Chapter 2 Fiona.

My eyes stayed glued to my stepbrother, sleeping right beside me. Hands wrapped around me like he was not ready to let me go and I wasn't even willing to move either.

Wait... What am I doing?

I should stand up, wake him up—do everything in my power to push him away and jolt him awake not staring at him and letting myself feel the rush of adrenaline.

Hayes breathed out as he snuggled up, pulling me closer, and I was aware that the more I remained in this position I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold myself any longer.

Damn!

I swallowed as I slowly took his large masculine hand away from me. I could hardly breath at this point and as I moved, my gaze remained fixated on him.

Hayes seemed too deeply asleep for someone who passed out in my room.

I could perceive the smell of alcohol in his breathing, and the more I wanted to remain this way I knew it wasn’t just right.

Who knows—I might be doing something I would end up regretting later on.

No way was I even going to regret it, but it was so wrong being this way with him. If anyone found us this way, well I don't even want to think about that.

​I stepped into the bathroom, finally letting out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

​That was too close, I thought, my chest heaving as the image of his sleeping face flashed behind my eyelids.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, it took a long minute for my hands to stop shaking enough to grab my toothbrush. But even under the hot spray of the shower, I couldn’t wash away the memory.

The way he held me, his warm breath, and how I didn’t pull away fast enough.

After spending what seemed to be forever in the bathroom, I finally stepped out of it but not until after I peeped my head out to confirm he was no longer here.

I had planned on going to campus early, but at this point, I knew I was running late thanks to my hot stepbrother who had no business being in my bed.

I changed into a denim mini skirt and a crop top before pulling my blonde hair back into a ponytail. Leaving it down was always a hassle—those curly tips had a mind of their own.

I would definitely be missing breakfast this morning, I thought, as I climbed down the staircase with my canvas tote slung over my shoulder.

Luckily Hayes and Kaden's friends were no longer here although they were yet to tidy this place up.

Perks of having elder brothers I guess.

I hurried out of the house, heading toward the sleek black car waiting in the driveway.

The driver already stood by the rear door, holding it open.

"I told Mom I could get to campus myself,” I muttered.

The chauffeur gave me a polite, unyielding smile, gesturing silently toward the leather interior.

Defeated, I slid into the backseat. He closed the door, hopped into the front, and pulled out into the morning traffic.

Gia asked to accompany me but I guess she was somewhere in the house passed out from drinking I wonder if she even slept in my room considering I found Hayes on my bed—no… That wasn’t any way to put it.

I swallowed hard, winding down the window to let the cool air hit me. I wouldn’t let him ruin my first day of school—even if my mind was still stuck on the way he held me.

•

Settling down in college didn’t seem as hard as I thought, perhaps because I had many people help out with my first day.

The second lecture for today just concluded as the professor walked out of the lecture room.

I took the book and inserted it into my backpack, my eyes meeting with the fine chocolate-skinned lady beside me. Awkwardly, I called out, "Hi…’”

“Hi…” She responded. “I'm... Titilayo.”

“Titi-?” I repeated, unsure I heard her correctly.

“Yeah, Titi. It's a Nigerian name.” She replied with a smile.

Oh! That explains it.

“Nice to meet you Titi, I’m Fiona.” I returned her smile.

“First day at school I guess?” She asked and I nodded.

“It’s been tiring and—“

“Oh! Look who already made a new friend!” I didn’t need to turn to who this was to know it was Gia as she walked towards us in this almost empty lecture room.

“Hmm… You’re adapting better than I thought.” Gia mentioned as she glanced at Titi. “Hi… Gia—a sophomore, and Fiona right here's just like a sister to me."

“Oh… I’m Titi.”

“That's right Titi, come here, let’s get you used to the school…” Gia said holding Titi's hand and nudging for me to follow them.

Okay! There she goes making friends for me, I wonder if she hadn’t come, today might have just been the last day I speak with Titi, considering how I wasn’t good at making friends, and even her?

Oh! Gia had tried too hard before we finally became this close.

Gia showed us around the College of Communication and Sciences, telling us what we needed to know.

I had yet to even take a tour around the university thanks to her.

“And the very place everyone not attending the university has always been dying to see… The beautiful hockey rink!” She announced, and I didn’t even know when the smile crept up my face.

We navigated down the school compound to this building before us.

“I had no idea it used to be as crowded as this,” Titi mentioned. “Last time I came it was quiet.” She added in.

“Well, there’s an exhibition game going on… I wonder if the guys would get smoked considering how much they’ve partied last night.” Gia murmured and I rolled my eyes at her.

She is one to talk.

We walked in and the first thing that hit me was the cold.

The place was huge—all bright lights and rows of bleachers stretching up high. With the ice glowing like that, you’d honestly think it was some big-time national arena, not just a college rink.

“Wow!” I gasped, scanning the room. The cheerleaders were screaming and the crowd was leaning in, totally hooked on the match.

We had our seats on the bleachers.

“Aren't we having class instead of sitting by here?” Titi asked.

“Please don’t tell me you’re a bookworm…” Gia said and Titi shrugged as I let out a chuckle.

My gaze snapped straight to Hayes, like my eyes knew exactly where he’d be before I did.. I couldn’t see his face clearly from where I was seated but I knew his playing number instantly, and I would never mistake his features.

The crowd went wild when Hayes scored. I didn’t even realize I was grinning until the moment it vanished—a girl, who looked like the head cheerleader, rushed onto the ice.

She threw her arms around Hayes neck and kissed him right there.

And just like that, my heart sank.