Page 54 of Blackwood

“Good,” I say. “Then we choreographed it right.”

Cal chuckles. “Careful, Bells. Keep moving like that and someone might think you’re dangerous.”

I lean in, close enough to draw a glare from Barbie. “Oh sweetheart, I am dangerous. You just don’t know how to handle it.”

Before he can reply, Javi swoops in. “¡Dios mío, cabronas!” he screeches, pulling us into a group hug. “That was art. Pure, filthy art. I want this energy bottled and sold.”

Knox follows, phone raised. “Already posted. Over two thousand likes already.”

Ellie gasps. “You icon.”

“Truly,” Javi says. “If Wexley doesn’t frame this moment in gold, I swear I’m defecting to USC.” He pulls Rico toward the exit. “See you divas tomorrow.”

Haley beams. “Alright, bitches. Let’s get a drink.”

Ellie nods. “Tequila. Now.”

We head to the marble bar. As they order, a tall, blonde guy in a crimson polo steps up behind me.

“Hell of a dance.”

I turn. Blue eyes. Cute. Clean-cut. Preppy. Probably a tennis player or maybe basketball.

“I’m Wes,” he says, flashing an easy smile. “Starting forward for the Wolves. You’re Bella, right? That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. Didn’t know that The Legacy danced like that.”

I smirk. “The Legacy doesn’t. The Trifecta does.”

He leans in. “So… what do you think of Carrington Row so far?”

“It’s—”

“THIS IS OUR SONG!” Ellie shrieks, yanking me away.

Wes blinks, amused.

I shrug, grinning. “Guess I’ll have to tell you later.”

He smiles back. “I’ll hold you to it.”

Chapter 20

BELLA – Age 19

Wexley University

The school year is flying by at a rapid rate. It’s a week before fall break and I’m running on fumes. Between classes, Row parties, Masquerade Prep, Trifecta rehearsals, and late-night Project Dylan ops I’m stretched so thin it feels like even breathing takes effort.

And keeping it all from Wes? That is the hardest part. He is so sweet. Steady. The first real boyfriend I’ve ever had.

But secrets don’t mix with normal. I want to tell him. I want to show him the real me. The part that doesn’t sleep. The part that hunts monsters at midnight.

Haley and Knox understood. Eventually. Totally freaked them out at first, but now? Knox helps with the tech side of things and somehow has become Zeke’s unofficial bestie.

Haley says it’s hot. Ellie’s just jealous that Zeke talks to Knox more than her. I swear their sexual tension is getting out of control.

“Alright, we crushed that,” Haley says, practically bouncing down the gym steps. “Full house for the tonight’s basketball game. Sold out Trifecta booth! We’re on top, babes.”

Knox tosses her a protein shake and kisses the side of her head.