Chapter 44: Caught?

Chapter 44: Caught?A figure froze at the entrance to our section—some petite girl, probably a freshman, with wide eyes and parted lips like she’d just stumbled onto something she wasn’t supposed to see. If she saw the costume, or pulled out a phone, we were completely fucked. My breath caught for a second, heart hammering in my chest, but then I looked down. Madison was wearing my shirt—oversized, hanging off her shoulders. Her hair was a wild mess, legs bare, but that ridiculous succubus outfit? Gone. No proof of any cosplay drama. Just two students caught making out. Not exactly scandalous by high school standards. Happens every Tuesday behind the gym. The girl blinked, eyes darting between Madison and me like she was caught in a cringe-worthy moment of high school chaos. Luckily or unluckily I was in my normal version. Madison didn’t miss a beat. She grabbed my collar and kissed me like it was the most natural thing in the world—like we were just two lovestruck teens caught mid-romance. No big deal. My girlfriend’s got nerves of steel and quick thinking that would probably impress the CIA. She just pulled off a total damage control move like she’s been rehearsing for this exact moment her whole life. The freshman’s cheeks flushed a deep red, she muttered a quick "sorry," and then vanished as fast as she’d appeared. My heart was still pounding, adrenaline rushing, but Madison just laughed softly against my lips. "See?" she whispered, breath warm on my mouth. "Even your shy version’s got some danger now." I tilted her chin up and kissed her again—soft, no growling or dominance this time, just pure, genuine affection between two people who’d just shared something incredible. "You really meant it?" I asked quietly, eyes searching hers. She blinked, confused. "Meant what?" "When you said you’re mine. All of me." Madison cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing over my bottom lip like it was the most delicate thing in the world. "I meant every fucking word. Peter Carter, the sweet genius. Dark Peter, the walking sin. I want all of you. I am. Yours. All. Of. Me!" She’s claiming both versions of me. That’s either the most romantic thing ever or the biggest headache I’ll ever have. Either way? It’s main character energy, and I’m here for it. I just stared at her—beautiful, messy hair, half-buried in my shirt, somehow looking more perfect than she had any right to. "I trust you, Maddie," I whispered. Her eyes softened, warm and steady. "Good. ’Cause tomorrow? I’m gonna start introducing you to the world. Not just as the guy I’m dating..." "...but as the man I belong to." * By the time we walked out of the library, Lincoln High’s rumor mill had already kicked into overdrive. Word travels fast when Madison Torres disappears with Peter Carter and comes back wearing his shirt and sporting thoroughly messed-up hair. Social media? Probably throwing a straight-up party over this. Group chats? Absolutely feral. My phone buzzed nonstop. Tommy: Bro, people say you and Madison got caught making out in the library. Real talk? Connor: DUDE where are you?? The group chat is going INSANE Unknown Number: heard you finally got some lol And just like that, welcome to being the center of high school drama, Peter. Time to star in everyone else’s messy reality show. But honestly? I don’t give a shit about the rumors. Let ’em say what they want. I’m too busy crunching numbers on how much cash I just scored and plotting what to blow it on. "Madison," I said, walking toward the parking lot, "I need your help." "What’s up?" "I need new clothes. For both versions of myself." I paused, trying not to sound totally insane. "Between yesterday’s points and today’s... activities... I’m sitting on around $270,000 worth of convertible currency." Yeah, I’m fucking rich. Fuck! Richer than most adults. And I made it all off supernatural sex. I’m literally getting paid to be the world’s most overpowered teenager. This is some anime protagonist-level bullshit and I’m living for it. Madison stopped, staring at me like I’d just told her I found a unicorn. "You made what now?" "Let’s just say my... performance metrics... have been pretty damn good." I ran a hand through my hair. "Point is, I can finally upgrade my whole wardrobe. My enhanced self’s gonna roll with high society, and that means looking the part." The path of supernatural seduction requires premium presentation. Madison’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. "You wanna go shopping? Like, serious shopping?" "Dead serious. I know this transformation’s gonna spark rumors about you funding my new look, but fuck what people think. I’m living the dream, and I’m not gonna let gossip kill it." I’m not about to satisfy nosy assholes with explanations. Let ’em believe whatever. Haters gonna hate, and I’ll be too busy winning to care. She grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the parking lot with fresh energy. "Connor!" she called, spotting our mutual friend loitering near the bike racks. "Come here!" Before he could say no, she slipped a forty-dollars into his pocket. "Take Peter’s bike to his place. We’ve got serious business." She just hired Connor as our bike delivery guy. Rich people really do live differently. That’s trust fund princess energy right there, and I’m so here for it. Then she did something that made my heart skip: tossed me her car keys. "Time to test those driving skills you’ve got," she grinned. The system gave me master-level driving yesterday, and now I get to prove it behind the wheel of a BMW that costs more than most houses. I caught the keys, feeling the weight of German engineering and trust fund privilege in my palm. "You sure about this?" I asked, already heading for the driver’s side. "I’ve got good insurance," she laughed. "Besides, I wanna see what my man can do." Time to find out if supernatural powers extend to luxury cars. The system downloaded mad fashion knowledge along with everything else, but I still needed an expert’s eye. Madison’s lived this life forever—she knows what’s legit in the circles I’m about to enter. Having a girlfriend who understands style and society? Priceless for this upgrade. As I adjusted the driver’s seat and checked the mirrors, I caught a few students eyeballing us through the school windows. Seeing Peter Carter behind the wheel of Madison Torres’s BMW was probably shattering some social pecking order. Let them watch. Everything’s about to change. Time for Peter Carter’s glow-up era to begin. I started the engine. The car purred like a contented predator ready to prowl. Time to go shopping for the wardrobe that’ll support my double life. Peter Carter’s about to get a serious upgrade—and Madison Torres is gonna help me become someone worthy of all this power. *** A/N: Thanks again @tacosatdinner for yet another gift