Chapter 6 Back to reality

The shrill sound of the school bell echoed through the air as Deja walked through the campus gates, her backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. Her body still ached from the night before-pleasant reminders of a memory she'd never forget.

The halls were busy, buzzing with students complaining about the first day back, but all she could think about was him. Nic Maddox. The man who'd taken her virginity like it was his right. The man who looked at her like he owned her.

"Babe!" Tara's voice cut through her thoughts.

Deja turned just in time to see her two best friends hurrying toward her-Tara in her signature crop top and jeans, and Selena in her usual pastel hoodie and leggings.

"You look like you had the best night of your life," Selena said with a playful smile.

Deja smirked. "That's because I did."

They linked arms and headed to their usual spot near the cafeteria garden, hidden from the teachers' eyes and perfect for gossip.

Tara raised an eyebrow, smirking. "So... tell us everything. Don't hold back."

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Scene Two: Secrets Shared

Deja leaned in and lowered her voice. "He was...everything. Nic. He's nothing like the way the media paints him. Okay-he is a bit cold, but he was sweet to me. Like... surprisingly sweet."

Tara squealed. "Wait .you try'na say you re no longer a V?"

Deja nodded.

Selena clutched her chest. "Girl... that's insane. Your first time with Nic freaking Maddox? You're officially not normal."

Deja giggled. "It didn't feel normal either. It felt... intense. Like he owned me or something. He held me all night."

"Aww!" Tara fanned herself. "Rich, hot, dominant, and affectionate? Sis, you won."

"You really did," Selena added. "So what now? Are you guys, like, a thing?"

Deja shrugged. "I don't know. He said he wanted to spend more time with me. He even asked for my number and bank details."

Tara's mouth fell open. "Bank details? I hope he wires you enough to retire by thirty!"

Deja laughed, cheeks flushing.

"Speaking of rich and sexy," Tara grinned, "Y'all Lucas? Nic's fine-ass best friend?"

"Oh God," Selena groaned, laughing.

Tara continued proudly, "He is soooo good in bed. Like-filthy. Promised to get me the new iPhone next time we meet."

Deja raised an eyebrow. "And you believed him?"

"I already picked the color, baby," Tara said smugly.

Selena smiled. "Well, at least one of us got some. Stone didn't even touch me. Just kissed me once, told his driver to take me home, and dipped. Didn't ask for my number or anything."

"Aww, that's sad," Deja said gently.

"It's not," Selena shrugged. "He's mysterious. Maybe that's his thing. Cold and distant."

Tara rolled her eyes. "Or maybe he's just rude."

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Scene Three: The Call

Deja's phone buzzed in her pocket.

She pulled it out, eyes widening when she saw the caller ID: Nic Maddox.

Heart thudding, she answered, trying to sound calm. "Hello?"

His voice was deep smooth and commanding. "Are you free after school today?"

She swallowed. "Yeah, I am."

"Good. I want to see you."

Before she could reply, the call ended.

She stared at the phone, stunned, and then turned to her friends. "That was him."

"No way!" Selena gasped.

"He wants to see me after school."

Tara clutched her heart dramatically. "If you get pregnant, I better be the godmother. Period."

Deja burst into laughter, but the joke struck something deeper in her. She wasn't on birth control. And Nic hadn't used protection.

Was she really ready for what came next?

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Scene Four: A Glimpse of Guilt

As the three girls walked toward their next class, Deja's eyes scanned the hallway-and stopped.

Ryan.

He was leaning against a locker, scrolling through his phone, looking completely unaware.

Her chest tightened.

They hadn't spoken all weekend. She ignored his texts, his calls... and now, seeing him, a sharp pang of guilt twisted inside her.

What am I doing?

She quickly turned her face away and whispered to her friends, "Don't look. That's Ryan."

Tara shot a glance anyway. "Damn. He still looks fine."

Selena nudged Deja gently. "You okay?"

Deja nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just... I don't want to talk to him right now."

"Girl, with a man like Nic? I'd forget my last name, not to talk of a high school boyfriend," Tara whispered.

Deja said nothing.

She wasn't ready to confront Ryan.

Not yet.

Not when her body still remembered the taste of Nic's lips... and the way he'd made her feel like she was the only girl in the world.