Ethan
The campus seemed smaller somehow after that first day. Rumors swirled like autumn leaves—whispers of a rich girl chasing a poor boy. I didn't care. I never did. But something about her made my pulse quicken, even when my mind screamed to stay detached.
I had classes, work, and a dorm room that smelled like instant noodles. Nothing about my life should intersect with hers. Yet it did.
She appeared in the cafeteria as if on cue. Serena Kingsley, the queen of Kingsley Elite, leaning against the counter, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on me. Her smile was slow, teasing, dangerous.
"Fancy seeing you here," she said, voice soft but sharp. "Do you always eat alone?"
I shrugged. "I work better without distractions."
Her laugh was low and throaty. "I like a boy who doesn't beg for attention."
I met her gaze steadily. "Then don't give it."
Her smile widened. "Challenge accepted."
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Serena
Watching him sit calmly, ignoring the stares, made my blood heat. Every nerve in me screamed, touch him, tease him, make him yours.
But the rules of my world were clear: the rich controlled, the poor obeyed. He didn't obey. He didn't even flinch.
I moved closer, sitting across from him. "You're fascinating," I said. "Do you know that?"
"I'd prefer if you didn't."
That only made me grin. He thought he could resist me. Most did—until I pushed. I leaned forward, letting my hand brush his casually. He didn't pull away.
That was the first victory.
---
Ethan
Her touch was light but deliberate. I could feel the heat radiating from her. Dangerous, intoxicating heat. I told myself to ignore it. Focus on school, focus on survival. Yet every glance, every laugh, every brush of her hand pulled me deeper.
"Ethan," she said softly, almost a purr. "I don't do well when someone challenges me."
"I don't care about your rules," I replied calmly.
Her eyes sparkled. "Oh, I think you will."
And in that moment, I knew this was just the beginning. Her world was dangerous. And she wanted me in it.
---
Serena
By the time lunch ended, my mind was spinning. Every rich boy on campus would have caved by now. Every girl would have been intimidated or jealous. But him? He was steady, untouchable in a way I couldn't resist.
I would make him mine. Somehow. And I'd enjoy every moment of breaking the rules.
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