BRIAR I've been fascinated with Asher Kelly ever since he climbed through the window into my brother's room five years ago. He was the most handsome guy I had ever seen, even with the blood and bruises. We weren't meant to be together. I was too young, and he was unattainable. He was a magnet for trouble, and I was too naive. But the heart is a naughty thing, and mine decided to give a damn about all the prohibitions. As I grew older, harmless flirting turned into private moments in dark corners. Until the day he disappeared without a trace. And now, three years later, he is back. Callous and cruel. He is my brother's best friend. My parents' worst nightmare. I should hate him. But, like a bad habit, I can’t break it. USHER Briar Vale caught my attention the moment she first looked at me with her big, blue, star-filled eyes. She was just a child, awkward and angular, but at the same time the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. We weren't meant to be together. I was too old, she was too reserved. She was too nice, and I was a rare jerk. Eventually, the temptation became too great to resist. I risked everything for a kiss, but she betrayed me. Three years have passed and I have to face her again, but now she has grown up. She is my best friend's younger sister. My death. I hate her for what she did. But it has always been my drug of choice.