FAZER LOGINThe Tuesday afternoon bell at Oakridge High didn't just signal the end of classes; it felt like a starting gun. I spent the entire day trying to ignore the lingering glances in the hallway, but my mind was completely stuck on the small, folded sticky note tucked inside my pocket. During AP English, Mike had walked past my desk to hand in his paper, and with a swift, entirely invisible movement, he had dropped the note onto my binder. It just had his sharp, heavy handwriting: 4:30 PM. The Mansion Library. Don't be late, Gilbert. At exactly 4:30 PM, I walked up the grand stone steps of the main Weller mansion, my heart doing a nervous little dance against my ribs. I had changed into a cozy, comfortable outfit—a thick, oversized thrifted cream sweater that swallowed my frame, dark leggings, and my leather boots. My vibrant copper waves were pulled up into a messy claw clip, letting a few loose strands frame my face. I pushed the heavy oak doors of the private library, and my brea
The heavy double doors of the Elm Street sports complex thudded shut behind us, cutting off the crisp afternoon air. Inside, the massive gym echoed with the high-pitched squeak of sneakers, sharp referee whistles, and the heavy, rhythmic pounding of basketballs. The state select scrimmage was in full swing. I walked into the lobby, Ethan’s hand resting protectively against the small of my back. He had insisted on walking me in, his flannel shirt open, his posture relaxed but completely steady as he navigated the jock-heavy environment. Out on the court, Mike Weller was a force of nature. He was glistening with sweat, his jersey clinging to his broad, athletic chest as he drove past a defender, elevating effortlessly to slam the ball through the net with a ferocious, ringing rattle of the rim. He looked impossibly dominant, a golden king in his element. But the moment his sneakers hit the hardwood on the descent, his piercing blue eyes snapped toward the entrance. Mike froze.
The sleek, dark window of Mike Weller’s sports car glided down, letting in the crisp Monday morning air as the vehicle idled smoothly at the Oakridge High drop-off gate. I climbed out of the back seat, adjusting the straps of my faded canvas backpack. I was wearing a casual, artsy outfit—high-waisted vintage denim jeans that hugged my frame perfectly, paired with a simple fitted black baby tee and my favorite worn-out leather boots. My wild copper waves were loosely held back by a dark brown claw clip, a few stray strands framing my pale face. "See you later, Gilbert," Jake called out from the passenger seat, his green eyes flashing with a warm, casual friendliness. Chad just gave a short, silent nod from the back, his massive shoulders shifting under his varsity jacket. Mike sat behind the steering wheel, his large hands resting loosely on the leather. He didn't look at me. His piercing blue eyes were fixed straight ahead on the crowded school entrance, his sharp jawline tight
The quiet hum of the central air conditioning was the first thing that drifted into my consciousness on Sunday morning. I opened my hazel eyes, blinking at the unfamiliar luxury of the main mansion’s guest suite. I rolled over, the silk sheets rustling around me, and immediately caught the lingering scent of cedarwood and leather. I was still completely drowned in Mike’s massive black-and-gold varsity jacket hoodie. I sat up, pulling my knees to my chest. My thoughts immediately drifted to the middle of the night—the quiet stillness of the bathroom, the meticulous way Mike’s large, calloused hands had wiped the sticky liquid from my face, and the rough honesty in his voice when he sat on the edge of my mattress. He admitted he cares about me. The thought made a strange, fluttering ache bloom deep in my chest. He hadn't been the arrogant, untouchable king of Oakridge High last night. He had been soft. Gentle. He had bared a piece of his real self just to make sure I felt safe
The silence in the massive marble kitchen was so heavy you could hear the ice melting in the forgotten cups. Every single eye was glued to Mike Weller. Before Jake and Chad could even take a step toward the door to execute Mike's order, a sharp clinking of acrylic nails against a plastic cup broke the stillness. Allie Grace Vance stepped out from the crowd of varsity players, her sleek blonde blowout bouncing as she crossed her arms, looking every bit the country-club queen she was. "Michael, babe, seriously?" Allie Grace scoffed, her voice dripping with a mix of annoyance and casual malice as she looked over at my stained, shivering form. "You’re going to end the biggest party of the semester because the guest hand got a little messy? It’s completely not worth it. Let the college guys have their fun. She can just go sleep in the laundry room or something if her cottage is busy." A few of the lacrosse players chuckled nervously, but the laughter died instantly when Mike turned
The rhythmic, low thrum of Ethan Grey’s motorcycle engine died down as he idled smoothly right outside the towering, black iron gates of the Weller estate just as the last purple hues of twilight were swallowed by the night. Ethan killed the engine, letting the bike coast to a smooth halt on the gravel."Thanks for the ride, Ethan," I said, sliding my helmet off and carefully holding my half-finished strawberry milkshake. My cheeks were still flushed with a warm, happy glow from our afternoon at the studio."Anytime, rockstar," Ethan smiled, his soft dark curls bouncing slightly as he took the helmet from me. But instead of revving the engine to leave, he lingered, his warm hazel eyes scanning the dark driveway before landing back on me. He rubbed the back of his neck, a sudden, curious tension settling over his handsome features. "Hey, Eloise... can I ask you something? Since you're living on the estate and all."I blinked, surprised. "Sure. What's up?""What's it actually like?







