Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and a safe start to the New Year. I know times are tough, 2020 being one of the hardest years for many of us, but let's remember what doesn't kill us makes us stronger and we are moving onto bigger and better things! I apologise for no updates over this period, I've had family staying and it's been chaotic. This chapter is short but I wanted to get something out ASAP and I'll be working to have the next update out as soon as I can. Please stay safe and positive and enjoy the start of a New Year. I love you all, thank you so much for reading my stories and supporting me. I am forever grateful for every vote, comment, and message I receive from you. <3

Don't forget, I have loads of book recommendations (of Wattpad books and traditionally published) over on my Instagram and TikTok - laurenj_22

*

I am an idiot.

A really dumb, stupid, idiot.

It did not once, even for a split second, cross my mind that we should have used protection. Guys always have been prepared. I was so consumed with the need for it to happen, that nothing else entered my mind. Wren notices my change of attitude and his face pales for a moment.

"You're not regretting it, are you?"

"No, not at all."

He looks relieved. "Good. Thank God."

"It's just, I realised, we didn't..." I feel very awkward. I clear my throat. "Use any protection. I totally forgot about it."

He looks stunned for a moment, just as I had. "Oh. Fuck. I didn't even think of that."

"Me either," I touch his shoulder. "It's okay. Let's not panic."

He blows out a breath. "Sorry. That was totally my fault. I was wrapped up in the moment. I should have been better. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, Wren. It's both of our faults, but let's not worry about it, okay? Unless we have to."

He blinks, realisation of my words sinking in. He nods slowly.

"Please don't let this ruin today. It's been so perfect," I murmur.

The smile I love stretches across his face. "Sure. Agreed. I really am sorry though."

"Me too." I kiss his cheek. "What would you like to do for the rest of the day?"

"You. In every position," he grins.

I roll my eyes. "Well. I won't protest that."

"Constance might," he laughs.

"You can swap out for the night," I shrug. "Do you have... protection?"

"No, actually," he says. "I haven't really needed it. But Harlow does, so I'll just steal some from him."

"We deserve it more than him," I nod seriously.

We're told we can re-enter the school and Wren pulls me to my feet. We part ways briefly. Since Harlow and all the others who were caught partying are being put in isolation, both rooms become available to us. Wren appears back at my door and same as before, we put my drawers over the entrance to stop anyone from being able to enter.

He waves several gold packets in the air, and they shine underneath the light in the room.

"Ready for me to rock your world?" Wren smirks.

"No need to ask me twice," I smirk also before we wrap around each other again.

***

I've spent every minute possible with Wren through the week and each night when we part, I feel like a piece of me is taken away. My feelings for him are so intense, they're overwhelming. In the best way possible.

Wringing my hair out, I secure a towel around my body and step out of the shower cubicle. I startle, my towel slipping, when I see Cora leaning against the sink, watching me.

"Jesus, you scared me," I hiss at her, becoming all too aware of how little clothes I'm wearing. I toss my hair over my shoulders, so my scars are well hidden, but she probably already saw them.

"You and Wren have gotten close," she states.

"Yes. We have," I clip, reaching down for toiletry's bag.

"So, you've slept together, then?" she presses.

"That really isn't any of your concern, Cora."

She scoffs. "Right. Did you enjoy it?"

"I don't want to speak about this with you."

"Why?"

"Because it's creepy and weird and none of your damn business!" I snap at her. "Please leave me alone."

I search for my clothes and notice that they're no longer here. Cora's eyes alight with anger.

"Looking for something?" she asks.

My eyes narrow. "Did you take my clothes?"

"Why would I take your clothes?" she asks in a tone that indicates she most definitely did.

"What is your problem?"

"You," she retorts. "You're my fucking problem."

"What the hell have I done?"

"Admit you have feelings for me!" she argues, heat splashing her cheeks.

"I absolutely do not have feelings for you," I growl at her. "Give me back my clothes."

"Not until you admit it!"

"I'm not going to stand here and lie to your face, Cora."

Suddenly, she's right in front of me, inches away. She's leaning in. I dart back, hitting the tiles, my foot slipping. I catch myself, but my towel starts to fall. I scamper to grab it, just in time. My chest is heaving.

"Get the fuck off me," I yell at her, panic welling inside my chest. "GUARDS!"

She recoils at my shout, and scarily fast, a guard rushes inside–thankfully, a female.

"What is going on here?" she bursts, staring between us. She sees me, shivering, cowering away from Cora. She steps closer to her and Cora backs up, finally losing her terrifying expression.

"She stole my clothes," I say quickly.

"Where are they?" the guard demands.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You're getting carded either way, but if you don't tell me where you've taken the clothes, you're going to isolation. That will be permanently on your record."

"Fine. Fuck. It was just a joke," she spits, sending me a withering glance. "They're in my room."

"Let's go for a walk, shall we?" the guard asks, before turning to me. "Stay here, we will be right back."

I nod and the two leave. Cora's eyes are in slits before she disappears around the corner.

Placing a hand on my chest, I close my eyes, my body trembling. 

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Thoughts? Again, I'm sorry it's short but I haven't had much time to write and I wanted to get something out ASAP!