When Raven agrees to help sheltered Cassian complete his list of firsts in exchange for cash, it's strictly business-until their deal ignites an undeniable chemistry neither of them saw coming.
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After making a deal to finish her last year at Bria...
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Raven's POV
I handed him the blunt as I exhaled.
We were sitting on the floor in silence.
He glanced at me, his glasses slightly falling off his face and his cheeks were tinged pink.
"Thanks," he mumbled like I'd just given him a million dollars instead of a blunt.
I leaned my head back against the wall, closing my eyes as I enjoyed our silence.
It was surprisingly comfortable, but it didn't last.
"Why do you do this?" He suddenly asked, his voice soft but curious.
I opened my eyes. "What, smoke?"
He nodded.
I shrugged. "Helps me forget. Even for a little while."
He nodded slowly like he understood, though I doubt he really did.
I turned to him. "Look, you shouldn't be doing this, especially with me."
He innocently tilted his head as he watched me. "Why not?"
"Because I'll probably mess up and get expelled again," I admitted.
"Well, I'd better spend all the time I can with you before you mess up," he said and I gave him a blank look.
There was a soft knock on the door before a woman's voice followed. "Sir?"
He shifted a little. "Not done yet!"
"Okay, we couldn't find your phone," she said.
"Oh, it must be in my bag," he answered.
"Ok, sir," she said before he let out a sigh.
His gaze darted to mine and he quickly looked away.
I could see the nervous energy in the way he adjusted his glasses and tapped his fingers on the tile.
Body language was the first thing Alex taught me.
I raised my eyebrow. "What?"
"I, uh, don't have a lot of time," he said. "My security will come to check on me if I stay any longer."
"Okay," I slowly nodded.
"Can I ask you something?" He nervously asked.
"Even if I say no, you'd probably still ask," I exhaled in his face.
"You..." he started, but paused like he was trying to find the right words. "You seem like you've done things. Stuff I haven't."
I smirked. "That's a safe bet."
He took a deep breath. "What I mean is, I don't know how to do any of it."
"And I don't want to be the guy who doesn't know," he continued. "When I go to college, I'll practically be cut off from society...from having any sort of fun."
