☕︎☕︎☕︎

"Hi," I smile getting into Raven's car.

"Hey," she smiles back. I pull on the seatbelt as she backs out and starts driving. I notice her short hair is curled loosely and she's wearing black leather pants with a grey snake print bodysuit.

Damn. She is dressed like a bad bitch and I love it.

I, on the other hand, am wearing leggings and Roman's big-ass hoodie with a messy bun.

We're gonna be best friends, I can just feel it.

"Thanks for agreeing to go shopping with me," she says as her eyes are focused on the road.

"Yeah, no problem. I needed new clothes too, so it worked out pretty good," I smile.

"That's good. You know Jaxson talks so much about you," she shares.

"Yeah? He probably tells you about how much of a pain in the ass I am," she and I both share a laugh.

"Not in those exact words, but what else are sisters supposed to do, right? But all jokes aside, he loves you a lot and is really proud of you," she clarifies.

"That's good to hear," I smile. "You know I would've dressed a little better if I knew you were gonna be looking like a bad bitch. I really like your style."

"Awe, thank you," she smiles sparing me a side glance. "And you look good. Dressing comfy is always gonna be in style."

"Never heard anything more true. So, did you grow up here?"

"Yeah, I did. My parents actually own a renewable energy source company. I grew up right here in the hills."

"Actually? You don't live here anymore?" I question. My eyebrows furrow noticing her car is not a luxury brand, but just a new model of Honda Accord. Not that there's anything wrong with normal cars. It's just that everyone in the hills has boujee cars so it's just weird I guess.

"No, I have an apartment downtown. My family and I have a love-hate relationship," she admits.

"Oh, are you an only child?" I question.

"No, I have an older brother. His name is Bave and he helps my parents run the company."

"That's a unique name."

"Yeah, we don't really get along. I guess it's because of the age gap or the fact that I didn't wanna be a part of the family business."

"Oh, really? What are you studying then?"

"Social work."

"Actually? Wait, so how did you and Jaxson meet then?" I ask knowing that Jaxson is doing a double major in Business and Kinesiology.

"He didn't tell you?"

"No, Jaxson is always so busy, we hardly get to talk," I explain.

"Oh, okay well let me tell you. Jaxson and I had classes at the same time so I'd often see him pull into the parking lot or somewhere on campus between classes. I study at the library and I usually sit by the glass window that faces the central garden area where people usually just hang out and chill with their friends. I saw him there with Zion. I know Zion's girlfriend, Rae through some mutable friends so I asked them to ask her about who he was. Rae told me his name and a little about how he is. I googled him too because you can never be too safe. I felt comfortable about what I read and what I heard about him, so when I saw him in the garden area again, I went up to them. Pretty bold, I know, but what did I really have to lose."

"What did you say?"

"So, this might be a little cringe, but Jaxson is a gym junkie and you can clearly tell. I googled some pickup lines..."

"Oh my God, no!" I gasp.

"Just wait for it, so I go up to their group and I'm like Hi, I'm Raven. Obviously, Rae knew me, so she introduced me to everyone. She asks me what's up and I say I actually came here to talk to Jaxson. I face him and I'm like I know you don't know me, but I've seen you around campus and I would love to get to know you."

"He reddens a little bit, but he cracks a smile and shakes his head and you know what he says to me? He's like come on, you can do a little better than that. Obviously, he's just teasing me so I drop the line. I'm like are you into fitness because there are a few exercises I'd love to try with you."

I gasp shocked at how bold and hilarious that whole moment would have been. Raven laughs at my reaction.

"Bro, that man was not expecting that because he went beet red. Everyone in the group was like oh shit what the fuck just happened."

"Clearly, he liked it," I point out.

"Yeah, I think he just liked how bold I was. We went out for coffee right after and we exchanged numbers, been talking ever since," she smiles excitedly.

"Damn, you're gonna have to teach me how to be a bad bitch like you. No wonder why Jaxson is falling so hard for you."

"He is?" she questions curiously. I watch as she unconsciously bites her nude-coloured lip.

"Oh come on! You know that he is and from the looks of it, so are you," I tease.

She shrugs.

"He's not like the usual rich guy that you find here, you know."

"Yeah, my brothers are unique," I sigh. "In a good way."

"Yeah, Jaxson really is."

☕︎☕︎☕︎

We shopped at the mall for about two hours then we're at Rodeo Drive. Raven only bought a few things from the mall and hasn't gotten anything from here while I've gotten a few designer sweaters and hoodies. Now we're heading back to the car.

"You liked a lot of things, why didn't you buy any of them?" I question. Raven is already taller than me by quite a few inches and now she's wearing heeled boots making her almost around six feet probably or just an inch or two shorter.

"My parents froze my card when I moved out. They said they'd only pay for my education and the rest is up to me."

"Oh, shit. Actually?"

"Yeah," she shrugs. "I spend most of my time tutoring and it makes me enough to pay rent and necessities."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I frown.

"Why are you sorry? It's not your fault and I like this lifestyle better. A five-dollar sweater from Ross will keep me just as warm as a thousand-dollar Louis-V sweater."

"Yeah, that's true. I usually don't buy a lot of designer stuff. Only because I know it's not any better than normal clothes. If I ever do, it's just because I've never had to look at my expenses. My family always has it handled and we always exchange expensive gifts no matter what the occasion is."

"Probably because you're the only girl in the house, right?"

"Yeah, pretty much. It's just my normal," I admit.

"You seem like a very good girl, Reese and Jaxson vaguely told me about your past."

"Oh, he did?" I drop my head to the ground a little nervous. What if she treats me differently because of it?

"Yeah, but trust me it was so vague. He just said you met the wrong crowd and it got you in a lot of trouble, but you got out of it."

"Yeah, I don't really like talking about it though."

"That is completely fine, take your time. I just wanted to say that you don't seem like you let your family's name and money get to your head. You're grounded, I mean your whole family seems very humble and it makes me feel good knowing that I'm not the only one like that," she explains. We reach her car and she opens the trunk allowing me to stuff my bags in there. We then walk over to the doors and take our seats.

"Well, today was a success," I state.

"Yes, yes it was. I'm really excited about the new red lipstick. Apparently, it's supposed to look good on any skin tone."

"Hopefully it's honest marketing otherwise you might need to return it," I joke.

"Yeah, I hope so too," she replies. She turns the car on and starts driving.

"Did Jaxson tell you about this guy that I dated for a while here and we broke up?"

"Uh... maybe? I don't know. He was kind of mad last night and kept going on about how much he hates little immature boys though."

"Yeah, well that guy that he's referring to is Sebastian. We dated for like a month or two and we broke up because he didn't like me being friends with King, some other guy that I'm friends with."

"King?..."

"Uh- King Baxston. He's from like the other side of town and he's a senior in high school."

"Isn't he um... Chaq's step-son? The man who owns the mechanic shop?"

"Yeah, he is. You know King?"

"Yeah," she laughs. "I know like their whole family. I go to his aunt's cafe all the time and I get my car fixed by his dad because he always gives me a good price."

"Oh, shit. Really? It's a small world, huh?"

"Yeah, I mean King is such a nice guy. I've heard a few things about him, I'm not gonna lie to you, but he seems like a genuinely decent guy."

"What did you hear about him?"

"Didn't he have like a really serious relationship with another girl? Apparently, she really fucked him up. He caught her cheating on him with her ex or something."

"Actually?"

"Yeah, that's what I've heard. He got into a lot of shit after you know drinking and just other fucked up shit, but he pulled it all together now. I've seen him a few times," she shares.

"Yeah, he's really nice."

"He's hot too," she points out. "For you."

"Oh my God," I blush. "I mean, yeah he's hot, but I told Sebastian not to worry about King."

"So? Life happens. And what's up with this Sebastian kid?"

"Oh yeah, so basically we broke up and we haven't talked properly over like the two weeks since it all went down, but we were i-in th-the school play together. It was a rendition of Romeo and Juliet. He was Romeo and I got Juliet's understudy. I was backstage in case the actual Juliet wasn't able to perform. But he changed the last scene, brought me up on stage and asked me to be his girlfriend with a diamond ring."

"No fucking way! Are you kidding? You have to be kidding!"

"No! I wish," I groan.

"Wait, what the fuck. And you didn't see this coming at all?"

"Nope," I answer.

"Damn, men really be toxic as fuck."

"That's what I said!"

"Well, unfortunately, it's true. Only certain men though. Others are very progressive and know how to treat a woman right."

"Amen," I laugh.

"So, wait, did you say yes?"

"Yeah," I frown. "I didn't know what else to say, but I'm gonna give him the ring back tomorrow and just explain why I can't be with him."

"Yeah, that's the best thing to do. If you're not gonna be happy with him, then what's the point in lying and dragging it on?"

"Yeah, exactly," I sigh.

"So, should he have worried about King?" Raven teases. I laugh awkwardly.

"King is a very nice guy. The boys really like him so that's good, but I don't know. I haven't really told anyone, but we've had a few moments where I almost might have cheated on Sebastian with King, but we didn't. It just never got that far."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean one of us always held back because we both knew what was at stake."

"Did he try to get with you after you broke up with Sebastian?"

"No, he's been the same. Like we're still close and nothing really has changed, but we're happier? I don't know how to explain it," I share.

"So you're just getting to know each other better still?" she notices.

"Yeah, pretty much. But I don't know if we'll ever be more than friends," I admit.

"Why is that?"

"This is so complicated, but Sebastian doesn't like King because Sebastian's ex dated King and Sebastian's ex is also a close friend of mine."

"Wait, is that the girl that cheated on King?"

"Uh, I don't know if she cheated on King, but it's her, yeah."

"King hasn't talked to you about that?"

"No, every time I bring her up, he says I'm not gonna believe him."

"Why wouldn't you believe him?"

"King and I didn't get off on the right foot exactly. I first saw him at Jackie's Twenty-For-Eight Diner. He tried to get my number, but Ev was with me and she told me he's a really bad guy and all, so I kind of, might have, kissed... one of my guy friends to prove that I would rather go for my friend than him?"

"Oh, Reese," Raven laughs. "Then what happened?"

"Then we met again at the Zhao's party."

"Oh, yeah, I remember. You two were up on the balcony and everyone was like in awe of how good you two looked together."

"Awe, thanks, but yeah. He offered to take me out on a date then so that he could show me how he really is and I kind of said yes because I saw Sebastian was at the bar with Everleigh - my friend, his ex - getting pretty close."

"That's the worse," she sighs.

"Yeah, so then King and I hung out and I surprisingly had a lot of fun," I tell her.

"That's good then. If he treats you right and you enjoy his company, there's nothing wrong with being friends with him. King's a good guy in my opinion and if things naturally progress into something more between the two of you, I think you should just go for it. Life is too short to not take the chance and I can tell by the way you talk about him, that there's something more there," she advises.

"Who knows," I shrug. "I don't wanna get my hopes up."

"I know what you mean," she extends one hand out and grabs mine consoling me.

☕︎☕︎☕︎

"There are my two favourite girls," Jaxson says opening up the door for us. "God, Reese what did you do? Buy the whole mall?"

"No, but I'd like to," I joke. He graciously takes the bags out of my hold and kisses Raven.

"How was she? Did she behave?"

"Jaxson, I'm not a dog and she wasn't babysitting me either," I roll my eyes huffing. I walk into the living room and take a seat. Raven and Jaxson join me. I watch as Jaxson sets the bags down on the floor.

"I know, I'm just kidding," he laughs.

"Reese and I had a great time and we've already set the date for our next outing."

"To where? Am I invited?" Jaxson questions looking between the two of us. Raven and I exchange looks.

"We'll discuss that and let you know, but we're going to the beach," I conclude.

"The beach? Okay, then I'm definitely coming," Jaxson deepens his voice.

"What does that mean?" Raven asks Jaxson. Her eyes meeting his, she places a hand on his chest almost asserting her dominance.

"That... I haven't been to the beach yet and would love to see what all the hype is about," Jaxson strings together clearing his throat.

"Mm-hm," she says. "Well, I should go, I have a lot of homework to do."

"You're not gonna stay a bit?" Jaxson wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer.

"Another day," she hums kissing him.

"Hi guys, I'm still here," I wave. Jaxson turns his head and sighs realizing I'm the one breaking their moment. Raven lets out a laugh and walks over to me. I stand up and we give each other a hug.

"It was great meeting you, text me," she says.

"I will and it was great meeting you too," I smile back.

"I'll walk you out," Jaxson offers.

"You do that, I'm gonna put all my new stuff away," I make known.

"Okay," she says. I grab all my bags and head upstairs. When I'm at the top of the stairs, I take a deep breath and drop my head when I look back up, I scream and the bags drop from my hands. I almost backwards down the stairs, but I luckily grab the railing and steady myself.

"Landon, what the fuck!"

"What?" he questions. I watch as he eats a chip from the bag of Doritos he's holding.

"Why are you just standing there like that?"

"I'm trying to go downstairs, but here you are blocking my way. You know you didn't just climb Mount Everest," he laughs.

"Well, I'm sorry I wasn't blessed with the same lungs as you," I retort.

"Hey, it's not genetics. I worked for this body and health. You should too."

"The day I do that just call nine one one because I'm Reese Price and Reese Price would never willingly try to get, quote on quote, healthy."

"Sure, sure," Landon chuckles. "How was Raven?"

"She was good. Really sweet," I share. I start grabbing the bags and Landon helps me. "Ew, don't touch the bags with your cheesy hands."

"Wow, can't even say a simple thank you," he huffs.

I roll my eyes and sigh.

"Thank you."

"But yeah, Raven's pretty hot too. Jaxson did well for himself."

"Yes, please go objectify the woman."

"You know what I meant."

"I know, I know, but I have to agree with you she is hot and yeah Jaxson did well for himself. I'm proud of him."

"At least we'll have another girl in the house more often, you know since mom's not here either," he shrugs.

"Yeah, I'm gonna go put these away now."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye," I say as I walk past him towards my room and he heads down. I throw the bags on my bed and start emptying them. A few minutes later, I hear a knock at my door and tell whoever it is to come in.

"Hi," I smile at Jaxson.

"Sooo? How was she?" he asks curiously. He walks on over to the sofa and takes a seat watching me work with the clothes.

"She's almost like a sister I never had," I share.

"Details. What did you guys do? What did you guys talk about? You guys were gone for like five hours," he says. I'm about to answer him when his phone starts ringing. "It's Aaron. One sec. Bro... I'm in Reese's room, why?... Yeah, she did... Okay?... Well, I didn't know!... God damn, my bad... Okay, hurry up then... What man?... Yeah, a lot of shit actually... Okay, I will let her know... bye."

"What did he say? He said all the boys wanna know about Raven and your outing, so they told us to hold off the talk for a minute."

"Oh my, God," I roll my eyes.

"He also said they want a haul of what you bought so don't put the clothes away either," he snickers.

"Sometimes I question their manliness, to be honest."

"You and I both," Jax laughs. I start sorting out the clothes by hoodies, shirts, pants and there's also some jewelry.

About five minutes later the boys start rolling in.

"Hola, Amigos! Long time no see," Roman enters.

"Bonjour!" Aaron enters.

"Namaste everybody!" Landon walks in.

"How did the funds burn out so quickly? They haven't given as the amount of product they agreed to," Grayson walks in talking to someone on his phone.

"Way to ruin the progress," Landon mumbles.

Grayson gives us all a nod and puts a finger up asking for a minute. "Put it under investigation. It was two million dollars and we've done the calculations, it was enough to create around two hundred thousand pieces... they can ask, but they're not getting another penny until they give us an honest answer or until the investigation gets an answer... Okay, fine. Tell Greg to schedule them for tomorrow. Fifteen minutes. Not a minute more or less... Okay thanks, Good night."

"That sounded stressful," Landon says. We watch as Gray shoves the phone in pyjama's pocket. He walks over to the mini-fridge in my room and takes out a water bottle. He heads over to the opposite side of the bed and chugs the water before climbing on my bed resting his back on the headboard.

"Sorry," he apologizes.

"Not a good day at the office?" I ask.

"Yeah, not a good day," he responds. "But it's not important. We came in here to discuss Raven Box."

"Yeah, how is she? Honestly, I'm kind of offended I wasn't the first person you decided to introduce her to. Like what is this, Jaxson? When did we become so distant?" Aaron exaggerates.

"Nah, bro he knows your Mr. Bag-a-bitch so he's trying to keep you away from her," Roman jokes.

"Yeah, remember Halloween and Astrid?" Landon teases.

"Astrid is a business partner!" Grayson groans. "Do not bring her into this."

"Then why are you becoming so defensive at her name, huh?" Aaron skeptically stares at Gray. We watch as they have a staring competition.

"Fifty says Gray's gonna give up first," I bet.

"Yeah same," Roman says.

"Me too," Landon says. "Jaxson?"

"Uh... yeah I'm with you guys," he agrees.

"You do know I can hear you guys, right? That, and I control all your guys' bank cards so..."

"Is that a threat, Gray?" I question crossing my arms. "Because I did my yearly spending today so you can freeze our cards, it won't matter to me."

"Speak for yourself, woman. I still need to take pretty ladies on dates," Ro defends. "Don't worry, Gray I'm on your side."

"Wow, your so easy to blackmail," I laugh.

"Reese, darling. You just don't understand. It's fifty dollars versus a black card with endless amounts of cash flow, who really wins?"

"Oh, Gray lost!" Landon interrupts. "You owe as all fifty dollars, Ro."

"Gladly, I'll Venmo you guys right now," he says. He pulls out his phone and all of ours phones ding indicating a cash transfer to our accounts.

"Thanks, Brother," I smile. "So, Raven was great. Very bad bitch vibes. Very I don't give a fuck vibes. Very I love the ones I care about so don't hurt them or I'll kill you type of vibes. Very... independent, ambitious, educated, hot... I mean I can go on forever."

"I'm just gonna ignore that you repeated very almost every other word. I really don't know what's gonna happen with your generation, but I'm getting that you and Raven got along then?" Grayson questions.

"Yeah, pretty much. I love her," I conclude.

"That's good then. Invite her over for dinner soon, Jaxson," Grayson says.

"For sure," Jaxson smiles.

"You know her parents kind of kicked her out of the house for wanting to study social work and not take up the family business?"

"Really?" Aaron queries.

"Yeah, she told me," Jaxson adds. "She has an apartment downtown and she shares it with a few of her friends."

"Isn't downtown like an hour away from UCLA?" Landon questions.

"It is," Jaxson says.

"Well, we have so many guest bedrooms if she ever needs to spend the night. She is always welcome," Grayson makes known.

"Yeah or his room is available too," Landon adds.

"That too," Grayson laughs. "On the topic of sex lives, Aaron you've been quite abstinent. Should we be concerned or...?"

Aaron lets out a laugh followed by a dirty look.

"LA girls are not meant for me. Also, I've just been busy with work, but don't worry, I'm still getting more püssy than you," he brags.

"Okay there, no more püssy talk in front of Reese's innocent ears," I cut it off. "Let me show you guys what I got."

For the rest of the hour, I try on all the clothes I bought and show the boys while they rate them from one to ten. We then talk a little more before everyone heads to their rooms and calls it a night.

Roman asked if he can sleep with me tonight and I accepted.

Currently, I'm laying with my head on his chest and his arm around my back just like we used as kids.

"I'm sorry," Roman starts.

"For what?"

"I told you Sebastian was a good guy and told you to give him a chance. I feel like it's my fault you let him in and he hurt you," he speaks.

"You didn't say anything wrong, Roman. Sebastian is still a good guy, he just wasn't a good boyfriend and that was something I had to figure out on my own. It's no one's fault that our relationship didn't work out and I'm not even that sad over it, to be honest."

"You're not?"

"Yeah, I don't know. We had chemistry, but as soon as we were in a relationship, it started fading away. I didn't wanna do anything with him."

"Reese," he scolds.

"What? Do you want me to be honest or not?"

"I know, I know, but I never wanna think of you like that. You're still the little girl I grew up with. My very first best friend and my only sister," Roman says. "Are you scared for tomorrow?"

"No. He can't make me be in a relationship with him if I don't want to be."

"That's true. Landon and I are gonna be nearby too, so if you need us, you know we're only a call away."

"Yes, I'm aware. Also, what are you doing Saturday?"

"Uh... nothing that I'm aware of, why?"

"King invited you, Landon and I to one of his competitions."

"Of what?"

"I don't know, but he said it's illegal so we need to wear dull colours."

He lifts his head looking at me and I look up at him skeptically.

"Did you just hear what you said?" he asks.

"He said it's safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's King. I trust him."

"Okay, then I'll come."

"Yeah, but let's just not tell Grayson, Aaron and Jaxson right now. I don't think they'll approve."

"Yeah, I don't think so either."

"King said everyone in town knows about it except for the cops."

"Well, that's a good thing."

"Yeah," I let out a small laugh.

"You still have his flowers, huh?" he says noticing the vase on top of the dresser across from my bed. I sleep with dimmed lights and not in the dark so everything in the room is still visible.

"Yeah, I forgot to buy the box frame today. I'll just order it online now."

"Do you have feelings for King?"

"You know Raven knows King?" I bring up trying to change the subject. I don't know the answer to the question so I rather not answer it.

"How?"

"She goes to his dad's shop to get her car fixed and she also goes to his aunt's diner. She said she met him a few times and that he's a good guy. But apparently, Ev cheated on him with Sebastian."

"Actually?" he sounds shocked.

"Well that's what Raven said she heard, but King doesn't talk about it with me. Every time I bring Ev up, he says I won't believe him if he tells me the truth."

"Did Sebastian ever tell you anything?"

"He said that Ev came to his house in the middle of the night one day and she was crying a lot. King came to his house in the morning because he had her location and he assumed that Seb and Ev slept together when they didn't. Sebastian said they slept in different rooms even."

"Do you believe that?"

"I don't know. Ev doesn't talk about King either. It's always in riddles."

"That's weird. Speaking about Ev, she and I slept together on Halloween."

"Wow, way to pull the bandage on that."

"I waited long enough, don't you think?"

"Yeah, like a whole month," I laugh.

"You're not mad?"

"No, it is what it is. You can't un-sleep with her, can you?"

"You're not serious, are you?"

"Of course not," I laugh. "Spare me the sex details, but how did that happen?"

"She kissed me for truth and dare and then once you and Sebastian left, we started talking more. She got a lot more drunk and so did I, but I feel like I was holding it better than she was. We made out like three or four times at the party and then she said she wanted to go home with me. I told her I wasn't gonna sleep with her or anything because she's too drunk, but once we got here, shit just got heated. She left in the morning before I woke up, so I called her and we talked it out. She said whatever happened, happened, but it was in the heat of the moment and that we can still be good acquaintances."

"I noticed the weird tension between you two when she came to the sleepover."

"Yeah, it's still kinda weird I guess. But at least she's not like being psycho about it. I don't have feelings for her and I don't think I hurt her either so that's good."

"You're such a hørny bitch," I smack his head.

"Ouch! It was in the moment, dumbass!"

"Whatever, as long as everything is still okay. Did you tell Sebastian?"

"No, do you think I wanna fight him? If anyone else finds out, it's gonna cause so much shit."

"That's true. I think you were her second," I share.

"She didn't have sex with King?" I look at him as my eyebrows furrow. I put my hand on his chest and sit up. He sits up with his back on the headboard.

"What happened?"

"She didn't have sex with Sebastian, Roman."

He looks at me dumbfounded.

"Are you stupid?" he laughs. "Sebastian and Everleigh had sex. He told us himself."

"Are you joking?" I ask as I feel my heart drop to my stomach. I gulp as my mouth becomes dry.

"Um... no. They were together for so long Reese, it's not that hard to believe. Why are you so shocked?"

I am sick.

I am so sick.

I need to puke.

I jump off the bed and run to the bathroom flicking the lights on. Kneeling just in time, the content spills into the toilet bowl. Roman comes running behind me and collects my hair keeping it out of my face.

"What the fuck, Re," Roman worries. "What happened?"

I puke a few more times until I feel my stomach empty. I flush the toilet and get up to rinse out my mouth.

"Thank you," I breathe once I'm done. I watch as my eyes tear up even more.

"Here," he says handing me a water bottle as I exit the washroom. I drink some and take a few deep breaths processing the new information. The lights in the room are now on and bright as ever.

Why did Sebastian lie to me about something so serious? Did he think I wouldn't have sex with him if I knew he wasn't a virgin? Why did he lie to me?

"Reese, what happened?"

"I ate out with Raven and it was probably just bad food," I lie.

I can't tell Roman because he'd kill Sebastian for lying about something like that. Roman wouldn't even be able to keep his mouth shut and would tell all the boys too. Not even God would be able to help Sebastian.

I'm not gonna sit here and justify Sebastian's actions.

He lied to me and it was wrong, but at least I know I won't have to deal with him anymore. I'll give him the ring back so this whole chapter with him will be over.

I haven't even been replying to Sebastian's message properly or picked up any of his calls. I just told him I'm helping Grey at the office this weekend so I don't have any time.

"Are you still gonna go to school tomorrow?" Roman questions concerned. He puts the back of his hand on my forehead and I look at him like what fuck is he doing. "What? I'm checking your temperature. You don't feel hot, so it's probably not food poisoning."

"Y-yeah, I feel b-ett-er all re-ady," I stutter.

"Okay then let's head back to bed. It's a good thing I decided to sleep with you tonight. What a lucky bitch you are."

"The luckiest," I roll my eyes. "I have no idea what I would have done if you weren't here to hold my hair back."

"I know," he cringes. He's probably imagining puke in my hair. Ew, that is gross.

☕︎☕︎☕︎

School has been a dread. Classes felt like they were going by slower than usual and it feels like we're finally able to have lunch after sixteen hours of torture.

But even lunch isn't bringing peace to me. I've been so anxious about talking to Sebastian that I skipped breakfast and I probably won't eat until after school.

I didn't sleep all night with anxiety running through me. So many thoughts were running through my mind and I had no way to stop them.

"Hey," I meet Sebastian out at the front of the school. He goes in to kiss me, but I turn my face and he kisses my cheek instead. He looks at me confused.

"What's wrong?"

There's no one around us here so I'm happy. I look at him and pull out the ring from my pocket.

"Why aren't you wearing it?" he questions. I look up and meet his eyes sympathetically.

"Sebastian, I can't be with you," I state.

"But you said yes."

"I know what I said, but I only said it because I didn't want to say no in front of everyone, Sebastian. I appreciate and respect everything we had, but this proposal came out of nowhere. We weren't together. We didn't deal with our problems. You're acting like nothing is wrong."

"Because you said nothing was wrong. You said you and King were just friends, so I accepted that and I'm trying to move on from that," Sebastian explains. His hands cup my face, but I cringe at his touch and pull his hands off taking a step back. "Really, Candy?"

"We can still be friends Sebastian, but nothing more."

"Reese," he begs.

I hold the ring out on my palm.

"Take the ring, Sebastian."

"No," he turns his face.

"Sebastian... Sebastian, take the ring," I demand. He finally turns his head and meets my eyes. His eyes are darker than usual.

"Why? What happened Reese?"

"You didn't trust me."

"Or did you just fuck King since we weren't dating anymore?"

I let out an aggressive laugh.

Am I even surprised at that accusation? Not really.

"Stop being so insecure Sebastian, I didn't fuck King. Can't you accept that it's just you, I don't want and it had nothing to with anyone else?"

"No, because I gave you everything and you still don't trust me. King is dangerous Reese. He's just using you to get to me," Sebastian accuses.

"Sebastian, just take the God damn ring."

"No, it's yours."

"Fine," I speak angrily. I turn my palm and the ring falls on the concrete ground. I take a step forward making sure the ring is under my foot and look up into Sebastian's eyes as he hovers over me. "We ended a long time ago and you ruined the only chance at ever being friends with me again. Don't ever look my way again."

"Reese," he grabs my arm before I can turn to leave and I flinch gasping.

"Ow! Sebastian," I breathe shocked. I try to take a step back, but he holds me in place. His fingers dig into my arm. "Sebastian, you're hurting me!"

His fingers digging in deeper, his hold strengthens. The pain brims my eyes with tears and my vision becomes blurry. I look at how dark his eyes are. It's like he's looking at me, but he doesn't see me. He's deep in his head somewhere.

"Sebastian!" I yell louder this time and he finally lets me go.

"Fuck, I'm sorry," he breathes as I take a few steps away from him.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I cry as tears run down my cheeks. My right-hand hugs the forming bruise on my left arm.

"I-I," he breathes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, Reese."

He rubs his face. With his hands on his head, he seems frustrated with himself and this whole situation.

"I'm sorry," he repeats. "I just want you to know that when King fucks up, I'll still be here for you."

"It's not about King! It was never about him! It's about you!" I raise my voice. "Don't you ever touch me again!"

"I said I'm sorry," he repeats.

"Keep your sorry and yourself the fuck away from me," I spit.

"I'm sorry," he sighs before heading back inside.

Left a mess, I wipe away my tears and pull out my phone. The phone rings a few times before he picks up.

"King?"

"That's me."

"C-can y-you come p-pi-ck me, up?" I break crying again.

"Reese, what's wrong? What the fuck happened? Where are you?"

"I'm," I breathe. "I'm at school. Please pick me up."

"I'll be there in ten minutes," he says ending the call. I wipe away my tears once again and text in the family group chat that I'm leaving school with King. I tell them that breaking up with Sebastian was a little harder than I expected, but it went well.

I left out the part where he literally blacked out and physically abused me though.

Landon and Roman are the first ones to reply asking if I'm okay. I reply confirming that I am and that I just need to get out of the school for a bit.

I sit down on the sidewalk as I wait for King. Aaron replies saying we'll talk at home and for me to stay safe.

I hear King's bike and immediately lift my head. I watch as he pulls up right in front of me and I stand. He gets off the bike and takes off his helmet. I impulsively run into his arms and hug him. He rubs my back for a minute and everything is silent except for the few students walking around and my slight whimpering.

"Can we get out of here?" I ask.

"Yeah, we can," he replies. We stay in the mould for a minute longer before I step back. "Don't cry, soggy Reese's never tasted good."

I laugh.

"That was funny and gross," I share. His grey eyes look at me with concern and worry. I know he wants to ask what's wrong, but he doesn't. Instead, his index finger pulls the hair that is stuck to the tears on my cheek, away. He cups my face and his thumb wipes away the tears staining my face.

"Better," he flashes me a small smile. He turns around and grabs his helmet. "I only have one."

"Shit," I curse.

"It's okay, I'll be fine," he assures. He puts the helmet over my head and straps it on for me.

"This shit doesn't get any lighter," I complain.

"You'll get used to it," he laughs. He pulls the shield down. "Let's go."

I watch him get on first and then I climb on right after. My arms wrap around his front and he looks back to confirm if I'm ready. I bob my head and he starts driving.

I don't know where we're going, but at this point, it doesn't even matter.

I feel an emotional numbness I haven't felt in a while.

My head is empty. I don't know what to think.

I don't what to feel.

It's all just quiet.

It's all calm.

The view passes by in a blur.

"We're here," King says as we roll into a stop. I look at the house in front of us as I step off the bike. I wait for King to get off and once he does, he takes my helmet off for me.

I stare at the small home in awe as I fix my hair. The house is shaped more traditional and much smaller compared to mine. It's painted a deep turquoise with dark blue and gold accents. I look at the other houses in the neighbourhood and this one seems the nicest.

"You like it?"

"It's beautiful," I breathe.

"Come inside," he says. He waits for me to take his hand and I do. He walks me to the front door then drops my hand taking out a key and unlocking the door to welcome me in. "Welcome to my humble abode."

I step inside the house and move to the left where the stairs leading up are as King closes the door behind me. The door enters a hallway and at the end is probably where the leaving room is. To my side is a wall with a blueprint of the house.

"Dad built the house for mom by himself. I mean he had help from me and a couple of his friends, but he did pretty well."

"You're being humble, King. Your dad outdid himself."

I take a few steps forward and take a right into the dining room which is connected to a larger kitchen.

"Yeah, he really did," King regurgitates. "I'll show you around in a minute. You're probably hungry so let me warm you something up. How does Mac n Cheese sound? I made some for the twins for lunch and we have some leftover."

"It sounds great," I smile.

"Okay," he smiles back. I watch as he washes his hands under the sink and then dries them with a small kitchen towel. I lean over the counter and have a perfect view of the kitchen gazing at everything he does.

He lifts the lid of the pot which is on the counter and scoops out some Mac n Cheese in a bowl he took out first then. He then sets it in the microwave to warm it up.

"Ketchup or hot sauce?"

"Hot sauce," I pick.

"Good choice," he praises. I watch as he sets the bottle down in front of me. As the microwave warms up my food, I watch King as he takes his jacket off revealing his built arms. He's wearing a dark grey shirt that clings onto every indent in his torso.

"You couldn't find a tighter shirt to wear?" I laugh.

"It shrunk in the drier and I didn't have time to find a new one. The twins were getting late for school and so was I," he shares. The microwave dings and he pulls out the bowl sliding it over to me with a fork.

"Thank you," I say. I open the bottle of buffalo sauce and pour a little bit onto my food. I mix it properly and take a bite. "Mm, it's really good."

"Glad you liked it. Why don't you sit down? I'll get you something to drink," he offers.

"Okay, I just want water."

"Sounds good," he says. I walk over to the dining table with my food and keep on munching. King sits down in front of me and sets a water bottle down on the table.

"Thank you," I smile. "Are your parents at work?"

"Yeah. Dad's at the shop and mom's at the hospital like usual."

"Sorry, I made you skip school. Are your parents gonna be mad?"

"No, I told my dad to call in and let the school know. He's not mad," he assures me. His elbow rests on the table and his chin is in between his thumb and pointer finger. I stare at the thick silver rings lining rings three of his fingers.

"I forgot to eat again," I make known.

"No wonder why you're enjoying the food so much. You're gonna become malnourished if it becomes a habit, Reese."

"I know, it only happens when I'm stressed," I share.

"It's okay. Finish your food and we can talk about what happened after," he clarifies.

"Okay, thank you."

"I'm gonna find another shirt for myself while you do that," he laughs.

"You do that and make sure you give the elf back their clothes too," I let out a small laugh.

"Ha. Ha. You're so funny," he deadpans. He walks past me and the main door to get up the stairs. I continue eating until I'm finished. It takes me about ten minutes.

I can hear King still shuffling around upstairs, so I decide to take a walk downstairs. I don't wanna invade their privacy, so I don't touch or lurk too much. Instead, I walk through the living room to the glass doors that lead to their backyard where I spot the bed of red roses growing outside.

I slide the door open and head outside. I stand in front of the roses and stare at them in awe. They're so bright and lively it makes me smile.

His dad outdid himself as I notice the other beds of flowers he has planted. The plants all seem so healthy and there isn't a patch of dry grass in sight.

"Reese, I was looking everywhere for you," King says joining me.

"I wanted to see the roses your dad grows. They're beautiful especially with so many of them."

"Yeah, one just doesn't do it justice."

"It doesn't, but it makes sense why he doesn't like picking them."

"Yeah, it does," he sighs.

"What are these?" I ask reading the signs planted in with them. They have things written like love, peace, unity and more on them.

"They're affirmations. My dad says everything in this world can feel things, even objects, so he planted these in for the flowers so they're loved and they know that even when he isn't watering them," he lets out a small laugh. "He's kind of weird like that."

"No, it makes sense. Positive energy makes for better outcomes," I share. "It's something my mom used to tell me all the time. Positive affirmations are a good thing. I tell myself I'm a bad bitch all the time."

"Of course you do," he laughs. We stand there in silence for a bit. "If you're done admiring the roses, why don't we go inside and talk?"

"Sure," I reply. He turns to the side and lets me through first. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replies from behind me.

I go inside and decide to sit at the dining room table again. King takes a seat in front of me.

"This is a little daunting," I admit. My heartbeat increases as I realize I need to explain and think about what happened.

"Okay, what will make you more comfortable?" he asks.

"I don't know," I shrug. "Maybe if you weren't staring at me."

"Reese," he sighs. "How... about... we make some quick and easy Nutella cookies for the twins? It takes like twenty minutes and we can talk while we work?"

"Sounds good. You're the sous chef."

"Don't worry, I know," he flaunts proudly.

"I'm gonna take off my jacket," I tell him.

"Okay," he says heading to the kitchen. I unzip my hoodie and take it off, I wince when I accidentally touch the forming bruise on my arm.

"What's wrong?" King looks at me with concern. The bruise is perfectly in his vision and once he notices it, his eyebrows knit together. He strides over to me quickly and his fingertips linger over the bruises. His eyes dart between my eyes and the forming bruise. "Reese, what happened?"

My mouth gapes like a fish as I gulp.

I turn to face him with my head down.

"Come on, Reese," he speaks softly. I spot his hands fisted next to him.

He's angry.

"I gave the ring back to Sebastian and he blacked out because he was so angry. H-he h-h-ur-t me," I stutter. I swear my Dyslexia really does come out at the worst times.

Tears line my eyes and I blink letting them out.

"Can I touch you?" King questions. I lift my head. Our eyes meet and I notice his long lashes touching the hood of his eyes. His eyes aren't that dark and he seems calm with his hands no longer fisted.

I nod in response.

Without a word, he engulfs me in a hug. Once again, I break down sobbing into his chest.

"It's gonna be okay," he hums massaging my head. His chest rumbles as he speaks and I hear his heart race through his chest.

"Why did he hurt me when he says he loves me? Is that what love is?" I sob.

"He doesn't love you, Reese. You hurt his ego by rejecting him. Whatever he did has nothing to do with you," he explains.

"But-"

"There's no other answer, Reese. It's not you. It was never you. You are not the problem," he assures.

"Don't tell my brothers," I say backing away from him. I wipe away my tears and he looks at me worried.

"Reese, you have to tell your family."

"He won't do it again. Please, I-..." I stop when I almost bring up Silas.

"You what?" he asks curiously. His forehead wrinkles as he waits for me to continue.

"I've been through this before," I gulp.

"What do you mean?" he seems confused.

I take a few deep breaths.

"I was in an abusive relationship when I was thirteen. His name was Silas and he was the one who got me into drugs. He physically and sexually assaulted me multiple times. My family only found out after I almost died of overdosing," I cry.

"Reese," he takes a step forward. I take a step back.

"Don't feel bad for me, King. Please don't look at me differently and treat me differently now that you know," I beg. I fidget with my hands not having enough strength to meet eyes with him.

"You tell me if I'm looking at you any differently, Reese. Just lift your head and look at me," he speaks so softly. It's how I imagine he talks to a baby.

"I'm scared," I admit.

"Don't be," he claims. "What do you even have to lose?"

"My sense of self and... you."

"Reese, please," he begs. He takes a step closer, but he's still a foot away from me.

I take a few deep breaths.

One.

It'll be a new win, Reese.

Two.

You trust him.

Three.

Whatever is meant to be.

I lift my head slowly and swallow as I look him in the eyes. His grey orbs dilate and I notice the redness in them. They're glistening under the light as tears gloss over them.

"Why are you crying?" I question.

"Because no one should make someone go through what that man put you through," he says.

I look at him, really look at him.

Nothing has changed.

I don't feel overwhelmed or any less under his gaze. He might be crying, but that only shows his empathy.

Without a word, I step forward and wrap my arms around him.

"Thank you," I whisper as hugs me back.

"It's called being human, Reese. You don't need to thank me for that," he breathes. He gently rubs my back. "Your strength is radiating and I know it won't mean much, but I'm proud of you."

"That means a lot to me," I reply. I don't how long we stand in that position, but it seems like it's been a while. His heat keeps me warm and his arms feel like home.

I feel my body weaken as I become overwhelmed with the sudden urge to sleep.

"I'm tired," I sniff into his shirt as I become drowsy.

"You wanna take a nap?"

"Mm-hm," I reply. Before I can say anything, King backs away and bends to pick me up bridal. I shriek and laugh. "King, what are you doing?"

"Taking you upstairs so you can take a nap," he shares.

"Mm, okay," I breathe hiding my head in his neck. I hear the wooden boards creak as he walks up the stairs. When we reach the top, he walks over to a door and kicks it open.

I feel him lay me down in his sheets and I squirm getting underneath the cold sheets.

"I don't wanna sleep alone," I say grabbing his hand before he can walk away.

He looks down at me and he seems to be contemplating something. I sit up not letting his hand go.

"Reese, I can't," he sighs. He takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Why?"

"I don't want your brothers-"

"Unless you rape me in my sleep, my brothers won't care," I cut him off.

"Reese, that's not funny," King scolds.

"It wasn't meant to be funny," I reply. "Please?"

He sighs heavily. His tongue darts out licking his rosy lips as his eyes roam the room.

"Are you sure?" he questions looking back at me. I nod. "Reese, actually say it out loud if you mean it."

"You're acting as if you've never, platonically, slept in a bed next to a woman," I tease tired of the heavy energy around us.

"I have, Reese I just-"

"Haven't slept with one who has been sexually and physically assaulted before," I finish for him. His eyes close sighing heavily as he nods in response. "You're on the right track by asking, but you have to listen too. I'm saying I'm okay, so you have to believe me when I say it otherwise it's gonna feel like you're scared of me."

"I'm not scared of you, Reese. I just-," he replies.

"Don't wanna hurt me?" I question.

"Clearly, you've been through this before," he swallows.

"My brothers were hard to work with, but they're great today," I smile.

"Yeah," he agrees. "I'll sleep with you, but you're free to kick me out of the bed whenever you want."

"Trust me, it might be your bed, but I don't need your permission to do that," I smile back. He gets up and walks over to the other side to get underneath the sheets.  He opens his arm and I rest my head on his chest as he closes his arm around me. "See, it's not that scary."

"You're enjoying this? Aren't you?"

"You being nervous and behaving like I'm glass all of sudden? No, never," I smile mischievously.

"You're not glass, I know that. I just don't wanna hurt you by accident. What comes naturally to me might trigger you and that's the last thing I want," he shares.

"I know you're trying and even if you unknowingly do hurt me, it won't matter because I know your intentions," I explain.

"Okay, good," he breathes. "I have to go pick up the twins later too."

"Okay," I breathe. I close my eyes and try to rest, but after a few minutes, I open my eyes looking at King wide awake. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing," he says looking down at me.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," he smiles.

"Do you wanna ask me something about what happened?"

"I do, but I know you'll tell me when you're ready. There's no rush," he answers.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," he says. He leans his head forward and kisses my forehead and I smile in return.

I rest the side of my head on his chest and fall asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

A/N:

I might fail my finals... pray for me.

Other than that, how was this chapter?

Do you guys like the back and forth dialogue between the family? Do you need more or less or keep it around the same?

How do you like Raven?

Why do you think Sebastian lied about being a virgin?

Any predictions for what's gonna happen next?