Page 99 of Terror Tuesday

The subtle ferocity in his voice resonates deep within my marrow. A half-smile forms on my lips, carrying rebellion like whispered prayers. “Yeah… Fuck every last one of them.” It feels good to say it. And mean it.

Elliot pauses, his thumb lingering on my jaw, feather-soft yet possessive. “Sometimes I wonder who I could’ve been…who we could’ve been if we weren’t trapped here.”

My chest tightens, his words pulling at invisible threads. “And sometimes, I think about running—far away—just you and me, leaving everything else to burn.” I can’t believe I admitted that out loud.

His breath catches, a tender ache reflected in those beautiful eyes. “I’d follow you. Anywhere.”

Curling his hand around the nape of my neck, he threads his fingers into my hair as he pulls me into him, lips pressing tenderly before the kiss deepens, spiraling into one of desperation. Breaths, heartbeats—our rhythms collide in a frenzied symphony. My fingers tighten in his hair, anchoring me to this perfect chaos. Time disintegrates, replaced by raw, aching need, whispering promises neither of us can keep.

He breaks the kiss for a moment, his comforting air seeping between my parted lips. “I-I want to take you out again. Will you let me?”

I need Elliot’s calm, but I crave Vanq’s storm.

While my body aches for Vanq…my soul yearns for Elliot.

So at this fragile moment, I let myself accept what I truly desire.

“Yes.”

His smile is wide and warm. “Good… If we keep going like this, I’m going to spread you out on this table. But I have class.”

I snort. “Fuck class…”

With a bent finger, he strokes under my chin. “I wish.” He sits back and holds my face, his sparkling eyes beholding me like a treasure. “But scholarship kids have to do their best.”

“Fine,” I relent, but tap my lips to the end of his nose to let him know I’ll just have to wait for the date like a good girl.

He gathers his stuff and smirks. “Don’t pout. Next time, I promise, I’ll spoil you rotten.” The air thickens as we stand up to head out. Before he opens the door, he blinks at me slowly. “Um…is there anyone else I should be worried about? Someone else who thinks you’re his girlfriend?”

My throat almost closes off. Purposefully, I shake out my hair behind me and lift my chin. “No.”

His stiff posture relaxes. “Good…Verygood. Then I’ll pick you up Friday night at eight.Omegahouse front steps.”

“Perfect.” I gasp. “Oh, wait! I completely forgot… It’s, uh…”

How do I explain the Hallow’s Eve party? Normally, I’d just invite him, but the memories of Westmore bar come back, and I don’t want him to feel awkward again.

“That doesn’t work?” he asks, an amused smile on his face.

“Can I meet you somewhere?”

As if he’s thinking, his eyes search the ceiling for a moment. “Yeah. Absolutely. Meet me about eight, and I’ll text you the address.” He brushes his lips over my cheek before heading out with a little hop in his step.

I’m heated. Filled with longing for him.

But as I meander across campus, I wonder…

Am I falling for two men?

If only they would get along, my life could be a why-choose romance novel. Instead, I think I picked two possessiveand jealous ones. Like polar opposites. Two magnets destined to repel violently, leaving only me caught helplessly between. Because, of course, this is my life.

And I’ll still probably have to be appointed to Nick.

For the rest of the day, I vacillate between extreme guilt for wanting both guys, then saying to myself,Who gives a fuck? Do what you want!

I’m young. Apparently, the rules no longer apply to me.

I guess Vanq was right. I’ve emerged from the cocoon and won’t clip my wings to fit back inside.