My ex-boyfriend cheated on me.
He broke my heart.
Yet he still wore all the reminders of our relationship…like he still loved me.
C H A P T E R7
Mine
Ella
The Past – 3 years ago
Awarm breeze caressed my legs when I stepped out the doors of St. Victoria. The mid-September sky was painted in beautiful hues of gold, pink, and blue as evening fell upon Montardor. I tugged the strap of my purse higher up my shoulder and glanced down at my wristwatch. Seven minutes past six.
I cut cheerleading practice early because there was someone I wanted to see.
Cade Remington.
The boy I met a few weeks ago. The one I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I texted him that I wanted to buy more weed, but it was a cheap excuse to see him.
Since the moment I laid eyes on him, a tender feeling ignited in my chest, striking the strings of my heart until my insides reverberated with an elation that had me short of breath.
I was unaccustomed to this feeling—unaccustomed to closing my eyes and seeing blue eyes and dark hair. Tall stature and busted knuckles. Quiet expression anddon’t-fuck-with-medemeanor.
Part of me already knew the truth: I had a crush on Cade.
The other part of me was in denial. I tried to play it cool whenever we crossed paths in the hallways. I did my utmost best not to turn around in my seat during math class and ogle him. I failed, of course.
He fascinated me.
There were so many things about him that I didn’t know yet.
So many things I suddenlyneededto know.
Our first meeting happened in the middle of summer.
Darla, Callie, and I wanted to try smoking weed during our sleepover that weekend, and I heard from an acquaintance that there was a boy who could help. They gave me his number and I texted him.
He replied instantly and suggested a place to meet. I knew nothing about him except that his name was Cade.
According to the rumour mill, he was a young, ambitious gangster working with a local gang to sell illicit substances to the teenagers of South Side.
When we linked up in MacGregor’s empty alleyway, a popular Irish pub in Montardor, it was nearing evening. Bathed in the warm sunset glow, he stood against the brick wall, a raised hood partially obscuring his face.
When I approached closer andreallysaw him…I halted in my steps.
Tall, blue eyes, dark brown hair, and regal aura with a lick of danger.
He was handsome in the way of dark fairy tales. Enchanting and mysterious, a prince with an ensnaring, quiet charm. His armour consisted of black clothing from head to toe, but I noticed silver rings sitting at the base of his knuckles in adornment.
My God, I’d never seen someone like him.
I was mesmerized.
Cade spotted me and froze too.
