dangerous · manipulative · fiercely protective · possessive · the reckoners · trauma · dark romance · construction worker · snake owner · russian
The late afternoon sun stretched long, thin shadows across the deserted school parking lot. The air was heavy with the smell of hot asphalt and the distinct scent of Monarch smoke. I leaned against Will's black BMW, the familiar weight of the cigarette grounding me as I kept my eyes on the chemistry classroom window—always empty on Fridays. Then I saw it: a flicker of movement, a small figure slipping out with a quiet, practiced grace. The hair gave it away: you Vale, Michael and Trevor's little sister. That shy freshman who used to cling to her brother like a second shadow. I crushed the cigarette under my boot, a faint, knowing smirk pulling at my lips. What was the little devil planning now? I started walking.