Amber Rose

Chapter 3: Cold Hands, Sharp Words (FL's POV )

I have exactly three rules when it comes to surviving high school:

1. Stay out of unnecessary drama.

2. Don't attract unwanted attention.

3. Absolutely never, ever get involved with the mysterious, brooding guy that everyone whispers about.

In less than twenty-four hours, I had already broken rule number three.

And worse? I was kind of enjoying it...

—

Adrian Blackwood was impossible.

After our strange first conversation, I told myself I'd just ignore him. But that plan went straight out the window when I walked into class the next day and Found him already sitting in his seat, arms crossed, golden hazel eyes locked onto me the moment I stepped inside.

I paused mid-step. Was it just my thoughts, or was he waiting for me?

I shook off the thought and walked over, setting my bag down. I could feel the stares of my classmates again, but I ignored them.

"Morning," I said, sliding into my seat.

"You're early," he murmured, his voice low as always.

I raised an eyebrow. "And you care because…?"

His lips curved slightly, the smallest hint of amusement flickering in his golden eyes. "I don't."

"Sure, you don't," I muttered, pulling out my notebook. "You just like pointing out obvious things for no reason."

"Maybe."

I turned my head to glare at him, but he was already staring at me.

His gaze was sharp, intense. It made my skin feel hot—which was ridiculous. I should've looked away, but something about the way he held my gaze made it feel like a challenge.

So I didn't back down.

"Do you ever blink?" I asked.

A small smirk played on his lips. Dangerous. Confident. Amused. "Do you always ask pointless questions?"

"Do you always answer with sarcasm?"

"Do you always get this easily flustered?"

My mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. "I—I'm not flustered!"

He leaned in slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "No?"

"No," I shot back, gripping my pen a little too tightly. "You're just—annoying."

"You think about me a lot for someone who finds me annoying."

I nearly choked on air. "I do not—"

Adrian's smirk deepened, and I swore I saw a flicker of something smug in his eyes.

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "You are insufferable."

"And yet, here you are, talking to me again."

I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, my elbow accidentally brushed against his arm.

I froze.

His skin was ice-cold.

Like he had been standing outside in the snow for hours.

A shiver ran up my spine. I pulled my arm back quickly, looking at him.

"You're freezing," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

He didn't even flinch. Didn't react at all.

"So?"

"So?!" I stared at him. "Adrian, it's the middle of summer! How are you this cold?"

He shrugged. "Poor circulation."

I narrowed my eyes. "That's not how circulation works."

"Are you a doctor now?"

"No, but I know people aren't supposed to be colder than an Ice !"

He just stared at me, completely unfazed. then,with the slowest, most deliberate movement, he reached out and touched my wrist.

I gasped. His fingers were like frost on bare skin.

"Believe me now?" he murmured, his voice low.

I snatched my hand back, heart pounding. "What the hell, Adrian?"

His smirk returned. "I warned you to be careful who you sit next to."

"That doesn't mean you can just—" I stopped, suddenly realizing something. "Wait. You touched me on purpose! "

He leaned back, looking entirely too satisfied with himself. "Did I?"

"Yes! You totally did!"

He didn't even deny it. Just tilted his head and said, "Maybe I just wanted to see your reaction."

I gaped at him. "Are you—are you seriously messing with me right now?"

He smiled. Actually smiled.

Not a full one—just a tiny, sharp curve of his lips. But still.

And for some insane reason, my heart skipped.

No. No, no, no.

I couldn't be attracted to him. That would be a terrible idea.

I grabbed my pen and pointed it at him. "Stay on your side of the desk, vampire boy."

His smirk didn't fade. "You believe the rumors now?"

"No. I just think you're an emotionally constipated weirdo who enjoys creeping people out."

He chuckled. Actually chuckled.

"Good," he murmured. "That means you'll stay away from me."

But the way he said it… it didn't sound like a warning.

It sounded like a lie.

—