Haley_Renee_Burger

Sage Castillo has always been a fighter. Raised by a cruel, neglectful mother, she’s learned to rely on herself—until she’s kicked out, leaving her homeless and angry. Enter Harlow Baker, who’s spent years running from her own demons. Haunted by her past and the friend who betrayed her, Harlow’s life starts to unravel when she’s forced to confront the truth.
When the two girls cross paths, their brokenness intertwines, and they find solace in each other’s arms. But as old wounds resurface and dangerous people from Harlow’s past threaten to tear them apart, Sage and Harlow must fight not only for their love but for the safety of the family they’re creating.
Home is where the heart is—but what happens when the past refuses to stay buried? Love is worth fighting for, but is it enough to face their darkest fears?

Angels Fall Fast

The moment Sage stepped through the door, Harlow felt her heart skip a beat. Even in the dim lighting of the entryway, Sage's presence was magnetic. Harlow's mother, sitting comfortably on the couch, greeted Sage with a warm yet teasing smile.

"So, you're the girl my daughter has been gushing about?" she mused, raising an eyebrow. "Nice to meet you, sweetheart. You girls are welcome to hang out down here if you'd like."

Sage laughed, her cheeks slightly pink. "Nice to meet you too, Ms. Baker."

Harlow, feeling the need to escape before her mother's teasing got worse, grabbed Sage's hand. "C'mon, let's go upstairs."

Once in Harlow's room, she excitedly pulled out a small bag and handed it to Sage. Inside was a mini Squishmallow and a pack of Skittles. Sage gasped, pressing the soft plush to her cheek before grinning at Harlow.

"No one's ever done something this sweet for me," Sage murmured, her brown eyes filled with genuine appreciation.

"Well, you deserve it," Harlow said softly.

Sage set the gifts aside and leaned in, her lips brushing Harlow's in a slow, tender kiss. It started sweet, but as Sage's hands trailed down Harlow's arms, pulling her closer, the air shifted. The kisses deepened, filled with more urgency, more need. Harlow's fingers tangled in Sage's silky hair, and when Sage's lips traveled down to her neck, a soft moan escaped her lips.

Harlow barely had time to process the warmth spreading through her body before Sage's hands slid under her hoodie, her fingertips featherlight against her stomach. When Sage's lips found the sensitive spot just below her ear, Harlow gasped, her body trembling. Sage, emboldened, moved lower, her hands exploring, teasing, until Harlow's breath hitched sharply. And then, completely unexpectedly, a wave of pleasure washed over her, sending her over the edge.

The moment it happened, embarrassment hit her like a truck. Harlow's face burned as she pulled away, covering her face with her hands. "Oh my God…" she mumbled into her palms.

Sage blinked, then smirked, leaning back on her elbows. "Wow," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "I didn't even have to try that hard."

"Shut up," Harlow groaned, still mortified.

Sage chuckled, sitting up and gently prying Harlow's hands away from her face. "Hey," she said softly, "I think that was the hottest thing ever, honestly. And you don't have to be embarrassed. I really, really like you, Harlow."

Harlow exhaled, still flustered but feeling reassured by Sage's words. "I really like you too."

They lay together for a while, wrapped up in each other's warmth before deciding to shift gears. Sage playfully nudged Harlow. "Wanna lose to me in Mario Kart?"

Harlow scoffed. "Excuse me? You're going down."

An hour later, Harlow was scowling while Sage cackled in victory. "Told you," Sage teased, throwing a Skittle in her mouth.

Still laughing, they headed to the kitchen to make some sandwiches and grab drinks. When they returned to Harlow's room, Sage hesitated before speaking.

"There's something I need to tell you," she said, her tone serious but not ominous.

Harlow felt a small twist of nerves. "Okay… what is it?"

Sage took a deep breath, locking eyes with her. "It's nothing bad, I promise. But I think you should know…"

Before she could finish, Harlow's phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen—an unknown number.

Sage's eyes flicked to it as well, and for the first time that night, Harlow saw something flicker in her expression. Concern? Recognition?

"Who is it?" Sage asked, her voice a little quieter now.

Chapter Five.