XYRA'S POV
Clara gave him a smile that could stand in for a ray of sunshine with a perma-beam on her lips. She straightened her skirt and slid onto the bench beside Astor.
Her voice was coated with such practised sweetness. It rang, "Hey Astor! Didn't see you in art class last week. Busy with masterpieces in secret?"
Astor turned in her direction and gave a quick witty retort.
“Uh, no! Plans changed.”
He looked in my direction, and our eyes met. My breath caught in my throat.
Art class. That was the day he had walked me home. The day that it all spiralled out of control. If only I hadn't agreed to that proposal, perhaps, he would still have much respect for my lips, and not claim them in every secluded space.
I held his gaze, and he seemed speechless. He continued to mumble some
