# Chapter 3:

Melinda's POV

"Your makeup is smeared," Michael Stone said, those golden-brown eyes staring directly at me as he handed me a napkin. I felt like prey being watched by a wolf—nervous yet inexplicably expectant.

I took the napkin, my fingers trembling slightly.

"Thanks," I said softly, dabbing at the makeup around my eyes. "I must look horrible right now."

"Rough night?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of genuine concern.

"You could say that." I forced a laugh, not wanting to reveal too much.

Michael's gaze lingered on my face, and I felt a strange warmth spread through my chest. The intensity in his eyes made my heart race.

"You know," he said, his voice dropping to an almost whisper, "you look better without makeup."

My heart skipped a beat, my cheeks growing hotter. I lowered my head, staring at my drink, not knowing how to respond to such a compliment. This was Michael Stone, the guy almost every girl on campus wanted to date, and he was complimenting me? In my most disheveled state?

"Do you say that to all the girls?" The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted my directness. I glanced up at him, biting my lower lip.

Michael wasn't offended. Instead, he smiled slightly, a smile that made his features even more captivating. He didn't answer my question, but finished the last of his drink, his eyes never leaving my face.

He leaned forward, closer to me now, and I could smell the faint scent of pine on him. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face, his fingertips grazing my cheek. The touch sent a tremor through me, making my breathing shallow and quick.

"If you're so curious about how I treat girls," he said, his voice low and enticing, "why don't you come see for yourself? I'm at Oak Apartments, fifth floor, room 508."

I jerked back, creating distance between us, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. Was he inviting me to his dorm?

"Not happening," I crossed my arms, struggling to appear composed. "I know your reputation. You're a player."

"So what?" Michael said softly, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "It's your choice, but my door will be open for you all night. Just come in, no need to knock."

He straightened, placing some money on the bar. "I'll cover the lady's drinks," he told the bartender, then stood, slinging his jacket over his shoulder. He gave me one last look before turning and leaving the bar.

I stared after him, conflicted. The bar suddenly felt too empty, too quiet. I continued sipping my remaining drink, my thoughts drifting to Michael's invitation. I'd heard campus rumors about him—Pine Ridge University's most notorious playboy, captain of the Eagles basketball team. Different girls entered his dorm late at night each week, leaving disheveled at dawn, never getting a second chance.

I touched the talisman at my neck, feeling it warmer than usual. A memory flashed through my mind—the night before high school prom, trying on that green dress with such anticipation, hoping for a dance with the quarterback. It had been a cruel prank, and I'd been tripped in the middle of the dance floor, everyone laughing. He had pointed at me, laughing: "Why would I want you? Ugly Melinda will never have a boyfriend!"

The pain from that moment felt so fresh, I unconsciously clenched my fist. Would Michael be like that too? Was his invitation another cruel joke? But there had been something genuine in his eyes tonight, different from those high school boys. Besides, I wasn't that overlooked bookworm anymore.

I gazed out the window, wondering what to do next. I'd dressed up tonight, worn my best underwear, all for Jason, for our relationship to go public. The irony wasn't lost on me. Jason and Caitlin had betrayed me, and now I had an opportunity to do something wild. Would this be the perfect revenge against Jason?

"Sorry, miss, but we're closing soon," the bartender's voice interrupted my thoughts. I nodded, finished my drink, and stood, smoothing my skirt.

As I stepped outside, the cold wind hit my face, sobering me slightly. The thought of returning to my dorm, to that bed defiled by Jason and Caitlin, made my stomach twist again. My hand unconsciously touched my talisman, its warmth spreading through my fingertips, seeming to encourage my decision.

My feet carried me toward Oak Apartments. Walking along the quiet campus paths, moonlight filtering through the trees, my heart beat faster with each step closer to room 508. I paused at the door, my hand hovering over the handle.

Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Michael sat on the sofa, as if he'd been waiting for me. "I thought you didn't like players?" He stood and walked toward me. Each step he took carried a graceful power, like a wolf.

He stopped in front of me, much taller than I was. Up close, the muscle definition in his chest was even more apparent, broad shoulders and strong arms outlined perfectly under his t-shirt. I had to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. He stood too close, and I caught his scent—pine mixed with something wild—sending heat pooling in my lower abdomen.

"So what changed your mind?" he asked, his golden-brown eyes seemingly glowing in the darkness.

I swallowed hard, finding it difficult to form words. "Not like I have anything to lose," I managed, noticing a leather cord around his neck that glinted in the moonlight, making my talisman feel even warmer.

He smiled slightly and leaned down. His hand cupped my cheek, warm and firm. His thumb gently traced my lower lip, sending shivers through me. Then his lips covered mine, soft and exploratory at first, then deepening.

His kiss was nothing like Jason's. Michael's lips were firm and confident; he knew exactly what he was doing. The way his tongue traced my lips made my knees weak. When his tongue slipped into my mouth, I couldn't help but moan softly.

He suddenly broke the kiss, and before I could react, he had lifted me up, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. I could feel his arousal pressing against me through his pants, the sensation both nerve-wracking and exciting.

He carried me across the room, toward the bedroom.

He laid me on the bed, hovering above me, supporting his weight so I didn't feel crushed. My body trembled involuntarily, goosebumps rising on my skin, every pore anticipating his touch. His face was just centimeters from mine, his warm breath on my lips, carrying hints of alcohol and mint. His eyes stared into mine, the golden-brown irises dilated, almost swallowing their original color. He was so close I could hear his breathing, rapid and deep, his chest rising and falling with it, his heartbeat so strong I could almost feel its vibration through our close bodies.

"Are you sure?" he whispered, his voice husky.

"Yes," I nodded, nervous but certain deep down that this was what I wanted.