1.Burn
This is an enemies to lovers story, with that enjoy!
Eve
Pulling into the driveway of Kingswood University, I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. This wasn't just any university- it was ivy league a place I never thought I'd see myself in. I applied on a whim not really expecting to get in, yet here I was.
I sighed, running my fingers through my black hair, trying to calm my racing thoughts. With a quick glance in the rear-view mirror, I adjusted my green denim jacket and put on my sunglasses. My eyes looked tired, lost even. "no non-sense this year Eve'' I muttered to myself. ''keep your head down, just like always, stay focused, you know the drill''.
stepping out of my car, I immediately regretted bringing my Jaguar, a flashy car like this wasn't exactly subtle."aw shit,'' I whispered under my breath, noticing a few stares from nearby students. I quickly locked it and took a deep breath, running my hand through my hair one last time, making my way onto the college grounds.
The campus was massive, almost resembling something out of a book—not quite Hogwarts, but close enough. I kept my hands in my pockets, my gaze straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with anyone. I could feel their eyes on me, but I didn't let it faze me. One thing I'd learned was that confidence—or at least the appearance of it—was key. If you didn't walk like you belonged, people would eat you alive, and I was not going to let that happen.
I made my way across the quad, ignoring the calls and whistles from a group of guys standing near a pitch. ''Oi gorgeous, flash us a smile, will ya?'' one of them called out. Without breaking my stride, I turned, stuck my middle finger in my mouth, and flipped him off, making sure he got the message.
Pulling out my phone, I tried to navigate to my first lecture. This place was a maze; I needed Google Maps just to find it. Eventually, I found the building and headed up the stairs, pushing open the door to the lecture hall. As usual, I was late. Time keeping had never been my strong suit, despite all those years of delivering packages on a tight schedule.
I ignored the silence that fell over the room as I entered. I made my way to an empty seat near the front next to a girl with blonde curly hair. She smiled brightly at me as I slid my sunglasses to the top of my head, sliding my hair back. I didn't return the smile; I just nodded.
''I'm Nicole'' she whispered, leaning in. ''first day? I haven't seen you around before''.
''yeah, nice to meet you'' I replied curtly. My face stayed neutral; showing emotion wasn't my thing. It made you vulnerable and vulnerability was a luxury I couldn't afford. Her smile faltered and I caught whiff of her perfume- way too strong and it instantly gave me a headache.
The lecturer was already talking about play therapy and it's importance for children dealing with trauma. I tried to focus but I couldn't help noticing Nicole next to me. Her leg was bouncing up and down, her hands fidgeting with a hair tie, pinching it against her skin. Anxiety- I'd recognise it anywhere.
I sighed quietly and rolled my eyes. This girl was a bundle of nerves. Reaching into my bag I pulled out a small packet of pills and discreetly placed it in her hand. 'once every seventy two hours. no more, understood?''. I whispered.
She looked at me eyes wide ''oh I don't take drugs-''
''They're not drugs,'' I cut her off. ''Anxiety meds, the best there is.''
She mouthed a silent 'oh' and nodded, slipping the packet into her pocket. I turned my attention back to the lecture, but I could still feel her glancing at me. She was too timid, too gentle. The kind of person who would get eaten alive if she wasn't careful.
After the lecture, I kept my hands in my pockets and eyes straight ahead. Suddenly remembering where I came from.
I knocked on the door four times just like he told me. The door swung open to reveal a guy in a black T shirt and jeans, his eyebrow cocked in question.
''Fitz sent me.'' I said, keeping my voice low.
He eyed me up and down before stepping aside to let me through. I made my way down a dimly lit hallway and descended a flight of stairs, my heart pounding in my chest.
''Evie come in,'' a voice called out, stark and emotionless.
Pushing the door open as I've done countless other times, I stepped inside. He stood there cigar clamped between his teeth. his face broke into a smile when he saw me. ''There's my favourite girl. how are you?''.
''All good,'' I replied nodding. ''Do you have it?''.
He handed me a small carefully wrapped package. I tucked it securely inside my hoodie making sure it was safe before handing the money. He counted it quickly and nodded slipping me extra for myself.
''No messing about now Evie, alright? now hurry along, love.''
I nodded again and made my way back out, my mind racing.
I was Twelve years old when I started delivering drugs, running packages for the highest criminals in the county. By fifteen I was the most recommended drug runner in the country. By eighteen, I'd met almost every drug lord there was. And by twenty one, I decided I wanted out.
But walking away from that life wasn't easy. Once you're in, you're never truly out. They don't call me Evie anymore and now I'm running for a very different reason.
