Nova Hayes has a secret.
It's one she wants to keep, not wanting the spotlight on her and the schools highly desired football captain, Niko.
Nova is happy with their arrangement, until she meets his new stepbrother, Cash.
Sparks will fly when the...
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So, it can get worse.
"We're going to play whisper dare," someone declared.
Lenore and I exchanged a look of confusion, as the rules were explained.
"We take it in turns by giving each other dares. Which we whisper, of course, hence the name. If you refuse the dare, the person daring you gets to choose your punishment which they don't reveal, they just do it."
Fuck off. I'll do any dare.
"Niko, you go first."
Niko, still shirtless, rubbed his hands together with glee.
"Nova."
My stomach dropped, and Rian frowned.
I forced a smile on my face, ignoring Lenore's penetrating gaze.
Niko crawled over to me on his hands and knees, his mouth close to my ear as he whispered, "I dare you to jump in the pool naked."
"Fuck off." I snorted, moving away from him.
"Is that a no?" Niko asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
What would he have me do instead though?
"I'm not doing that, so whatever."
It happened so quickly, I didn't have time to react. Niko smirked, scooping me into his arms as I grabbed at his neck so I didn't fall.
"Put me down!" I hissed, as people watched on with amusement.
"Nah."
"I'm serious, Niko, put me—"
Striding toward the pool, he jumped in, with me in his arms.
Ice cold water took my breath away as I gasped, shoving him in the chest as I swam to the surface.
"Fuck!" I hissed, shaking violently in the water.
Niko surfaced beside me, pushing his slick black hair away from his eyes.
"So this is what you look like wet," he murmured, tugging me close to him.
I was too stunned to speak, so he had the perfect opportunity to smash his lips down on mine.
His arms circled my waist, pressing my icy body to his, his tongue darting in my mouth. I kissed him back, my hands lost in his hair, my legs moving around his waist in the water with ease.
A door opened in the distance, and instantly I shoved him away.
Lenore.
"Ouch, angel." Niko winced, treading water as he smirked at me.
"Why did you do that?!" I hissed, as Lenore appeared, holding out a towel.
