|| 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

CLICK THE LINK IN MY BIO FOR EARLY ACCESS CHAPTERS ON INKITT!! *** "Calm down," he said as he brushed the broken glass off his forehead. "Calm down?" I shrieked. "You're telling me to calm down after a man just tried to kill us in the middle of the night and is now laying right over there dead!" I said pointing to his limp, none moving body. "He's fine," River said as if it were no big deal. "I didn't hit him that hard." I looked at him in pure shock. What was wrong with him? "Now come on," he said grabbing my arm and leading me away from the man. I looked at him. Sweat had formed all over his forehead and a look of urgency was written all over his face. Blood was now leaking from the nasty cut on his forehead and looked like it would need some serious tending. I looked between him and the guy laying on the ground. I'm probably going to regret this later. I thought to myself as I took a deep breath before nodding and without a second thought, he continued pulling me away. *** Cat was your average girl; she maintained good grades, loved friends, and wanted to become a famous dancer, but her life changes when she literally runs into the biggest bad boy in her school: River Parker. Aka, the boy who doesn't care about anything or anyone except his very few close friends, including Cat's best friend Liam. But little did she know that her 'run in' would throw her into a life of drugs, gambling, near-death experiences, and so much more. And to make things worse, she might be falling in love with him and all his dangerous ways. (I know that this may seem cliche, but please give it a chance) ©2016 Highest rating: #1 in TeenFiction