Dynasty Boys

Chapter 8

Elle

Lila's jokes and warm smiles during the ride to school helped take my mind off the messages for a while, but I couldn't shake the truth. The reality was still there, lurking in the back of my mind, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.

"Really? You've never had a boyfriend?" Lila asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

I had never had a boyfriend, not because I wasn't interested, but because it wasn't a priority for me. While other girls obsessed over relationships, I focused on my own goals, a good job, a healthy life, independence. I wasn't like the others, the ones who lived for the approval of boys, who partied and hooked up to escape their problems. I didn't judge them, but I knew my first time would be with someone who cared about me, someone I loved. I just didn't understand girls who were ashamed of their virginity, considering it like a burden. I shook my head, lost in my deepest thoughts, then cleared my throat and spoke, trying to offer some comfort.

"Don't rush it, Lila. You'll find the right person when the time's right. But please, don't ever let anyone make you feel worthless. You're amazing, and if someone can't see that, just walk away. Give them the finger, and show them your back. You don't need a man to feel whole." I give voice to my thoughts, curving my lips into a genuine smile.

Even though she wasn't dating anyone, it surprised me. Lila was a walking goddess. Any guy would be lucky to have her, and I was sure she could have any of them wrapped around her finger if she wanted. Her expression softened as she absorbed my words.

When we reached the school, we went our separate ways, she headed to French class, her bright smile still in place. Then, I grabbed the books I needed from my locker and set off for my first class, but as I walked, I quickly realized I had no idea where it was.

Great. I was going to be late, again...

I picked up the pace, but just as I was about to round the corner, one of my books slipped from my hands.

"I got it!" A voice called out, and I didn't even need to look up to know who it was. Standing in front of me was Vaughn, one of Carter's friends, part of the notorious group that ruled the school. His face was even more striking up close, but I could already tell he wasn't my type. He flashed me a grin, his perfect white teeth almost too perfect. But what caught my attention was the tiredness in his eyes, dark bags under his eyes that made him look... off.

I didn't even notice he was speaking to me until he handed me my book. His touch was brief, but it felt colder than it should have, and something about him made me uneasy. I instinctively took a step back, my instincts screaming that I needed to get away.

"Sorry," he said, giving me a fake, innocent smile. "I didn't mean to scare you. You're Elena, right?" He deadpans, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.

"Elle," I corrected quickly, feeling a slight flicker of irritation. "And you are...? Oh, wait. Victor?"

His smile faltered, and I couldn't help but smirk at the slip. It felt good to throw him off balance.

His gaze roamed over me, slow and deliberate, in a way that made my skin crawl. His eyes lingered too long on my body, and I felt a knot form in my stomach. I quickly dropped my gaze to the floor, not wanting to meet his eyes anymore.

"Actually, it's Vaughn. Vaughn Bates," he said, his voice now carrying a hint of something darker. "You should know that by now." He licked his lips in a way that made my skin prickle. "Anyway, nice to meet you, Elle."

"Nice to meet you too... Vaughn," I muttered, trying to hide my discomfort. "I should probably get going before I'm late."

Just as I took a step away, something felt off. Suddenly, I found myself pressed against a locker, the cool metal at my back, and I hadn't even registered how I'd gotten there. Vaughn was blocking me, caging me in with his arms.