The day I transferred to Blackwood Academy, some rich kid had a banner stretched across the main gate.

It read: ONE KISS: 3333-777700.

Everyone else was hesitating, too shy to step forward. I, on the other hand, moved like a lightning strike.

Not only did I plant eighteen solid kisses on the guy, but I also conscientiously peeled eighteen crisp hundred-dollar bills from his hand.

When I was done, I wiped my mouth, utterly satisfied.

City life really is full of opportunities, I told him. Let me know next time youre running a charity event like this.

1

My mom always said the city was full of opportunities.

Thats why she pulled every string she could to get me into Blackwood Academy. Id heard the sons and daughters of the elite were a tough crowd, so before I left, I spent two months learning Muay Thai, just in case.

But when I arrived, I realized Id worried for nothing.

Not only were they easy to get along with, but they even held impromptu charity events. The kind designed specifically to help out a poor student like meone with a soft spot for pretty faces and a deep love for cash.

I counted the money, a goofy grin plastered on my face that I couldn't suppress. I was so absorbed that I didnt notice the bustling crowd behind me had fallen eerily silent.

After a long moment, someone finally whispered, Thats Landon Prescott. Does she have a death wish?

So, his name was Landon.

My hand paused its counting, and my gaze shifted back to the boy in front of me. Unlike my triumphant glow, he looked wrecked.

His lips were swollen, his eyes unfocused, and he stood frozen to the spot. The designer shirt hed deliberately left unbuttoned was now wide open, revealing the hard lines of a well-defined abdomen. It seemed that in my enthusiasm, Id ripped off a couple more buttons.

A pang of guilt hit me. With a heavy heart, I pulled two of the hundred-dollar bills from my new stash and stuffed them into his hand.

It was my first time, so Im not very experienced, I said. Here, take a little back. Call it a refund.

Either way, I still came out ahead. This Landon kid was gorgeous, and his lips were incredibly soft.

But as the words left my mouth, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Anyone whod ever been to a club knew that line.

Did she just treat Landon Prescott like an escort?

Sympathetic glances landed on Landon, and it was only then that he seemed to process what had just happened. That hed been taken advantage of.

And that this girl thought he was for sale.

Landons expression shifted through a storm of emotions before he finally ground out, his voice tight, What do you take me for?

Anyone who knew him recognized this as the calm before the storm.

But all I saw was the blush creeping up from his neck to the tips of his ears. He was putting on a tough-guy act, but underneath, he was all innocence.

Realization dawned on me. I dug out another five hundred dollars and held it out to him, my tone sincere. I didnt realize it was your first time, too. Here, Ill give you a bit more. But thats all youre getting.

At that, Landons brow furrowed even deeper. He let out a laugh that was pure, frustrated disbelief. Is that what you think this is about? Did I say you could kiss me?

He was a full head taller than me, and when he leaned in, his shadow completely enveloped me. I had to tilt my head back, blinking innocently as I pointed to the banner behind him.

Isnt this a charity event? I asked. Wasnt I allowed to kiss you?

Even if it was just for students, I was a student now. I was here to enroll today.

Speaking of which, I glanced at my phone. 7:55 AM.

I had five minutes before I was late.

Seeing that Landon was still motionless, I tucked the cash into the collar of his shirt. As I turned to leave, I noticed the strange looks on everyones faces. Especially the girl who had been hesitating in front of Landon earlier; her glare was so intense it felt like it could drill a hole through me.

I figured they were just impatient for their turn, so I thoughtfully stepped aside, clearing the path to Landon.

Before I left, I made sure to put in a good word for him.

Dont be shy, everyone! Landons a great kisser. Lets not let his charitable spirit go to waste.

2

As I walked away, a few people actually looked tempted to try their luck. But one withering glare from Landon sent them scurrying back.

The girl who had been hesitating before, however, took a step forward. Her eyes were red-rimmed. Landon, she said, her voice steady but laced with hurt, even if you wanted to humiliate me, did you really have to hire someone to put on a show?

She spoke with a fragile dignity, as if shed suffered a terrible injustice.

The crowds mood shifted. So thats what this was. A twisted little game Landon had orchestrated to make Audrey Reed feel a pang of jealousy, to finally get her to accept him.

Landon wasn't about to take the blame for this. He rubbed his temples, a flicker of impatience in his eyes. I dont know her.

His words shut everyone up.

Just then, a voice from the crowd piped up. Whats with the innocent act? When Landon asked her out before, she acted like shed rather die. Why the wounded routine now?

That opened the floodgates.

Seriously, shes such a hypocrite. Everything shes wearing, everything she owns, didnt Landon pay for it? How does she have the nerve to say something like that?

I think shes just stringing him along. She doesnt want him, but she doesnt want anyone else to have him either.

Didnt it feel like her little speech was meant to lead us on? If Landon hadnt clarified, I wouldve actually thought he staged all this just to get her attention.

Seeing her carefully constructed narrative crumble, a flash of panic crossed Audreys face, quickly masked by a fresh wave of tears. She bit her lip hard, looking at Landon with a defiant stare. Is that what you think, too?

Landon was silent.

Normally, the slightest hint of redness in Audreys eyes would have sent him into a tailspin of concern. But today, his heart felt like it was crawling with ants. Another second of her tear-streaked face and he felt his patience snap.

When it was clear Landon wasnt going to comfort her, Audrey took a staggering step back, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her nails dug into her palms.

Landon, Ill never forgive you for this.

With that, she turned and ran off, sobbing.

This time, Landon didnt follow. He shot a cold glare at the gawking crowd. Get lost, he snarled.

No one wanted to be on the receiving end of Landon Prescotts anger. In an instant, the school entrance was empty.

Landons best friend, Leo, slung an arm over his shoulder.

Still thinking about her, Mr. Great Kisser? Leo teased. Dont tell me youre actually falling for that new girl. You didnt even seem to care about Audrey.