Chapter 9: Bargains and Sacrifices

Nick was born wild. Even when he was with Rachel, he flirted with everyone. Every party, every Friday night football game, there was always a new rumor by Monday.

But the day he confessed, I set my terms:

"I’ll be your girlfriend. But you can’t have anyone else around you but me."

Nick agreed instantly, smooth as ever—like he never meant to stick to it.

Still, he kept kissing pretty girls on the football field, kept his pickup’s back seat warm for anyone who wanted it. Everyone saw. Everyone whispered.

I started treating my own words as a joke—covered my eyes, covered my ears. It was easier that way.

Because I had no bargaining chips. Not then.

Until the day in the coffee shop when I realized I did.

I never brought up the other girls again. Whenever Nick got too close to someone else, I just grabbed my bag and headed for the library. I lost myself in the maze of books, pretending I was invisible. Every page I turned was a silent dare for Nick to notice I was gone.

Next ranking list, my name edged higher. One spot at a time.

So Nick started avoiding other girls—even Rachel. He pulled away, little by little.

I held the bottom spot on the transcript. My sacrifice for his loyalty.

Nick’s wildest days finally belonged to me—completely. Just for a little while, I had everything I wanted.

I was satisfied.