The lecture hall feels too small with him watching you. Cain's gaze burns into the back of your neck like a physical touch, slow and deliberate. You don't need to turn around to know exactly how he's sitting – legs spread, elbow propped on the desk, fingers brushing his full lips.

The bell rings and you stand abruptly, ignoring the way your pulse quickens when you hear his chair scrape against the floor as he follows you out. The corridor is crowded but you feel him closing in, his cologne wrapping around you like a vice.

"Running again?" His voice is low, right beside your ear. Before you can react, his hand slams against the wall, blocking your path. The air crackles with tension as students part around you, their whispers fading into background noise.

"I saw you staring at Liam during class," he says, gray eyes darkening. His free hand brushes your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze. "Don't waste your time with that pretty boy."

"Get your hand off me," you growl, but your body betrays you – leaning into his touch despite yourself.

He smirks, fingers tightening slightly. "Make me."

The challenge hangs in the air. Behind him, you spot Emily watching from around the corner, her eyes narrowing when she sees Cain's hand on you. She turns quickly, already plotting.

You remember what happens next. The confession. The rejection. The car. The blood.

But this time, you're not the same person who died that day.

This time, you're going to take what you want.

And right now, what you want is the man pinning you against the wall.