Brooks

My mind raced with questions, doubts, and a profound sense of betrayal. What ha

er if the chasm between Conrad and me had grown too wide to bridg

sing my curiosity for leading me into this uncomfortable situation. I took a step back, tryi

pile of plastic chairs. The deafening clatter filled the hall,

n exposing me like a deer caught in headlights. The girl who had been sharing an intim

ocked onto mine. I retreated instinctively, my back pressing against the co

wrong time," he said, his voice laced with a

as I replied, "I...I didn't mean

. As my heart threatened to burst from the tension, a sudden interruption came to my rescue. A tall, strikingly handsome guy appeared, moving s

voice smooth and confident. He turned to me and continu

nd and led me away from the hall, leaving Conrad behind. As we walked away, my thoughts whi

Surprised by his sudden appearance and introduction, I realized that he had indeed been sitting rig

introduction, feeling gratitude toward this

ed in a little closer, his voice lowered. "You should stay away

echoed in my mind. I nodded, thankful for

whenever you need me." His flirty smile sent a tingle down my sp

e breathless because now, the pretty girl I had admired hours ago was wearing a smile and standing right in

ced herself with a confidence that made me feel like a mere whisper in the

rooks,"

knowing glint. "Oh, Jenna, I've heard about you," she

a strong word but ok

oice low. "So, tell me, how hard is it

se. "Well, he's not really difficult," I began, m

and I couldn't help but feel a pang of

f amusement from her eye. "Oh, Jenna, yo

nfused by her reaction

r voice filled with amusement. "He's not just any guy. He's practically the king

been so oblivious to this side of Conrad? The Conrad I knew would never hurt a fly so how had he changed so d

er, "And guess what, Jenna? I'm his next target

next target was Olivia? The word 'target' had a chilling wave to it. How could Conrad consid

ds, Jenna." Olivia

r, Conrad appeared from nowhere and stood in front of Olivia. I was shocked by how big his s

and everything seemed to annoy me. Was it the fact that the one person I had been looking forward to meeting all these years was treating me with so much indifference? Or the

ighed so loud that it attracted

he desk next to mine. Then I saw that familiar smile, it was Jamie. O

esk, "You know, if you're ha

ldn't Conrad be more like him? You

before placing my head on the desk. Was I alr