All Chapters of The Line I Shouldn't Cross : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"Look who is playing librarian today," a loud, sharp voice rang out across the main desk.The heels of expensive designer shoes clicked against the polished floor, cutting straight through the morning quiet of the library lobby.Maria Cole walked straight up to the counter, her head held high. Gloria and Meg trailed behind her like quiet shadows, matching her fake, superior smile step for step.I kept my hands on the book scanner, refusing to let my fingers shake. I didn't say a word. I just stood my ground, staring right at her."Are you deaf, Ivy?" Gloria asked, folding her arms across her chest with a mock laugh. "Maria is talking to you.""I hear her just fine, Gloria," I replied, keeping my tone completely calm. "I am just waiting to see if she actually has library business or if she is just taking up space in the aisle."Meg let out a small gasp, but Maria only chuckled, her eyes flashing with pure arrogance. She reached into her expensive leather bag, pulling out a thick gold e

"The bus is delayed twenty minutes," a student grumbled beside me, staring down at his phone.I pulled my canvas bag closer to my chest, squeezing the fabric tight against my ribs to keep my study notes dry.At 4:00 PM, a hard autumn rainstorm completely drenched the campus. Water poured down from the sky in thick sheets, splashing off the edges of the small shelter roof and soaking the bottoms of my jeans. Cold wind blew through the open shelter, making my teeth chatter as I stood there waiting.My mind was still spinning from everything that had happened earlier. First, Jax warning me about the engagement announcement at the Gala. Then Maria throwing that gold envelope into my face like I was worthless. And finally, Leo... standing near the library doors, looking at me with those dark eyes, unable to say a single word because his father had him trapped in a corner.My body was cold, my head was aching, and all I wanted was to get back to my dorm room, change into dry clothes, and br

"Take your hands off her!" Mason shouted at the top of his lungs, stepping straight around the front bumper of his truck into the freezing downpour. "Leave her alone, man! What the hell is wrong with you?!"Mason reached out with both hands, grabbing for Leo’s wet shoulder to yank him back from my open passenger doorway.Leo turned like a lethal weapon.Before Mason’s fingers could even lock onto his hoodie, Leo spun around with lightning speed, grabbing Mason’s wrist in mid-air. With one swift, ruthless movement, Leo twisted Mason's arm back hard enough to make the star athlete bend at the waist and grunt out in sharp, sudden pain."I warned you, Mason," Leo said, his voice coming out dangerously quiet over the roaring sound of the storm. "I told you to keep your hands off me.""Let go of me!" Mason gasped, his teeth gritted tight as he struggled against the painful grip. "You're out of your mind, Leo! You're completely crazy!""Don't touch me again," Leo growled, his dark eyes fixed

The sharp sound of Liya’s distinct ringtone cut through the breathless atmosphere of the dark vehicle.My eyes snapped open instantly.The loud music rang out from the dashboard, filling the warm, quiet interior with bright sound. My heart gave a violent jump in my chest as reality hit me like a bucket of freezing water.I pushed hard against Leo’s broad shoulders, my breathing ragged and heavy. "Leo, stop," I gasped, my voice trembling as I tried to pull back. "Stop, please."Leo stopped. He didn't force me to stay, but his hands remained tight on my waist for a second before slowly loosening. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine in the dark. His dark eyes were blown out, filled with an agonizing internal war that showed every bit of pain he had been hiding behind his cold face.He didn't say a word. He slowly reached out one hand to the dashboard screen and pressed the silent button to mute the sound.The loud ringing stopped, but the music screen stayed lit. The nam

Friday night brought a cold chill over Oakwood College, sweeping through the paved walkways and rattling the dry autumn leaves against the stone buildings. The grand estate hall at the very edge of campus was completely lit up, glowing with thousands of golden lights stringed across the tall stone pillars and glass archways as event teams prepared the stage for tomorrow's Greek Gala.I clutched my library bag tightly against my coat as I walked down the stone path, returning from my late study shift.As I got closer to the main driveway, the tall glass windows of the estate hall came into full view. I slowed my steps, my feet freezing against the pavement.Inside the brightly lit hall, two powerful families stood together near the elevated main stage.Maria Cole was standing right in the center, laughing bright and loud, holding a crystal glass of champagne. Her parents stood behind her, chatting warmly with Leo’s father, who held a clipboard and pointed toward the front tables. And r