It was undeniable that Adam Reynolds had a face that was both stunning and intimidating, the kind that could make anyone pause. Felicity’s cheeks flushed pink, and the girls around her looked starstruck.
Allie quickly stepped forward, addressing him directly. “Perfect timing, Adam. Are you really going to stand by while these ‘fans’ of yours torment other students in your name? Sure, you didn’t start this, but if you don’t do something, they’ll just keep going. Do you enjoy all this attention so much that you’re willing to ignore it?”
Her words struck a nerve, and Adam’s brow furrowed, causing Allie to pause; his expression was strangely familiar, reminding her of someone she couldn’t quite place.
Felicity scoffed and stepped forward. “Allie, who do you think you are, talking to Adam like that? I see what you’re doing—trying to get his attention. You think he’s going to notice you if you make a big enough scene?”
She raised her hand as if to slap Allie, but her wrist was stopped midair—Adam had intercepted her.
His voice was cold, laced with irritation. “Enough, Felicity. What do you think you’re doing?”
Felicity’s defiance softened as she gazed at him, her expression a mix of admiration and desperation. “Adam… I’d do anything for you. If you’d just let me be with you, none of this would be a problem. I’ve cared about you for so long.”
Adam’s tone grew even colder. “I don’t feel the same way, Felicity.”
She shook her head, unwilling to accept his answer. “As long as you’re single, I have every right to pursue you.
Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for you.”
Adam didn’t hesitate. “Actually, I’m not single.”
A stunned silence filled the room. Allie, too, looked at him in shock. Although she didn’t know him well, her roommates had told her enough to know he’d never been linked to anyone before.
Felicity, her face pale, demanded, “Who is it? Tell me who it is!”
Without breaking eye contact, Adam glanced at Allie and said, “It’s her. Allie Brooks.”
Allie’s jaw dropped. Had he really just said that? Did he understand what this meant for her?
Felicity shook her head in disbelief. “No! When did this start? You’re lying to me!”
Adam’s voice remained calm and steady. “From now.”
Before Allie could process what was happening, he gently placed his hand on the back of her head, pulling her close, and pressed his lips softly against hers.
Allie’s mind went blank; her ears buzzed with the collective gasps of everyone in the room. The kiss was fleeting, a brief touch, but it felt like everything had changed in an instant.
Pulling back, Adam turned to Felicity with a final warning. “Now, back off. Stop causing trouble, or I won’t hesitate to involve the authorities, regardless of the connections between our families.”
He took Allie’s hand and led her out of the lab, with Chloe hurriedly following.