Semua Bab A Pucking Lesson in Forbidden : Bab 11 - Bab 20

Dahlia's POVI remained standing on the side of the road long after Vincent's car disappeared around the corner.Anger burned hotter than the humiliation this time. My jaw still ached where he'd grabbed me, and every step I took toward home only made me replay the argument in the car. The way he'd gripped my face. The way he'd spoken to me like I was nothing. The way he'd thrown me out of his car like I was garbage.I hated him. I hated that he always managed to leave me feeling powerless. I hated that he had something on me—something that could destroy everything I'd worked for. And I hated that no matter how much I tried to stay away from him, he kept pulling me back in.I silently promised myself that one day he'd regret treating me like this. I had no idea how someone like me could ever stand against someone like Vincent Carrington, but I'd find a way. I had to.I started the long walk home, refusing to cry again. I'd cried enough for one day. My eyes were already swollen, my thro

Dahlia's POVI spent the entire morning trying to ignore the unsettling feeling left behind by the anonymous phone call. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard that voice. Every time I let my mind wander, I saw his face. The memory of his threats clawed at the edges of my thoughts, refusing to let me go.Even though Robert and my mother had already left for their vacation, their absence seemed to make the Carrington estate feel even bigger and lonelier. The hallways echoed with silence. The rooms felt empty. The staff moved quietly through the house, barely acknowledging my presence.Vincent barely acknowledged me before school. He walked past me in the hallway like I didn't exist, his expression cold and distant. I made sure to leave the house before he could say anything to me. The ride to Bellmont was quiet, but my thoughts weren't.I kept wondering whether the caller really meant what he said. Whether my past had finally caught up with me. Whether I'd ever be free of him.School off

Vincent's POVThe party was exactly what I expected.Ethan's annual pool party had become something of a tradition for the hockey team. The Vance estate was huge and they had transformed the backyard to look like it belonged in a magazine. They had string lights crisscrossed above the pool which cast a warm golden light across the crowd. The music pumped from speakers and although they were loud, they were not loud enough to mask the conversations people were having. Almost everyone from Bellmont filled every corner of the backyard, some flirting, some laughing and some making out. I lounged on one of the patio couches, a drink in my hand, surveying the chaos with detached amusement. This was my element. This was where I belonged. The familiar buzz of a good party hummed beneath my skin, and for the first time in days, I felt something close to relaxed.Lucas was already in full form, working the crowd like a man on a mission. I watched him approach a group of girls, flash that infur

Dahlia's POVI froze.Ethan's arms were wrapped around me, his body warm and solid against mine. He was holding me like I might disappear if he let go, his grip firm but careful, like he was afraid of breaking me.I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say. My throat still burned. My body still felt heavy. My mind was still stuck underwater, watching the light fade above me.But Ethan was here. And he was holding me."Jesus," he breathed into my hair. "You scared the hell out of me."I didn't respond. I couldn't. My voice felt like it was buried somewhere deep in my chest, trapped behind the chlorine still burning in my lungs.He pulled back just enough to look at me. His eyes searched my face, scanning for any sign of distress, any hint that I wasn't okay. His hands stayed on my shoulders, steadying me."I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have—I didn't mean to—" He shook his head, frustrated with himself. "I'm just really fucking glad you're alive."I managed a small nod. Tha

Dahlia's POVI tried not to be so tense for the rest of the morning.It wasn't easy, especially when every time I closed my eyes I imagined that my lungs, instead of filling with air, filled with the burning sting of chlorine. I still couldn't seem to think of anything besides Vincent or the horrible night I spent. Every time I thought of returning to the Carrington Estate I felt physically ill.But as much as I didn't want to be here at Ethan's house, it was impossible to stay for much longer. It was cowardly, but I knew I couldn't continue to hide here.Isobel left early for her school. She muttered something about a teacher meeting while giving me a long, knowing look, before she waved goodbye. Ethan, however, remained."I'm skipping the first period," he said, pressing against the kitchen counter. "I'm going to make sure you don't collapse.""I won't collapse," I insisted."You nearly drowned last night," He stated evenly. "You're not going to school today.""Ethan—”"Non-negotiab