Caring Vanquish | 18+ [Book 3]

Ayaka Himura was raised inside a bubble. Nine years into remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her mother still treats her like she's fragile, determined to eliminate even the smallest risk.

Because of it, Ayaka feels like her life never truly started. While her best friends fall in love and step boldly into their futures, she's stuck on the sidelines.

This fall semester of her last year in the Gifted Program, she's done waiting.

Done waiting for life to begin.
Done waiting to feel wanted.
Done waiting for Garreth Whitaker to look at her and see something other than the girl he hates.

She wants something reckless.
Something hers.

She's going to lose her virginity and finally explore life on her terms.

Too bad Garreth Whitaker has other plans.

At Easton Prep Academy for the Gifted, he's turned her life into a quiet war.
Rumors.
Mockery.
Cruelty wrapped in charm.

They used to be inseparable as children, until she disappeared at six years old without explanation.

Garreth never knew why she left.
He only knew she did.
And the Horseman of Vanquish doesn't forgive abandonment.

So when he hears whispers that Ayaka Himura is finally stepping off the sidelines... and into someone else's arms?

Something cold and territorial sharpens inside him.
If she made him suffer, he'll make sure she suffers too.

Even if it means ruining anyone who gets too close.