The Billionaire Prince's Scholar

I stretched before I blinked my eyes open, wincing slightly as I felt an intense headache. Placing my hand on my head, I sat up... Or at least, tried to.

I was being held in a tight grip. A warm, tight grip.

As I tried to focus my eyes on my surroundings, my eyes gradually adjusted. And then I turned to look beside me.

That was when I froze, realizing what I was looking at. A man.

A naked man.

"Holy shit," I whispered.

I heard a groan and a murmur.

It belonged to the chiseled and smooth features of a very handsome man. He had a birthmark by his neck and a tattoo of a moon by his chest. His eyes were closed and I heard soft snoring coming from him, his pink lips slightly open.

I looked beneath the sheets and finally accepted that I was as naked as I'd thought. And so was he.

I didn't know what to think. I'd slept with a man.

I tried to remember what happened last night, but it just made my head hurt.

I couldn't see what exactly he looked like, but I knew I wouldn't know him even if his eyes were open.

It was probably better this way.

I took in a few deep breaths before I slowly and gently removed his grip from my waist, flinching at every slight movement he made.

I was finally able to get out of the bed and hurriedly dressed back in my last night clothes, not bothering to smell it. I just wanted to go home.

I grabbed my purse, not bothering to look back at the guy in bed and creeped out.

Hopefully, we wouldn't meet again.

When I unlocked the door to my dorm, I was met with the wide eyes of my roommate.

"Where the hell have you been?!" Ava yelled as I closed the door behind me. "I called you all through last night. I was literally about to call a police report but I thought it best to calm down, because I could be overreacting."

My cheeks turned red and my heart rate intensified when I remembered where I was last night. "What?" Ava gave me a suspicious look.

I shook my head, raising my hands up in surrender. "I don't know! I just... I just woke up in a random room and so I left!" I continued. "And I only just got my phone... I think it was on airplane mode."

I was a bit hesitant to tell her about the man I woke up in bed with.

Ava gasped, her expression worried as she grabbed my hands tightly. "Okay. Wow. I'm so sorry, Emily." She sighed. "Maybe taking you to a party was a bad idea."

I waved her off. "It's fine. I'm safe and that's all that matters." I wanted to walk towards my room, but then I stopped. "Do you... remember what happened last night?"

"You... don't?" Ava asked, a frown on her face. My heart dropped. "Was it that bad?"

Ava shook her head. "You got drunk just like everyone else. And then you passed out... I think." She scratched her head. "I was just about to get you back to our room when you disappeared.

The only reason I left was because Ethan said he saw you, and that you were safe." It was my turn to frown. "Who's Ethan?"

"Ethan Morgan," she stated. Then groaned when my confused state remained. "I'll tell you later. You're still pretty new to our world, so I'll forgive you."

And that was how the conversation ended. With me trying to remember what happened last night and failing while getting ready for class.

Walking to class after a night of being drunk wasn't an easy feat. I was lucky Ava had some hangover pills in wait. She apologized again, but I waved it off.

It really wasn't her fault.

I was the one who let myself be peer pressured into going to a party. I wouldn't do it again.

We went right to class, and I momentarily pushed it all to the back of my head.

I was supposed to be panicking, but I'd already done that hours ago. Might as well accept it.

However, I wasn't able to "just accept it" when we were done with class and went to the cafeteria for some food.

Because I met him.

He walked in surrounded by girls and boys, his eyes a dark blue that pulled me. The noise faded into the background of my ears.

This was someone important.

"Who's he?" I blurted, really wanting to be wrong.

Ava gave me a look of incredulity before answering over the noise. "Julian Blackwell! The hottest! Richest! He's very popular in the media too." She let out a wistful sigh.

It was his face. His body...

I didn't expect to meet him again.

"Did he go to the party last night?" I asked in her ear, still in denial.

She nodded, not bothering to look at me. "You didn't see him because you were hammered."

I thought it was my eyes deceiving me, that there was no way that guy was really looking at me like I'd thought.

But he turned his head again, and met my eyes head-on, leaving no room for me to hide. His eyes remained on me till he passed.

My throat got stuck and I couldn't breathe.

"Did he just... look at you?" Ava gasped, looking over at me, then at his back. "Or am I seeing things?'

I shook my head in denial, my cheeks pink. "No, I don't think he did. What are you saying? Didn't you just say he was rich? I don't know him from anywhere!"

Ava gave me a suspicious once-over, her expression contemplative before shrugging and grabbing my arm.

"You're right," she said, leading me to our next class. "Why would Julian Blackwell be staring at you anyway? You're not exactly..." she trailed off giving me a comforting smile. "You're not in his league."

I smiled, nodding. I didn't care that I wasn't in his league, I cared that she believed me. "Yeah, you're right."

But why did I wake up in the same bed as him?

I was still thinking about it, but I knew I couldn't walk up to the guy and ask him that. It was too embarrassing. He probably didn't even remember me.

Walking through the crowd of students and the rowdiness, I tried to get him out of my head, deciding to focus on my next class.

It was a one-time thing and he probably didn't care. It didn't matter anymore. I ended up being so wrong hours later.

***

It was nighttime, and Ava bounced into my room, a huge grin plastered on her face. "Hey! I was thinking that we should go out. You know, to unwind?" She flopped onto my bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"We just had a party though..." I trailed off, not liking the thought of being in a situation when I'd get drunk again.

I still hadn't gotten over the last party.

"Oh, come on!" Ava insisted, grabbing my arm. "You don't need to worry. We're not drinking, just some dancing. Just a night out."

Ava was so nice. We'd just met and she was trying to bring me out of my shell... should I really be so resistant? She was pretty, rich and powerful and I just ...

I was feeling a sense of dread wash over me. "A night out?" I repeated, trying to sound casual. "What did you have in mind?"

Ava's grin only grew wider. "I was thinking we could hit up that new bar downtown. It's very popular. I heard all the hotties go there," She wiggled her eyebrows, clearly trying to entice me.

My stomach twisted into knots. I didn't want to go to a bar, especially not one filled with rich kids, I already went to class with them.

But Ava looked so hopeful, and I didn't want to disappoint her. "I don't know, Ava. I'm not really up for a big crowd tonight."

Ava's face fell, and I immediately felt guilty. "Come on, Emily! It'll be fun, I promise! I'll be right there with you the whole time. We can just hang out, and enjoy the music. You don't have to drink!"

I hesitated, feeling the weight of Ava's enthusiasm. "Okay, fine," I said finally, trying to sound convincing.

Ava let out a whoop of excitement and threw her arms around me. "Yes! I knew you'd come through! We'll have the best time, I promise!"

The bar was everything I had feared.

The music was loud, and the crowd was rowdy, with people laughing and shouting over the music. Ava dragged me to the bar, ordering a drink for herself, and just sparkling water for me.

As I looked around, I felt a growing sense of anxiety. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun, laughing and chatting with ease. I, on the other hand, felt like an outsider, watching from the sidelines. I glanced at Ava, who wasn't by my side, chatting with a group of friends, and felt a pang of loneliness.

I really shouldn't have come.

Just as I was contemplating leaving, a guy approached me, a sleazy grin spreading across his face. "Hey, gorgeous. Mind if I join you?"

I turned to him, trying to be polite but firm. "I'm just here with my... friend," I said, gesturing to Ava, who was still engrossed in conversation.

He didn't take the hint. "Oh, come on. You're not having any fun. Let me buy you a drink."

My discomfort grew as the guy continued to chat, ignoring my lack of interest. Finally, I'd had enough, and I had a burst of confidence. "I'm really not interested," I repeated. "Leave me alone."

The guy's expression suddenly darkened, and he sneered at me. "Then why the fuck are you here?" he spat, before turning and stalking off. "Bitches piss me off," he muttered.

I felt a surge of relief that he didn't use violence, but it was quickly replaced by sadness.

I realized that Ava was nowhere to be found, and I was alone in the crowded bar. I decided I'd had enough and made my way to the balcony, hoping to find some fresh air and a moment of peace.

The balcony was dark and empty, thankfully, and I stepped out into the cool night air, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I walked to the railing, looking out over the city, and let out a deep breath.

I closed my eyes, letting the music and noise from inside fade into the background.

That was when I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I turned, my eyes meeting... Julian's.

He stood a few feet away, a cold expression on his face. His eyes roamed over me, taking in every detail, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I tried to step back, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot. Julian's eyes locked onto mine, and he took a step closer.

Before I could react, Julian reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me towards him. My eyes widened as I stumbled forward, my heart racing with anticipation and fear. Julian's grip was firm, but not painful, and he brought me face-to-face with him.

And then, he just looked at me, his expression unreadable. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes.

He reached out to cup my cheek.

He still wasn't saying anything, and I panicked, spluttering, "You... L- Last night we-"

"Fucked," he interrupted, his expression unchanged. He leaned forward, his breath brushing against my skin. "I hope you don't mind doing it again."

I stuttered. "I- I-"

He leaned forward and took my mouth in his, freezing me in place, blood rushing through my head.

I was slightly out of it. Tired, bored, everything you could think of and I just wanted to be away from people.

Heck, the only reason I even decided to come to the bar was because Ethan wanted to go. Despite my annoyance though, it was better than going home. Or staying alone at my dorm room.

Then I saw her from across the room. There were too many people around me that wanted to get my attention, and she just looked like she wanted to leave this place.

I remembered her instantly. Regrettably, I didn't know her name. I never knew the name of the girls I slept with, and I never cared to know anything more. Though it's likely she told me and I just forgot.

After finally getting rid of everyone around, me I went to the balcony. Particularly to find her. There was really no reason for me to do that, but for some reason I just felt drawn to her.

I didn't know what led me to grabbing her and kissing her- definitely the drinks, but looking into her hazel eyes and her beautiful features, my brain couldn't help but remember that night. When we touched. And kissed. Through the look in her eyes, it was obvious that she didn't really remember what happened.

But that was fine because I didn't either. I did remember her face though.

Her lips tasted different this time. But it was still delicious. Soft, warm and welcoming ... I felt a sting on my cheek.

I backed away, surprised. I reached for my cheek, massaging it as I looked back at her. Her eyes widened as she took a step back. "W- what are you doing?!" she yelled.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I had no words. I didn't have the time to apologize or say anything before she walked away from me.

I tried to chase after her, but I missed a few steps, the alcohol in my body trying to take effect. I walked back inside, hands in my pockets as I scanned the room for her.

Then my phone rang.

I grabbed it and paused when I saw the caller ID. I contemplated ignoring it, but I knew there'd be consequences if I did, so I walked back out to the balcony and picked up the call.

" Hey, Dad," I said in a monotone voice, the breeze of the night clearing some of my dizziness.

"Where are you?" he asked gruffly. "Your mother has been trying to reach you for hours. She wanted us all to have dinner together, but I see you don't care about her. Or us as a family."

I wanted to groan out in annoyance, but I held my tongue, letting him finish.

" I think it's quite ungrateful that now that you're in the university, you think it's unnecessary to call your parents, especially your mother who obviously cares about you," he continued, his voice high. "Then again, you can't runaway from us. You are a Blackwell, and my only child.

You're going to takeover from me so no matter what you do to avoid it, that is settled." I sighed. " Dad, I'm at the bar with my friend Ethan."

The other end of the line was momentarily quiet. "Oh. That's great that you're with Ethan. At least you're not stuck in bed doing nothing." His voice got lower. "Have your fun, but make sure the grades are as high as they were in highschool, if not higher. You need to be the best of the best. Because if you can't do so well at school, how will you do well as CEO?"

" I'll do well," I said. "Are you done? Is that all you wanted to talk about?" "Yes," he responded. "Make sure to come visit next week."

Then he hung up.

I placed my phone into my pocket and walked back inside again, showing no reaction. I really didn't care. But I was dreading visiting them.

Just when I'd gotten so far from them and have more freedom than ever.

My mind went back to the girl ... I wished I remembered her name. I looked around for her, but I couldn't find a strand of her hair in the crowd.

Giving up, I sat on a chair. She was probably gone.

I grabbed another drink to sip. I was getting drunk, but I needed something to make me not think too much. Drugs were out of the question for me, and this was easier to get.

I watched with blurry eyes as people got down on the dancefloor.

I couldn't see my friend anywhere, but I knew he'd be alright. He was a big boy anyway.

I let out a breath as I watch beautiful people have fun with other beautiful people. At the moment I wasn't even sure if being at home would've been that mad."

Someone sat next to me and I didn't bother to look at them. It was probably a woman. I was getting used to being the center of attention at my new school. And I had an inkling feeling on what they'd say.

" Hi, I'm Stacey!" she whispered in my ear, over the noise.

I nodded, deciding to respond. " I'm Julian." I took another sip of my drink.

Her hands went from touching my arm to grazing my chest and I remained silent. She pressed her body against mine by the side. "You having fun?"

"Are you?" I shot back.

"Not really ... but I have a lot of ways to have fun tonight," she said.

I raised a brow, understanding what exactly she was talking about. So I finally looked her over for the first time since she'd sat by me.

She was pretty. And sexy with her offering me a sultry look.

I tilted my head and leaned forward to whisper to her. "What did you have in mind?"

She bit her lip seductively and got up. " Follow me." And I did.

***

The next day came quickly and I didn't waste anytime in going back to my penthouse. I took a warm shower and relaxed, deciding that I wouldn't go to class today with my aching head.

On the couch with no will to do anything, I replayed the unexciting events of the night before.

I really did want to apologize to that girl. But I was probably going to be seen as a dick to her now. Though I didn't know why I'd even care about what she thought; we're not friends.

I heard a knock on my door and opened my eyes. My phone buzzed and I picked it up.

"Open the door, bro," was all that was said, and I promptly got up and did as I was asked.

The door opened to reveal one of the very few people that had the right to arrive at my place unannounced.

Ethan had a grin on his face, with a few paper bags in his hands. " Hey."

"Come in," I said, giving him space.

I closed the door behind me after he got in and watched him jump on my couch, tilting his head back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, sitting beside him.

He shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure that you ate. I know you didn't cook and since you didn't come for morning class nor pick up my earlier calls, I had a feeling I had to do some form of intervention."

I hummed, glancing at the paper bags to smelled of savory food. I had a feeling I knew what was inside. "Thanks for that then."

"So you left the bar with Jessica Castle," he called from the kitchen. I could hear sounds of cutlery and plates being removed.

My brows furrowed. "Who?"

"You're telling me you don't know who you left with?!" he screamed, his voice louder.

I winced, massaging my temple. " I don't know. I'm not that good with names you know."

Ethan walked back out with a set of plates containing tortillas. He gave me one and sat beside me, placing his plate aside to look at me.

"This is what happened last time," he said, a frown on his face. "You hooked up with a ... I don't know her name and I don't think I remember her face. But you hooked up with her! When I asked you her name at least, you didn't know it!"

"I usually have more important things to do with my life. Also, I don't think those women care that I don't remember their names," I said.

That was a lie. I'd had a few ladies walk up to me, complaining about how I called them another name or just plainly didn't know their names. It never really escalated because they liked me.

Ethan gave me a look of disbelief before reaching for his plate and taking a large bite of his tortilla.

He opened his mouth to speak, but had some spilling out, then closed it.

His eyes widened as he closed his mouth with a hand. " Drink!" he spit out as he rushed back to the kitchen.

I shook my head at him as I took a bite of my food. It was so warm and delicious.

Ethan returned and offered me a drink. "The Whistleblower talked about you and the girl you left with."

I rolled my eyes. "What a shock. I never expected to be talked about again. It's not like they haven't spoken about me even before I became a student," I said sarcastically.

He knew I never cared.

He nodded. "That's fair."

The conversation went on for a while until hours later, Ethan convinced me to go to the last class of the day with him.

Walking into the school grounds felt like torture. It was all so big and cagey, and not at all how I liked my life.

It was all predictable to me as I strode through the crowd of students around beside Ethan. I was careful not to meet anyone's eyes. And I did so till I got to class.

My mind was elsewhere, thinking about that girl. And how much I wanted to know her name. Being hit should have deterred me from thinking about her, but it made me all the more intrigued.

Nobody's ever dared to fight back against me. Except my father, of course.

After class, I got up to leave, but then I got passed a note from a red cheeked girl who gave me shy glances as she ran over to her friends.

I simply nodded at them in acknowledgement, grabbing talkative Ethan by hand and left before anyone else could reach out.

I stared at the note.

[Hi, my name is Gail, and I like you! Here's my number anytime you need a girl around you: ***] I raised a brow. I gestured to Ethan. "What the hell kind of letter is this?"

He looked at it and laughed. "She doesn't have any confidence to speak to you and she's not the best at writing something legible. But hey, from the number she dropped, it seems she wants a booty call someday."

I groaned, squeezing the paper and dropped it in the bin as we got closer to the parking lot. Then I bumped into someone.

"S- sorry!"

My expression had turned into a frown, and from the corner of my eyes, I could see Ethan opening his mouth to fiercely say something.

Then the person raised their head, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was her.

She blinked her wide eyes at me, hair disheveled, standing in shock.

I didn't know why she was so close to my classes, and I didn't care. Because I felt a little spark in myself.

I locked eyes with her, wanting to get her attention as I finally asked the question I should have at the bar before forcefully kissing her.

I should introduce myself, I thought. "Hi. I'm Julian. What's your name?"

I hated my life at the moment.

The only reason I went so far from my class was because Ava called me out here. I should've just told her I didn't want to go.

But I wanted to hangout with her. And even if I didn't want that, she was really forceful. But in a good way.

She's so nice and just wanted me to make many friends, and I needed to put myself out there.

Unfortunately, I didn't know this was where Julian's class was. I had no intention of ever seeing him. I was still shocked that I slapped him and I bet he's angry, but since he didn't try to set up a witch hunt for me, I assumed I would be fine.

Seeing his displeased expression when I bumped into him hit me hard, but him introducing himself with a small smile on his face and a pleasant voice hit me harder.

He offered me his hand and I took it, lost in the depths of his eyes. "I- I'm Emily," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

He nodded. "Nice to meet you, Emily. Again."

My cheeks flushed as he held my hand longer than necessary, relieved when he finally met go.

We stared at each other for a moment, only interrupted by a cough from beside him. The guy seemed to be his friend. I remembered him from the other day and... the party!

I remembered him from the party where I slept with Julian. But... that was all I remembered. Fuck.

"No need to curse."

I snapped my head upward as the guy, shocked. He smiled at me. "We won't ask you pay for damages or nothing. Just watch where you're going next time."

I nodded, mute.

I saw Julian look over me one more time, like he was about to say something, but decided against it as he walked away with his friend.

I stood in place, but I was brought back to earth when I heard the murmurs and the stares on me. So I ran away from the spot, unwilling to have my face captured by anyone.

When I got to Ava, she was alone and upset. About what? She wouldn't tell me. But from there, we had to go to our dorm.

I never told her about seeing Julian.

***

Settled in our large room, which was parted by a large curtain, Ava pushed it aside to talk from her bed.

I really just wanted to relax on my bed, but I didn't want to be rude, so I let her speak. I was absentminded until she mentioned him.

"... And Julian! From what I heard, he's dating Nadia Styles," she said, the corner of her lips downturned. "She's really not the best fit for him."

"Nadia?" I asked, curious.

"Gosh,I keep forgetting that you don't know anybody," Ava said impatiently. "Nadia Styles is a model, beautiful and powerful. Everything awesome. But she's a bit of a bitch. It's probably why Julian sleeps around."

I frowned. "That's not an excuse. He has a girlfriend yet he sleeps with other girls?" I mumbled. "What a dick."

Ava let out a sound of surprise. "Don't call him that! Julian is a very good guy, actually. If he's sleeping with other women, it's probably because he and Nadia are going on a rough patch." She shrugged. "She doesn't seem to mind, either."

I opened my mouth to protest, but with how combative Ava seemed at the mention of Julian, it was best to shut up.

My skin crawled and I felt a bit guilty at the thought of being one of the girls Julian cheated on this Nadia girl with. Just when I thought he was a pretty good guy, he ended up being a piece of shit.

Just like all the other rich guys I read about online, he's no different.

"What does she look like?" I asked curiously, glancing at Ava whose attention was on her phone.

At first, she didn't raise her head to look at me, playing with her phone a few more seconds longer. At least, that's what I thought. Until she walked up to me and handed me her phone.

She pointed. "That's her."

I froze when I looked at her face. Her body. She really was beautiful. With dusty blonde hair and bright eyes. Her aura through the phone was intimidating, I wondered how it'd feel meeting with her.

She really did look stuck-up, but I'd feel the same way if I had money like her. Or had her face. "She's gorgeous."

Ava was displeased. "I kinda hate that I don't know much about her to hate on, you know. Even The Whistleblower."

Seeing my expression, she groaned, muttering how it was crazy I came to this school and don't know next-to-nothing about the school itself.

I couldn't even defend myself because she was right. But I left my hometown for a reason. I

didn't care too much about gossip that's not going to benefit me. I just wanted a good education and money.

"The Whistleblower is a blog that was created about three or so years ago. I don't remember the date. But the main point is that it's a gossip page and seems to have information that no one does."

"Who owns it?"

She shrugged, walking back and flopping on the bed, eyes up to the ceiling.

"Nobody knows," she sighed. "Honestly, the mystery is exciting. Like Bridgerton. I don't know if we'll ever find the person, and I don't think we should... Why bother? As long as we're getting all the gossip."

I said nothing, deciding to go through my phone instead of bothering her again. I searched for 'The Whistleblower' and was immediately shown a site.

I glanced at Ava who had her eyes closed, her breathing slower.

I returned my gaze to read the articles, curiosity getting the best of me.

[Jessica Castle and Julian Blackwell were seen leaving the Haus Bar last night. Are they dating or is this a new fling?]

I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest when I saw it. This was the same night I left. So he went right to sleep with some willing girl...

I let out a breath, wondering why I was even bothered. We weren't close. We weren't in a damn relationship. Why should I feel some type of way? It seemed he would follow any willing girl to bed and it made me feel uncomfortable.

A bit disgusted with myself. And him.

"Ava?" I called.

"What?" she asked, her eyes remaining unopened.

I bit my lip, contemplating. "What kind of girls does Julian Blackwell like?"

"I don't know. Nobody can really figure the guy out," she said. "But at least we know he likes girls. Well, rich and hot ones."

"Oh." I searched Jessica Castle's name and sighed.

Yeah, she was right. Nadia Styles, Jessica Castle... where did I fit into all of this? And why the hell was I thinking about this so damn much?

I groaned internally and quietly walked out of the room to the kitchen for some water. While there, I looked through my message app, but what I saw made me freeze.

[Why aren't you picking up my calls?] [Did you block me?]

[You're such a fucking bitch you know!] [I'll kill you!]

[Emily I'm so sorry. Yu know how much I love you. I just felt so sad since we're not doing too well at home.]

My hands started sweating, my grip on my glass of water.

My hands shook when I received a call. An unknown number.

It buzzed for a few times before I finally got the courage to answer. "I'll answer it and tell him off!" I whispered to myself.

When I picked the call, there was nothing but silence at the other end of the phone. "H- hello. Who is this?" I started.

There was a dark chuckle at the other end. A familiar one.

"Emily, it's me," he said, his voice hoarse yet hyper. "I'm so happy you picked up!"

My grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want Ronald? I told you and Mom to leave me alone! I said not to reach out!"

I ran away for a fucking reason. And it's not like they cared when I left.

Ronald wasn't deterred. "You sound so angry. There's really no need to be, you know. We're all family. I just... I just wanted to..."

"Ask for money," I interrupted, forcing my voice not to shake. "I don't have it." " But you've always had money," he pleaded, his sweet tone sickening me.

" I. Don't. Have. It."

"Oh, stop lying you bitch!" he suddenly raged. "I heard you're in school now! A fancy one. You can get something from one of those rich kids!" His voice heightened. "Why do you keep lying? You don't want to help your family! You hate your mother and your brother! You-"

I hung up and blocked the phone number for the umpteenth time since I became independent. I knew this wasn't the end. He'd find a way to reach out. To harass me again.

I breathed heavily, trying to calm my nerves. I leaned against the kitchen counter, closing my eyes.

I couldn't file a police report because the last time I tried, nothing was done. Coming to Vincent Collins University was the only way for me to stay away from that toxic environment.

Will I ever truly escape it?

Tears trailed down my face and I cried in silence.

***

The next day, I walked to the school's library. It was large and even appeared to be ancient. With the most magnificent structure I'd ever seen.

Ava wasn't interested in hanging out with me, so I had the freewill to explore the school. All alone. Too shy to ask people for help, I used the school's map.

I was going to live a totally boring but fun life today, and I was excited thinking about it.

I almost hopped on my feet when I was let in, searching the large shelves for fiction mostly. Some books were larger than I'd ever seen and my heart fluttered with excitement thinking about how many I'd be able to read.

While picking out the fifth book, I stumbled a bit because of the added weight. But before anything could happen, a warm hand settled on my waist steadying me.

"Thank you ..."

I stumbled again when I saw who it was.

"What are you doing in the library?" I blurted.

Julian looked amused. "To find some books ... just like you."

"Oh, yeah," I replied in realization. "Good for you." Then I added. "Thanks for helping me."

He leaned against the shelves and didn't respond. His gaze was hot on me and I was torn between just leaving his presence or staying to see what he'd say. If he wanted to say something.

" I'm sorry."

I looked at him.

He had a wry smile on. "I'm sorry for kissing you without your consent last time."

My cheeks flushed. This was the last thing I expected him to say. "I'm sorry too," I whispered. He seemed surprised. "For what?"

"Slapping you."

Then he gave me a charming smile. The barely visible dimple on his cheek added to the charm, like a beautiful stab to my heart.

He shrugged. " I deserved it."

The air around us became tense with him doing nothing but looking right at me. But it was all suddenly interrupted by the click of heels. A sweet scent wafted around. And stopped right by Julian's side, a slender and feminine hand on his shoulder.

The person's attention turned to me, intimidating and curious.

I paused when I saw her face.

" I've never seen your face before," she said. " I'm Nadia Styles."

She tilted her head to look at me, a menacing look in her eyes as she analyzed my face. "And who might you be?"