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“Why is he calling you?” Jacob asked.

  “None of your fucking business,” Ethan lashed out. “I’m talking to Rayn.”

  “Who do you think you’re talking to?” Jacob took a step toward him. “Is he one of the jerks your father was talking about?” Rayn didn’t answer, making her friend think the worst. “Take your white power somewhere else.”

  Ethan chuckled sarcastically. If they only they knew. “Rayn, I need to talk to you.”

  “It’s okay. He’s part of my study group.” Rayn looked at Jacob as if she were asking permission, and then at him. “I’ll see you guys later.”

  “We’ll be watching,” Jacob announced to Ethan. “Your shit has ended.”

  Ethan waited for her, impatiently, before he began walking away with her in tow. How could she let them compare him to Colton and his friends? He glanced at the marks from the scabs that were still visible on his knuckles, and remembered that night.

  “You don’t have to.” She waved back. “He’s nothing like those fools.”

  He clenched his jaw. Who the fuck did Jacob think he was, her damn personal bodyguard?

  “Really, Ethan,” she whispered, looking around like she was searching for someone. “What do you want?”

  He turned, almost bumping into her. “We need to talk.”

  “No, we don’t.” She placed her bag over her shoulder. “Everything that needed to be said was said.”

  “You don’t miss me?” Ethan watched her closely, waiting for an answer.

  Rayn stepped back. “If I miss you or not, doesn’t matter. We shouldn’t be seen together.”

  “We’re just talking about the damn chemistry lab,” he raised his voice, making her friends look their way. Ethan was in need of a hug right about now. His mother’s dad was sick, and she couldn’t make it to Cuba to be by his side. She hadn’t seen his grandfather in more than twenty-five years. Being black and an immigrant were two strikes against her. His mother had seen her share of prejudice at home, and especially here in America. There was no way she could make it home; one, she didn’t have a passport, and two, she didn’t have the money. He’d begun to work to be able to save enough money for his mother to get the necessary paperwork to obtain a passport and Cuban visa to visit her family. “I just needed to talk to you.” He placed his hands in his front pocket.

  “What’s wrong?” Rayn started at him. “Is it your mom, is she okay?”

  “Yes, she’s fine.” He glanced behind her and the football players were staring their way.

  “Then what’s going on?” she asked, concerned.

  “My grandfather’s in the hospital.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Not sure, but my mom sounded worried. She fears she won’t see him again.” Ethan hadn’t met his grandfather personally, only through phone calls and letters here and there from the old man. One day he’d save up his pennies and make it there in time to see Don Pablo.

  “I have faith she will.” Rayn reached out to touch him but dropped her hand the moment when she realized what she was about to do. “Your mom beat cancer.”

  “Yes, she did.” He smiled, thinking of his mother’s strength. “We come from a strong line.”

  “Yes, you do. Stop worrying so much.” Rayn winked. “I pray for you every day.” She pointed up to the sky. “He’s looking over you and your family. How many miracles has he given you?”

  “You pray for me?” he asked, surprised.

  “Just because we’re no longer together, doesn’t mean I don’t care.” She played with her bracelets. “I have to go.”

  “Happy birthday, Rayn.” Ethan had planned on celebrating her birthday with her, like they had the past two years. This one was going to be special; he’d saved up to get her something nice.

  “You remembered.” She stared back at him.

  “How could I forget? You’ve been my lucky charm.” He’d told her so many times how lucky he was that their paths had crossed. She’d inspired him not only to do good for himself, but also for his parents. She’d inspired him to stop bullshitting around and prove to himself and others that he was worth it. “I slipped something under your door.” Ethan sighed. “I don’t want your boyfriend to find it before you do.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t have time for a boyfriend. My focus is on studying, and yours should be too.”

  Ethan smiled at the revelation. He was done beating around the bush. “I moved out. We don’t have to hide anymore.” He’d moved out, leaving Maverick alone in the apartment. He didn’t want to be there when Colton came back. “I’m working in a small diner downtown.”

  “Do you think it’s wise, with graduation so close?”

  “I couldn’t live in that apartment one more day,” he pulled his hand out of his pocket, “and I have to do what’s necessary to help my family. My mom should be able to see her father before it’s too late.”

  “I understand, but sometimes you have to put yourself first.” She pursed her lips.

  “I’m working on that.” He inched forward.

  “Your grandfather will live to be a hundred.” She smiled, and then got serious. ”I have some money, if you need…”

  He didn’t let her finish her sentence. “I don’t want your daddy’s money.” He was insulted. “You know better than to offer me his money.”

  “Fine, but technically it’s my money now.” She placed her hand on her hip. “Why do you have to be so damn proud? If I can help, why don’t you let me.”

  Ethan wanted to hold her tight. He missed having these intimate conversations with her. “I miss you.”

  “Don’t start.” Rayn looked away from him nervously. “I made the right decision in ending whatever we had. You almost killed someone,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t have to be put in that position.”

  “I’ll always protect you,” he said from between gritted teeth.

  “That’s the problem. I don’t need your protection,” Rayn’s words were like a knife through his heart. “You were never going to be my ending.” Damn, that hurt. He knew she couldn’t mean the words coming out of her mouth. “You knew the deal from the beginning.”

  “I did,” he admitted.

  “You almost threw your future away, for what?”

  He inched closer to her, invading her personal space. “For you…”

  “Rayn,” Jacob called out. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes!” She raised her voice, gazing back at Ethan.

  “I thought you didn’t need protection?” His jealousy was about to rear its ugly head. “Or is it just from me?”

  “Ethan…” She paused for a few seconds. “I believe in you and your dreams.” No matter what, she was always his cheerleader even when they were at odds. “I’m just not a part of them. Please stay away from me.”

  There it was, another sucker punch. “Do you regret us?”

  “No.” She turned and walked away, in the direction opposite to him, toward her friends.

  Rayn willed herself not to cry as she walked away from Ethan. She missed him more and more each day. Everything she’d just told him was a bunch of lies. Rayn had ended things with him because she was protecting him. Since that night, she’d received threats from an anonymous phone number. That was one of the reasons the football players were always around her. Her father paid Jacob to keep a close eye on her. And it had become crystal clear: her relationship with Ethan would never have survived, especially with people like Colton on campus.

  When he regained consciousness, Colton had tried to accuse Rayn of his attack. There was no proof, and she had an alibi. He eventually told the truth, he didn’t know who jumped him, but he thought Rayn had orchestrated it. Up to this day, he was still recovering from the attack. Rayn heard he was still going to physical therapy to work on the function of his right arm, the same hand he’d used to hurt her. He’d been beaten worse than she’d first thought. He had two concussions, two broken ribs, and underwent a nose and jaw surgery.<
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  She rushed to her apartment complex. Rayn opened her door and there it was: a pink envelope with her name on it. She tore it open and a thin silver bracelet dropped on the floor with a note. She bent down and picked up the piece of jewelry. It was a four-leaf clover.

  She rapidly opened the note.

  Rayn,

  You’ve been my lucky charm from day one.

  Happy birthday

  Ethan

  Tears began running down her cheeks. “You’re mine…” Rayn mumbled, rereading the card. She’d been in a very dark place when she met Ethan. Just being in his presence made her soul rejoice with laughter. No matter what, he found ways to make her feel unique and special when she herself didn’t feel so, in that moment. Rayn could admit she’d been selfish in wanting Ethan all to herself, especially as it meant keeping him hidden. He’d been her perfect little selfish secret until he went and ruined it by almost destroying his future—and putting them both on a collision course with Colton.

  She picked up the envelope and there was something else inside. Rayn chuckled. It was cheerleader pompoms earrings.

  She placed the bracelet around her wrist and read the tiny tag. Her eyes widened and her happiness turned into anger when she saw where he’d purchased the bracelet. It was from an exclusive jewelry store downtown. Nothing in that store was cheap. Why would he spend any money on her, after the way she’d been treating him?

  Rayn thought of going out to find him and returning the bracelet. Then he could get his money back, and spend it on something he really needed. But it would only make him angry, because he would take her gesture of giving back the gift as disrespect, and her being ungrateful, instead of what she would be actually doing: saving him money.

  She clasped the fine jewelry around her wrists. “Thank you, Ethan…”

  Her cell phone rang. She searched for it in her bag and looked at the number. Rayn didn’t recognized the caller. It stopped ringing and whomever it was didn’t leave a voicemail. It rang again. “Hello.”

  “I remember everything.” He breathed harshly. “You are going to pay for what you did to me.”

  Her heart began beating rapidly when she recognized the voice. Colton.

  “If it’s the last thing I do.”

  Rayn hung up the phone and rushed to the window, looking down at the students and searching for Ethan in a vain hope he was still there, looking up to see her—but he wasn’t there anymore.

  Her phone vibrated, receiving a text. Stay away from him or he will pay too.

  Leave me alone Rayn typed back. She wasn’t going to be anyone’s puppet.

  You started this, and I will end it with his blood on my hands. STAY AWAY FROM HIM.

  Tears formed in her eyes. In that moment, she made a promise to herself. Ethan was off limits, for both their sakes. Rayn couldn’t tell Ethan, because if she did, he would probably finish what he started and end up in prison for life.

  Chapter Six

  Two months later. Graduation Day!

  Ethan hugged his parents before going to be seated. His father, Alexandre, was a big guy, both in the waist and in height. His salt-and-pepper beard had grown longer since spring break, and now touched his chest. He hadn’t seen his father dressed up this nice, ever, not even for Ethan’s high school graduation. And he realized the same must be true for him: Ethan had slicked his hair back into a ponytail and he wore a pair of black slacks with a blue button-down shirt. He glanced down at his father’s shoes and chuckled internally observing the man’s dusty, old boots. It had taken them three days to drive in from Oklahoma, and they stayed in a motel close to the school. Ethan’s plans were to stick around campus and party with his friends one last time, and then take a bus home, like he did whenever they had a break. He hoped he could get Rayn by herself, even if it was for a few minutes. Ethan needed her to listen to him before it was too late, and he lost her forever.

  His mother, Magda, cupped his face in her soft hands. “You make us so proud.” Her full lips turned up into a grin. He stared down into his mother’s loving, brown eyes. She’d been through so much and she was still standing with them, against all odds. According to the doctors, she should have been a resident in heaven years ago, but God had other plans. He must have known Ethan couldn’t make it without his mother. His mom had beaten cancer, winning the battle two times.

  Ethan placed his large hands over hers. “I did this for you.” He kissed her forehead. His mom held on to him. He inhaled her motherly scent. As far back as he could remember, his mom always smelled like lavender. She was a petite woman with a big personality. He could tell she wasn’t having a good day, especially after a long drive like that. She eased back and settled herself with the wooden cane for support. He tucked strands of her curly hair behind her ears. Her once-radiant brown skin looked ashen, making him worry. “How are you feeling?” Ethan was on edge every time Magda became ill, even if it was a simple cold.

  “After seeing you, blessed.” Magda smiled, pulling one of his colorful cords. She’d lost some weight. The cream dress she wore was a bit too big, and as he recalled, the same dress had been tight on her just a few months before. “Your grandfather sent his love.” His grandfather had recovered and was back at home, strong and healthy. According to him, you couldn’t keep a man like him down for long.

  Ethan looked over his mother’s head as Rayn entered the venue with who he assumed was her parents and siblings. She had multiple color cords around her neck, and her gown was almost touching the floor. She glanced up and their eyes met. His heart did a flip as he stared at her. She’d straightened her hair down to her shoulders, and her makeup was naturally beautiful. He couldn’t stop staring, even after her father gave him the eye.

  “Is that her?” His mom looked back.

  “Yes. That’s Rayn.” He sounded like a fool, even to his own ears. Was he drooling?

  “Are you going to introduce her?” His mother wiggled her eyebrows.

  “They are no longer an item, Magda,” his father chimed in. “Remember?”

  “So?” Magda lifted her hand in the air.

  Rayn smiled and winked at him, which gave him the courage he needed to initiate his actions. “Rayn,” he called out.

  That night three months ago was the last time Ethan spent time alone with Rayn. He’d moved out of the apartment complex, and into a tiny studio in an elderly couple’s house near campus. He couldn’t stand the idea he’d have to see Colton’s smug face when he got back from the hospital. He made up some bogus excuse to Maverick, and left. As it turned out, Colton’s parents pulled him out of school for his safety. They were currently suing the apartment complex over not having security measures in place the night he was attacked.

  His love for Rayn didn’t fade away, like hers had for him, as he’d noted on her birthday. Because of Colton, their secret relationship had ended. Ethan’s feelings for her grew stronger every time he saw her on campus. If she only knew what he would give to have her in his arms. He wasn’t going to give up on her. She was his, and today he would make it known. He had been planning for this day for months, the day he finally made sure Rayn met the other special woman in his life, his mother.

  Rayn’s parents looked over his way first and then she gave him a nervous glare. Ethan could see, but not hear, the conversation unfold: “Do you know him?” Her father turned toward Ethan, his expression quizzical.

  Rayn, clearly nervous, shook off the questions and walked over to Ethan.

  “Hi.” She watched his parents for a minute before turning her attention back on him. “You should be very proud of yourself. We made it.”

  “We did.” He gazed back at her. She was wearing the bracelet he’d gifted her. “I wanted you to meet my dad and mom, Alexandre and Magda,” he proudly announced, making her eyes widen in surprise. “Dad, Mom, this is Rayn.” Ethan placed his hand on her waist, easing her closer.

  “Oh my God!” His mother kissed her cheek and then wrapped her thin arms around Rayn, dangl
ing her cane. “Finally, I get to meet the woman who took my boy away from me.” She leaned back, scrutinizing her. “All he does is talk about you. I can’t wait until you meet Rayn…Rayn this, Rayn that. You made him see the world differently. You made him want more. You are part of the reason he is standing in this gown today.”

  Ethan could feel his cheeks blushing as Rayn covered her amusement. Her mouth formed a round O after she learned she was a topic of discussion with his parents.

  His father stretched out his arm and shook her hand. “We Monet men sure know how to pick them.” He pinched his wife’s hip. “We weren’t what you expected to see?” He must have noticed her confused features when he introduced them as mom and dad. His parents were the total opposite and that’s what made them unique.

  “Oh no, I mean yes.” Rayn’s voice cracked as her parents began walking up to them. “Mr. and Mrs. Monet, Ethan talks wonders about you. He wanted to make you proud.”

  “We’ve always been proud of our boy,” his dad added. “He made it to the finish line.”

  “You see.” She turned to him. “Ethan…”

  “Rayn!” Her dad spoke, waving his hand. “It’s time to go.”

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Monet. Excuse me.” She sidestepped Ethan. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, gave his parents half of a smile, and strolled away.

  What the fuck was that? Ethan thought, watching her walk away like a dog with her tail between her legs.

  His dad watched him closely. “Not everyone is okay with undeniable love. Maybe it’s time for you to let her go. She told you herself, you were from different worlds and I don’t think she meant it in a white-and-black way. After meeting her and seeing her folks, I think she meant it in a I’m rich and you’re poor.” His father patted his back. “Let me say this again, just in case you ever doubted it: I’m proud of you son. Now, I’m going to go find us some good seats. Magda, talk some sense into your boy.” He slowly made his way to the bleachers and walked up the risers.