The crisp late-morning air hit Eden's skin as she stepped out onto the school grounds, the oversized shirt slipping dangerously low over her hips. In her hand, she clutched the small bag with the black panties Hunter had picked for her. The choice felt like a silent rebellion—and a secret promise.
Her heart pounded fiercely.
She was about to see Liam.
The boy who had kissed her once with such careless charm, who had broken her heart before she even knew how to guard it.
The boy she'd saved her innocence for.
But now she wasn't the same girl.
Not anymore.
Her steps faltered as she rounded the corner to the old, abandoned bleachers where they had agreed to meet.
And then she saw him.
Liam.
Leaning casually against the cold metal, his dark eyes flicking toward her with that familiar smug smile.
She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening on the bag.
"Eden," he said, voice smooth like silk but sharp like a knife. "You came."
She forced a polite nod, resisting the urge to turn and run.
"I thought you might," Liam said, pushing off the railing to approach her. "But you don't look like you did this for me."
"I didn't," she said quietly.
His smile grew wider.
"So, what's Hunter got to do with this?"
Her breath caught.
"He… isn't who I thought he was."
Liam's eyes glinted with amusement.
"Funny how people show their true colors, huh? Like a mask falling off."
Eden stared at him, torn between old feelings and the fire still burning inside her.
"Why did you want to see me?" she asked.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Because I know what you're feeling. That confusion. That ache. That need to hold onto something… or someone."
She looked down at the black panties peeking out from her bag and then back up.
"And what if I don't want to feel like that anymore?"
Liam's grin twisted, a dangerous edge surfacing.
"Then I'll make sure you don't have a choice."
Suddenly, the cold night air seemed to thicken, suffocating.
She wanted to scream. To run.
But before she could move—
A shadow fell across the bleachers.
Hunter.
His jaw was clenched, eyes dark and stormy.
Every muscle in his body screamed.
"Get away from her," Hunter said, voice low and deadly.
Liam laughed, shaking his head.
"You're just a player, Hunter. A womanizer. What could you possibly offer her that I can't?"
Hunter took a step forward.
"More than you'll ever know."
The tension snapped.
Liam lunged.
But Hunter was faster.
Fists collided. The fight was brutal, raw, and desperate.
Eden backed away, heart pounding as she watched the man she loved fight the man she'd once trusted.
When the dust settled, Liam was on the ground, snarling threats.
Hunter didn't wait for more.
He grabbed Eden's hand.
"Let's go."
Outside, under the stars, Hunter pulled her close.
"No one will ever touch you without my say," he promised, voice rough with emotion.
Eden looked up at him, tears shining in her eyes.
And for the first time, she whispered
"Hunter."
His lips crushed hers with desperate hunger.
"I'm yours," she breathed.
"And I'm never letting you go."