Sins of the Past

Chapter 4

Diana.

What have I come to, standing here behind the trees, spying on a couple kissing? Sylvia asked me to do this, and here I am, doing it. I just need a few shots to send her and finally head off for my lunch break. I'm so focused I don't notice anything around me. But I've already learned who I'm photographing—Ellie Flores and Seth Fuego. He's greedily pushing his tongue into her mouth, and I blush to the tips of my toes watching it all. Are they doing this because no one's around? It's so embarrassing if someone comes into the garden...

I step back, lowering my camera slightly so the branches of the red-leafed trees don't block the view. I have no idea why she needs these photos, and honestly, I don't care. Over the past week, I've realized Sylvia loves messing with people. That's her thing. Her hobby, if I dare to call it that.

I press the screen again, snapping a shot of his hands gripping her waist. God, why does this scene not disgust me? Why does it do the opposite? I think I'll keep these photos in my gallery, just for myself.

"What are you doing here?"

One step back, and I stumble right into his arms.

Oh. My. God. Not this. Not him.

Pulling myself together, I straighten up, tucking my light blue shirt into my skirt, my phone clutched tightly in my hand.

"Hey," I manage to say, trying to slow my erratic breathing. The last thing I want is to die under the college tree.

"What are you doing here?" he repeats, stepping closer.

I press my back against the tree and fold my arms across my chest, still clutching the phone.

"I'm heading to lunch."

"Through the garden by the second tower? Interesting..."

His gaze drops to my chest—or rather, the phone I'm trying to hide.

"Can I go?" I step to the side, but he stretches out his arm, blocking my path.

I stick out my tongue and wet my lips to keep them moist. His body radiates so much heat it's unbearable—like I'm about to melt into a puddle.

"You can't."

We lock eyes, and he wins. It's impossible to stare into those piercing blue eyes without feeling like they're tearing my soul apart.

"Let's try this again," he murmurs, leaning toward my neck. I instinctively tilt my head, giving him full access. His breath burns my skin, and I feel myself getting damp. What the hell?

"What are you really doing here, Diana?"

"Sylvia asked for help."

"You do whatever that vixen tells you to?"

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't call her that."

"And I'd appreciate it if you stopped hanging out with her. So, what are we going to do about that?"

I want to choke on how smug he is. Who does he think he is, demanding anything from me? I can do whatever I want. Life was so much easier before he started showing up everywhere. Can I get those days back somehow?

"You can take your demands and shove them, got it?"

"Fiery. What else can that sharp tongue of yours do besides spit out nonsense?"

"Let me pass."

"Why are you doing this for her?"

"Because we're friends? You know what that word means?"