ARDEN
I had always felt light when I was with Tessa. Comfort brought people freedom, which was why I let my guard down.
I made a mistake.
I quickly covered my mark and turned to her with wide, startled eyes. My mouth opened to speak but shut just as fast. I was at a loss.
My determination to hide my virginity was something I’d clung to the moment I graduated.
Crap. Was Tessa going to reveal it to the whole school? I mean, there was no reason for her to do it, but—
“Please don’t tell anyone,” I pleaded.
“That’s so cool.”
I paused for a while, turning to her with semi-wide eyes. “What?”
The smile on her face was genuine as she lifted her hand. “Can I?” she asked, gesturing to the mark.
I pursed my lips and nodded. “It’s a storm,” she muttered.
“Yeah,” I echoed. “It’s very obvious
