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I wanted to feel. More than anything, I wanted to find someone who could bring out those feelings I thought I’d never experience. I just don’t want it to behim. It’s not going to be him.

I refuse to let myself get carried away with someone I shouldn’t even be talking to. I won’t do it. Nope. Not happening. And honestly, that stupidly pretty face of his with that stupid dimple just pisses me off. I’m not turned on. I don’t want his hands back on my body. Not at all. And the way he’s looking at me from across the room, like he has a right to be watching me?

Well, fuck…

A huge smile spreads across my face when an idea pops into my head. If he wants to see me lose control, then I’ll show him.

“Oh no, what is that look for? What are you about to do, Aurora? I know that look and it’s not good,” Krystal says.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tell her while glancing around the cafeteria. I don’t see Dante or Orlando, which is good. And then I spot him. Kenny O’Malley. Connor’s cousin. And probably the only guy in this school who will let me use him the way I’m about to.

I stand and head straight towards Kenny. I don’t like the guy. He’s a jock and just as forbidden as Connor is. But I can fake it. I step out in front of him. Stopping him from getting to his table, where Connor is sitting, and take the tray of food from his hands.

“Aurora? Can I do something for you?” he asks, sounding almost amused.

“You can, actually.” I smile up at him. “Go along with it,” I tell him. “I need to prove a point to some dipshit and you’re going to help me.”

“You trying to get me killed?” He laughs.

“Not today.” I snake my arms around his neck and pull his head downwards. My lips crash onto his, and Kenny does not disappoint. His hands warm my back and he pulls me tight against him. His tongue pushes into my mouth, and even though I feel nothing—not a single damn flutter—I fake it.

My fingers twist in his hair, and I let out a little moan when we break apart. “Thanks for your help,” I say, patting Kenny’s chest before pivoting around.

My gaze falls to the table Connor is no longer sitting at, and then I hear the back door to the cafeteria slam against the wall. He left.Huh, guess that bothered him.Good. Let it. It’s not like he’s going to retaliate against his own cousin. I’m not stupid. I’ve been around arrogant crime family kids my whole life. I know how these boys operate.

If I had kissed some ordinary guy, Connor probably would have beaten the shit out of him to prove a point. I know this because it’s exactly what my cousins would do. But as far as Connor is concerned, he needed to learn that I belong to no one and especially not him.

When I sit back down at the table next to Krystal, Dante is already there, glaring at me. “What the fuck was that about?” he asks me.

“What was what?” I play dumb.

“Don’t try to be cute, Aurora. Why the fuck were you kissing that fucker? Oh god, are you and him…?” Dante shakes his head from side to side. “No, justno.”

“First, no one died and made you boss. So shut your mouth, unless you want me to sew it shut for you. Second, I can and willkiss any-damn-body I want. I own me, not you, not anyone else.” I’m fuming by the time my rant is over.

Dante looks at Krystal. “Who pissed her off?”

“You?” Krystal says but phrases it as a question.

“Nope. What’s going on here? Who exactly are you trying to stir up, Aurora?” Dante’s gaze pierces into mine.

Good luck to him because I will never tell. Connor is a filthy little secret I’ll take to my damn grave.

“I’m not hungry anymore. Dante, nice chat as always. Oh, and you might want to think twice about eating Nonna’s cake on Sunday. Your slice might end up with something a little special in it,” I tell my cousin with a smile. “Krystal, catch you later.”

Walking out of the cafeteria, I get exactly five steps before I’m yanked into a dark room. My fist swipes out, connecting with whoever the fuck thought they could grab me. I’m reaching for the knife I have tucked in my skirt when I hear him.

“Ow, fuck me,” Connor groans.

“No thanks,” I grunt as I push against him before reaching for my phone. “Siri, turn on flashlight.” The room lights up and I see his face, his lip’s split, and I smile. I made him bleed. Again. “What the actual fuck do you think you’re doing?” I hiss at him.

Connor wipes his lip with his thumb. “Me? What the hell was that out there? My fucking cousin, Aurora. Are you serious? You just made out with my fucking cousin in front of the whole fucking school.”

“So?”

“So?” he mimics and then laughs. Not a funny, ha-ha laugh. No, it’s more of anI’ve lost my whole damn mind, insane kind of laugh. One that has me taking a step back, a small step, but still a step.

I need to not let my guard down around this guy. I might have slept with him, one time, but I don’t know him. He could have dragged me in here to kill me, for all I know. I mean, it’spossible. He could try anyway. I wouldn’t go down without a fight, though.