Chapter 6

I always seemed to run into Beckett at my lowest.

After Nova finally cooled off, I snuck out quietly.

And, of course, I ran right into him.

"What happened? Who hit you?"

He grabbed my hand and gently brushed my cheek.

I wanted nothing more than to throw myself into his arms and tell him everything that had just happened.

But I couldn't. If he found out I was sick, he'd turn and walk away in a heartbeat.

Even if Beckett liked me, really liked me, it wouldn't matter.

On the first day of college, Nova had made it clear.

I wasn't here to study. I was here to bait a guy.

That was the mission she gave me.

She said her life was already hard enough, and she needed me to help her live a better one.

At first, I refused. Then she threatened me with my nude photos.

Eventually, I met Beckett. And once I found out he came from money, I set my sights on him.

I'd link arms with him, call him sweetly, and Beckett would melt every time at my sound.

Whenever Beckett made coffee, I'd lean in close, pretending to admire it.

When he got scalded by hot water, I put his fingers in my mouth, pretending to soothe the pain, but really, I was flirting with him intentionally.

I made cute little desserts for him. I would often prepare small, inexpensive surprises for him.

And finally, one day, Beckett confessed his feelings.

But I kept stringing him along because he wasn't the only guy I selected.