CHAPTER 11: THE PASSENGER TARIFF

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. "Here we are," Ethan said, his voice a comforting, warm resonance through the cool night air. He kicked the stand down and turned around, his soft, tousled dark curls catching the silver glow of the moon. His hazel-brown eyes looked incredibly gentle, his signature faint dimple flashing as he reached out to help me unbuckle my heavy black helmet. "You sure you don't want me to drive you all the way up to the front porch? It's a pretty dark walk." "No, it's fine, really," I murmured, managing a soft, genuine smile that felt completely foreign on my face after the brutal day I’d had. I slid off the back of the bike, my 5'9" frame stretching out in my oversized charcoal-grey crewneck and leggings. My ginger hair was a bit messy from the ride, wild copper strands escaping my claw clip. "The walk helps me clear my head. Thank you

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-07-11

CHAPTER 12: THE GRAVITATIONAL PULL

MIKE The digital clock on the sleek dashboard of the sports car flickered to 2:42 AM, casting a faint blue glow over the dark leather interior. Outside, the empty state highway was a blur of shadows and thick, low-hanging fog, but inside the cabin, the only sound was the low, steady purr of the high-performance engine. And the soft, rhythmic sound of Eloise’s breathing. I glanced sideways for a split second, my hands tightening instinctively on the steering wheel. The fierce, sharp-tongued girl who had just seamlessly scaled a twelve-foot brick wall and dismantled a Westbridge security lock was completely dead to the world. She had crumbled into the passenger seat the moment we hit the main road, the massive adrenaline crash finally pulling her under. Her 5'9" frame was curled awkwardly against the door, her long legs bent, and her face turned toward the window. The claw clip had given up entirely. Her vibrant ginger hair had fallen loose, cascading over the headrest in a

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-07-12

CHAPTER 13: THE INVASION

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?

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-07-13

CHAPTER 14: THE AFTERMATH OF THE RAGER

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

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-07-14

CHAPTER 15: THE COLD SHORE

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

Dernière mise à jour : 2026-07-15

CHAPTER 16: THE HIGH SCHOOL VULTURE CULTURE

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