Red Thorns (Thorns Duet 1)

His broad frame slowly disappears down the hall and my jittery insides catch fire. It’s like a part of me is disappearing with him.

Or maybe it’s a part of us.

I barely chance a glance at the classroom and the decision to ditch it comes so easily. I’m half-jogging in my attempts to catch up to Sebastian.

Thankfully, I know where he parks his car and I catch up to him right as he starts the engine. I don’t think twice as I hop in the passenger seat, panting.

He stares at me. “What are you doing?”

“Going with you.”

“Where do you think I’m going?”

“I don’t care.”

“It could be a dangerous place.”

I scoff. “I think I’m used to that already.”

“You have no idea how dangerous some addictions can become, Naomi.”

“Is that what we have? An addiction?”

“An addiction. An obsession. A madness. Take your pick. Oh, or maybe it’s shallow, too.”

I release a shaky breath. “I was agitated by Reina and I just didn’t want her to know…”

“Know what?”

How deep it really goes for us. Or at least, for me.

But I don’t say that or it’ll become a reality I’ll have to face.

“What we have,” I say quietly.

“So we have something. And here I thought I wasn’t your type.”

“You don’t have to be sarcastic.”

“Because that’s your thing?”

“Stop it.”

His eyes darken. “You know I love that word.”

The base of my stomach shrivels as blood pumps to my face and neck. Ever since the night he asked me to open up about what happened to me in return for him opening up about himself, Sebastian keeps his monster-self separated from who he is.

This is the first time he’s actually alluded to what we do in the dark while being the star quarterback.

Is this progress or just…dangerous?

Clearing my throat, I ask, “Have you ever thought about hurting others?”

“Of course, I have. All the time.”

“Why don’t you act on it?”

“Because it’ll give me a label and a bad reputation.”