WHEN SPARKS IGNITE

Aaliyah hated trouble. The thought of detention made her stomach churn. Unlike her friends, Ellery, Malcolm, and Brooke, who thrived on chaos and wore detentions as badges of honor, Aaliyah kept her head down, avoiding disruptions. But trouble had a way of finding her.

And then there was Zak. Infamous for his devil-may-care attitude, Zak lived for causing trouble. His reckless charm made every girl swoon, but he was dangerous, breaking hearts without a second thought. Aaliyah had seen it happen and swore she'd never be one of them. Yet, something about Zak pulled at her, stirring a curiosity she couldn't ignore.

One day, Zak approached her at her locker, his smirk too tempting. "You ever think about what it's like on the other side?" he teased, leaning in close.

Aaliyah's pulse quickened. "I don't think I'm like you, Zak."

He chuckled, eyes narrowing. "Maybe not. But maybe you haven't given it a chance."

As he walked away, leaving her heart pounding, Aaliyah knew this wasn't the last time their paths would cross. Zak was trouble, and she hated trouble-yet she couldn't shake the thrill he awakened in her.