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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Raven's POV
We all laughed at Chloe's joke as we drank.
The party had finished around two hours ago and we were now back at Cassian's place.
I had somehow convinced my parents to let me stay one more night and I intended on making the most of it.
"You guys shouldn't be drinking," Sophie warned with her bottle of water in her hand. "We have school tomorrow."
"We'll be fine Soph," Chloe giggled.
"You're drunk," Sophie glared at her. "All of you are."
I blinked before sitting upright. "A few drinks won't hurt us."
I glanced over at Cassian and he looked so out of it.
He reached for the bottle again and I quickly pulled it away from him. "I think that's enough for you."
He gave me a small smile as he blinked slowly.
"Raven...you're always look-looking out for me," he smiled before clumsily dragging his hand across my cheek.
"Have I ever told you how pretty you are?" He asked before leaning to kiss me.
I quickly stopped him before he did something he would regret in the morning.
"I think someone's had enough for the night," I said looking at Chloe and Sophie.
Chloe was giggling away as she watched us, but Sophie had her arms crossed, her face as serious as ever.
"I think you've had enough too, Chloe," Sophie angrily said. "Your dad is going to kill you."
"That's why I'm staying at your place tonight," Chloe giggled as she leaned on Sophie.
Sophie was fuming at this point.
"Bye guys," she drily said, holding up Chloe as they walked out.
Now it was just Cassian and I alone in his room.
Cassian and I burst out laughing as the door closed behind them.
Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the absurdity of Sophie's exasperated expression, but everything suddenly seemed funnier than it should have been.
He stumbled back onto his bed, clutching his stomach. "Did you enjoy your birthday?"
I nodded, leaning against the wall for support, my own giggles tapering off.
"Yeah, I loved it," I told him. "I didn't expect a thing."
He smirked, his head lolling to the side as he looked at me. "You know... you're cute when you're laughing."
I felt my cheeks flush, though I wasn't sure if it was from the alcohol or his words.
"You're drunk," I shot back, trying to wave off his comment, but my voice betrayed the slight waver of nerves.
