Hailey's throat went dry. She had to say something...anything...but her brain refused to function.

"Uh... I-" she stammered.

Xavier pushed off the sink and took a slow step toward her, his piercing gaze never leaving her face. Up close, she noticed more details-his tousled dark hair, the sharp jawline, the tattoos curling around his arms like inked whispers of rebellion.

Danger.

That was the first thing her mind screamed.

He radiated it.

Yet, her feet still didn't move.

"Let me guess..." He flicked the cigarette ash into the sink, his tongue piercing glinting as he smirked again.

"You're new here"

Hailey nodded stiffly.

His smirk deepened, like he was entertained by her nervousness.

"Thought so" His gaze dropped briefly, taking in her sweater and jeans...simple, modest, so unlike the girls he was used to seeing around here.

He took another drag of his cigarette, exhaling slowly before cocking a brow at her.

"You planning to stay and chat, or are you gonna run off before someone else walks in and gets the wrong idea?"

That snapped her out of it.

Her face burned as she fumbled backward, her hand gripping the door handle.

"I-I'm sorry!" she blurted out, quickly turning and yanking the door open.

A deep chuckle followed her as she practically bolted out of the restroom.

Her heart pounded as she stumbled into the hallway, pressing a hand against her chest.

What just happened?

Who was that?

She didn't need anyone to tell her he was bad news. The tattoos, the piercings, the cigarette-the smirk. He was exactly the type of person she had been warned to stay away from.

She shook her head, inhaling deeply.

Forget it. Just find the dormitory.

She pulled out the crumpled paper with her dorm assignment and checked the campus map at the end of the hallway.

"Block C... Room 209" she muttered, tracing the route with her finger.

Just as she was about to turn toward the dorms, a loud voice cut through the air behind her.

"Name's Xavier, princess!"

Hailey froze mid-step.

Slowly, she turned her head.

There he was.

Xavier stood just outside the restroom, one hand shoved into his pocket, the other tossing the half-burned cigarette to the ground and crushing it beneath his boot.

That same smirk played on his lips as his sharp gaze locked on hers.

"Wouldn't want you running off without knowing who I am" he added, tilting his head slightly.

"Might come in handy later"

Later?

She didn't plan on seeing him ever again.

Without another word, she turned around and walked faster toward the dormitories.

She could still feel his eyes on her back as she walked.

Only when she was far enough away did she let out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

•••

BEHIND THE SCHOOL BUILDING*

Xavier leaned against the cool brick wall, his fingers lazily flicking open his lighter, watching the small flame dance before he snapped it shut. Over and over. A habit. A distraction. But right now, nothing could distract him from her.

The girl from earlier.

So soft. So pure. So untouched.

Fùck.

That innocence of hers? It was driving him insane.

He had seen plenty of girls at Hillsworth who were desperate, eager, willing. They threw themselves at him, craving the thrill of being around someone dangerous.

But her?

She didn't belong in his world. And that made him want her even more.

Xavier exhaled, running his tongue over the silver piercing between his lips, the taste of nicotine still fresh on his tongue.

She had looked terrified in that restroom. Frozen. Shaken.

And it was the best damn thing he'd seen all day.

Because now? Now, he wanted to see her in every way possible.

Ruined. Breathless. Wild.

The thought alone sent a rush through his veins. He hadn't even touched her yet, but fùck, the idea of corrupting that innocence was already making his blood run hot.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"She has no idea what she just walked into"

He wanted her. Badly.

And Xavier always got what he wanted.

He took another slow drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke curl between his fingers before exhaling. His tongue flicked over the cool metal of his piercing, his mind replaying the way she had looked at him-wide-eyed, stiff, like a little rabbit caught in a wolf's den.

That was exactly what she was. A little rabbit in a world full of wolves. And him? He was the worst of them all.

He chuckled under his breath, dropping his cigarette to the ground and crushing it beneath his boot.

She was tempting. Too tempting. That sweater, those jeans...everything about her screamed innocence, and it was messing with his head in the worst way.

He had seen purity before. He had even toyed with it. But this? This was different.

This wasn't just some girl playing at being good. This was a girl who had never tasted the bad.

And he wanted to be the one to change that.

His fingers twitched at the thought-gripping that sweet little waist, watching her shatter under his touch. He wanted to see her fall apart, to strip away every ounce of that innocence until she forgot what it felt like to be good.

And the best part?

She'd let him. Eventually.

Because girls like her? The ones who thought they didn't belong in his world?

They always did.

They just needed the right push.

A slow smirk pulled at his lips.

She wouldn't be able to run from him forever.

Xavier's smirk faded as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He already knew who it was before even glancing at the screen.

Yeah, right.

His jaw clenched as he pulled the phone out, staring at the screen for a long second. The buzzing felt louder, more irritating than usual, like it was drilling into his skull.

Then, without hesitation, he smashed it against the brick wall.

The device shattered on impact, pieces scattering across the ground. The ringing died instantly, leaving nothing but silence.

His fingers curled into fists, his chest rising and falling heavily.

He knew they'd call again.

They always did.

SCHOOL CAFETERIA*

Hailey sat at one of the tables in the cafeteria, her tray of food untouched in front of her as she absentmindedly poked at the fries. She had just finished her first class of the day and had gone to the dormitory, only to find it locked.

"Hey, is this seat taken?"

Hailey looked up, startled. A girl was standing in front of her, a friendly smile on her face.

"I'm not sure. I mean... yeah, sure" Hailey replied, gesturing to the seat across from her.

The girl slid into the chair, setting down her tray with a relieved sigh.

"Thanks. I just needed to get away from all those people" She chuckled, glancing around at the busy cafeteria before turning her attention back to Hailey.

"You look like you could use a break too"

Hailey smiled awkwardly. "Yeah... just trying to get through the day, you know?"

"I'm Jessa, by the way. We're in the same class, right?"

Hailey blinked, trying to place her.

"I think so. We had that...um, the intro to English class this morning"

"That's the one! You seemed kind of quiet, but you've got that... serious vibe. Like you're here to actually do something"

"Yeah, that's the plan " Hailey said with a smile.

"Well, if you ever want to study or just, you know, talk, let me know, I'm still trying to figure out where everything is on campus, and it looks like you might know your way around"

"I...actually went by the dorm, but it was locked" Hailey said, pushing the food around on her plate.

"Lucky you, I will be coming from home" she said.

'Not like I'm staying there' she said inwardly.

The cafeteria that was buzzing with loud conversations suddenly stopped the moment he walked in..

Xavier.

With his hands shoved casually into the pockets of his black jeans, he strode in like he owned the place.

Girls all around the cafeteria stilled, their eyes locking on him like he was gravity itself, pulling them in effortlessly. Some whispered among themselves, others bit their lips as they stared at him.

Jessa nudged Hailey slightly.

"Yup. That's Xavier Knight, the guy everyone warns you about"

Hailey stiffened, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. She didn't need the warning.

She already knew.

Her mind flashed back to the restroom, to the suffocating scent of smoke, the way his gaze had raked over her like he was seeing straight through her, stripping away every layer with just a look.

And now...he was here.

His gaze swept over the cafeteria lazily, as if he was unimpressed by the attention, used to it. But then, his sharp, dark eyes landed on her.

Hailey's breath seized.

Staring at her like he had just found something interesting.

A slow, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Jessa shifted beside Hailey.

"Uh... do you know him?" she asked, sensing the strange tension between them.

Hailey quickly tore her gaze away, her heart hammering in her chest.

"No" she said.

She forced herself to focus on her food, her fingers tightening around the fork, but it was useless. The energy in the room had shifted, and it was because of him.

Jessa was still talking beside her, something about a professor and an assignment, but Hailey could barely hear her.

Her chair suddenly jerked backward.

A gasp escaped from her lips as she was pulled away from the table in one swift motion. The cafeteria spun for half a second before she felt warm hands grip her waist, steadying her.

Firm. Possessive.

The entire cafeteria went dead silent.

Hailey's breath stuttered as she tilted her head up only to find herself face-to-face with Xavier.

His grip on her waist didn't loosen. If anything, it tightened, his fingers pressing slightly into her sweater.

His dark eyes flickered with amusement, like he was enjoying her reaction.

"Told you we'd see each other again, princess" he murmured.

Hailey tried to move, but his hold didn't let her.

Everyone was watching. Jessa's jaw was practically on the floor. Girls were glaring, enviously. Others were watching with open anticipation on what's about to happen since it's Xavier.

'This wasn't happening'

'This couldn't be happening'

"Let go" she begged.

Xavier's tongue flicked over his lip piercing, his smirk deepening.

"Make me"

He was playing with her. Toying. And the worst part? She had no idea how to stop it.

Before she could react, before she could even breathe properly, he leaned down, his lips brushing just beside her ear.

"You're cute when you're nervous"

Heat crawled up Hailey's neck, spreading to her face.

And then, just as effortlessly as he had grabbed her, he let go.

Like he hadn't just thrown the entire cafeteria into chaos.

Like he hadn't just flipped her entire world upside down.

He stepped back, shoving his hands into his pockets again, that signature smirk still playing on his lips. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving behind nothing but shocked stares and a pounding heartbeat.

The moment Xavier walked away, the cafeteria burst into chaos.

Whispers.

Gasps.

Stares.

Hailey barely registered any of it. Her heart was still hammering in her chest, her skin tingling where his hands had been just moments ago.

What just happened?

She slowly sank back into her seat, feeling Jessa's wide-eyed gaze burning into her.

"Okay... what the hell was that?" Jessa demanded, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Did Xavier Knight just...wait...what's going on between you two?"

Hailey shook her head quickly.

"Nothing. I don't even know him"

Jessa snorted. "Yeah, well, he sure as hell knows you"

Hailey clenched her fists, staring down at her untouched food. She wanted to disappear. To pretend none of that just happened. But the cafeteria wasn't letting her.

All around them, students were still whispering, girls glaring at her like she had just stolen something precious from them.

Brielle, who sat a few tables away, looked livid.

Hailey swallowed hard. She needed to get out of here.

"Excuse me" she muttered, grabbing her tray and standing up.

Jessa called after her, but she didn't stop. She just needed air. Space. Anything to clear her mind of him.

But the moment she stepped out of the cafeteria, she realized one terrifying thing-

Xavier Knight was dangerous.

Brielle suddenly came from nowhere, blocking her way with her arms crossed. Her two friends, Tessa and Lila were with her.

"Well, well, look who it is" Brielle drawled, tilting her head.

"The new school slut"

Hailey stiffened. "Excuse me?"

Tessa let out a dramatic gasp, pressing a hand to her chest.

"Oh, come on, Hailey. You really think people didn't see what just happened? Xavier Knight, of all people, touching you?" She laughed, shaking her head.

"That was pathetic"

"You know, girls have tried for months to get his attention. And yet, somehow, you just...what? Stumble into his lap?" Lila said.

Hailey clenched her fists.

"I didn't ask for his attention"

"Oh, but you got it. And trust me, Hailey, that's a very dangerous thing" Brielle said and then continued by moving closer.

"You're not special. You're just a toy he'll get bored of and when he does? You'll wish you never even looked at him"

Hailey swallowed hard, her throat dry.

"Stay out of his way because if you don't-" She trailed off, giving Hailey a slow, knowing look before flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Well... don't say I didn't warn you"

With that, she and her friends brushed past her, laughing.

Hailey stood frozen.

What had she just gotten herself into?

She let out a shaky breath, trying to push down the lump in her throat. Her hands clenched by her sides as Brielle and her friends walked away, their laughter still ringing in her ears.

"Hailey!" She heard a familiar voice call her.

Jessa jogged up beside her. "You really just left me in the cafeteria" she said, shaking her head.

"Cold"

"Sorry" Hailey muttered.

Jessa eyed her, then glanced back toward Brielle and her group, who just entered an empty class.

"I see they're already starting their usual nonsense"

Hailey sighed. "I don't get it. I don't understand why Brielle hates me this much"

Jessa shot her a confused look.

"Wait, hates you? You guys know each other?"

Hailey let out a dry laugh.

"She's my cousin"

Jessa stopped walking.

"You're kidding"

Hailey shook her head. Jessa's jaw dropped for a second before she scoffed.

"Wow. And here I thought she was just mean for fun. Turns out, she's actually heartless"

Hailey looked away, not wanting to let the conversation dig too deep.

Jessa nudged her lightly.

"Well, don't let her get to you. And while we're on that topic, try to avoid Xavier too. The last thing you need is more trouble" she said and Hailey nodded without saying anything.

•••

NIGHT, XAVIER'S PLACE*

Xavier pushed open the door to his small apartment, stepping inside with a lazy swagger. The light in the room illuminating the mess of clothes, empty bottles, and cigarette packs scattered around.

With a deep inhale, he brought the cigarette between his lips, sucking in the toxic relief as he kicked the door shut behind him. Smoke curled from his lips as he exhaled, his free hand reaching for the hem of his shirt.

He pulled it over his head, tossing it carelessly on the couch. His toned torso flexed as he ran a hand through his messy hair, the nicotine buzzing through his veins.

The sound of water dripping sounded from the bathroom, followed by the soft padding of bare feet against the floor.

A girl came out, wrapped in nothing but a towel. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, her lips curling into a sultry smile at the sight of him.

"Finally" she purred, her eyes trailing over his body.

"Took you long enough"

Xavier barely looked at her. His expression remained unreadable, his cigarette hanging loosely from his fingers.

Then, in that deep, commanding voice of his, he uttered the only words that mattered.

"On your fours"

Without hesitation, she let the towel slip from her body and did exactly as he said.

Xavier took another slow drag, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Tonight, he needed a distraction.

And she was just that.

He flicked the cigarette into a nearby ashtray before picking another one and his fingers moved to his belt, unfastening it.

The girl shifted on her hands and knees, her breath uneven as she waited.

Xavier's smirk deepened. He liked this...having control, watching them surrender without question. It was predictable, easy.

Unlike the girl from earlier.

His jaw ticked at the thought of Hailey. Her wide, innocent eyes, the way she had stiffened under his touch. She was different. Untouched. Unaware of the danger standing right in front of her.

And for some reason, that made him want her even more.

But not now. Not yet.

Right now, he needed to clear his head.

With one last tug, his belt slid free from his jeans.

"Good girl" he murmured, stepping closer.

The girl shivered at his words, her lips curling into a pleased smile as she arched her back slightly, presenting herself to him.

Xavier rolled his shoulders, tossing his belt on the couch before taking another drag from his cigarette. His free hand raked through his dark hair, his mind still clouded...not from the nicotine, but from the lingering image of Hailey.

Her innocence taunted him.

It wasn't just that she was untouched,but it was the way she looked at him, like she had no idea what someone like him was capable of and that fascinates him.

...that made him want to ruin her even more.

"Xavier" the girl's voice pulled him back. She turned her head slightly, her glossy lips parting as she batted her lashes at him.

"You're distracted"

"Shut up"

With that, he stubbed out his cigarette, cracked his neck, and finally focused on the girl in front of him.

Xavier unbuttoned his jeans, sliding the zipper down. His eyes darkened as he stepped closer, gripping the girl's hip with one hand while the other ran through his tousled hair.

"You know the rules" he muttered.

The girl arched her back further, pressing her palms flat against the bed. She didn't dare to look up, she knew better.

But even as Xavier's hands moved, even as his body reacted, his mind was elsewhere.

That damn girl.

Hailey.

She wasn't supposed to matter. She wasn't supposed to be anything more than another naive little thing, easy to tease, easy to ruin. And yet, something about her was messing with his head.

Her wide, innocent eyes. The way she shied away from him but still held her ground.

She was different.

And Xavier Knight didn't like things he couldn't control.

Grinding his teeth, he pushed the thought away, gripping the girl's waist harder.

Tonight, he'd get Hailey out of his system.

Or at least, he'd try.

He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply, and when he opened them again... he saw her.

Hailey.

His fingers twitched around the leather strap of his belt.

In his mind, it was her on the bed, her soft breaths, her trembling hands pressed into the mattress.

His jaw clenched as his grip tightened.

"You have no idea what you do to me, princess" he muttered under his breath.

The girl beneath him blushed.

She had no clue.

Because in that moment, she wasn't the one he wanted.

And that realization?

It only made him want Hailey more.

With a sharp exhale, he pulled away from her, ignoring the confused look she shot him.

"Xavier?" she murmured, shifting slightly.

But he was already moving away from her.

Grabbing his discarded shirt from the floor, he shrugged it over his head, not bothering to button it as he stepped toward the door.

The metallic clink of his belt sounded in the quiet room as he worked it back into place, a cigarette already dangling from his lips.

He got on the street, taking a deep inhale. A slow burn in his lungs.

But none of it dulled the ache building inside him.

Because for the first time in his life, Xavier Knight had walked away.

And all because she wasn't Hailey.