I Knew I Loved You

pid beat of my pulse. The cold wave of uncertainty washed over me, leaving me rooted to the spot, unable to move

all I could manage to utter, struggling to find t

odical and deliberate. "I have a name. It's Thorn Reid

. Thorn Reid Weston. It had a certain elegance to it, a poetic quality that resonated

o regain my composure. "I don't need a chaperone or for you to escort me.

couldn't handle myself? The audacity of his presumption fueled a flick

ling to engage with me except for Thorn. His persistent glances in my direction mad

ng change in behavior, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was a consequence of the school's strict regulations. I had never

o take a break and search for something to eat. It seemed like a logical c

rned around, surprised to find Thorn standing there, his gaze intense and unwaverin

pear when I thought I could escape his presence? "Thorn, I'm hung

eclared, striding ahead of me w

determined strides. "I don't need your company," I mutt

rankster. I was strutting confidently in my high-heeled pumps when disaster struck. My foot caugh

ecording, finding my misfortune absolutely hilarious. I was mortified, completely stunned. If those videos made their way onto social media, I was sure to become

lowly, I peeked through my fingers and saw Thorn, a familiar fa

naged to utter, m

ng my waist firmly. With a stern glare at the girls, t

code?" Thorn's voice carried au

ttempted to explain, feeling a mi

t and took my hand, pulling me

*

and I sat together, enjoying our meal in silence. I couldn't help but wonder if he genuinely shared my taste or if he was simply trying to

girls who almost captured my embarrassing moment on video. However, as I watched him smiling while engrossed in a pho

s," Thorn snapped back, hi

hy was he being so prickly with me? His unexpected shift only piqued my

r Thorn's meddling, I would have long ditched him. But I vowed to myself that when the opportunity presented

I can help you catch up on the topics we've c

ended to be disinterested as I dialed my phone. "Rich," I sai

Ada?" Rich's voice ca

onchalantly informed him, twirling

h pressed for

, taking a sip of my drink. Thorn

o you always find ways to

or I'll fall behind. You can ask our professor

d I couldn't help but notic

you'll behave,"

of me. I'm sure he wouldn't mind," I retor

uy?" Rich aske

word 'us'. "Come on, Rich. I'll call you later. Love you, bye." I ende

efensively, wanti

with a furrowed brow, his intense gaze making me feel se

's what you wanted, right? Unless you have a da

emained fi

ate, don't you?"

replied

uppressed it. I would save the laughter

*

bookshelves were neatly organized, and laptops were available at each station for easy access to technology. People

However, he declined, and I sensed their curious glances directed at me, as if I had done something wrong. Despite the attention, no one dared int

y challenging, I questioned whether I could keep up. Yet, I reminded myself that this was for Richmond and the sacrifi

Let's continue tom

early, and I had plans to meet Lowella later. Perhaps it was the serene

," Thorn offered, sta

moothly, and the interior of his car exuded a newness that hinted at his affluent background.

nstructed as we arrive

cle as well and surveyed the surroundings. "Is your house located among the

y at his question. "Do you want to jo

s. "What do you think you're doing?" he ex

ng nonchalance. "I'm changing," I replie

into Thorn's car through the open window. His clenched fists

dge of his polo shirt. "Come on. Let's take a moment together, getti

im, and I bit my lower lip, relishing the power I held over him. His eyes, even in his anger, wer

ur conscience will haunt you. So come with me, Thorn. I promi