Chapter 1

Rose’s POV:

I stood in the dimly lit haze of my best friend’s Halloween party, dressed in a provocative maid outfit. The fabric clung to my curves, and a hint of fake blood smeared my lips—a daring touch that felt all too appropriate given the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

From across the crowded room, I caught sight of Sam and Abby locked in an intimate kiss, their lips moving tenderly together. It was a scene that shattered my disbelief.

“Mac, tell me you’re seeing this too! Sam and Abby can’t be lip-locking!” I exclaimed, panic lacing my voice.

Still, the flickering lights cast shadows that felt surreal, making me question my own sanity for a moment.

“Your eyes are working just fine! I think I’m going to faint; I can’t endure this!” Mac’s voice was frantic, his wide eyes reflecting distress as he grasped his heart dramatically. “I’ve had a crush on Sam since kindergarten. I thought I could handle it when I realized he’s not into guys. But now…he’s kissing Abby!”

“Wait, what kind of friend are you? Are you actually jealous of Abby?” I asked, my confusion deepening as I tried to comprehend his reaction.

“Of course not,” he huffed, a flash of anger crossing his face. “I’m furious at her for taking your man!”

Without thinking, Mac started to march toward Sam and Abby, who remained lost in their world as the drunken revelry swirled around them like a storm. Panic surged through me, and I grabbed his arm, yanking him back.

“Hey! Hey, stop!” he shouted, struggling as I pulled him away, tears stinging the corners of my eyes.

I dragged him out of the house, pushing past partygoers whose laughter and chatter felt muffled, a cacophony of noise that only made my heart race. The claustrophobic atmosphere of Abby’s double-story house felt like it was closing in on me, and I needed to escape.

“Why didn’t you let me teach them a lesson?” Mac asked, his disappointment evident in his voice as I pulled him outside.

I took a moment to survey his outfit—a cute black mini skirt paired with a fitted tank top, matched with dramatic black wings and splashes of fake blood marring his costume. He had clearly put a lot of effort into his look to impress Theo, another senior crush.

Holding back the tears threatening to spill, I steeled myself to offer him some comfort.

“Hey, don’t ruin your night for me. We’re nearly graduated; this won’t matter in the long run,” I said, but inside, I felt like I was crumbling into a million pieces.

Mac examined me closely, his brow furrowing in concern. “You’re not fooling me. We were going to break up anyway,” I quickly added, hoping to assuage his worries.

“Why do you think you guys are going to break up?” he pressed, his expression shifting from anger to concern.

“He’s not applying to NYU,” I replied, attempting to sound casual. I needed to convince him, so I added, “You know, I’ve received a scholarship, and I can’t throw away my future for a guy.”

Though he still didn’t look completely convinced, his face softened as he considered my words.

“Are you lying to me?” he asked, his voice gentle but probing.

The warmth in his tone made my heart ache. I fought the urge to let the truth spill from my lips. Instead, I managed a shaky smile, trying to mask my inner turmoil.

“Relax, I’m telling the truth! We were going to tell you and Abby after Halloween. Sam and I just…drifted. The spark is gone,” I fabricated, pushing the painful truth deeper away.

I couldn’t let Mac know that I had been planning to stay in Texas for Sam, contemplating rejecting my scholarship for the guy I believed I’d be with forever. How could I tell him that I had never anticipated Abby, of all people, would charm her way into my heartache?

“But you two were so in love! You were planning a future together. I can’t believe you,” Mac insisted, hurt visible in his eyes.

“Yeah, we were. But college is right around the corner. Things change, you know? Don’t overthink it,” I murmured, turning away from him, my heart heavy with falsity as I nudged him back toward the pulsating party inside.

“Go on, enjoy! I’ll catch up with you later,” I called, taking deliberate steps backward from him.

“Where are you going?” he yelled over the noise as others shoved past us.

“Just getting some fresh air and avoiding an awkward run-in with my best friend…and my ex,” I replied, hastily retreating from the crowded patio in search of solace.

As I blindly wandered away from Abby’s house, I initially felt liberated, oblivious to my surroundings. But soon, the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood faded, and an unsettling silence enveloped me. I glanced up, my tear-filled eyes realizing I had stumbled upon an abandoned graveyard.

The sadness that had occupied me moments ago was quickly replaced by a creeping sense of fear. This graveyard was infamous for ghost stories that sent shivers down the spines of those who passed by, especially at night. I surveyed the area, my heart pounding, and suddenly fell to my knees, screaming in anguish. I needed to release all the pent-up emotions that threatened to drown me, and this desolate place seemed like the only sanctuary where I could cry without prying eyes.

I screamed into the night—an agonizing sound that echoed around me—but the real pain lay in witnessing the love of my life smooch my childhood best friend.

“I get it—Abby is rich and beautiful—but it’s not like I’m ugly! People say my fiery ginger hair is my best feature, and my green eyes complement it perfectly. My body isn’t bad either, right? Sure, I don’t have the biggest bosom, but I still have time to grow into myself!” I shouted into the dark, trying to convince myself.

Suddenly, enveloped by my laments, I heard a deep voice break through the night.

“You must be dating a high schooler; they’re all about the curvy bosom and backside these days,” he quipped, his tone playful yet mocking.

I shrieked in alarm, stumbling backward as a strong arm wrapped around my waist, catching me before I hit the ground.

As I righted myself, I finally turned to meet the gaze of the voice that had startled me. The unexpected owner stood beside me, a blend of surprise and intrigue washing over my face.

He had the most mesmerizing aqua eyes, gleaming like sunlit pool water, reflecting minuscule shards of light that danced within their depths. My gaze wandered from those captivating eyes to his slim, straight nose and then settled on his thin, pink lips, which appeared moist yet rugged, suggesting he cared for them, though perhaps not meticulously. Without meaning to, I found myself leaning closer, drawn in by the scent of his minty breath that brushed against my face, tempting me to taste those tantalizing lips.

“Done checking me out?” he asked, his deep voice breaking the spell.

I blinked, snapping back to reality, and finally took in his chiseled jawline and masculine features. He possessed an undeniable rugged charm, his smile dangerously alluring.

Wait, why is he smiling?

“I... I’m not checking you out!” I blurted, heat flooding my cheeks as I flusteredly shrugged off his arms, stepping back to regain my composure.

A quick survey of his appearance revealed black baggy jeans that hung low on his hips, a fitted black shirt, and a sleek black leather jacket that adorned his broad shoulders. White chunky sneakers contrasted with the darkness of his outfit, while the red rose in his hand stood out like a beacon of unexpected romance.

Wait, why is he holding a rose?

Maybe he’s waiting for his girlfriend, my mind offered almost instinctively.

With that thought, I quickly averted my gaze, mentally chastising myself for lingering.

“What are you doing here? Waiting for your girl?” I asked, a wave of sadness washing over me unexpectedly.

He chuckled softly, the sound rich and inviting, drawing my gaze back to him. His laughter was contagious, bringing an involuntary smile to my lips.

“Oh, I wasn’t waiting for any girl until you showed up and scared the daylights out of me,” he replied, his lopsided smile adding a touch of mischief to his handsome face.

His casual tone made my heart flutter, but embarrassment flared within me as I recalled my sudden entrance, undoubtedly causing him a fright.

“I... I’m sorry, I guess,” I mumbled, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks under his intense, sexy stare.

He was undeniably attractive—hot in a way that felt both familiar and electrifying.

“Apology accepted, since you actually interrupted my peace,” he remarked playfully, taking a single step closer.

I gulped, a mixture of exhilaration and nerves swirling within me. I had never felt this flustered around another guy; not even Sam had ever made my heart race this fast.

“I was a bit upset and didn’t notice anyone around, so I just...” I attempted to explain, my voice trailing off as my throat tightened.

“Bad breakup?” he asked, an eyebrow arched in curiosity.

He leaned in closer, attempting to meet me at eye level, revealing just how tall he truly was. I had barely registered his height until this moment, finding myself feeling small in his presence.

If you look away from his face, you’ll notice other things too, my brain chimed in, warning me about my surroundings.

I felt like a child standing before him, dwarfed by his stature.

And what should I be noticing? I interrogated my thoughts.

You’re in a secluded area with a stranger outside a graveyard.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me of the eeriness of our surroundings.

“I... I... Uh, I think I should go,” I stuttered, turning to make my exit.

But my heart had other intentions, urging me to stay and converse with him. It whispered for me to say something, even as my mind cautioned me to leave.

“Thank you, I guess,” I said, bewilderment lacing my tone.

His breathtaking smile returned, lighting up his face.

“Do you know the way from here?” he inquired.

I looked around, panic rising within me; I had no idea which direction would lead me back to my neighborhood.

“Come, I’ll lead the way, and then you can thank me,” he said, turning on his heel and striding ahead with confidence.

I gazed at his broad back and tall figure, feeling diminutive as I followed him like a lost puppy. The darkness of the sky loomed above us, and the moon shone brightly, casting shadows around us as I sneaked glances at him. He seemed almost like a dark angel—or maybe even a vampire.

Vampires are sexy.

And bloodthirsty, my brain reminded me.

I didn’t know what compelled me to share my feelings with him, but something deep inside urged me to open up.

“He cheated on me with my best friend,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper as I looked down at my feet and halted in my tracks.

Suddenly, I felt a shadow envelop me as he gently grasped my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his piercing eyes.

“That guy isn’t worth your tears, and your best friend deserves him because you deserve so much better,” he told me sincerely, as if he had intuitively tapped into my emotions.

I hadn’t even realized that tears had begun cascading down my cheeks until he used his thumb to wipe away the lone tear that slipped down my face, his hand cradling my cheek.

His touch sent electric shivers through me.

“Your hand is cold,” I whispered, astonished by our intimacy.

He smiled softly and asked, “Do you want to sit somewhere warm?”

I nodded timidly, and he pointed to my left, where a bonfire flickered invitingly. Not once did I question the oddity of a fire burning on an otherwise empty street.

“I saw some pranksters set the fire earlier to scare people,” he explained casually, and I nodded, treating him like an obedient child, willing to trust his words.

He guided me to sit beside him on a stone, our bodies brushing against each other, making me acutely aware of the closeness. My dress crept up my thighs, amplifying my shyness.

He removed his jacket and draped it over my lap, warmth radiating from the fabric, while my heart began to race once more, overwhelmed by the scent of his cologne, which made me want to snuggle closer.

“Do you feel better?” he asked, breaking the momentary silence.

I returned a bewildered look, unsure how to respond.

“After screaming,” he clarified with a playful grin.

Heat flooded my cheeks, and I felt embarrassed again.