[JASMINE – POV]
I didn't want to go to the party.
I really didn't.
But somehow, I found myself at Carla's place, surrounded by sweaty teenagers, red cups, loud music—and worse, Ayo leaning casually against the staircase, eyeing me like a predator.
Lucas squeezed my hand. "We can leave."
"No," I said, swallowing hard. "If I keep running, he wins."
Lucas nodded, proud—but also tense.
Ten minutes later, we were sitting in a circle in the basement, backs pressed to bean bags, phones out, flashlights on.
Truth or dare.
I hated this game.
And I hated it even more when Ayo spoke up with that cocky smirk.
"Jasmine," he said, voice silk and venom, "truth or dare?"
My heart thudded. I could say truth—but I knew he'd twist it. Say dare—and I'd be walking into a trap.
Still... "Dare."
Ayo grinned, slow and wicked. "I dare you… to kiss the guy you still think about when you're alone."
The whole room gasped.
Lucas stiffened beside me.
I stood up, walked to the center of the circle... and without hesitation turned to Lucas, grabbed his shirt, and kissed him. Deep. Real. Raw.
The room went quiet.
Then someone whistled.
I pulled back, breathing hard. "That answer your question?"
Ayo didn't smile anymore.
Good.
[LUCAS – POV]
That kiss?
It wasn't just to prove a point.
It was a warning.
She was mine—and I wasn't letting her go.
But Ayo's eyes narrowed like he was just getting started.
And I had a feeling his next move would be even dirtier.