Chapter 1: A Dangerous Beginning

KEIRA’S POV

Drake caught me by surprise, grabbing my wrist as I stumbled back. I tripped slightly, landing against the wall, my back aching from the impact. He didn’t seem fazed at all—just that familiar, infuriating smirk playing on his lips.

“Keira, you really know how to get yourself into trouble,” he teased, stepping closer. My back protested every small move, and I realized I couldn’t slip away just yet.

Before I could react, he gently—but firmly—pulled me closer, holding my hand lightly. “Drake!” I exclaimed, half in frustration, half in disbelief. “Let me go!”

He tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his bright blue eyes. “I’m not the kind of guy who hurts women,” he said, slowly releasing one of my hands but keeping the other snug in his.

I stared into his eyes, expecting arrogance, maybe even cruelty. But there was something soft, something unexpected. My heart skipped, and I couldn’t tell if it was fear or… something else entirely.

Then his fingers brushed my cheek. Just a light touch, but it sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could pull away, his lips pressed gently against my cheek, warm and fleeting, like a whisper.

“Tell me how that feels,” he murmured near my ear, his voice low and smooth. My breath caught, and suddenly the world felt very small—just him, me, and the racing of our hearts.

He took my hand and guided it over his chest. His heartbeat was fast, alive, almost mirroring my own. Everything about him felt magnetic, confusing, and utterly overwhelming.

“Drake…” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I didn’t understand why one touch, one look, had such power over me.

Then he cupped my face, holding me steady as his eyes searched mine. He leaned in slowly, and our lips met. Soft. Gentle. Everything about the kiss was warmth and electricity, leaving me breathless.

Just as I began to melt into it, he pulled back, expression serious.

“Keira… I want all of you. Just you,” he said, voice steady but soft.

He let go, leaving me standing there, stunned. I touched my lips, still tingling from my first kiss. And though I knew I should be annoyed—maybe even furious—there was a fluttering warmth I couldn’t ignore. All because of Drake Ashford.

I stepped back, brushing my fingers against my lips. My heart raced so fast I thought it might give me away to anyone walking past. The hallway was mostly empty, the faint echo of footsteps reminding me we weren’t completely alone.

I walked through that hallway, until I saw him again.

Drake leaned casually against the lockers, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk still in place. “Relax,” he said, as if my flustered state was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

“Relax?” I echoed, incredulous. “After what just happened?”

“You mean the kiss?” His grin widened, teasing. “I think it went… perfectly.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop the heat creeping up my neck. My first kiss… with him. Mr. Charming-Arrogant-Infuriating-Blue-Eyes.

“You really think that’s okay?” I asked, trying to sound annoyed, but failing spectacularly.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” he replied lightly, stepping closer. The lockers cast long shadows across the hallway. “You didn’t push me away… not really.”

I blinked. “That’s not… I mean, I—” My words tumbled over themselves. Every time he got close, my brain forgot how to function.

He tilted his head, studying me like he could read every thought. “You’re flustered,” he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Cute, actually.”

“Flustered? Cute?” I scoffed, trying to regain some dignity. “I am not cute!”

“Sure you are,” he said, eyes sparkling. “Especially like this—breathless, caught off guard, wondering what I’ll do next.”

I groaned, realizing I was blushing despite myself. He wasn’t just teasing—he knew exactly what he was doing. And I hated that it worked.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “Don’t worry. I don’t bite… unless you want me to.”

I froze, caught between wanting to push him away and wanting to lean in. Drake didn’t just enter your space; he invaded your thoughts, your pulse, your every reaction, and somehow, it felt electric.

And the worst part? I didn’t even know that soon, he would become… someone I couldn’t escape.

***

By the time I got home, I tried to act as if nothing had happened. My mom was already in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and the familiar smells of home made me feel calmer.

“Hi, dear!” she greeted cheerfully.

“Hi, Mom,” I replied, still distracted, my thoughts drifting back to the hallway.

“Go take a bath first, then we’ll eat,” she instructed, and I nodded, following her directions.

Afterwards, I joined her at the dining table. “So, how was school today?” she asked, a daily ritual to share our day.

“Same as usual, Mom. Nothing special,” I replied, choosing not to mention Drake. “How was your day?”

She settled in, smiling. “Remember the man I told you about—the one I met at the hospital?” I nodded. “Well… we officially started dating today!”

I couldn’t help but smile at the happiness shining on her face. “That’s great, Mom! I’m so happy for you.”

“But, Keira,” she said, hesitating slightly, “is that okay with you?”

“Of course, Mom!” I said, moving closer and hugging her. “You’ve given so much to me over the years. You deserve happiness. If this relationship makes you happy, I fully support it.”

Her eyes glistened as she hugged me back. “Thank you, Keira. I’m lucky to have you as my daughter,” she said.

I smiled, feeling bold. “But if that man ever makes you cry, I promise I’ll punch him on his face!” I added, making her burst out laughing. For the first time in years, she looked genuinely happy.

She pulled back and continued, “He mentioned he has a son—probably around your age. I haven’t met him yet, but we’re planning a family dinner soon so you two can get to know each other.”

I felt a flutter of excitement. “That sounds great, Mom! Just tell me when, and I can’t wait to meet my soon-to-be stepbrother… and stepdad,” I said with a grin.