

  “Carmen,” she called to the chauffeur, “See to it that Aliana’s belongings are send to her dorm.”

  He nodded and started unloading the bags.

  “Please, come along,” she said to me.

  I followed her closely. “Am I the only student here or… why do I only see us?” I asked, side-eyeing the creepy silence around the place.

  She smiled calmly. “No, Aliana,” she said, stopping in front of a massive closed door or maybe it was a gate. That thing was huge.

  Without saying a word, she snapped her fingers. Click. The door creaked and slowly opened by itself.

  I glanced at Mrs. Bushida. She didn’t look surprised. Just smiled and gave me a subtle nod, like a go ahead kind of gesture.

  I stepped forward, heels echoing into the space.

  Inside was a grand hall, filled with rows of students chattering and laughing among themselves. Some looked normal. Others... less so.

  Whatever this place was, I was officially in it now.

  “You can sit anywhere, Aliana,” Mrs. Bushida said gently before turning away and heading toward the front of the hall.

  At the center stood a lonely podium with a mic, old-fashioned and kind of dramatic, but it worked.

  I scanned the room quickly and picked an open seat near the middle. I sat next to a guy, grumpy and cute, with messy hair and eyes that looked like they'd rather be anywhere else. He gave me a sideways glance but didn’t say anything.

  Moody, I noted.

  “Hush!” Mrs. Bushida called out sharply.

  The room fell instantly silent.

  She stepped behind the podium and adjusted the mic. Her voice rang through the hall, loud and clear.

  “Greetings, esteemed students of JDC!

  As we begin this new academic year, we welcome both returning and new faces to our institution. Each of you is here with a purpose,to discover and refine the gifts that set you apart from the rest of the world.

  Some of you may already know your strengths. Others, you’re beginning to scratch the surface. That’s perfectly fine.

  Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by our senior students, who’ve graciously volunteered to support you in your training. You’ll also be assigned wise men…mentors who will serve as guardians and instructors. They’ll be with you every step of the way, offering help, advice, and discipline when needed.

  Do not hesitate to approach them, whether day or night, no matter the situation. Their purpose is to teach you not only how to survive, but how to thrive. They’ll show you combat skills, survival strategies, the art of winning, and the value of leaning on others.

  Most importantly, I urge you to enjoy yourselves. Embrace this new chapter with courage and curiosity. You are not here to grow stronger, you are here to live.

  And if ever you need anything, my door is always open.

  Have a pleasant evening, dear students. May this year be full of discovery, friendship, and extraordinary triumphs.”

  The hall erupted into applause.

  Mrs. Bushida gave a small bow, stepped away from the podium, and calmly exited the hall.

  Then, another woman walked briskly up to the podium, definitely younger than Mrs. Bushida, probably in her early thirties, if not late twenties. Her face was hard, all business, like she hadn’t smiled since birth.

  “I am Captain Alexus,” she said, her voice sharp enough to cut steel. “You will receive group training, unified. Your dormitories hold your mentors. They will inform you of the rules, your schedules, and guide you throughout your journey here.”

  She scanned the crowd with a glare that made a few people shrink into their seats.

  “You are dismissed… for now. Be punctual. I expect all of you at three a.m. And remember, those who fail to meet expectations will face consequences.”

  Without another word, she turned and walked out like she owned the entire cosmos.

  “Three a.m.? Yeah, no,” I muttered under my breath.

  “You’ll have to obey,” the guy next to me said flatly.

  I turned to him, raising a brow. “Oops. We’ve got a huge problem then, I’m not really familiar with that word.”

  He didn’t flinch. “You will be.” Then he stood and left like some cryptic prophecy walked off in boots.

  I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly saw another dimension.

  “OMG! You’re Aliana!” a girl suddenly gasped, popping into my personal space like a glitter bomb of excitement.

  “OMG! You’re… um, ah…”

  “It’s okay, you don’t know me,” she cut in, smiling. “I’m Annelly.”

  She was adorable, wide eyes, bouncy energy, kind of like a walking exclamation mark.

  “As much as I fear your parents, I’m a fan. They’re wonderful! And their love? The chemistry? Literal magic!” she gushed.

  I blinked. What was she even saying? How did she know me? Dad specifically told me that no one knew who I was except for Mrs. Bushida.

  “Oh, they have fans now? Why?” I asked, forcing a smile.

  She raised an eyebrow like I’d asked if the sky was optional. “You’re… kidding, right?”

  “I wish,” I shrugged.

  Her eyes widened. “Oh wow… you’re serious.”

  She leaned in slightly, whispering like it was sacred knowledge. “Your parents are legendary, Aliana. They’re in every history book. You’ll probably study them in history class.”

  I gave her a small nod and a tight smile, but my brain was already spinning.

  Then I noticed another girl across the hall. Gorgeous. Long, dark hair. Nose and eyebrow piercings. Dressed head-to-toe in black. She was staring at me, like, seriously staring. Not in a “fangirl” way either. More like she was trying to figure me out before deciding whether to slap me or kiss me.

  I smiled politely.

  Turning back to Annelly, I asked, “So, do you know what you are?”

  She nodded. “I’m a banshee.”

  My eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s really cool.”

  “Yeah, sometimes. I haven’t mastered it yet, but…” she trailed off with a small shrug.

  “You’ll get there,” I said, and I meant it.

  She gave me a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

  “Goodbye then, Aliana! I’ve got to find my dorm, but I’ll definitely see you around.”

  “Yeah, sure,” I said, watching her bounce away, and then turned to go find my own dorm.

  Meanwhile…

  "Yer attention must be sharp! Ali’s daughter must be present, it’s imperative," the deep, gravelly voice said with a thick Scottish accent over the phone.

  “But Dad, there are a lot of students here. Any of them could be her,” came the younger voice, slightly irritated, but respectful.

  “Don’t come to me with excuses, Donavon! Locate her, and take charge as her guide, understood? She’s unaware of her potential at the moment,” the voice snapped. Then, silence. The line went dead

  Los Angeles, Morning

  “I don’t have a good feeling about this, Ali,” Mom said softly, hugging her arms. “Was it really wise to send her off like that?”

  Dad reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “Yes, my love. You’re agitated,” he said gently. “She’s perfectly fine. I spoke to Bushida this morning, she said Aliana arrived safely, no hiccups.”

  Mom nodded, but the concern in her eyes stayed. “Still… she’s never been on her own like this.”

  Dad smiled, stroking her hand. “No one will dare lay a finger on our daughter. They know better.” He paused, his tone darkening a little. “And if they don’t… they’ll learn.”

  Mom smiled, despite herself. “You always say that.”

  Just then…

  “Hellooooo lovebirds!!” a voice sang from the hallway, dramatically loud and unapologetic.

  Uncle Erik sauntered in like he owned the place, dressed in a sleek black coat and boots that probably cost more than a car. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief, classic vampire behavior.

  Dad stood with a grin and pulled him into a hug.

  “Aw, brother,” Erik said, mock-offended. “So affectionate. Have you no shame?”

  He slid over to Mom, taking her hand with a theatrical bow. “Eliana… still the most beautiful rose in the garden.”

  Dad’s face soured. “Erik, I’m standing right here.”

  “So?” Erik grinned, winking before pressing a dramatic kiss to Mom’s hand.

  In a blink, Dad had him by the throat and slammed against the wall with one hand. Erik grinned, fangs flashing.

  “Touchy, touchy,” he rasped, and in one swift move, kneed Dad between the legs and vanished in a blur.

  Dad stumbled slightly, gritting his teeth, and vanished too, chasing after his brother like it was some supernatural wrestling match.

  Mom sighed and sipped her tea. “Boys.”

  Jereda de Cosmos – Evening

  I couldn’t stop wondering how Annelly knew who I was. Dad was clear that no one was supposed to know about me. And more importantly, I had to watch out for anyone with the last name Trivia.

  Flashback:

  “Listen up, kiddo. If anyone, and I mean anyone, goes by the name Trivia, you let me know right away. Understand? No exceptions. Ever.”

  I needed to call him. But first, I had to find this dumb dorm.

  And when I did… oh great.

  “You!” I exclaimed.

  “Oh great,” he said dryly, without even looking up.

  “Believe me, the feeling’s mutual.” I rolled my eyes. It was him. The guy from earlier. The grumpy one.

  “You’re my wise man?” I groaned, hitting my forehead. “Why? Just… why?”

  “I’m Donavon,” he said.

  “Donavon? You don’t have a last name?” I asked.

  “It’s Sir Donavon to you. And my last name is none of your business.”

  Wow. Mr. Friendly over here.

  He looked at a clipboard or whatever and read aloud, “Aliana Diamandis.”

  “I’m she,” I said, giving a mock bow.

  “I’m aware,” he muttered, deadpan.

  “Hey! Sir, I’m not the reason your life sucks, yeah? And second of all, I didn’t choose you to be my so-called ‘wise man’. You look dumb anyway, so if you’re gonna be my mentor, fix yourself…and your attitude.”

  He stayed silent, but his face looked like it was one sarcastic comment away from exploding. I ignored him and looked around the dorm.

  It was smaller than my room back home, but still really pretty. Two beds, one on each side, with a soft glow coming from little enchanted lights overhead.

  “Which one’s supposed to be mine? And also, how was I supposed to know I’d be sharing a room with the opposite gender?” I asked.

  He gestured lazily. “The first room, with the main entrance, is mine. That’s for the wise man. Yours is the one opposite. Two different rooms.”

  I squinted. “As if it wasn’t small enough already…” I muttered.

  He walked over to a side table, grabbed a remote, and pressed a button. A large mirror slid down from the ceiling and clicked into place, reaching the floor between us like some magical divider wall.

  “That ensures your privacy, and mine. Only for bathing and dressing. Otherwise…” He turned to look directly at me. “You and I are one.”

  I frowned. “Excuse me?”

  “You’re not allowed to keep anything from me,” he said seriously.

  “Yeah, no,” I disagreed immediately. “And you’re…?”

  “I’m the wise man here, Aliana. Not you.”

  I rolled my eyes again. “Whatever. Anyways, what are you? Like… what kind of supernatural?”

  “I’m a vampire,” he replied.

  “Oh, same here,” I said casually. “I’m a vampire too.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “How old are you?”

  I shrugged. “Eighteen. You?”

  “I’m one hundred and twenty-five.”

  I bit my lip trying not to laugh, but the moment I pictured it, I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing.

  “Get changed. It’s time for dinner,” he said stiffly, clearly annoyed.

  “Yes, grandad,” I teased, still laughing as I grabbed my bag.

  I turned to enter my room… but I couldn’t see any door.

  “Um, sir,I can’t find my door,” I said.

  “Find the heartbeat,” he replied, not even looking up as he packed his stuff.

  “Pardon?”

  He stopped, then walked over to me, way too close. I won't lie… Donavon's cologne smelled really good. And that flawless, cold exterior? Sexy. Unfortunately.

  He placed his hands on my waist, gentle but firm, and turned me to face the mirror wall.

  Without saying a word, he slid his hand into mine and guided it across the surface of the mirror. We moved slowly, like tracing some hidden map.

  I glanced up at him. He looked back, still wearing that same permanently irritated expression.

  And then, I felt it.

  A faint pulse against my palm.

  “I can feel… them?” I said softly. My smile dropped as I heard what I said. Them? What the hell?

  A section of the mirror shimmered, and a door appeared, sliding open.

  “You felt mine too,” he said as he let go of me and walked off, back to his stuff like nothing happened.

  I stared after him, still a little stunned, then stepped into my room and closed the door behind me.

  It was perfect. Smaller than I was used to, sure, but all my things were already arranged exactly the way I liked. Whoever set this up? Impressive.

  “I have to call Dad,” I muttered. But then I paused. “Ugh, the grumpy guy will hear. He’s a vampire…”

  Then I heard it, his shower turning on.

  Perfect.

  On the call:

  “Kiddo? How is it?” Dad’s voice was warm, comforting.

  “Well… I arrived minutes ago, so I can’t really tell yet.”

  He chuckled. “You’re right.”

  “Dad, I’m in a rush right now, but… you said no one would know the real me. There’s this girl who does.”

  “Find out her last name, kiddo. Immediately. If it’s Trivia, you go straight to Bushida. No delay. Got it?”

  “Got it, Dad. I gotta go.”

  – Call ends –

  Donavon came out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, and another one rubbing through his damp hair.

  I spotted the remote control on the table. There was one button, strangely colored. Curious, I pressed it… and suddenly, I could see straight into his room.

  “Oh my, I'm so sorry!” I exclaimed instinctively, intending to apologize even though he hadn’t seen me. He was facing my direction, blow-drying his hair, completely unaware.

  “Donavon?” I called.

  “Sir?” I tried again.

  No response.

  I walked up to the mirror wall and tapped on it, but nothing. He couldn’t hear me.

  “This is soundproof?” I mumbled. “But… I heard his shower go on…”

  Then I remembered Mom’s words: “Aliana, you’re special and strong.”

  A smile crept across my face.

  Donavon came back into view, and okay, I had to admit it: for a grumpy old vampire, the man was hot. Broad shoulders, toned body, and a tattoo on his left pec, a symbol that covered nearly the whole thing. My gaze lingered longer than it should’ve.

  Then, casually, he reached for a bottle of lotion, dropped his towel, and revealed his bare butt.

  My eyes nearly popped out of my skull.

  “OH…” I scrambled to press the button again, but nothing happened. “No no no, why won’t it go back?” I hovered over another button, panicked. “What if this one lifts the wall? Nope!”

  I dropped the remote like it was on fire.

  Just then, he turned. I spun around, grabbed my towel, and bolted into my bathroom like my life depended on it.

  I came out a little while later, still in my towel, hair damp and messy. And my luck, Donavon walked in.

  “What the hell, sir?” I said.

  “I'm sorry, I thought you'd be done. What were you…” He paused, eyes flicking to the still-transparent wall. His expression darkened. “Wait… really? You’re a pervert?”

  “What? No! That was a mistake! I swear, I didn’t know that button activated a one-way mirror!”

  He stepped over, grabbed the remote, and reset it. “Did you see anything?”

  “Um… no,” I said.

  “You’re lying,” he growled.

  “FINE! I saw your hot body, okay?!”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Hot body? Which parts?”

  I blinked. “The abs and… butt. I swear, that’s it!”

  He gave me a deadly look. His tone dropped. “An eye for an eye, right?”

  He stepped toward me.

  I swallowed hard. “What… what are you doing?”

  “What do you think I’m doing?” he asked, voice low and pissed.

  “You said an eye for an eye?” I backed up until I hit the wall.

  “You saw my stomach… and my butt. It’s only fair I see yours too. Don’t you think?”

  I gasped. “No!”

  He got close, too close. Then, in one swift motion, he tugged at my towel.

  Reflexively, I flung my arms around him, hugging him tight to stop the towel from falling completely. It dropped enough to bare my back and boobs.

  He clenched his jaw, clearly struggling.

  “I didn’t mean to do it,” he muttered.

  “But you did it anyway, Donavon,” I said, holding on tighter.

  “Please let go.”

  “Then you’ll see my breasts. Nope. I prefer this,” I said flatly.

  “I’ll look away. I swear. Just let go of me. This is not okay.”

  I looked up into his eyes. “Not okay?”

  “Yes,” he said, gaze darting anywhere but my face.

  “Walk backward. Fall on the bed,” I whispered. “It’s the only way I can cover up again.”

  He hesitated. Then, with a groan, did exactly that, and we both tumbled onto the bed. His lips were inches away from mine. Then he turned his head quickly.

  I pulled my towel back up to cover my chest, then got off him, biting my lip.

  He glared at me, standing up.

  “Be done in two minutes,” he growled, then stormed out.

  I grinned to myself, biting my lower lip again.

  END