Reckless Hearts

Music pulsed through the walls of the Alpha House fraternity. The mansion was packed with students celebrating the first weekend before classes officially began. Laughter echoed from every room. Red cups littered the tables, and flashing lights painted the walls in shades of blue and purple. For most freshmen, this was the perfect way to start university. For Elena Carter… It was the last place she wanted to be. Twenty minutes away, Elena sat on the floor of her dorm room, surrounded by unopened boxes. Her roommate, Chloe Bennett, burst through the door with a dramatic sigh. “You are seriously unpacking your clothes?” Elena smiled without looking up. “They won’t unpack themselves.” Chloe dropped onto her bed. “The biggest party of the year is happening right now.” “I know.” “And you’re not even curious?” Elena folded another sweater neatly. “I didn’t come here to party.” “You came here to become a nun.” Elena laughed. “I came here to study.” Her phone lit up on the bed. ❤️ Ethan Calling… A smile instantly spread across her face. Chloe groaned. “Don’t tell me.” “My boyfriend.” “You have a boyfriend?” Elena nodded. “For almost a year.” Chloe covered her face with a pillow. “Great. The prettiest girl in our dorm is already taken.” Elena rolled her eyes before answering. “Hi.” “Hey, beautiful.” Ethan Brooks’ warm voice immediately relaxed her. “How’s university?” “I’ve only been here one day.” “And you’ve already forgotten me.” She laughed. “I don’t think that’s possible.” Ethan smiled on the other end. “I miss you already.” “I miss you too.” “So… did you go to that welcome party?” “No.” “I knew it.” She smiled. “I stayed in.” “That’s my girl.” They talked for almost twenty minutes. Before hanging up, Ethan said quietly, “I love you, Elena.” Her heart warmed. “I love you too.” After the call ended, Chloe stared at her. “He sounds nice.” “He is.” “So why is he studying at another university?” “He got into Northbridge University.” Chloe nodded slowly. “Long distance…” “It isn’t easy.” “But we’ll make it work.” She believed every word. She had no reason not to. Across campus… Alpha House was louder than ever. Damian Cross leaned against the kitchen island, casually spinning the keys to his motorcycle around one finger. His tattooed arms were exposed beneath a black T-shirt. Girls kept glancing his way. He ignored every one of them. “You’re impossible,” Mason Reed laughed. “What now?” “You’ve rejected three girls tonight.” “They’ll survive.” Ryan walked over carrying three drinks. “Forget the girls.” He looked around the room. “Have either of you seen the scholarship freshman?” “The one everyone’s talking about?” Mason asked. Ryan nodded. “Elena Carter.” Damian shrugged. “No.” “They say she’s gorgeous.” “They also say she skipped this party.” Damian smirked. “Smart.” Ryan laughed. “Or boring.” Just then another senior joined their group. “I saw her earlier.” “Really?” Mason asked. “Yeah.” “What was she doing?” “Talking to her boyfriend on the phone.” Damian barely reacted. “So?” “So she’s taken.” Ryan grinned. “Apparently they’re completely in love.” Mason looked at Damian. “I guess that means she’s off limits.” Damian raised an eyebrow. “According to who?” “You.” “I never said that.” Ryan laughed. “I’ve got an idea.” Mason smiled immediately. “Oh no…” Ryan placed his drink on the counter. “I bet you can’t make Elena Carter fall in love with you.” The group fell silent. Damian looked amused. “A girl with a boyfriend?” Ryan nodded. “A girl who’s crazy about her boyfriend.” Mason folded his arms. “And not just flirt with you.” “She has to leave him because she genuinely falls in love with you.” A few nearby students turned to listen. Damian let out a quiet laugh. “That’s your challenge?” Ryan reached into his pocket and placed his motorcycle key on the counter. “My Ducati.” The room erupted. “No way!” “He’s serious!” Damian looked at the keys. “And if I lose?” “You shave your head.” Everyone burst into laughter. Damian ran a hand through his dark hair. “Never happening.” Ryan extended his hand. “So…” “Do we have a bet?” Damian looked around the room. Then… He shook Ryan’s hand. “One semester.” Cheers filled the house. Someone shouted, “Poor boyfriend!” Another laughed, “Poor girl!” Damian simply smiled. To him… It was just another game. He had no idea that this game would become the biggest mistake of his life. Later that night… Elena stood by her dorm window, watching the lights of Westbridge University sparkle in the distance. She whispered to herself, “This is the beginning of everything.” Miles away, Damian started his motorcycle. The engine roared to life as he looked toward the freshman dorms. He had never met Elena Carter. She didn’t know his name. She didn’t know a bet had just been made with her heart as the prize. And by the time she did… Nothing between them would ever be the same.