~ COLTON ~“I can’t fucking believe this!” Jackson scoffed and shook his head. “You’re risking the chance to get at Henri Ascott because you got a date with his daughter?”“You’ve gone mad, Colton. You’ve absolutely gone mad!” Levi added, sounding anxious and worried. Jackson, Levi, and Colton had just arrived at the Met where the charity gala was being held this year. They were all dressed up in sleek three-piece suits, leather shoes, and matching belts. Everyone else around them was also in the same black-tie attire, and all the women looked like they were movie stars stepping out of a red carpet. As a matter of fact, there were several movie stars in attendance. This charity gala was one of the hottest events of the year and all of New York City’s elites were invited. “Guys, relax. It’s a big event, Henri’s not even gonna know I’m here,” Colton replied with a laugh, shrugging off his cousins’ worries. “Besides, everyone who’s anyone is here anyway. The Rhodes should represent the

~ SIERRA ~ “Sierra Adeline Ascott, will you be my girlfriend?”Colton’s question hung in silence inside that gallery room. There was almost an echo and it kept ringing in Sierra’s ears. She was caught off guard and all she could do was freeze like a statue. Meanwhile, Colton’s face remained serious and his eyes were locked on hers, waiting.“...What?” she spoke finally, not knowing how else to respond.“Isn’t it obvious?” he said. “I don’t wanna see you with anyone else. You should be with me,”“Colton--”“I like you, Sierra. A whole damn lot,”Sierra felt like she had been struck by lightning. If she was caught off guard before, she was completely floored right now. Colton, her prince charming, the mysterious bad boy who’s turned her life into a movie, the man who has her weak in the knees and her heart racing like a speed car-- he just said that he likes her!“I…” Sierra opened her mouth to speak, but before she could do anything, she heard heavy footsteps coming towards the room.

~ SIERRA ~- - - - - TWO WEEKS LATER - - - - -“Wow, you look great, Si!” Rosie chimed as she entered Sierra’s room. It was Halloween night tonight and the girls were all dressed up. Rosie was wearing a black wig and an all-black attire, resembling Morticia Addams. Right behind her, Ethan followed suit with his Gomez costume.“Thanks, you like my costume?” Sierra said as she twirled in her little light blue dress and matching crown.“Like it? I love it!” Rosie laughed. “Slutty princess, totally suits you,”“It’s not slutty!” Sierra gasped in horror, pulling down her skirt.“Sure, if you say so,” Rosie winked playfully and strode towards Sierra’s closet. She was coming over to borrow some shoes.“So, is your boyfriend gonna come as prince charming?” Ethan said somewhat nonchalantly, but he was curious about Sierra and her new boyfriend. Rosie was not supposed to tell him about this, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut, of course. Luckily, Ethan was good at keeping secrets. No one els

~ COLTON ~The way Sierra kissed him was magnetic. It was almost impossible to think that she was inexperienced in this area. She was such a natural, the way her soft lips coax and tangle with his, it was like they were moving to some unknown rhythm. Colton’s chest was burning with a fire he couldn’t explain. Kissing a girl was not a new experience for him. To be honest, he was never interested in kissing. It was only a prelude to the main course and Colton always went for the main course.This time, however, things were different. It felt so nice to kiss her lips and touch her face, rake her hair, and run his fingers on her back. Each and every moment was a revelation to be savored and for the first time ever, Colton didn’t want to rush things. There was much to be enjoyed and explored still. So, that was exactly what he did. Gently, he put a hand on her face and pulled her closer. Sierra let out a gasp and Colton used the momentum to push his tongue inside. He tasted every corner o

~ SIERRA ~Sierra was anxious all day long. She could barely concentrate on her intro to media and culture class. She kept looking at the clock, dreading each minute that passed. Yes, on one hand, it was exciting to think about seeing Colton later tonight. But on the other hand, Rosie’s warning was ringing in her ear. Sierra never wanted her feelings to be involved. Or too involved. She knew she had an infatuation with Colton and she enjoyed spending time with him, but there was no way she’d let the feeling develop into something more. That was totally not the plan. The plan was just to have fun and live in the moment. She only had a few years of freedom left before it was time to fulfill her duties. This was only supposed to be a filler, something to distract her while she awaits her fate, nothing more.So, in order to keep things according to plan, Sierra must be careful with her choices. Going on secret dates with Colton, holding hands in the shadow of the alleyways, and kissing a