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Reading the journal my father left me is more like reading a horror story than anything else. In it he speaks about a darkness that follows him around, his relationship with my mom, and the things they want me to know.

Like how loved I am.

For so long I assumed they abandoned me because they didn't care about me. But I was wrong. They left me because they were protecting me.

"What's that?" Samuel asks. Sitting down next to me.

I'm supposed to be keeping my distance from him, but he has a knack for popping up on me when I least expect it. And he's pursuing me hard. Rather than blow him off, I take the civil route.

"It's a journal," I reply.

"It's been a while since you and I have had any time alone."

"There's a reason for that."

"Ah... yes, Sebastian told you to stay away from me," he scoffs.

"Actually, it was your mouth that ruined it for me."

Samuel peers into my eyes, a slight smile on his face, and I quickly look away. Because like Sebastian, he's very hot.

And he knows it.

Where Sebastian seems completely oblivious to how hot he is, and what effect he has on girls, Samuel wields his dark, nothing but trouble, yet charming, good looks like a weapon. And he likes to do things that make me uncomfortable. Like twirl his pencil around a lock of my hair and stare at me until I return his gaze.

"Have you ever considered maybe Sebastian doesn't know everything?" Samuel asks.

"A person who knows everything can't learn," I fire back.

"And why is that?"

"Because if you know everything, there's nothing left for you to learn."

"Smart and beautiful," he rakes his eyes over me. "I like that."

"Your little reverse psychology isn't going to work on me," I tell him.

I nudge him in the side with my elbow, and he laughs.

"Okay, but you owe me dinner and a movie," Samuel reminds me.

"I know, and I'm sorry I bailed on you. But Sebastian and I..."

"He has you right where he wants you. You know that, right? You're following his every command and eating out of the palm of his hand."

"You think I'm being stupid, don't you?"

"Not at all. But I do feel like you have tunnel vision sometimes." He nods.

"You just want me to be open to you." I call him out.

"Well, yes. Would that be so bad?"

"You're bad, Samuel."

"Or maybe I just don't know how to talk to pretty girls," he smiles. "I can't help it. When I'm around you I try way too hard to impress you. Then I end up looking like an idiot. Give a guy a break. At least I'm trying."

Grabbing me by the hand, he entwines his fingers with mine.

A bold move on his part.

Shaking my head, I'm pulling my hand away when flashes of images involving Samuel and I flicker through my head. We're together in a room making out. Only, our skin is as white as paper, our eyes are gold, and so is our hair.