The day I transferred to Blackwood Academy, some rich kid had a banner stretched across the main gate. It read: ONE KISS: $100. Everyone else was hesitating, too shy to step forward. I, on the other hand, moved like a lightning strike. Not only did I plant eighteen solid kisses on the guy, but I also conscientiously peeled eighteen crisp hundred-dollar bills from his hand. When I was done, I wiped my mouth, utterly satisfied. “City life really is full of opportunities,” I told him. “Let me know next time you’re running a charity event like this.” 1 My mom always said the city was full of opportunities. That’s why she pulled every string she could to get me into Blackwood Academy. I’d heard the sons and daughters of the elite were a tough crowd, so before I left, I spent two months learning Muay Thai, just in case. But when I arrived, I realized I’d worried for nothing. Not only were they easy to get along with, but they even held impromptu charity events. The kind designed specifically to help out a poor student like me—one with a soft spot for pretty faces and a deep love for cash. I counted the money, a goofy grin plastered on my face that I couldn't suppress. I was so absorbed that I didn’t notice the bustling crowd behind me had fallen eerily silent. After a long moment, someone finally whispered, “That’s Landon Prescott. Does she have a death wish?” So, his name was Landon. My hand paused its counting, and my gaze shifted back to the boy in front of me. Unlike my triumphant glow, he looked… wrecked. His lips were swollen, his eyes unfocused, and he stood frozen to the spot. The designer shirt he’d deliberately left unbuttoned was now wide open, revealing the hard lines of a well-defined abdomen. It seemed that in my enthusiasm, I’d ripped off a couple more buttons. A pang of guilt hit me. With a heavy heart, I pulled two of the hundred-dollar bills from my new stash and stuffed them into his hand. “It was my first time, so I’m not very experienced,” I said. “Here, take a little back. Call it a refund.” Either way, I still came out ahead. This Landon kid was gorgeous, and his lips were incredibly soft. But as the words left my mouth, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Anyone who’d ever been to a club knew that line. Did she just treat Landon Prescott like an escort? Sympathetic glances landed on Landon, and it was only then that he seemed to process what had just happened. That he’d been taken advantage of. And that this girl thought he was for sale. Landon’s expression shifted through a storm of emotions before he finally ground out, his voice tight, “What do you take me for?” Anyone who knew him recognized this as the calm before the storm. But all I saw was the blush creeping up from his neck to the tips of his ears. He was putting on a tough-guy act, but underneath, he was all innocence. Realization dawned on me. I dug out another five hundred dollars and held it out to him, my tone sincere. “I didn’t realize it was your first time, too. Here, I’ll give you a bit more. But that’s all you’re getting.” At that, Landon’s brow furrowed even deeper. He let out a laugh that was pure, frustrated disbelief. “Is that what you think this is about? Did I say you could kiss me?” He was a full head taller than me, and when he leaned in, his shadow completely enveloped me. I had to tilt my head back, blinking innocently as I pointed to the banner behind him. “Isn’t this a charity event?” I asked. “Wasn’t I allowed to kiss you?” Even if it was just for students, I was a student now. I was here to enroll today. Speaking of which, I glanced at my phone. 7:55 AM. I had five minutes before I was late. Seeing that Landon was still motionless, I tucked the cash into the collar of his shirt. As I turned to leave, I noticed the strange looks on everyone’s faces. Especially the girl who had been hesitating in front of Landon earlier; her glare was so intense it felt like it could drill a hole through me. I figured they were just impatient for their turn, so I thoughtfully stepped aside, clearing the path to Landon. Before I left, I made sure to put in a good word for him. “Don’t be shy, everyone! Landon’s a great kisser. Let’s not let his charitable spirit go to waste.” 2 As I walked away, a few people actually looked tempted to try their luck. But one withering glare from Landon sent them scurrying back. The girl who had been hesitating before, however, took a step forward. Her eyes were red-rimmed. “Landon,” she said, her voice steady but laced with hurt, “even if you wanted to humiliate me, did you really have to hire someone to put on a show?” She spoke with a fragile dignity, as if she’d suffered a terrible injustice. The crowd’s mood shifted. So that’s what this was. A twisted little game Landon had orchestrated to make Audrey Reed feel a pang of jealousy, to finally get her to accept him. Landon wasn't about to take the blame for this. He rubbed his temples, a flicker of impatience in his eyes. “I don’t know her.” His words shut everyone up. Just then, a voice from the crowd piped up. “What’s with the innocent act? When Landon asked her out before, she acted like she’d rather die. Why the wounded routine now?” That opened the floodgates. “Seriously, she’s such a hypocrite. Everything she’s wearing, everything she owns, didn’t Landon pay for it? How does she have the nerve to say something like that?” “I think she’s just stringing him along. She doesn’t want him, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have him either.” “Didn’t it feel like her little speech was meant to lead us on? If Landon hadn’t clarified, I would’ve actually thought he staged all this just to get her attention.” Seeing her carefully constructed narrative crumble, a flash of panic crossed Audrey’s face, quickly masked by a fresh wave of tears. She bit her lip hard, looking at Landon with a defiant stare. “Is that what you think, too?” Landon was silent. Normally, the slightest hint of redness in Audrey’s eyes would have sent him into a tailspin of concern. But today, his heart felt like it was crawling with ants. Another second of her tear-streaked face and he felt his patience snap. When it was clear Landon wasn’t going to comfort her, Audrey took a staggering step back, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her nails dug into her palms. “Landon, I’ll never forgive you for this.” With that, she turned and ran off, sobbing. This time, Landon didn’t follow. He shot a cold glare at the gawking crowd. “Get lost,” he snarled. No one wanted to be on the receiving end of Landon Prescott’s anger. In an instant, the school entrance was empty. Landon’s best friend, Leo, slung an arm over his shoulder. “Still thinking about her, Mr. ‘Great Kisser’?” Leo teased. “Don’t tell me you’re actually falling for that new girl. You didn’t even seem to care about Audrey.” The movement was too rough. The cash I’d stuffed into Landon’s collar tumbled out, scattering across the pavement. Landon’s face darkened further. The Prescotts were one of the city’s founding families, with deep roots and even deeper pockets. Landon was the sole heir, spoiled beyond belief. He was used to being the one dishing out humiliation, not the one on the receiving end. Seeing his friend continue to poke the bear, Landon’s jaw tightened. He let out a cold, sharp laugh. “Like her? I’d have to be blind.” He kicked at a stray bill on the ground. “She won’t last a day in this school if I have anything to say about it.” 3 I was completely oblivious to all of this. After enrolling, the dean of admissions told me to head up to the senior hall, room 1A. My eyes were wide with wonder the whole way. So this was an elite prep school. It was more than twice the size of my old, rundown public school. There were elevators in every building, and even the hallways and bathrooms had air conditioning. But after wandering around for what felt like an eternity, I still couldn’t find room 1A. Classes were in session, so the hallways were completely deserted. I couldn’t even find someone to ask for directions. I scrunched up my face, pacing back and forth and nervously twisting the hem of my shirt. Then I looked up and locked eyes with someone at the far end of the hall. He was a long way off, but I recognized him instantly. Landon. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. He’d changed into a clean white shirt, this time buttoned meticulously all the way to the top. The moment he saw me, he started striding in my direction. I walked toward him, too. When I was close enough, and with no one else around, I threw my arms around his waist. It was lean and solid. “Landon!” I chirped happily. He really was a good guy. He must have been worried I’d get lost and come looking for me. Landon’s entire body went rigid. He froze, whatever he’d been about to say or do completely forgotten. After a beat, he peeled me off him, his voice a low growl. “What kind of game are you playing now?” I shrank back, feeling a little guilty. I tried to placate him by rubbing my cheek against the palm of his hand. “I can’t find room 1A, Landon.” Whenever my mom got mad, I’d just let her squish my cheeks and she’d calm down. I wasn’t sure why Landon was angry, but a little charm couldn’t hurt. Except Landon didn’t squish my cheek. His Adam’s apple bobbed. He snatched his hand back as if it were burned, his expression unreadable. He grabbed my wrist instead. “I’ll take you.” On the surface, it looked like he was dragging me down the hall. But in reality, his grip was light, and he was matching his pace to mine. I beamed to myself. A soft mouth and a soft heart. Just as I thought. I wanted to take advantage of the situation a little more, but he was on guard now, not letting me get close enough to touch him. When we reached the door to 1A, he dropped my wrist like it was hot, a flicker of annoyance on his face. So moody. Impossible to figure out. But I wasn’t one to hold a grudge. I sidled up to him with a grin. “So, Landon, which class are you in?” He took a step back, creating distance between us, and turned his head away. “None of your business,” he mumbled. “This is 1A. Just go in.” I pouted, a little disappointed. But then another thought struck me: people only get shifty and avoid eye contact when they’re lying. He must want me to know but is too embarrassed to say it himself. With that, I cheered myself up and decided to ask someone else later. The classroom door was slightly ajar, needing only a gentle push to open. Just as my hand reached for the handle, I paused. I turned back to Landon and flashed him a sweet smile. “Thanks for everything, Landon.” He looked startled. Seeing me reach for the door again, he barked, “Don’t move!” I froze. Landon closed the distance between us in three long strides, glancing at the top of the doorframe. Then, his usual arrogant smirk returned. “Who do you think you are,” he said, his voice dripping with mock contempt, “walking in before me?” He shoved me back, making me stumble, and made a big show of entering first. The second he pushed the door open, a bucket of water tipped over, drenching him from head to toe. 4 Room 1A was on the top floor, the only classroom in that wing. It was usually quiet, but right now, it was filled with raucous laughter. The students looked like they’d just pulled off the perfect prank, their jeers and disdainful looks aimed at the doorway. The teacher was standing at the side of the room, arms crossed, with no intention of stopping the charade. I peeked my head out from behind Landon, confused about what was so funny. But their laughter died on their lips pretty quickly. A heavy silence fell over the room. Landon’s presence was a storm cloud, his eyes scanning the classroom, memorizing every face. The smiles froze on their lips, replaced by looks of pure terror. They couldn’t understand why Landon, of all people, had walked in first. Even the teacher went pale, standing there, utterly lost. This Landon guy was powerful. Just by standing there, silent and dripping, he had the entire room under his thumb. I looked at him with stars in my eyes, full of admiration. But he wasn't buying my act. He simply covered my eyes with his hand. My world went dark. Landon’s deep, furious voice came from above me. “Wasn’t I clear the last time this happened? One more incident, and you’re out of this school for good.” From the sound of it, this wasn't the first time he'd stood up for someone. I pulled his hand away from my face, annoyed. The teacher, who had been gloating just moments before, was now a crumpled heap on the floor. That made me happy. I hid behind Landon and made a face at her. The teacher’s expression soured even more. Her lips trembled, but no words came out. A boy in the front row tried to play peacemaker. “Landon, man, we didn’t know she was with you. Look…” He tried for a placating smile, but it looked more like a grimace. For some strange reason, Landon didn’t correct him. His lips were pressed into a thin, hard line. He wasn’t about to let this go. The silence was heavy, like the air before a thunderstorm. Seeing that Landon was unmovable, they turned their hopeful gazes to me, silently begging me to intervene. But I didn’t spare them a single glance. My attention was entirely on Landon. He was soaked. The ill-fitting white shirt clung to his skin, clearly outlining the smooth, powerful muscles underneath. I tentatively reached out and poked one of the distinctly defined squares of his eight-pack. Solid. When Landon didn’t react, I grew bolder, my hands starting to explore. Up past his stomach, over his chest, to those little pink nubs my grandpa used to call his "sweethearts." They looked like they were just begging to be pinched. But before my fingers could make contact, Landon’s hand shot out and captured my wrist. 5 I looked up, annoyed, only to find Landon already looking at me. His face was a mask of stone, but his eyes were dark and complicated. His voice was a raw, scratchy whisper. “What do you think you’re touching?” With that, he grabbed me by the collar like a stray kitten and deposited me at an empty desk in the back of the room. It was his old seat. Landon didn’t show up for the rest of the afternoon. The other students, however, did a complete one-eighty. They were suddenly falling over themselves to be my friend, showering me with gifts. I accepted everything, expensive or not. In no time, a small mountain of offerings had piled up on my desk. Only one person kept her distance—a girl by the window, who was staring at me with an unnerving intensity. I knew who she was. Audrey Reed. Her name was the one that came up most often when I’d asked about Landon. They said she was special to him. That there was never supposed to be a scholarship spot in a class like 1A, but she’d casually mentioned she was jealous of their resources, and Landon had pulled strings to get her in. They also said that she’d once declared she didn’t want to be in the same class as a guy who only knew how to throw his weight around, and Landon had immediately transferred out. Audrey treated him like dirt, but Landon just kept doting on her. Before I came along, no one had ever challenged her position. I pursed my lips. It was a waste of a perfectly good Landon. My sour mood for him extended to her. Seeing her still staring, I shot a glare right back. To my surprise, she wasn’t intimidated. She stood up and walked calmly toward me, stopping right in front of my desk. The sunlight caught her from behind, framing her in a way that really sold the whole "defiant, delicate flower" vibe. “How can you have so little self-respect?” she demanded, her voice filled with righteous indignation. “Just accepting handouts from anyone!” I had no idea what she was talking about. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. That kind of moral high ground might work on herself, but she had no right to preach to me. Besides, if she really had so much integrity, her eyes wouldn’t have been glued to the pile of gifts on my desk the entire time. Worried she might try to take something, I shifted my body to block her view, refusing to engage with her nonsense. Seeing my defensive posture, Audrey’s face flushed with anger, her pretty features twisting into something ugly. “Do you really think they want to be your friend? They’re just using you to get close to the Prescotts.” She leaned in closer. “Without Landon, no one would give you a second look. And you’re treating their trash like it’s treasure!” I remained completely unfazed, offering a dismissive, “Yep, you’re right, everything you say is absolutely right.” Real or fake, I couldn’t tell the difference between genuine kindness and cold, hard cash. But the gifts were in my possession now, so who cared about the empty sentiment behind them? My indifference finally broke her. Her face contorted with rage. She leaned in so close her lips were at my ear, her voice a venomous whisper meant only for me. “Landon is just using you to make me jealous because he’s mad at me. I bet if I so much as crooked my finger, he’d drop you in a heartbeat. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave on your own. Otherwise, you have no idea what you’re in for.” The mention of Landon finally got a reaction out of me. Not because I was hurt, but because I was disgusted. “Do you not own a mirror? Or have a puddle you can look in?” I sneered. “Go take a good long look and tell me what part of you is worthy of Landon Prescott.” I rolled my eyes again. I couldn’t fathom where Audrey got the audacity to say something so shameless. It was as baffling as how, out of all the people in the world, her skin could be so thick. 6 She seemed genuinely shocked that I could be so crude. Her face turned crimson, her lips trembling. Just as she was about to explode, her eyes darted toward the doorway, and a triumphant smirk instantly appeared on her face. “You don’t believe me? Should we test it? See who Landon really cares about?” Without even looking up, I ripped open a bag of chips and held a few out in my palm. “Be my guest. Let the show begin.” Audrey took my casualness as a bluff. She took a step back, raised her hand, and slapped herself across the face. Hard. Just from the sound, I knew she’d put her all into it. Crunch, crunch. I popped a few more chips into my mouth. When she paused, I gestured with my eyes for her to continue. A flicker of pure rage crossed her face, but like a seasoned actress, she quickly regained her composure. She straightened her back, tears welling in her eyes, defiantly holding them back. “Nina,” she choked out, “I told you already, there’s nothing between me and Landon. Why are you doing this to me?” Audrey was naturally pale, and the right side of her face was already an angry red. It was a sight that would make anyone’s heart ache. A pretty convincing performance. I should have known a place like Blackwood Academy would be this great. Not only do you get to grope hot guys for free, but you also get free money and a free show. If I’d known, I would have begged my mom on my hands and knees to send me here sooner. I was filled with regret. I shook my head, lamenting all the money I could have been making. But in Audrey’s eyes, my gesture looked like a sign of surrender. From an angle where no one else could see, she shot me a smug, triumphant little smile. It was my cue to join the scene. I cracked my knuckles, ready to show them what real acting talent looked like. “It’s because you’re always trying to seduce him!” I screeched, flipping my hair back with a haughty gesture, channeling my inner villain. “He would never even look at someone like you otherwise!” I pointed a finger at her. “Watch and learn. I’m the only one who deserves Landon. What are you? Nothing.” Whispers erupted around us as the other students took in my masterful performance. I shot a challenging look back at Audrey, then turned, and my eyes met Landon’s in the doorway. I had no idea how long he’d been standing there, or how much of the "show" he'd seen. My mouth moved faster than my brain. “Landon!” I exclaimed, my eyes lighting up with genuine surprise. “What are you doing here?” The moment Audrey saw him, she kicked her performance into high gear. “Landon, I’m not some toy you can play with! You need to control your little pet. She can’t just walk all over me!” But Landon ignored both of us. His expression was unnervingly calm as he strode toward us. Suddenly, my stomach dropped. I’d walked right into that witch’s trap.
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