2

Cecilia

Wearing a very short dress that I know Jason would kill me for if he saw me in it, I'm doing my makeup while waiting for Willow, since my dorm is closer to the top floor where the red wing is, which is one of the many game rooms in the boarding school. The school is in the middle of nowhere and is made up of three buildings, each with five levels. Building A is the residence where the students live. Jason and I were lucky enough to get rooms on the fourth floor, which offer a stunning view. Building B houses the classrooms, library, indoor pool, and more. The last building, C, contains the conference rooms, teacher housing, and administrative offices. Unlike other boarding schools, we're fortunate here to have private rooms.

I put down my makeup brush when I hear a knock at the door. I glance at myself one last time in the mirror, satisfied with the result. I've decided to curl my brown hair tonight, and with makeup on, I look like my dear mother. I rush to the door before any tears escape.

"Wow, you're a knockout," Willow says when I open the door.

"Thanks, you're not bad either," I reply.

She looks beautiful too, in her blue dress with her blonde hair. I leave my room, and we take the elevator to the top floors.

I'm shocked to see that the room has completely transformed. The lights are off, and I have no idea where the dim lighting is coming from, let alone the smell of beer in the air.

I grab a beer, and it helps loosen me up a bit. I push Willow onto the dance floor, and we dance like crazy. I'm surprised she's such good company, even though she's usually very quiet. I grab another can, and just my luck, I run into a handsome guy named Loïc. We chat a little, and I can tell he's interested in me. He's in the same class as me, and I feel bad for not recognizing him, but he doesn't seem offended. We keep talking, and I feel good around him because he's genuinely charming and isn't making any moves on me. Actually, I'm not sure if I'd even push him away if he tried. Sadly, my good mood is cut short when I see Asher flirting with two girls. What a jerk—does he have to be wherever I am? I excuse myself from Loïc, telling him I need to find my friend, but that we'll talk again later.

Something flickers in his eyes, but I don't know what it is. He kisses me on the cheek and smiles before I go. I find Willow not far off, flirting with someone.

"I'm going to head back to bed; I'm a little tired," I whisper to her.

I can't let Asher see me, or he'll tell Jason, and I know he'll kill me.

"I'll walk you back to your room," she says.

"No, keep having fun," I say with a wink, and she blushes.

I hug her, then leave. I head toward the exit, but before I can leave, someone grabs me by the arm.

I turn around to find Asher, and my heart nearly stops. He's even more handsome, if that's possible, than usual. His green eyes scan me from head to toe, and I feel naked under his gaze. Does he like what he sees? Oh no, I don't care what he thinks. I've decided to forget him. His gaze shifts back to my face, and I can't help but remember that one of those sluts was running her fingers through his brown hair just minutes ago.

"What are you doing here?" he asks.

"Oh, look at that, he can speak," I say, hating myself for showing that his indifference bothers me.

"I asked you a question, Cecilia," he shouts over the music.

"And he knows my name," I laugh.

He pulls me out of the room toward the exit, and I have to run to keep up with him.

"Since you want to play games, let's see if you'll answer your brother," he says.

"Let go of me, okay? I have nothing to say to you."

He ignores me and pushes me into the elevator. We get off one floor lower, on the fourth floor, and even though I don't want to say anything, I don't want Jason to see me dressed like this or smell the alcohol on me.

"Please, Asher, don't do this. I'll answer you," I beg.

He ignores me and keeps dragging me.

"Please, Asher," I plead, my voice breaking.

He suddenly stops, and I realize we're standing in front of my room.

"I'm begging you."

He doesn't move. I assume he's agreed. I open the door to my room, and he follows me inside. The school rules forbid boys in the girls' rooms, but no one seems to care.

"Answer me now, or I'll call Jason."

"I just wanted to have a little fun since Jason is with that bitch."

"How many drinks did you have?" he asks, moving closer and looking into my eyes.

It's the first time he's been this close to me, and I can't help but smell his cologne. I have a wild urge to pull him to me and kiss him, but I force myself to stay in control.

"I'm not drunk, if that's what you're asking," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil his closeness causes.

"Listen, Cecilia, you shouldn't be hanging out down there dressed like that, especially since your brother forbade it."

"He's not my father; I can do what I want. And what's wrong with my outfit, huh? Tell me," I say, trying not to cry. "Am I too covered for your taste? Maybe next time I should strip down more."

"No, don't even think about it," he yells, catching me off guard with his reaction. "Listen, Cecilia, someone with bad intentions could have taken advantage of you—that's what I'm talking about, okay? You should go to bed now," he finishes, turning his back and heading for the door.

"What did I do to deserve your treatment, Asher?" I ask as he opens the door.

He doesn't turn around to answer, but he pauses for a few seconds before continuing on his way without a word. Crushed by his attitude, I collapse in tears, wishing there were some way to numb the pain in my heart.