116

ALAYNA

Eleven years ago…

“Shut the hell up!” My algebra teacher’s voice reverberated throughout the room of two dozen sophomores. All eyes and attention swung to the front of the class, and next to Mr. Hill was a tall, gorgeous guy. He stood about six feet like my adoptive brothers, Jason and Chris. He had chiseled jaws, dark blond hair, and light green eyes so enthralling you could get lost in them. Yet, he was also so familiar.

Mr. Hill cleared his throat. “This is Drake Mallory, and he’s going to be joining us in class starting today.”

The murmurings echoed within the classroom were becoming a vibrant noise. I heard my classmate, Phil, sitting at my back, whispering, “Mallory? Mayor Mallory’s son?”

“Is that him?” another voice said.

“Why is he in our school?”

“Oh my gosh. He is freaking hot.”

“But isn’t he supposed to be a senior?”

I covered my mouth in shock as I remembered. I saw Drake when Dad visited the mayor’s office a long time ago. That was how I knew him! We had only met o