“She’s a problem. And she’s not going away.”
“Nope,” Avery said. “But maybe she’ll accidentally fall down a sewer grate.”
I laughed, some of the tension in my chest lightening. “If only.”
She nudged me with her shoulder. “So? Partners? Friends? More?”
I shrugged, staring at the grass between my sneakers. “Right now? Partners and becoming friends again. Maybe more. Friday night was…” The word caught in my throat. I forced it outanyway. “Intense. Like every wall I’d built between us crumbled in one breath. And I hate that part of me still wants to believe it wasn’t just heat-of-the-moment.”
Avery tilted her head, studying me. “So you’re saying it felt real.”
My chest tightened. “Yeah. But feeling something and trusting it is not the same.”
She didn’t push after that. Just nodded, thoughtful, as though she understood I’d already said more than I meant to.
Wanting Luke was one thing. Trusting what surrounded us was another. Which was why I asked, “Do you think things are serious between Theo and Tori?”
Avery tilted her head. “He doesn’t talk about it much. They hook up, sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s anything deep. Why?”
I hesitated. “Tori was weird the other day. Defensive, but also twitchy whenever Elise was around. Almost scared to cross her, but not fully loyal either.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Do you think she knows something?”
Avery frowned. “Maybe. Or maybe she’s just trapped. Elise doesn’t let people go without destroying them. And Tori’s not strong enough to walk away. Not yet.”
I leaned back against the tree trunk, bark biting into my shoulder blades. “Elise doesn’t scare me. The only reason she still has leverage is because of my mom. That’s it.”
Avery glanced sideways. “Then don’t give her more than that. You’ve already walked away once. You could do it again.”
I wanted to believe that. I really did. But this time wasn’t just about running—it was about staying and surviving. And suddenly, staying didn’t feel as risky anymore, because maybe we were finally strong enough to fight back.
The bell cut through, loud and unwelcome. Avery groaned, pushing herself up and brushing grass off her jeans. “Come on. Back to hell.”
I followed her inside, her words trailing after me. Chase didn’t get a say. Simple as that. I wished everything in my life could be that clear. But the danger wasn’t gone. It never was. Which made wanting him feel reckless—and saying yes too easy.
By the time last period dragged itself to an end, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I didn’t expect his name on the screen.
Luke:You’ve been quiet today. You doing okay?
My pulse tripped. I thumbed back a reply.
Me:Yeah. Just thinking.
Seconds later?—
Luke:Dangerous hobby. Want company later?
My fingers hovered. The truth was already there, pressing against my chest.
Me:Not tonight.
I stared at the message, watched the screen dim. My hand drifted up, brushing the star charm at my collarbone, cool against my skin.
Then I added?—
Me:But maybe tomorrow.
