Hello Beautifuls!

Bri here ( )

I'd just like to give a huge thank you to Kelly for putting together this awesome gathering of wonderful authors and readers!

This will be my second run at this and I'm very excited to present to you, my first attempt at writing teen fiction!

Here is a synopsis and snippet of the first chapter for my newest project, Elysian

❝If we keep doing this, we'll never go back to what we were.❞

❝And what if I don't want to go back?❞

The worst mistake never felt so good.

｡

Pepper and Lucas broke every rule one could have with their best friend.

After years of friendship, they bring reality to the ancient rumors of them secretly dating. But it's nothing like the fairy tales or dreams come true. When Pepper gets dumped by her boyfriend and Lucas is led on by his childhood crush, they go on an adventurous night of classic underaged drinking.

The last thing either of them expects is to wake up in each other's arms without a hint of fabric between them. The worst of it? They kind of liked it.

To keep the rumors at bay and to heal each other's pain, Pepper and Lucas decide to keep their incident a secret, but a secret that doesn't need to stop.

Best friends with benefits never sounded better until feelings arise and hearts begin to break.

When Lucas finally gets his crush's attention, he wants to keep Pepper on the side for nights of pleasure and mindless fun. But when Pepper's ex-boyfriend decides he wants her back, she can't bring it upon herself to keep up the affair.

After lies, schemes, jealousy and betrayals scatter across the horizon, can this friendship ever go back to what it was?

she used his body

he used her heart

The words aren't what strikes fear in my heart. It's the way he says them. His voice is low with every word nurturing his hesitation. I glance away from Lucas and towards Mason. His hands are deep in his jean pockets and his eyes are cast to the ground. He's kicking his foot at the tiles in that childish way that lets me know he either did something wrong or he has bad news.

"What's wrong?" I mumble and take a step away from Lucas' locker.

Mason clears his throat and gives Luc a pointed look. "I um, don't want to talk about it here. Meet me on the field at lunch?"

"Um...sure?" I clear my throat and wring my hands together. "Is everything okay?"

He doesn't answer. Merely ducks his head before backing away and slipping through a group of passing students.

"What's up with him? You guys okay?" Lucas pulls down his history textbook and slams his locker shut.

My heart jumps. "Y-Yeah. I think so. I'm pretty sure." I fall in line as he strides towards our first class. "We haven't been fighting or anything lately."

"Hm." He shrugs. "Probably not a big deal then."

"Probably."

Yet, my mind refuses to release the worry corroding at the base of my thoughts. Mason and I have been dating for seven months now. I won't pretend we're perfect and say we never have fights. But arguments over which color scheme we should go with for prom should hardly count as an argument.

I love Mason and he loves me. Things could never be better between us.

"So, guess what guy has a date tonight?"

I arch a brow and glance up at Luc. His green eyes are gleaming, accompanied by his contagious, boyish grin.

My lips twitch, but I bite back a smile. "I'm guessing it's you?"

"You'd guess right." His smile grows. "I finally asked Amber out and she just confirmed our date for tonight."

My eyes widen. "Seriously?" I clap my hands and release a squeal. "The girl you've been in love with since middle school? The girl who ruthlessly friend zoned you a million times? That Amber?"

Luc rolls his eyes and a deep chuckle rumbles in his chest. "Okay, Pepp. Let's not kill the pride while we're at it."

"Well, where are you going? It's about time she got a hint. When's the date? Do you need advice?" I eye his weathered jeans and dark, grey tee. "Can I pick your outfit? You need to cut your hair." I reach up to run my fingers through his light hair. "The sides are getting a little long."

"Pepp," he chuckles and ducks his head. "Chill out. I've got this."

"Are you sure?" I narrow my eyes, continuing to size him up. "When was the last time you were on a date?"

He pretends to think but I can see the uncertainty all over his face.

Amber and Lucas have been dancing around each other for years; between harmless flirting, almost dating and using other relationships to make each other jealous. I'm sure Lucas is out of his mind with worry.

He runs his fingers through his hair and glances down at his history book. "Um, just in case...do you wanna...come...over? You know, just to give your expert fashion opinion?"

I smirk and tilt my head to the side. "But of course. You know I love helping you with fashion."

"I know," he grumbles and rolls his eyes again. "A little too much." Though relief spreads across his face and he gives me a tight-lipped smile. "Thanks, Pepp."

I wink and nudge his hip with mine. "Anything for my hopeless best friend."