|| 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

Don't mess with the devil Momma always said Don't mess with the devil or you'll end up dead Don't look at his dagger-like eyes, they'll make you bleed Don't listen to his words, he'll lead you into fulfilling evil deeds Making him mad would be your biggest regret He'll make sure you pay an extra fee with your debt He slits throats and crunches bones with emotionless eyes While smirking maliciously with those dark red lips that spill lies He'll pretend to be friendly, give your cheek a poisonous peck But once he's done with you, he won't think twice before snapping your neck