PROLOGUE

-SOHINI-

(Warning: Mature content ahead. If you can't handle it, stop reading now.)

"It's my birthday," I said, stepping into Vedant's room, "and I want you to fulfill my wish."

He didn't even look at me. He was hunched over his telescope, polishing it like it was some holy relic. Not even a damn happy birthday when I'd brought him cake on the prettiest plate we had.

"I'll get you the whole Twisted series or whatever spicy book you're into," he mumbled, eyes still glued to the lens.

I rolled my eyes. He didn't get it. I didn't want a book. Or a gift. Or another boring wish. I wanted something only he could give me.

"I want you to make love to me," I said, barely above a whisper.

"Alright," he started absently, not really listening. Then he froze.

His head snapped up slowly, brows furrowed. "What?"

"Have sex with me," I said, crossing my arms over my chest to stop them from trembling. My voice came out steadier than I felt.

He blinked. Then laughed-soft, surprised, almost awkward. "You're a minor," he said, tone half-scolding. "I'm not a pedo."

"I'm eighteen," I shot back, stepping closer, my breath catching. "As of today."

Silence. He just stared at me like he wasn't sure if this was real.

I reached out, gently took the cloth from his hand, and set it on the table. Then I rose on my toes and kissed him.

Soft. Tentative. My first kiss.

His lips were warm, a little chapped. He didn't kiss me back-not immediately-but he didn't pull away either.

My heart was pounding so loud it roared in my ears.

"I don't want anything else," I whispered, my lips

still brushing his. "But you."