softmoonhues

“I never imagined I’d fall for the boy who ruined me… or that loving him might destroy me.”

Ellie thought she’d finally escaped Aiden Hartley, the boy who made her life hell in high school. When he moved away, she started to heal, to piece herself back together. But on her first day of college, her fragile peace shatters—Aiden is back, and he’s her best friend Noah’s new roommate.

This Aiden isn’t the same. The once cruel boy is quieter, harder to read, and maddeningly protective. Ellie wants to hate him, but something about him pulls her in, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew.

Secrets tied to the shadowy underworld that took her parents from her.

As Ellie pieces together the truth about her family’s murder, she’s drawn into a deadly web of betrayal and violence where Aiden’s loyalty is anything but clear. Can she trust the boy who once made her life a nightmare, or is his kindness just another mask?

With danger closing in and nowhere left to hide, Ellie must confront the lies that have shaped her life—and decide if Aiden is her salvation or her undoing.

Some betrayals cut too deep. Some loves burn too bright. And some truths are better left buried.

Falling for my Best Friend’s Bully

I jerked away from Aiden's touch, my eyes widening at what had just happened.

"Don't move so suddenly. My finger could have scratched your cheek," Aiden said.

"Thanks for the warning," I mumbled as I picked up my phone. Noah's name flashed across the screen and for some reason, my chest felt tight.

Why was I feeling anxious to answer Noah's call?

But even as I asked myself that question, I already knew the answer. I was on almost friend basis with the guy who bullied Noah for the whole of ninth grade.

I closed my eyes for a moment and when I opened them, the call had gone to voice mail.

"Hey Ellie," Noah's clear, deep voice came from my phone. "You should be having a break right now I take it. Just wanted to know if you're hungry so we can get lunch together. I know you haven't eaten today. You never do on days like this because you're too nervous."

Noah's soft laughter after he spoke just about made me tear up. He was just so sweet. Thinking about me as usual and what was I doing?

Okay a bit dramatic but that's exactly what it felt like.

"Lemme know as soon as you get this. Bye."

I slipped my phone into my bag and stood up.

"Obviously I am. Need to go meet up with Noah."

I turned and looked at him. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed casually, his long fingers drumming a steady rhythm against his biceps.

His slim-fit hoodie hugged his frame perfectly, drawing attention to his muscular, well-defined arms. The snug fabric seemed to contour every curve, subtly emphasizing their strength and definition with every movement he made.

I swallowed and turned my face away before answering. "Yes, for lunch."

Aiden slowly stood up. "Lucky Noah."

I said nothing, my gaze lowered to his desk. I noticed his notebook and what he'd written on it. It wasn't notes from our class but names.

Peter: 1am till dawn thursday.

Owl head: 4am till 4:30am Friday

I looked up at Aiden. "What are those names for?"

Aiden picked up his book in a flash.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah sure. Pick up your pen too. You could just say it's none of my business."

"I don't want to be rash with you anymore Ellie."

"You were freaking rash the first day I came to this place and saw you in Noah's room!"

Aiden winced. "I didn't know it was you. I didn't recognize you at first. You look so different now."

I rolled my eyes so hard, they almost got stuck in my head. "Just say I'm no longer a flat chested tomboy."

Aiden closed his eyes in obvious frustration. "Please stop twisting my words. I'm trying to not say the wrong thing here."

"How do I look different?!" I asked loudly.

Aiden groaned and pulled back his hoodie before running his hand through his hair.

"Like a sunflower, you're opening up. Not all the way yet but your petals are beginning to unfurl and I can glimpse the yellow bloom inside. Just a glimpse for now."

"You were closed before Ellie. But now you're opening up. That's why I didn't recognize you."

My phone began ringing again. I didn't need to check, I knew it was Noah.

Aiden made a low tch sound before giving me a smile that seemed forced.

"You should go meet up with your friend for lunch."

"Yeah," I said feeling shaken. I walked to the door and paused with my hand on the door knob.

"See you for the second lecture," I said.

Aiden didn't reply and I didn't repeat myself.

Sunflower