All But Forgotten Novels & Stories

Something dangerous radiated off him like heat from asphalt in summer. I’d seen him around school. Ronan Vale, he didn’t go to our high school anymore. Rumors said he’d been expelled. Or dropped out. Or both. He showed up at parties sometimes. Always alone. Always watching. Never touching. Until now. He tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t expected to solve tonight. “You lost?” he asked. Voice low. Rough. Like gravel wrapped in smoke. I swallowed. My tongue felt thick. “I… yeah. Sorry. I’ll—”