My Naughty Lover ✔️

Chapter 5

~ Try to Be Strong for Yourself

Scarlette's POV

The next morning, I arrive at school just after seven. The air is crisp, and yet my palms are damp with nerves. I walk with my head slightly bowed, clutching my bag tightly against me as laughter and conversation fill the hallway. Another day of trying to blend in, of trying not to be noticed.

As I near my locker, I spot Liam crouched nearby, tying the laces of his Nike sneakers. He looks up, catching sight of me, and a warm smile spreads across his face.

“Morning, beautiful,” he says casually, standing and smoothing out his shirt with one hand.

“Hi, Liam,” I reply, unable to stop the blush creeping onto my cheeks.

“You look gorgeous today,” he adds, his gaze lingering just a little longer than usual. “Not that you weren’t already yesterday.”

I offer a shy smile, caught off-guard by the compliment. I'm still adjusting to this—being seen. Being noticed.

The clothes I’m wearing today are from New York. Gifts from him. Beautiful pieces I swore I’d never wear. But maybe the ridicule yesterday pushed me over the edge. Or maybe… maybe part of me wanted to feel pretty, just once. My creamy blouse, detailed with delicate pearls on the collar, clings softly to my frame, and the dark skinny jeans flatter me more than I’m used to. It feels foreign, like I’m borrowing confidence from someone else.

“Thanks,” I murmur, looking down.

Liam nods, flashing a grin. He looks effortlessly good, too—his fitted white shirt and black jeans suit him perfectly. Even the way his silver watch catches the morning light is captivating.

“What class do you have first?” he asks.

“Literature,” I reply.

“Definitely not the same as mine,” he says with a mock pout. “Guess I’ll see you later, gorgeous.” He gives me a quick wink and heads off.

“Bye, Liam,” I say, waving as he disappears into the crowd.

But peace never lasts long.

“Flirting with Liam already?” a familiar, cocky voice cuts through the air behind me. I turn around—of course it’s him. Zac Stones. The mysterious guy from the parking lot. The rude one.

“What do you want, Stones?” I ask, trying not to let my eyes roam over him—but failing.

He’s dressed in a fitted black tee that shows off every line of his inked arms. Tattoos—just as I suspected. A silver chain rests against his collarbone, matching the thick bracelet around his wrist. His reversed white cap and clean white sneakers are the only contrast to his all-black outfit. He looks… devastating.

“You can call me Zac, sweetheart,” he says smoothly, flashing a grin.

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the rapid thud of my heartbeat. “Decided to dress all sexy for me?” he whistles, eyes shamelessly scanning my figure before his hand suddenly—and boldly—grabs my butt.

I flinch, stepping away instantly, pulse racing. “What the hell are you doing?” I snap, my voice shaking.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he asks, “What’s your name, sweetheart?”