LOGINThe cool night air hit my face as we drove back to the hotel, ready to finally crash in that massive penthouse suite after the craziest, most perfect nineteenth birthday ever.The next morning, the bright California sun came piercing through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, waking us up way too early.The exact moment I opened my eyes, a throbbing headache hit me like a physical punch to the skull. My mouth felt completely dry, and my brain felt like it was floating in fog. Nineteen shots of tequila were definitely a mistake, and my lightweight body was paying the ultimate price for it now.I groaned, burying my face under the plush pillows, but I knew we couldn't stay in this luxury bubble forever.We all took turns scrambling to get ready, showering each to wash off the scent of the club and trying our best to wake up. Once we were finally packed up and standing in the hotel garage, Zion looked down at my pale face and rubbed my shoulder gently."I'll drop Xa
"I got you, Sunshine," Zion whispered tightly, holding me upright as my head completely rolled back against his shoulder.A few random people from the crowd immediately rushed up to us, completely hyped from the show I had just put on. They were high-fiving Xalia and trying to get close to me."That was legendary, girl!" one guy shouted, giving me a massive thumbs-up. "Happy birthday!""Yeah, happy nineteenth!" a girl with bright pink hair chimed in, leaning over the noise of the music to look at me. But then her face turned a little serious, and she gave me a weird, knowing look. "Just make sure you don't let the nineteenth curse get to you.My blurred vision blinked, my drunk brain trying to process what she had just said. The nineteenth curse? Before I could even mutter a confused question, Zion’s entire body went completely stiff behind me.His grip around my waist tightened instantly, and the warm, protective boyfriend energy completely vanished, replaced by a cold, hard defensiv
I walked into the spacious bathroom, still completely dazed, and carefully slipped out of my emerald silk dress. Unzipping the garment bag, I pulled out the new outfit Zion had picked for me. As soon as I put it on, I turned to the mirror and gasped. It fit perfectly, hugging every single curve and looking completely stunning. It was sleek, a little daring, and undeniably perfect for a high-end night out. I quickly touched up my makeup, fixed my hair, and took a deep breath before opening the bathroom door.When I stepped back out into the main living area of the penthouse, both of their heads turned instantly.Xalia’s eyes practically popped out of her head, and she let out a loud gasp. "Oh my god, Khione! You look like a literal supermodel! Zion, look at your girl!"Zion didn't even say a word at first. He just stood up from the counter, his dark eyes locking onto me with an intense, burning expression that made a violent shiver run straight down my spine. The confident smirk com
He tightened his grip on me for a second, leaning down to press a soft, sweet kiss right on my cheek before pulling away.A few minutes later, he called down to room service. When the server knocked and brought up a cart, it wasn't just snacks—Zion had ordered a couple of bottles of high-end alcohol to get the celebration really moving."Oh, definitely not for me," I laughed, shaking my head and taking a step back when Zion offered me a glass. I wanted to keep a totally clear head today, especially with how crazy everything already was."Perfect, more for me!" Xalia cheered, immediately grabbing a glass and pouring herself a drink with a massive grin.Time flew by so fast after that. We blasted music through the suite's sound system, took a million photos by the huge windows, and laughed until our stomachs hurt. Xalia even cut us massive slices of the cake, and it tasted just as amazing as it looked. We were having so much fun that I completely lost track of the hours. The sun outsi
My heart hammered against my ribs, a mix of pure excitement and disbelief taking over completely. I shifted the gear into drive, my foot hovering over the pedal as I looked at the open exit of the garage.Zion gave me one last reassuring smile before tapping the hood of the Jeep. He walked backward a few steps, waving his hand, and went over to his own car. He slid into the driver's seat, started his engine, and pulled out first to lead the way, while Xalia and I followed close behind him.Driving my own brand-new Jeep felt completely insane, but after a few minutes, I finally started getting the hang of it. Xalia was doing the absolute most in the passenger seat, changing the radio stations, taking videos of the dashboard, and singing along to the music at the top of her lungs. We followed Zion's sleek car through the city streets, having no idea where he was leading us, but the excitement kept my hands gripping the steering wheel tight.After about a forty-minute drive, Zion fin
"Well, I've been picking you up in my car, I know,” Zion said, rubbing the back of his neck with a slight shrug, though his eyes were still warm and focused entirely on me. "But I also noticed you gave your mom your car to use since hers broke down. I couldn't just let my girl be without her own ride, especially not when she's turning nineteen.""Zion, this is too much," I whispered, my voice cracking a little as I looked back at the beautiful matte-black Jeep. It was perfect. Rugged, sleek, and entirely too expensive. "I can't accept this. A whole car?""Oh, hush up, Khione!" Xalia practically yelled, nudging my shoulder with her elbow. "If a billionaire prince wants to solve your transport problems with a gorgeous piece of machinery, you say thank you and get in the driver's seat! Look at this thing!"Zion laughed, stepping closer until he was standing right in front of me. He took my hand, placing the heavy, shiny key fob right into my palm, his fingers wrapping over mine to close
Noah’s eyes didn’t leave mine. They were cold, mocking, and dangerously bright. “I am just saying, Zi. Sometimes you can study for a subject for 10 years, think you know every chapter by heart, then realize you skipped the most important…..extra-curricular activity.”He took a sip of his wine, his
The evening began to stretch and soon enough it was 7:00pm. The house , usually silent and cavernous, felt warmer when Mrs. Graves finally arrived. She looked as elegant as ever, her presence a whirlwind of maternal affection and expensive perfume.“My favorite two people!” She exclaimed, pulling Z
Noah withdrew instantly, the warmth of his presence replaced by a sudden, biting chill. He didn’t just move back; he recoiled as if I’d struck him. Confusion flickered across his face, shattering that smug, untouchable mask for the first time in ten years.“How? When? Where?” He rattled off, the qu
The drive to the Graves’ estate was a blur of white knuckled steering and silent prayers. Every tree I passed felt like a marker drawing me close to my own undoing. As the gate opened, the gravel crunched beneath my tires like breaking bone.I pulled to a stop and stayed in the car for a long minut







