2. PARTNERS

Every pair of eyes turned to me.

My posture became stiff, and I felt the unfamiliar heat of passion run through my veins.

Why do I feel like this?

His eyes locked on mine, unwavering.

He had deep, emerald green eyes that seemed to swallow me in their pools of beauty. His athletic body was visible underneath the loose, cotton black turtleneck he wore. Muscles formed underneath the fabric, and I couldn't help but trail my gaze over his sharp jawline and smooth, flawless planes of his face. He had full, dark pink lips that twisted in a smirk when he caught me staring.

I felt my cheeks warm as I glanced down at my beat-up converse, regret pouring through my mind.

"I see you two are familiar with each other," Mr. Smith said bitterly.

I opened my mouth to protest, but there was something in the transfer's eyes that told me to keep quiet. He raised a finger to his lips-now curled in a lopsided grin.

"You can sit next to Miss. Dark." Smith stated.

The way he moved towards me was like a predator sneaking upon its prey. It both terrified yet aroused me. He took the empty desk beside me, hands clasped together. I noticed a ring on his right middle finger. A silver dragon that curled near his knuckle. It had black, beady eyes that seemed to make it alive.

I felt his gaze on me, but chose to ignore it. Facing forward, I glanced down to my blank paper a few times, mind compelled to draw the flawless, statue-like god that sat beside me.

"Aren't you going to ask for my name?" a gentle, honey-smooth voice asked.

I shook my head, lips suddenly dry as I pursed them anxiously.

My black, wavy hair draped over my face, shielding me from him like a thick curtain.

"Ah, tu sei così bello." he murmured, the words rolling off his tongue seductively.

I squeezed my thighs together, eyes closed in pure bliss at the mere sound of his voice.

What did he do to me?

I felt his gaze run down my body, taking in note my shaking legs. I could practically hear his grin.

"I'm Lorenzo Russo." he whispered, voice suddenly husky, thick with lust.

"And I'm going to have you scream it until that's the only name you remember."

I've never felt like this around anyone. Something is wrong with me.

The bell rang, and I was sweating in my own seat, even after he left.

I stood up, only to have a jolt of someone's hand push me back down. I glanced around the classroom.

No one.

"Hello, Dark." a familiar snarky voice sneered.

I fell to the ground, books pouring loosely from my dirty, scraped hands. Pain ran up my leg, and I winced as I felt a hand tear at my hair.

"I saw you flirting with the new kid. What a fucking slut," Stephanie snickered.

"How could he ever like someone like you, goth girl? No daddy to protect you now, huh? Wonder if your junkie brother will come save you," Insults ran off her tongue, each like bullets through my chest.

She stabbed the heel of her stilettos on my wrist, and a scream rose up my throat.

"Stay away from him, Dark. This was only a warning. You're lucky I feel good today," she snapped. I heard the soft click of her high heels as she sauntered away.

I shut my eyes, leaning my head against the marble floor of the classroom. Tears threatened to fall, and I could feel them burn my sinuses.

What is wrong with me?