Page 29 of Muse (The Forbidden Hearts #1)

SOPHIE

I t’s Friday morning and I’ve arrived at school early. Again. Just like every single day this week. It’s our new routine. When I walk into the classroom, Theo smiles. That dimple appears in his cheek, and my stomach does a little flip.

He motions toward my desk, where a steaming cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin sit waiting for me.

The things this man does for me, his thoughtfulness, it’s the most beautiful thing. I fall for him a little more every single day.

It’s the little things.

We’ve done a great job of being careful at school so far, never crossing any lines. Not yet, at least, but I’m pretty sure he gets here early on purpose. Just to spend time with me.

This morning, we’re both here nearly forty minutes before the first bell rings. Most of the lights in the building aren’t even on yet. The halls are silent. It feels like we’re in our own little world.

I take advantage. I’m feeling reckless. And I’m craving him, just a taste.

I stride over to his desk, drop my bag to the floor, and push him back in his chair. The wheels roll across the floor with a squeak, and then I’m climbing onto him, straddling his thighs and pressing my mouth to his.

His body goes stiff, muscles taut, eyes wide with panic for a split second. But then he’s kissing me back, hard.

His hands grip my hips, squeezing tight, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear. I want it, though. I want to see the mark of his hands on my thighs. I want everything he has to give. He deepens the kiss, one hand diving into my hair, fisting it gently. A moan escapes me before I can stop it.

“Sophie…” he says, breathless, tilting my head back. “You will be the death of me.”

Then he’s trailing kisses down my neck, and I’m grinding against him, hungry. I’m half tempted to strip off my clothes right here, right now. Consequences be damned.

His hands slide under my thighs, lifting me like I weigh nothing as he stands. He sets me on the edge of the desk, taking full control.

It’s fucking amazing.

He pulls back just enough to meet my eyes, his own eyes fiery with need. “I want you,” he growls. “I want to make you moan my name. Scream it for everyone to hear. You’re fucking everything, Trouble. And you’re mine.”

I melt into a puddle. Right there, in his grasp, on his desk. And if we weren’t in school, I’d give him everything he wants. Everything I’m just about ready to beg for.

My hormones are going wild, my body on fire. For him.

But then?—

A door clangs open down the hall. Once again, cock-blocked. Eternally damned to never get any time alone in this god-forsaken place.

I sigh.

He steps away fast, running a hand through his hair, jaw tight with frustration.

I follow suit, slipping off the desk and moving to my seat, putting just enough space between us to look casual.

I pull out my phone and scroll, just to give the impression of being in my own world should anyone appear.

I’m flustered for the rest of the day. And from what I can tell, so is he. At least for the next hour, as I watch him try and fail miserably to focus on teaching. His eyes keep straying to me every five seconds. I’m honestly surprised no one else notices. Besides Sal, of course.

At the end of the day, while I’m walking to my car to head to Sal’s, I shoot him a text.

Sophie: Can I come over soon? Finish what we started?

He replies instantly.

Theo: I’ll be waiting.

Squeal . If only I didn’t already have plans with Sal… but her friendship is too important. He can wait. Absence makes the heart grow stronger, or however that phrase goes. I need some girl time, anyway.

I pull up to her house and hop out of my car, finding her already waiting for me in the driveway.

“Hey babe!” She calls.

“Hi! You ready for tonight?”

“Please. You know I am.” She winks.

We’re headed to one of Jace’s shows. It’s at a small venue, not too far away. I realize I haven’t told Theo about our plans, besides that I’ll be with Sal. The thought sits heavy in my chest like a stone.

We haven’t had “the talk” yet. The one where we officially say we’re committed. We haven’t set in stone the expectations of our relationship. And I know he won’t care that I'm going out. He’s not Cole.

But still, there’s this flicker of anxiety in my belly. Cole would’ve flipped out if I tried to go anywhere without telling him. He needed to control everything.

Theo isn’t like that. But the worry’s still there. And I hate that. Plus, I don’t want to upset him, or for him to feel like I’m lying to him by omitting the truth.

Sal waves a hand in front of my face. “Babe, hello? Earth to Sophie!”

“Oops. Sorry. Got caught up in my head.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Obviously. Spill.”

I sigh and let out a slow, measured breath, trying to steady myself.

“I’m just getting in my head about telling Theo I’m going out tonight. What if he gets upset?”

Sal scrunches up her face. “What? Girl, no. If he gets weird about that, then you turn around and run. We don’t entertain insecure jackasses around here.”

I laugh. “Yeah, good point. I just… don’t want him to feel hurt? Or left out? I don’t know, Sal. I clearly suck at this.”

I drop my head into my hands.

“Breathe, Sophie. You’re spiraling. He’s not Cole. Text him.”

I nod slowly. She’s right. I need to be brave and be an adult and not let my past shape my future. Plus, this is Theo we’re talking about here. My thoughtful, caring Theo.

Sophie: Hey, just wanted to let you know Sal and I are going to her brother’s show tonight.

Theo: Sounds fun! Be safe. Call me if you need me.

I grin down at my phone.

“He’s perfect,” I say, looking up at her. “Go ahead. Say it.”

She winks. “I was right.”

We get ready in her room, raiding her closet for show-worthy outfits. I settle on straight-leg, high-waisted jeans that hug my curves and a black long-sleeved crop top. Simple and cute. Comfortable.

Sal, on the other hand, goes full rock glam. Neon pink crop top, black leather skirt, and heels that could kill a man. She looks unreal. I don’t know how she walks in those things, but more power to her. She looks drop-dead gorgeous .

She loves attending his shows. He can’t always get us in, some venues more strict than others on checking IDs, but tonight we got the green light. She wants me there for moral support, though she always ends up ditching me for him anyway.

He’s her only flaw in my eyes. Her ultimate weakness.

She tries to act like it’s no big deal, like she’s just being a supportive step-sister, but I see the way she always lights up in his presence. The way she stands a little taller whenever he’s around.

She says it’s nothing, but I think, to her, he’s everything.

We drive separately. The venue’s only about twenty minutes away and I like having my own car. It gives me a quick escape if I need one. Plus, she already said she plans to go out with him later, and I know I’ll be ready to go home.

I’m not one to stay out late partying, but Sal can hang with the best of them.

We get to the bar around seven, early enough that the place is still mostly empty. We buy Red Bulls from the bar and sip them from plastic red cups as we wait for the show to start.

When the music starts up, we take our places front and center in front of the stage, and watch Jace in his true element.

The lights dim as he pours his heart out, strumming his guitar.

Lead singer, guitar master, and a sexy rock god appearance to match…

It’s a wonder he isn’t swarmed by women already.

I sway to the music, Sal by my side, enjoying the show.

My mind only strays to Theo once or twice. Okay, maybe every minute or so.

As fun as this is, I’d rather be with him. In his arms. In his bed. And the more I think about it, the way he looked at me this morning, the way he said I was his… I decide I’m going to his place as soon as I can.

I stay for another hour and a half, dancing and singing along, until my eyes tire of the strobe lights and my ears begin to protest the loud sounds blaring from the speakers.

Jace’s band is performing their last set, and I know Sal’s about to head backstage. I tap her shoulder, grabbing her attention, and speak loudly to try and compete with the sounds on stage. “I think I’m gonna head out, that okay?”

She nods, grinning. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine. Go kiss that teacher of yours.”

I swat her arm, my face burning. “I can’t stand you.”

“Love you too!”

I head for the exit, toward my car. Once I’m inside, I lock the doors and glance in the backseat, just to be sure I’m alone and safe. The dashboard reads 9:30. Still early enough to surprise Theo.

Butterflies swirl in my stomach as I drive the familiar twenty minutes to his place. I park a block away, in the same spot I always do. I lock the doors and cut through the houses like usual, staying out of sight of cars passing by.

But as I round the corner of his yard, I stop cold.

Laughter.

A woman’s laugh. Loud and confident.

I freeze. No. No, no, no.

It happens again, the sound closer this time. Clear as day, it’s coming from his house.

My stomach twists. Drops. He didn’t say he had plans tonight. Didn’t say a word. Didn’t tell me anything.

Maybe I forgot. Maybe I missed something. Maybe I’m just being dramatic. Maybe?—

I already know I’m not.

I move forward, slowly, not sure I really want to know. But I do . I can’t stop myself. I make my way toward the sliding glass door, the soft glow from inside spilling out across the grass like a spotlight. The house looks warm and safe, so familiar.

Like us .

Then I see her. Evelyn. His ex.

Of course it’s her .

Her blonde hair is tucked behind her ears, her makeup soft and subtle. She doesn’t even have to try and still looks like a model who belongs on a runway. A white v-neck tee, cut low, and fitted jeans, her bare feet curled up on his couch like it’s hers.

And Theo… He’s sitting at the other end. Back turned to me. Elbows on his knees, leaning in just enough to make my chest tight.

I can’t see his face.

But I see her . And I see the wine glasses. I see how she’s glowing as she laughs, full and loud and so damn easy .

And that’s when I break. Not just a crack, not just a bruise. A break, clean and cruel. I shatter into pieces, realizing this isn’t a fairytale after all.

My throat closes. My chest aches in a way I didn’t know was possible.

I don’t need to hear a single word to know what this looks like. What it feels like. I’ve seen this movie before. I’ve lived this feeling.

I thought this was different. I thought he was different.

And maybe he is. Maybe there’s an explanation.

But I can’t breathe long enough to wait for one.

I take a step back. Then another.

And that’s when it happens. He turns. Just slightly. Just enough to catch me out of the corner of his eye. His eyes catch mine through the glass, and for one breathless second, we just stare at each other.

His expression changes, fast. Confusion, panic, and what looks awfully like guilt plays across his features.

But I don’t stay to find out.

I turn. I walk .

Not fast, not yet. My body still feels half-frozen, like I’m moving through molasses.

But as soon as I’m out of his line of sight, I break into a run. Fast and reckless and desperate to get away.

I reach my car and slam the door shut like it can shut out the hurt. It doesn’t. I grip the steering wheel, knuckles white, vision blurry.

I tell myself not to cry. I whisper it out loud.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

But the first tear falls anyway. And then another.

And then I’m falling apart.

The sob that rips out of me doesn’t even sound like me. It’s ugly and raw and full of every ounce of hope I just lost. And all I can think, over and over, is how fucking stupid I feel.

How much I let myself want this. How much I let myself believe in him. In us.