ZOEY'S POV

The kiss had lasted for barely a minute. It was almost sixty seconds of heat, confusion, and everything I didn’t want to feel.

The moment I came to my senses, I pulled back, my heart hammering against my chest and without hesitation, I slapped Theo hard across the face.

The sound echoed inside the sport lodge and this was followed by a deafening silence that lasted for a minute.

I watched as his head jerked slightly. I could see the red mark blooming on his cheek as a result of the hit.

Unsure of what was going to happen next, I staggered backwards, staring at him with my mouth slightly parted.

All the while, I had my gaze fixated on him. I wanted him to talk, to just say anything or flinch to show he was affected by the hit but he did not say anything.

He just stood there, his eyes unreadable.

“You don’t get to do that,” I hissed, wiping my lips like they burned. “Don’t you ever come near me again.” I broke the silence between us, wielding my middle finger in his face.

Still, he didn’t speak. He was just staring at me like he was daring me to mean what I said.

His attitude made my stomach churn as anger mixed with irritation ran through my veins.

After a few more minutes of glaring at him, I turned on my heel and then stormed out of the lodge, my chest tight as my hands trembled.

No matter how much I tried, I just couldn't control my rage, I felt like I was blowing up.

His look was neatly stamped in my head and the fact that I couldn't shake it off made me even more livid.

I hated that he looked so calm. I hated that the kiss had… meant something and for that one stupid minute, I had wanted it.

Still raving with anger, I stormed towards the cafeteria but before I walked through the door, I had plastered the fakest smile I could manage.

Standing by the door, I allowed my eyes to scan the large room until I saw Farrah waving at me with a large smile plastered on her face which I returned.

She must have been waiting for me and so without wasting any more time, I rushed towards the table.

“Girl, you look like you just ran a marathon,” she said as I dropped into the seat across from her.

I forced a laugh, throwing my head sideways so she wouldn't see my face properly, “It’s nothing, just practice.” I replied, returning my gaze to her with a smug look.

Pushing a chip into her mouth, she said, “You were gone for almost an hour. And you look like you’re about to throw something at someone.”

I shoved a spoonful of mashed potatoes into my mouth just to avoid answering.

My face felt hot and my whole body was still buzzing from the aftermath of that kiss, and the slap.

Leaning forward with her hands folded in front of her, Farrah narrowed her eyes at me, “What happened?”

“Nothing,” I lied through my teeth, forcing a smile to placate her and put an end to the questioning but I should have known better.

“Zoey…” She called with a raised brow.

“I’m fine,” I snapped a little too fast as I was angry she was pushing forward with it.

With a softened look now, I mumbled, “I’m telling the truth.” I groaned and with a shrug, said, "I’m just tired.”

Farrah didn’t buy it. I could see it in her face and demeanour but she dropped it at least for now.

At the end of the last class for the day, I rushed home, hoping and praying that my parents had finally returned.

Last night before going to bed and early this morning, I had tried to reach mom but she didn't pick her calls.

I had even texted her but still it was the same result. I bet she was so busy that she didn't even have time to check her phone.

But still she should have created time for me despite her busy schedule.

They had been gone for over a week now on that so-called “urgent business trip.” I had missed them so much even if I had never said it out loud.

I needed the normalcy of having my father and mother around, I needed someone who would ask how my day was without ulterior motives or tension hanging in the air.

When I got home I kicked the door in, revealing a dark, cold and empty house.

Rolling my eyes, I slammed the door shut, dropped my bag on the couch and with a sigh, I fished out my phone from my jacket.

Without hesitation, I dialed my mom’s number, praying she would pick up this time around but it was a repeat of what had happened the previous day.

Just when I was about to give up calling, she picked up on the third ring and immediately, I let out the breath I had been holding back.

“Why are you calling?” That was the first words that left her lips, making my chest tightened.

I’ve never had a mother and daughter relationship with my Mom. She’d rather drown herself in heaps of files, than spend time with me.

My stomach sank at her words. “You’re still not home.” I spoke with an accusatory tone.

There was a brief pause before she answered, “Things are a little complicated over here.”

Slowly, I lowered myself on the arm of the couch, hoping nothing had gone wrong, “What’s going on?”

There was another pause, then my father’s voice came onto the line.

“Zoey, listen.” He started, his voice low and stern. “We won’t be coming home until after two months. We have a lot of businesses to deal with over here.”

“Two months? Are you serious?” I gasped, my breath hitched in my throat as my heartbeat doubled.

“We know it’s not ideal,” Mom added. “But you stay with Adam for a while until we’re back.”

I blinked trying to wrap my head around what I had just heard, “Adam? As in, my brother?” I asked for confirmation.

“Yes.”

“And his best friend?”

Another silence came through and it said everything which made my pulse spike.

“You mean Theo. The same Theo I slapped across the face this afternoon.”

“You what?” Mom gasped. “You’re becoming a brat, Zoey and I won’t tolerate such!” Mom snapped.

“Never mind,” I quickly said. “Why can’t I just stay home? I’m not a child anymore, I can take care of myself.”

“For goodness sake, I’m in my second year in college." I huffed.

“It’s all up to you. But just so you know, if anything happens to you while you’re alone, that’s on you. We won’t be responsible.”

I stared at the wall, my jaw clenched as anger boiled through my veins.

“So I don’t get a say?” I was barely keeping my anger in check now. I fear I was going to erupt soon.

“You don’t. You’ve always been an obedient child. Don’t change.” Mom responded, her voice edged with anger.

I was furious and wasn't prepared to hear anymore so I hung up, tossing my phone on the couch before throwing myself down and screaming into a cushion.

Of all the possible outcomes, living with Adam was something I dreaded but I could manage.

But Theo? After what happened between us? After that kiss, that slap and that look he gave me?

Hell no!

The more I thought of it, the more emptier the house felt. I thought of calling Farrah, but I couldn’t find the words to explain the mess I was in.

Why can't I stop thinking about Theo’s mouth on mine?

Why am I remembering the way his hand had gently cupped the back of my neck, like he meant it?

And worse, what did it mean that I didn’t hate it?

I told myself over and over again that he was the enemy. The guy who always got under my skin, teased me, irritated me.

He was the guy who made me feel like I was always one second away from slapping or kissing him again.

I lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

If things went my parents way, in less than 24 hours, I would be packing up and moving in with the two people who drove me crazy in completely different ways.

ZOEY’S POV

Boredom had clawed its way into my chest like an infection. It has been two days since I spoke to my parents, yet I haven’t made a move to pack my stuff and move in with Adam.

Mom must have probably told Adam about it so I made sure I ignored him like my life depended on it. And to subside the boredom I felt, I scrolled through my phone endlessly.

Adam would have pushed with it but at the moment, he was busy with classes and gym commitments.

Theo on the other hand existed like a shadow. He was always irritating because that was how he always made me feel.

The worst part? He acted like nothing had happened. Like that kiss and my slap had been some mild afternoon drama.

So when Farrah texted me about the frat party, I didn’t even hesitate.

Frat party tonight, so come get wasted with me before we both die of boredom. Also: slut fits required. No negotiations. This was the text she sent to me that afternoon.

Since it was the weekend and I was left with zero better options, I agreed.

When it was time, I threw on a tight black crop top and a skirt that barely covered anything. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want Theo to see me and regret ever messing with my head.

But I was sure as hell he wouldn’t be at the party. Adam definitely wasn’t coming, and Theo usually stuck close to him as they were like two peas in a pod.

When we arrived, the frat house was already packed full. Music thudded through the walls, the smell of beer and sweat was thick in the air.

Farrah squealed as she dragged me inside and I followed without hesitation.

Neon lights flickered across the living room where bodies writhed like snakes on a dance floor too small for this many people.

We found a spot near the drinks table and Farrah immediately poured something cheap and fruity into two red cups and handed me one.

“To make more bad choices,” she cheered, lifting her cup above her head.

Mimicking her, I said, “And to pretend we have our lives together.” We clinked and drank.

Everything was fine at first. It was loud, chaotic, and mind numbingly until I saw him.

Theo.

He stepped into the room like he owned it, dressed in black jeans and a fitted gray tee shirt that clung to him like it wanted to live on his skin.

At that instant, my chest went cold as I cursed under my breath. “Of all nights…”

Farrah raised a brow, “Isn’t that—?”

“Don’t,” I snapped.

He walked past the crowd and locked eyes with me immediately but I looked away, sipping my drink and pretending not to care.

But my throat was suddenly dry, and my stomach started doing that flip thing again. It was the only thing my stomach ever did around him.

As if I haven't had enough, one of the girls standing near us jumped to her feet and yelled Theo’s name.

She threw her arms around him and pulled him close and he didn’t resist.

The girl sat right on his thigh like he was her personal throne and started grinding on him like they were behind closed doors.

I tried not to look, I tried to act like it didn’t matter but I failed miserably. My gaze flicked back to him, just once and that was enough as our eyes met.

The girl on his thigh turned her face toward his, leaning in to kiss him but still, his eyes didn’t leave mine. I felt like someone had shoved a brick into my throat.

Why did it hurt? He wasn’t mine so I had no right feeling this way.

When I couldn't take it anymore, I pushed my chair back, “I need air,” I muttered, grabbing Farrah’s arm.

“You okay?”

“I just need to step out.” She didn’t need to respond as I slipped through the crowd and then out of the door.

Outside, the night was cold. With my hands wrapped around myself, I leaned against the porch rail.

Why the hell did I feel like this?

Jealousy? Heartache? What right did I even have to be upset? I was the one who slapped him, I was the one who said he should stay away.

“Hey,” a low voice called out from the shadows and I turned to face the owner of the voice.

A guy stood by the edge of the house, smoking like he was trying to set the building ablaze. Thick smoke billowed from his lips, and his eyes glittered under the porch light.

“You’re Zoey, right?” he said, flicking ash onto the gravel.

I didn’t answer, I kept staring instead.

“You’re hot,” he added, stepping closer. “Gimme your number.”

“Not interested.” I rolled my eyes and then turned to leave but he moved fast.

One second I was heading back inside, the next, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

“Don’t be rude, baby,” he said, pulling me toward himself, his body pressed against mine.

Disgust rose in my throat, “Let go.” I hissed, trying to wriggle from him but he didn’t instead his grip tightened.

“You think you’re too good to talk to me?”

I shoved at his chest but he didn’t budge and that’s when I felt fear. Real, creeping fear that was about to knock me out but then I heard his voice

“Back off.” Theo hissed.

Relief poured into me like warm water. The grip on my wrist loosening immediately but not because the guy suddenly respected boundaries.

But because Theo was already grabbing him by the neck.

Theo slammed him against the wall of the porch with enough force to rattle him. His face twisted with rage as he drew back and punched him hard across his face.

He didn't stop there, he pushed him again, and then again but before he could repeat his action, I yelled, “Theo stop!” I shouted, grabbing his arm but he wasn’t listening.

When he finally stopped, the guy slumped to the ground, groaning as blood trickled from his nose. Theo stood over him, his chest heaving with his fists still clenched.

“She is not like those other girls so don't touch her,” he growled and then turned to me.

“Why are you doing this?” I huffed. “Why do you even care?”

“You know why.”

“No, I don’t! You let that girl grind on you like I wasn’t even in the room!” I said even before I could realize.

“You think I wanted that?”

“You didn’t stop her!”

“Because I was trying not to do this!” he shouted. “Not to fall into this mess with you again!”

“I don’t mean anything to you. You made that clear.” I snapped.

“And who told you that?” he shot back at me.

“I didn’t need anyone to, I can see it.”

He stared at me for a long time and with a quiet and rough voice, he said, “Move in with us. This happened because you’re alone. I can't allow it to happen again.”

“Why would I live with my enemy?” I scoffed, crossing my hands on my chest.

“I’ll leave instead,” he said. “Just… stay close to your brother, Leika.”

The way he said my name made my whole body stutter. The anger, the chaos, the fear, it all melted into something else, something dangerous.

I could’ve kissed him right then as I wanted to but I didn’t. I turned away, my heart pounding like a war drum.

“You don’t have to leave,” I whispered. “I’ll move in tomorrow.”

ZOEY'S POV

I was fucked.

That was the only thought running through my head as I sat in the cafeteria, absentmindedly listening as Farrah chattered on and on about something her mom had bought on Amazon.

“You know, she literally got what I ordered and what I got as a package.” She giggled, flipping her shiny brown locks over her shoulder. “I felt so bad for her, but I told her not to order from them since they had multiple bad reviews.”

“Uh. Un.” I answered distractedly, barely making out what she had said.

All I could think of was what happened this morning and yesterday.

After finally putting the right things into place, and making my room look like what I had wanted, I got out last night for dinner only to discover my room was right next to Lanvin ‘s.

That's not the worst part.

The mortifying part was coming out to walk smack into his naked chest.

Like what the fuck?

Guys, get a shirt!

The annoying part however was that the bastard saw nothing wrong with it. Even Zane. The mother fucking betrayer of a brother only shrugged when I practically screamed my lungs off with a red face.

I am a virgin. Did I need to spell it to their faces before they stop harassing my poor virgin cunt?

I was supposed to be innocent, but can I stay innocent when a body from one of my many fantasies suddenly pops out of nowhere in the house with a villain ‘s face?

I gripped the plastic fork in my hand tightly, stabbing it into the salad on my plate as I imagined his smug face.

“Woah, woah woah there tiger. Easy to do now.” Farrah laughed, her hands reaching to save the plate of salad in front of me. “What's got into you today?”

“Who else?” I snarked airily, rolling my eyes.

“Lanvin?” My best friend guessed, tilting her head and letting out another laugh when she knew she had it right. “What did he do this time?”

“What didn't he do is what you should be asking.” I rolled my eyes again. It seemed I was doing it ever so often at the mention of that jerk.

Ever since my brother decided to take in a best friend from god knows where, my life's been in constant danger. A Lanvin danger.

“So I told you I moved in with them right?” I started, my ever gossip lover Farrah moving in closer to me. “Just barely two days and I am already regretting my decision. I tell you Farrah, this bastard does this on purpose.”

“What did he actually do?”

“He was playing fucking jazz at three in the morning knowing quiet well I need my beauty sleep.” I huffed.

Farrah stifled a giggle, and I swear to god, I was close to losing it.

“Alright, but did you confront him? Tell him to turn the volume down or anything?”

“I did!”

“So?” She asked, shaking her head as she waited for my response, her bright green eyes twinkling with new found gossip. “What did he say?”

I sighed dramatically , “Quote and unquote, the bastard said, it's to clear your mind from masturbating.”

“I can't believe he said that.” She bursted into a goggling fit.

I rolled my eyes at her laughing form. “And I can't believe you are laughing.”

We are literally in the same category of virgins, but looking at her now, I couldn't tell anymore.

There was this glow about her, that I couldn't pinpoint.

“Speak of the devil.” Farrah said in-between giggles, jutting her chin towards the cafeteria’s door.

Striding into the messy cafeteria were the hockey team and the football teams, their tall and bulky frames intimidating and drawing everyone in an instant, but among them two stood out.

One, I identified as my brother, due to sharing the same mass of sleek shiny black hair as him, and the other, well, let's say his blonde hair and brown eyes were what caught me.

I dropped my gaze to the table trying to ignore them, or avoid their sights if that was possible.

As much as I liked having a popular brother, there was the downside of it as well, and I wasn't going to mention them. Nope.

“Hey, can I sit here?” A voice suddenly sounded from behind me, startling me and Farrah.

“Sweet baby Jesus! What the hell?” Farrah and I chorused in fright.

We both looked over, taking sight of a boy in a football jersey, his brown hair tousled by the wind, his baby blue eyes growing smaller as his face burned with embarrassment.

“I am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you two, I just wanted a place to sit.” He quickly apologized, squeezing the good tray in his hands.

I have him once over, my face skeptical, “it's alright, you can sit.”

“Thank you!” He beamed at us, plopping onto the bench like he had been waiting to do so all his life. “My name's Ben.” He introduced himself, Farrah barely paying any attention to him.

Saving the poor boy from embarrassment, I replied, “nice to meet you. My name's Zoey.”

“I know.” Ben said, a blush clouding his face as he looked over at me then at his plate. “Your brother Zane talks about you all the time.”

Okay now, I had no idea what face I was making, because this guy screamed weird from miles away.

I took a quick look at Farrah noticing she had the same comical look on her face as mine.

“Okay…” I drawled out, hoping the awkward atmosphere could go, but the guy only made it worse.

“It's not that he mentions you in a bad way, it's just that he talks about you, like bragging, and I see it now, you are pretty, and so is your brother.” He stammered, scratching the back of his head, anxiously looking at me in horror. “No. I meant your brother was handsome cause guys aren't pretty you know?”

No, and dude, can you just stop? You are making it worse.

“Okay, yeah so I can't do this.” Farrah said, making a face at me as she made to leave. “Bye, Zoey!”

“Don't you dare!” I hissed, quickly latching onto her skirt and pulling it. One wrong move and she's fucked.

She whined crazily like a bitch, but I didn't give a damn what she thought. I had been in more embarrassing situations when it was her turn, and I had sat through it with her.

Ben looked nervously between us, tension rising in his face as he took in my annoyed form. “I am so sorry, I only wanted to ask if you could go out with me tonight.”

Gosh fucking no??

I opened my mouth to answer, but just then a voice cut me off from behind.

“I thought you asked me out already.”