ISLA'S POV
My eyes scanned the entire campus. The black walls and buildings exuded a sense of discomfort that strangely felt exciting. The muffled sounds of students talking and laughing rang in my ears, while the scent of cigarettes and alcohol filled my nostrils.
But who the fuck would drink alcohol this early? Well, anything is possible in Central High.
As I turned, my gaze fell on a figure sitting on a bench, his back to me. He was tall, with muscular shoulders draped in a black leather jacket. His big veiny hands held a cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he took a puff. In front of him stood a group of students, their faces etched with fear and embarrassment as the crowd around the man laughed at their helplessness.
Nervously, I tightened my grip on the suitcase I was holding. Is this how they treat new students? My heart ached for them, but before I could become their target, I raced inside.
Seeing such an extreme crowd of people made me a bit anxious. This wasn't the first time I'd stepped into a new place with a suitcase in hand and uncertainty swirling in my gut. I had been doing this since I was ten, bouncing between foster homes after my parents' accident. Invested in my thoughts I didn't even realize when I reached my dorm room.
As I stepped into the room I was mesmerized by the interior. Wish I could say that! A plain brown bed and a brown bookshelf filled the room. Yet I loved it. Coming here was my biggest dream ever. I settled my bag on the bed. Before I could do anything, a voice from behind interrupted me. "You new here"
Turning around I replied with a smile on my face " Yeah". She introduced herself as Sasha forwarding her hand. " Isla" I introduced myself while shaking her hand.
Sasha leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, there's this bike race happening at the outskirts of Central High. You're coming," she said, her voice dropping to a low, almost ominous tone.
I raised an eyebrow, looking her up and down like she'd just been asked to join a circus. "I don't know…"
"Don't be such a buzzkill, Isla," Sasha said, rolling her eyes. "Come on, it's gonna be epic. Picture it—adrenaline, speed, maybe even a few hot guys. Who knows? You might actually get some." I groaned, crossing my arms. "Getting some is definitely not on my bucket list."
Sasha grinned. "Well, let's add it in then. Be ready by 10. We'll go together. Trust me, it'll be life-changing."
"Is it safe?" I asked, my voice dripping with skepticism.
"Safe?" Sasha snorted. "What's that? I mean, sure, we might go a little overboard, but what's life without a little danger, right?"
I watched as Sasha turned and walked away, her grin lingering like a secret. It's just a bike race. What's the worst that could happen, right?.
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I blew a kiss to my reflection, giving myself one last look. The black shirt and shorts fit me like a glove. I tied my hair into a ponytail, letting a few strands fall loose. Strangely, I couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling—as if tonight would change my life forever. But perhaps I was just being overly skeptical.
A knock bought me out of my thoughts as I walked towards the door to open it revealing Sasha. She was dressed in an exceptionally gorgeous silver dress. Her caramel brown skin shining brightly under the light.
" Oh my god! Look at you, girl—you're looking so sexy, every guy in there's gonna be drooling!" Sasha complimented me with a bright smile on her face.
" Thanks! You look stunning too, " I replied. She laughed as she gazed around the messy room
" Geez, what kind of storm hit this place?". Passing a sheepish smile, my eyes scanned the room. The entire bed was covered with a pile of clothes–multiple novels were randomly spread all over the table.
" I tried to organize the room but failed miserably," I said, my voice heavy with frustration. " Don't worry I will help you but for now let's leave. It's getting late". Sasha replied. I closed the door behind us, and we both left, heading out into the unknown.
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We walked into a dark alley with one light flickering above our heads. On our way there Sasha explained everything I needed to know about Central High.
The entire college is divided into four huge groups: The Nerds, The Jocks, The Rebels, and The Royals. The Royals are the richest and the most popular ones in the entire school. The Nerds are silent, intelligent kids who come from average families. The Jocks are always the center of attraction, famous for their sports activities. The Rebels are the rebels who do not follow the rules of the school and like to bring chaos everywhere.
Above all, Zayn Blackwood–He is both the same and yet so different. A rebellious jock from a wealthy family. In simple he is a bit of all.
The thunderous roar of engines filled the air, and the bright lights temporarily blinded me. My heart raced, and I struggled to catch my breath as I took in the astonishing sight before me. Sleek, powerful bikes sprawled across the field. The entire atmosphere was thick with temptations. The crowd moved like some sort of beast, their bodies undulating to the pulsing beats in a rhythm she couldn't yet understand. Lips collided in a desperate hunger, tongues entwining in a dance far darker than any she'd ever known.
" Wanna experience that" Sash called out as I turned my gaze back to her.
"Over my dead body will I do that. How can they even do something like that" I replied, my voice filled with disbelief. " Because they love the thrill... the way it feels when they're tangled in each other, unable to stop," She answered, making me roll my eyes at her dramatic line.
"Hey, look! It's finally starting," Sasha said, her eyes glued to the starting line where two bikes were lined up, engines growling, ready to tear through the silence. "What?" I asked, voice sharp. "Zayn's race," Sasha answered, her tone laced with something I couldn't quite place.
Rolling my eyes, I replied, my voice dripping with venom, "You and your never-ending obsession with Zayn. Who the hell is he?"
"Look at him once and you'll understand," Sasha said, her wink sending a chill through the air. I turned my gaze back to the bikes giving the hope to further debate against her. My eyes fell on a man who was already looking at me, his eyes held emotions I couldn't decipher. Here's another take with a bit more intensity:
With a chiseled face, piercing forest-green eyes, and a muscular frame, he looked like a living Greek god. Who the hell is he?
" Careful girl! Don't start drooling" Sasha whispered in my ear. " Who is he?" My voice came out as a whisper but I was too invested in admiring his face. " Zayn Blackwood" Sasha answered, causing my breath to hitch.
My heart thumped so loudly in my chest that it drowned out everything else. Unknowingly a blush coated my cheeks. Was it because of his intense gaze ? Or his smoldering features?–I couldn't decide. Every muscle in my body tensed as his gaze lingered on me–as if he could sense my thumping heart or see the heat pooling between my legs.
A loud gunshot echoed indicating the start of a race. The bike beside Zayn shot forward in a blink of an eye while Zayn remained unfazed, as if the world around him didn't exist. He was just staring at me? Or admiring me?.
Then, without warning, he did something that sent a chill racing down my spine--He mouthed the words You Are Mine.