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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Cassian's POV
I slowly eased her head off my chest and onto the pillow, my touch as gentle as I could make it.
Her face was still damp with tears, her lashes clumped together, her parted lips trembling with each uneven breath.
I'd never thought I would see the day that she was in such a state.
She had been silently suffering for months.
For me.
Because of them.
I clenched my jaw, forcing the rage down as I pulled the blanket over her trembling frame.
I hated her all this time because of them.
I exhaled shakily, watching the way her breathing slowly evened out, the way her body curled into itself, like she was trying to make herself smaller—less of a burden.
As I got up to leave, my eyes drifted to the nightstand.
A small, orange pill bottle.
My breath hitched.
I reached for it with careful fingers, my chest tightening as I read the label.
Her name. Her dosage. The word that made my stomach drop—antidepressant.
I stared at it, my grip tightening around the bottle.
How bad had it gotten?
God.
I had hated myself even more.
I should have known.
I should have fought harder for her.
I should have seen past the distance, the forced smiles, the cold words she never meant.
I quickly returned the bottle and rushed out her bedroom when self hatred overtook me.
What kind of boyfriend am I if I couldn't even protect her?
"Cass, you should get some sleep," Selene said. "Raven's going to be okay."
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her, my tone not harsh, just hurt. "I saw you everyday and you didn't tell me..."
"Cassian, I don't know what happened between you and Raven," she said. "She refused to say a thing."
I looked down, clenching my jaw.
Why?
Why would she do that to herself?
I suddenly felt sick to my stomach when I remembered my cruel words.
You don't deserve me.
"Cassian, go home," Selene insisted. "You don't look so good and your parents are probably worried about you."
