Chapter One: Strangers in the Same House
The sun was blindingly bright as I dragged my suitcase up the driveway, the wheels bumping awkwardly against the concrete. The summer heat clung to my skin like syrup, and sweat pooled along myspine. I pushed a strand of hair out of her face and rang the doorbell.
A few seconds later, my best friend, Embriegh threw the door open.
"Mila! Finally," Embriegh grinned, pulling me into a tight hug. "You're late. I was starting to think you ditched me."
I laughed, slinging my backpack higher up my shoulder. "Blame my mom. She triple-checked my bags for, like, illegal substances or something."
Embriegh snorted and grabbed my suitcase, dragging it inside. "Come on. I'll show you where you're staying."
The house smelled like lemon cleaner and warm bread. Cozy. Familiar. But as I stepped into the living room, my eyes caught on a figure leaning lazily against the staircase banister.
Tall.
Dark hair ruffled like he had just rolled out of bed.
A loose gray shirt clinging to lean muscles.
Cesar . Embrieghs older cousin.
I had heard about him in passing—about how he bounced from school to school, trouble clinging to his heels like a second shadow. I'd seen pictures once, but no photo could have captured the weight of him standing there, heavy-lidded eyes tracking her with an unreadable expression.
"This is Mila," Embriegh cheerfully, oblivious to the way Cesar's gaze pinned