She knows I’m not a virgin, that I did my thing and had some fun throughout high school in Naples. She’s the one who took me to get the Depo-Provera shot after all, but the only reason I have the freedom I do is because I am my mother’s daughter and she’s aware of that fact.

I have never had a boyfriend and I have no desire for one.

I never date as dating goes, but I’ll hang out and go along for the ride. I go to dances and events, never alone, but that’s where it ends.

Three to four ‘hang outs’ was all I allowed.

The first is an ice breaker, a fun and flirty night where you size up your companion. The second, when things go well, makes the curiosity rise. The third, sexual tension builds, and the fourth, you either give in to it or go home.

Either way, after that, you only see them again in groups, because that moment you go for the fifth, they want a quiet night in, with a movie to make things more personal.

That’s not my vibe.

My mom always says you reap what you sow and it’s true.

My family knows firsthand what happens when emotions take control, which is why I take after my mom and cut them from the equation.

It’s the exact reason my parents’ plan is perfect for me.

To hide the heart is to salvage the soul.

I learned that from my real father, and he didn’t even have to be here to teach it to me.

“You’re awfully quiet, Trouble.”

“As are you three.” I look to Beretta in the passenger seat. “Don’t pretend you want me to annoy you by asking where we’re going, all so you can say ‘you’ll see’ or ‘wouldn’t you like to know’ or something else along those lines.”

His grin is widely idiotic. “I like you.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “You constantly being in my face sort of hinted to that.”

An easy laugh escapes him, and he and Arsen share a small smile.

Ransom looks my way, so I give him my attention.

He holds my gaze steady for a long moment before he holds a vape pen between us. I make no move to accept, so he pulls it to his lips and looks away.

I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into by leaving school with them today, but it’s definitely not the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve already done it though, so there’s no point in dwelling on it.

All I can do is sit back and enjoy the fresh air.

We’re on the road for well over an hour and when they finally pull over, it’s onto the side of a long, winding, deserted road overlooking the ocean.