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'm so sorry for the inconvenience," Selene said as she spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne.
"Can she stay until we can get her to come home?" She begged them.
I glanced up at Cassian and he already had a worried expression on his face as he watched me.
Seeing his sympathy only made me want to cry more.
Ryan tried to put his hand on me, but I harshly slapped it off.
Mr. Hawthorne looked at me.
"As long as she doesn't try to corrupt my son, I see no reason why she can't," he said. "You've never asked me for a favor for all these years."
"Thank you," she said. "Raven will be on her best behaviour."
I rolled my eyes, just wanting them to leave already.
It was suffocating being in the same room as them.
Liars and abandoners.
"Cassian, give Raven some space to talk with her parents and go to make sure the guest room is okay," his mother instructed and he nodded before leaving.
His parents left shortly leaving me and my...
I don't even know what to call them.
They'll never be my parents.
"Do you have all your school uniforms?" Ryan asked. "If not, I can go and get them for you."
I looked away, not wanting to have any conversation with them.
"Raven, you have to talk to us at some point," Selene said, but my lips remained sealed.
Tears filled my eyes again.
I can't believe this is happening.
The people who I thought were my parents were actually my grandparents.
Every day of my life was a lie.
Ryan turned around before storming out.
Selene tried to reach for me, but I quickly turned myself away.
She slowly lowered her hand. "Get some sleep, okay?"
When I didn't answer her, she took it as her cue to leave.
I turned to see Cassian sitting at the top of the stairs, giving me a sad look.
Within no time, he ran down the stairs and pulled me into a hug.
When I finally felt the touch of someone who actually cared about me, I broke into tears.
His gripped tightened around me as he rubbed my back.
I cried, I don't know for how long, but he stood there the whole time, never moving an inch, until I was ready to let go.
I wiped my tears away, feeling embarrassed about the whole situation.
