Chapter 1The Three-Second Dare

Everyone thought I was secretly in love with Chase Sterling.

So when he lost a round of Truth or Dare, the crowd roared, pressuring me to kiss the star athlete from the rival university in his place.

My breath hitched in my throat.

"Come on, Elara. It's just a kiss, it won't kill you."

"Yeah, don't worry. Chase will understand."

Chase leaned back, looking at me with that signature lazy, arrogant smirk. "Yeah, Elara. Do me a solid, will you?"

He was betting on me refusing. He knew I was conservative, the quiet girl who never stepped out of line.

But I lowered my head and whispered, "Fine."

Chase’s smile faltered instantly. His expression darkened. "Fine then. Three seconds. Not a millisecond less."

"See? I told you she'd do anything for Chase."

"Chase has her trained well."

Ignoring their jeers, I stood up and walked slowly toward Liam Thorne.

I stood on my tiptoes, leaned in, and pressed my lips against his.

* * *

Chase Sterling was used to running the show. He’d seen it all.

But tonight, in the private VIP room of the restaurant, he lost a game and picked "Truth."

Someone asked him if, in the three years we’d known each other, he had ever felt a spark for me.

everyone leaned in, eager for the gossip.

Chase paused for a second, then burst out laughing.

"Who? Elara?? A spark? You’re kidding, right?"

The room erupted in laughter.

Only two people at the table remained silent.

Me, sitting on the far edge of the booth. And Liam Thorne, sitting right next to Chase.

Liam was the captain of the basketball team at the university next door. Tonight’s dinner was organized by Chase after their game. I had practically begged him to let me tag along.

I hadn't said a word all night, feeling completely out of place.

Eventually, the group moved on to drinking and games. Chase, lounging in his chair, lost again.

This time, he picked "Dare."

The card read: Kiss the person to your left for three seconds.

To his left was Liam.

Everyone looked at Liam. He didn't react, just calmly continued eating his appetizers.

Chase threw an arm around Liam’s shoulder. "Bro, you don't mind if I kiss you, right?"

Liam, known for being cold and distant, paused his fork. He offered a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Actually, I do mind."

The crowd started hooting.

"Chase, man, Liam doesn't swing that way. Just get a girl to sub in for you."

"Let Elara do it."

"She'd do anything for you, right?"

I stayed silent.

Chase looked at me, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Elara, help me out?"

He was so sure I'd say no.

"Fine," I said softly.

The room went quiet. Chase’s face dropped. "Okay. Three seconds."

I walked over to Liam.

His face was flawless. It felt like a crime to touch him and ruin that perfection. My gaze drifted from his sharp jawline to his lips.

Wait, did Chase specify where to kiss?

He didn't.

So, cheek or lips... it didn't matter, right?

I bent down, intending to aim for his cheek, but at the last moment, I turned and pressed my lips firmly against his.

I felt Liam’s long lashes flutter against my skin. His Adam's apple bobbed.

The room exploded.

"Whoa! Elara!"

"Three seconds! Count it!"

"3."

"2."

"2.5."

"2.3."

Liam’s lips were incredibly soft. My entire body was trembling with nerves.

"2.15..."

Chase couldn't take it anymore. He stood up abruptly, breaking the countdown.

"Three seconds are up. Done."

He yanked me back by my arm, putting distance between Liam and me.

Sensing Chase’s foul mood, the group quieted down and awkwardly went back to their food.