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.
***
After making a deal to finish her last year at Bria...
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Raven's POV
"Raven!" Ryan shouted from outside.
I groaned as I watched myself in the mirror. "I'm not leaving the house in this."
He opened my bedroom door before looking at me. "You look like a nice young lady."
I looked down at the dress he bought me. "Do I really have to wear this?"
I look like a 19th century housewife.
"Yes," he replied as he tightened his tie. "We need to show these people how thankful we are and find out if they can give me some extra time to repay them."
"Cassian said that it was fine," I muttered.
"So did one of my friends," he said. "And look where I'm at now."
I sighed as he turned around.
"Let's go, we can't be late."
___
We stood outside the door to the Hawthorne's mansion.
I glanced over to Ryan and he was sweating profusely.
"Dude, they're not going to execute us," I tried to calm him and he sighed as he grabbed his handkerchief and wiped himself.
"You have the gift, right?" He asked and I nodded as I looked down at the bottle of wine in my hand. "Spent a whole week's paycheck on that thing."
The door finally opened to reveal Mr. Hawthorne.
He had a serious expression on his face as he shook my brother's hand. "Mr. Castillo, it's nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," Ryan answered as he shook his hand.
"Raven," he then said before hesitantly stretching his hand to me.
"I'm surprised you saved me," I folded my arms.
"Raven!" Ryan angrily whispered.
"Don't worry, it wasn't for free," he warned as he opened the door wider for us.
As we stepped in, Cassian was there to greet us.
I couldn't help, but have a small smile when I saw his calming face.
"Are you okay?" He asked before hugging me.
I hugged him back. "I am, are you?"
"As long as you are," he said before my brother cleared his throat louder.
I quickly moved away from Cassian. "Uh, Ryan, this is my classmate from school, Cassian."
Ryan shook Cassian's hand. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for helping out Raven."
"No no, she was the one who helped me," he humbled said as he shook Ryan's hand. "It's nice to finally see you in person. You and Raven look like twins."
