Rain. Again. Of course it had to rain. Like the universe had a personal case against me, or maybe just against my sanity.
I was walking home, head down, trying to pretend I wasn't soaked and freezing. But my thoughts? Oh, they weren't letting me ignore anything. Liam. That stupid, infuriating, perfect Liam. And the blond girl. The cousin. The cafeteria. Why did my life suddenly feel like a soap opera? Thinking about lots of things.
Then I heard it. Footsteps. Quick, deliberate, right behind me. My heart jumped, because of course it did.
Hey,a familiar voice said.
I whipped around. Liam. Soaked. Hair sticking to his forehead. Jacket clinging. Damn it. Totally distracting.
You scared me! I said, trying to sound annoyed. Totally failing.
Sorry, he said, stepping closer, eyes scanning me like he wanted to make sure I was okay. You shouldn't be walking alone in this weather.
I huffed. I'm fine. Really.
Sure,he muttered, smirking. But then his expression changed. Serious. Darker. Kaya I need to tell you something. Something important.
My chest tightened.Important again. Dangerous word. My brain immediately jumped to worst-case scenarios.i started to think of the worst scenario possible.
What is it? I whispered, because apparently normal talking was impossible around him.
He hesitated, glanced around like the rain itself might be listening. It's about me. About my life. About why I sometimes disappear. Why I get messy
"Here we go again",i said within me
I swallowed hard. You mean like the girl yesterday?
No,he said sharply. But then softer, almost guilty. That's nothing. She's just background noise. But there's someone else. Someone who might not like us. Might not want us to be together.
My stomach dropped. Someone else? Danger? Jealousy? All at once.
I don't understand, I whispered.
I can't tell you everything,he said, stepping impossibly closer so our shoulders touched. Not yet. But you need to know you're important to me. Too important to risk losing.
I wanted to say something smart. Something brave. Something that didn't make my knees feel like jelly. But instead, I just stared. And he smiled, that heart-stealing smile.
Rain suits you,he said suddenly. Makes you look unstoppable,trying to clear the tension I guess.
I blinked. Unstoppable?
He shrugged, eyes twinkling like he knew a secret I didn't. Yeah. But even unstoppable people need someone to watch their back.
And then, without warning, he grabbed my hand. Warm, firm, perfect. My heart totally betrayed me. Racing. Screaming. Collapsing. All at once.
I'm not letting anyone take you from me, he said softly but loud. "No one. Understand?
I nodded, words failing me completely.
And that's when I realized something terrifying. Something wonderful. Something that would change everything.
Between us… forever wasn't just a promise anymore. It was a war waiting to happen,and I was getting ready.