Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

130. Olivia

Flashback

Fifteen years old,

When Camila and I became friends, I never thought it would lead me to him, the one that I felt I would be with from

the moment I saw him.

I have never been one to believe in love, as I’ve never liked boys or girls romantically, and I even thought I was aromantic until about eight months ago when Camila invited me to come over to her house. That’s when I first saw him, and despite him being older than me and not showing any interest in me, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards him. Of course, I never acted on it, never showed I liked him, because not only is he older than me, but he is also from the other side of the city, so I knew I never stood a chance. I even tried to forget about him, but seeing him every so often makes it almost impossible.

A month ago, he started showing some kind of interest in me. I couldn’t believe it, we kept having conversations on all kinds of topics, and then he asked me for my phone number. Many girls would have jumped right into the occasion, but not me, as I wanted to be sure he wasn’t messing around with me…or wanted to get into my pants.

I was told by many that not only do I look older than I am, but I also act older. Growing up in my family forced me to mature faster, and I don’t do things teens typically do, like going to the movies or fan all over celebrities. Instead, I am seriously considering my future and my future career. Despite being born into a Duke family and knowing that one day I will be forced to marry someone my father chooses for me, I still like to think I have a choice in what I will study when I go to University. While my father hates my very existence, I took a liking to his political career ever since I saw

him in a debate on TV.

As a sophomore in a high school that recently started accepting Dukes and Lords‘ children as students, I am part of a debate team formed of three girls, including me and one boy. Last week, the topic of how this new concept might affect the two secret societies was debated, and my team did really well. We have been invited to other debates.

The apple orchard behind his house comes into view, and I leave the bike leaning against a fence. After making sure the wind didn’t mess up my hair and my clothes didn’t have any creases, I slowly make my way to where he is waiting

for me.

#10

Bonu

He is sitting on a rock, his back to me, smoking. I stop a few feet from him, my light steps not betraying my presen00:4

learned to be very silent from a very young age since my brother hates any sound coming from me and often hits me or throws things at me if he hears me around the house. That’s why I prefer to spend most of my free time either locked in my room or with Camila.

from his cigarette, he throws it in the grass and smashes it with the heel of his

when he pulls his phone out of his pocket and types something on it. A

same moment I remove my backpack and try to find my phone, but the zipper opens more than I wanted, and a few books fall on the ground. I mutter curses under my breath and kneel so I can shove the books back in the backpack. Seconds later, he squats next to me and grabs one of my books,

cheeks.

130. Olivia

it back,”

up as he reads the title of the book, and I try to snatch it out of his hands, but he stands fast and

the senator’s daughter to read

I come

He looks at me. “Are you sure this isn’t for Sex Education class?” My face feels like it’s on fire. His gaze returns to the book, and he flips more pages. “He

“Stop.” I groan.

one in real life?” I frown. “You know,

is to belong to only one man

should have guessed you are a virgin from the way you always blush,” he says and gives me back my

of my backpack with the promise to burn it

chin between his fingers and has me looking at him. “Chil, little rabbit. I won’t tell anyone about your

am not a rabbit,”

run away

I lick my lips. “You

+10

Bonu

but I didn’t think it was appropriate since you are much younger than me, but I like you, Olly.” He removes his hand and

00:3

I might like you as

you?” He doesn’t seem to

I learned how to play Call of Duty? To spend time with you,

“Sneaky

up with that nickname, but I kinda

on my lips. “I bet you taste like that