Sinful Seduction

MIANINE HOURS EARLIER "It's a red flag if you hit on me minutes after watching another guy try to get handsy.""I just need someone to talk to."He doesn't reek of alcohol, or maybe whatever cologne he wears masks it well. His scent invades my nostrils. We reach the end of the bar and grab a stool. "Glad to know you're not trying to get into my pants then.""Who said I wasn't trying."His smirk screams temptation and I should run. Flirting in a bar, drunk, and aching is not a good idea. I should leave now. Find Maya and go."Tell me about yourself."He cuts my turmoil. Is it sad that no one truly asked? Nick and I grew up together, so he knew me. Or so he thought, I never got the talking stage with him. For most, they've had it too many times it became predictable, I just needed the first experience.Cute. Projecting your insecurities on a stranger."I should find my friend. It's getting late. I grabbed my phone to leave. ""Don't I get a name?""You first."I answered, pausing for

MIA Crestwood High. Ranked top five in the state of Michigan. It's well, a high school, as you'd imagine. Nothing so fancy, but every school has its differences, and with Crestwood, everyone is exactly as they seem. Until they're not.The Nerds who are just people smarter than the rest of us then punished for it because they don't 'fit in' to our usual standards of typical dumbness. The popular kids were lucky enough to be born into a rich family, so they decided they were better than everyone else. I mean, they are. But still. The in-betweens. Average grades. Not so popular, but most people recognize their names. They get called out once in a while and attend a few parties. Then others just exist. They go to class and stroll through the hallway, but they can't fit into a place. They're invisible to everyone else. Which brings us to me. Am I popular? Dating the quarterback sort of gives you that by default. Was I a nerd? I cried when I got less than a 90 on a test, so maybe.Then

MIA "How could you do that?"Both doors slammed as Maya and I got into the car. "He's like 29. It'd be crossing a few things off the bucket list, but not now. I did that for the plot."She winked, searching for keys in her pocket. "That's not what I meant. You left me alone with him!""Oh sweet Mia, that wasn't your main character moment. You'll know it when you see it."Her nonchalant self might as well earn a smack on the head. For now, I'll let it slide. I snort as we fasten seat belts. "Plus he was hardly a threat. He seemed like such an innocent soul. A good judge of character if you ask me."She bobs her head, pursing her lips in contentment. "I doubt it. He was with me. The slut who was willing to fuck him despite dating his brother."She sputtered the engine, swerving her head to glare. "The only dignified slut in the room here is me. Don't compete when you don't compare"A half grin formed on my face. Only Maya would think a slutty competition was worth it. "And you're

MIA"Well what did he want?"Maya gently shoved her locker shut, leaving most of her books inside. I hadn't gotten to mine and my back starting to hurt. "What does that even mean? Did you listen to a word of what I said?"She bit her lips, acting thoughtful for a few seconds. "So let's get a few things straight. I drove here nearly getting a speeding ticket.""Oh that's all on you babes."We were moving towards my locker instead. The bell for AP Maths would go off any second. Maya wasn't in it which meant seperate directions."I storm in visibly pissed off yet calmly explain what happened."We reach mine and I toss in the combination, pulling the locker open, stuffing a few books inside and grabbing the others which I needed."He blackmailed me.""Nope. That would assume a threat was made in return.""It doesn't take a genius to figure it out.""Wait whose side are you on?""Yours. If he comes down here any day, I'm prepared to fight. But in here with just the two of us, I have to at

LOGAN "I'm starting to think we were best friends because of school.""I'm the one with the 4.0, so that wouldn't make any sense."I peel the jacket off my skin, tucking it in my closet before lying on the bed. "Subtle flex."Peter grumbled. "But seriously, you disappeared. Your flight landed in New Orleans and you turned into Ethan Hunt with a new mission. Not cool.""I didn't realize this was Mission Impossible, but either way you're putting your abandonment issues on me because I recalled texting at least twice. Plus, I've only been gone two weeks. Peter.""Psychoanalysis does not extend to your best friend."He scolded. I bit my lips "Good thing you're not my best friend."He gasped then went silent. I figured he would drop the line, just for fun, but judging by his raspy breaths, he was simply quiet."Take it back.""Now." I chuckled, throwing one leg over the other."Fine. How's Southern California.""Ugh. Hot.""I'm still pissed you couldn't wait four mouths so we could escape