7 year

spoke in mathematical equations, wore thick glasses, and the music was more about intel

e to tell her about the gathering. "Roman will be there," River, had said, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "It's his best friend's birthday. The guy's rich, s

like that, or the thrill of having the chance to finally make him notice her-but she was

n's best friend, was notorious for his attempts to use these nerdy parties as a way to get girls to notice him, but the truth was, he needed Roman there. Roman wa

usic was loud, but not in the way she was used to. This party felt different-more like a gathering of thinkers than thrill-seekers. There were more

sed, lost in his thoughts, his eyes scanning the room. He didn't seem to belong here either

She didn't want to let this moment slip away, didn't want him to slip through her fingers like all the oth

er voice light bu

y, looking past her like she wasn't even there. She wasn't about to let him go without at least

oice a little firmer this time. "This is the second ti

r before turning away again. She could feel her heart r

d talk?" she suggested, trying again, her word

t unnerving. There was something about the way he looked at her that sent a jolt through her entire body. His eyes held a depth, a quiet intensity that

steady despite the rush of emotio

mplating whether to even respond. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice

Rom

nuine, undeniable connection that she had never felt before. Their hands intertwined, and in that moment, it was like everyth

charm and forget. No, Roman was different. He would leave a mark on her, whether she was ready for it or not. And for the firs

mean to her. It was about the fire in his eyes that told her he wasn'