The night Alex and I almost died, we forged a bond that time couldn't break. He was an angsty teenager then, lost in a world of stained t-shirts and video games. Nine years later, he's a star athlete with a polished exterior, but I see the same vulnerable soul beneath the surface.

I'm strong enough to handle Alex's friends, his demanding ex, and my own secrets that I haven't told anyone. All to keep the other half of my soul alive, him. Even when his sister bullies me. Even when our relationship has to be kept secret so he can temporarily pretend to date his ex.

But as our relationship grows more complicated, I wonder if my heart can withstand the emotional toll of keeping it hidden.

I'm fine, until I'm not.