"Look at me," he said, voice barely above a whisper, like he wasn't just asking her to see him—but to choose him.

She did.

And oh God.

The moment her eyes met his, it was like the floor tilted. His gaze wasn't cold anymore. It wasn't guarded or teasing. It was raw. Fierce. Wrecking. Like he saw through every layer she'd tried to hide.

She swallowed hard. Her legs trembled. 
Her heart betrayed her, pounding so hard against her ribs it seemed like it wanted to break free.

Why did his eyes soften like that, as if she was delicate glass, and he'd do anything to keep her from shattering?

She swore she was going to melt right there.

And he didn't even kiss her.

Didn't have to.

That one look—his fingers brushing against her skin like he owned the right, it was more than any kiss she'd ever had. More dangerous. More intoxicating.

Her lips parted, maybe to speak, maybe to breathe, but nothing came out. Nothing could.


The tension between them tightened—thick, electric, blinding.

If he moved even an inch, it would be over.


But he didn't.

And that restraint? That maddening, infuriating, goddamn beautiful control made her want him even more.

"Let me handle this," he whispered. "You don't have to trust Conor. Just trust me."

Her eyes dropped to his lips. They were so close now she could feel the whisper of his breath. Her heart pounded harder, like it wanted to escape.

"Please stop doing that," she murmured. For a fleeting second, nothing moved, then he dropped his hand.

His brows drew together. "Doing what?"

"Touching me," she whispered. "Especially when you're trying to make a point. You did it in the restroom too."

"Why do you think I'm doing that?" he asked, voice husky now, softer.



Synopsis:

At an elite college, falling for the rich, cold son of a bi-llionaire wasn’t part of the plan, especially when his brother is tied to her mother’s mysterious death. 

But from the moment Merlina steps onto campus, the chemistry is undeniable. He’s detached, arrogant, and everything she should stay away from. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t ignore the pull.

She’s here for a degree, but her real mission is uncovering the secrets of her mother’s past at this very school. As sparks fly between her and the guy she should keep her distance from, she’s torn between two things: exposing the truth and protecting her heart from falling for him.

The deeper she digs, the more dangerous things get. Anonymous threats, dark secrets, and a guy who’s starting to think her obsession with the past could ruin everything. When the truth finally breaks free, it threatens everything she’s worked for—the truth, her heart, and the fragile bond she shares with him.

With everything at risk, she must choose: expose the truth, or hold on to the one person who makes her feel truly alive.

TikTok | @officialffmeb

A chill ran through Merlina. Like…Oh Shit! 


She gave a small shake of her head, subtle but firm. Her eyes begged him to understand that this wasn't the time.


But before Craig could fully register what she was trying to signal, Louis's head peeked out from behind the bus at the sound of his voice. The moment he realized who it was, Louis stepped out fully. Head tilted, his gaze sweeping from Merlina to Craig, sharp and searching.


"What's going on?" he asked, voice calm but steady.


Craig turned slowly, locking eyes with Louis. Then, without a word, he looked at Merlina. And then back at Louis.


Louis's gaze flicked to Merlina too—brief but loaded—before returning to Craig.


The air around them thickened. No one said anything. Just shifting eyes, glances bouncing back and forth like some unspoken code was trying and failing to crack itself.


Merlina blinked, scrambling for something—anything—that wouldn't blow up in her face. 


Chapter 66 - Don’t You Forget About Me