38

OLIVIA

“Aiden,” I mumble.

It seems like I am tongue tied. I struggle to find the right words, but they won't come. He always knows the right thing to say, and I can't keep up. It is something about him, something about him that makes my words falter, and my thoughts scatter.

“Look at me,” Aiden orders.

I swallow hard and turn to face him, meeting his gaze.

The corners of his mouth curls up into a half smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes. It is not an ordinary smile - there is something more to it, something I can't quite place my finger on.

"What do you think, Olive?" He asks, drawing out my name slowly.

I give a half shrug, trying my best to hold his gaze.

I am pulled in by his eyes, but also feel a little weak in the knees. It is hard to look away from him, especially with the way his gaze bore into me, and the small smile that plays at the corners of his lips.

"I don't know," I reply.

"I want us to break the school rules again,” He repeats, letting the words hang in the air