|| Featured FREE story with exclusive paid chapters - previously a paid story || When Haley discovers the truth behind Xavier, whose silence holds a deeper meaning, she sets her mind on making his life better one small step at a time. ***** Haley Rosamond is happy with her simple life, content under the wing of her father. Well-protected, she has no idea of the darkness surrounding Xavier Hunt, with his all-black attire and infrequent presence in school-accompanied by his bruises and scars. That is, until Haley catches a glimpse of Xavier's reality and is made to question everything she knows about family and life in general. The truth, she realizes, couldn't be more different from everything she has heard. Supported by her father, Haley sets her mind on helping Xavier any way she can, and what begins with tutoring sessions, free food, and random acts of kindness blooms into friendship and something a little more. But when Haley's admission into her dream college and another tragedy in Xavier's life threaten to undo everything she has worked for, Haley needs to decide if she'll stick by Xavier or simply be another person in his life that disappears. [[word count: 80,000-90,000 words]] Cover designed by Holly Thurston

[COMPLETED] Dancing around in my underwear to Taylor Swift seemed like the perfect way to unwind-until I spotted my new neighbor staring from across the street. Did I mention he's ridiculously hot? Or that he saw everything? It couldn't get more awkward... until I walked into school the next day and found out he's not just my neighbor-he's my teacher. A hot teacher who knows exactly what my favorite bra looks like. As if that's not bad enough, fate just had to throw in surprise sleepovers, his annoyingly protective streak, and an undeniable spark between us that I'm trying very hard to ignore. Spoiler: I'm failing. Highest Rankings: #1 in Break #1 in Parting #2 in Marry ©Rockbelle2015