Page 15 of Bad Prince
Which is laughable.
I broke up with Melody because she bored me and treated affection like a transaction.
Because when I look at Stella, my pulse does something I can’t control.
But being seen with Stella?
Publicly?
It would be social suicide.
Invites disappearing.
Calls not returned.
My father’s jaw tightening over dinner.
“Be careful who you align yourself with, Tristan.”
Alignment.
That’s what they call it.
So I keep it private.
I flirt in hallways.
I lean too close.
I tell her she looks dangerous in her uniform skirt the day of Homecoming.
“Are you going to dance?” I asked her.
She looked at me like long and slow.
That almost undid me—the heat building between us.
But I never asked.
Later at the dance, I pretended not to notice when she walked in. But I felt the air change when she did.
I told myself I’ll find a moment—to tease—to linger…to flirt.
The blackout wasn’t planned. But when the lights cut out instinct took over.
I saw her silhouette near the punch bowl.
I moved fast—hand on her waist before she could think.
She gasped.
I pull her behind the curtain and then I kissed her.
I had kissed girls before.
Plenty.
But that kiss was pure fire.
