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“What’s the rush, Ms. Bennet?”

Asher leaned against my locker with a smirk playing on his lips. My eyes widened in surprise as I took a step back.

“I don’t want to be late for class.”

His smirk widened as he eyed me with amusement.

“Sounds boring to me.” He remarked. “I have a better offer. Ditch with me.”

My eyes widened in disbelief at his suggestion. I’d never skipped class before.

“Why would I do that?”

He chuckled as if he knew a secret I didn’t.

“Let’s just say I know a place that has a ton of rare books, and they’re having a sale.”

My mind raced with conflicting thoughts. I knew I should say no and keep my reputation as a diligent student intact, but he had me at books.

“I don’t want to get in trouble.”

He flashed me his signature charming grin as his eyes twinkled with mischief.

“Live a little, Ms. Bennet.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “How can you say no to books?”

I felt myself being drawn in. He was using Kryptonite against me. With a nervous smile, I nodded my head in agreement. My heart pounded with excitement and anticipation. He smiled, pleased by my answer.

“Let’s go, before the hallways clear out.”

As we slipped through the crowded hallways towards the parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline course through my veins. We strolled through the car park, but the realization dawned on me.

“Asher, I thought your car got taken away. I heard your mom tell mine you only had it for the dance.”

He glanced at me over his shoulder and dangled a set of keys. Josh’s keys.

“If Josh didn’t want his car stolen, he shouldn’t have made it so easy for someone to take.”

I snorted at his absurd reply. As if this was Josh’s fault. He opened the passenger door for me, but I hesitated.

“I’m not helping you steal my boyfriend’s car.”

He rolled his eyes, but didn’t budge.

“Think of the books, Elizabeth.”

Will he ever move on from Pride and Prejudice references?

The books. My mind tried to convince me. Think of all the books. No angel was present on my shoulder.

“Fine.” I relented. “You’re taking the blame for this, though.”

He signaled for me to enter the car, a smile forming on his face.

“I was planning on it, anyway.” He said. “You made the right choice, Ms. Bennett.”

??

The winter landscape stretched out before us like a snow-covered wonderland. I gazed out the window, avoiding conversation, and having doubts. The snowfall grew heavier, covering the landscape in a soft, white veil. We arrived in the next town, and I felt the adrenaline of excitement coursing through my body as he pulled the car to a building.