The Forbidden Throb

a's

leepless night mixed wit

quietly, attemptin

n directly in my way. "Why did you disappear las

ntarily stunned

Nicholas. You d

ossing his face as he seemed to remember that

"But that doesn't mean you should be this cold. You see me on campus and can't ev

e like a grimace. "Hello, Nich

lowering his voice. "You're ma

a bit shallow when it came to him-his perfect features had made me forgive th

The chiseled jaw, the perfect brow, the confident smile-they all seem

d-one with similar bone structure but vastly

thought away, disturb

st conversation about w

h, about to ask him directly about t

ere you a

rt approached, clapping Nicholas on the back. I reco

ng," he said, already pulling Nicholas away

, glancing between

r," he said, the comm

himself to be led away, already engaged in

sked, watching him walk away a

e voice came from behi

girl from last night-the one who'd answered

-blonde hair, delicate features, expensivel

sion oddly sympathetic. "I'm Megan. I should apolog

What exactly should yo

med like genuine surprise. "Well... for what y

alculated. "I just thought someone should tell you. You

le?" I

ondescending. "Some people know when

his wasn't an apology-it was

ange calm se

off?" I asked, surprising myself with my steadiness. "You don't need to worry.

ded, Megan's lips curve

d we understan

m having a small gathering at The Crimson Lounge around nine-private room in

ond, leaving me rooted to the spot,

lf staring at my closet, debating w

egan's birthday to me-clear

poken boundary, would have stayed home to

g had shifte

disregard for his comfort, or maybe simple

change into a black dress and call

ved, it was alread

ted conversation spilled into th

I could hear cheering and the clinking of glass

e door open, Nicholas's voice

e," he said, his voice carrying a

pted in cheer

someone shouted. "Birt

ghtly lower. "Isn't Nicholas dating someone? That qu

he noise, and I froze with my h

ice cut through the silence with an edge I'd never he

ppled throu

emboldened by the group's response. "If it weren't for my

e'll be upset?" the sa

ocial ladder through me. She's not in any position to be upset." His tone turned tea

just making sure when she eventually finds out and you're

again, followed by renewed

ll limply

an's voice purred. "I'm

oor, I watched as Nicholas

s. His hand cupped the back of her head, d

the kiss and landed directly on

saw the corner of her mouth curl against Ni