*I post new chapters daily at 6 am HST.

Julian sneers. "If you get your kicks from stealing other people's boyfriends, this one's off-limits. Find another relationship to wreck, sis ."

I redden at his insinuation. How dare he question my moral fiber? "You got some nerve accusing me of that, bro . You know I don't roll like that."

Blue eyes narrowing into slits, he glowers. "And you got some nerve thinking I still know you."

Here we go. Let the jousting begin. "Likewise, Julian. I don't know this version of you, either."

That unwavering stare returns, making me back away. But he steps closer. "What version did you want, Josephine? Did you expect to see the doting, puppy dog you had wrapped around your little finger? Were you hoping for a welcome banner celebrating your return? Or that gullible Julian still existed, carrying a torch for you?"

The cool metal against my back tells me I've retreated to someone's locker. My chest pounds as I watch his body tense up as if he's ready to crucify me. But I raise my head and challenge him. "Go ahead, then. Say it and get it over with."

As he narrows his eyes, I wait for the punchline. "Say what, Josephine? That.I.hate.you?"

I shift my gaze away and stare at the exit sign. Whoever said words can never hurt you is a liar. They hurt as much as those wretched sticks and stones.

~Night Orchid is a mystery/thriller about a severed friendship, broken promises, and the enduring powers of love. Julian and Jo's story begins/resumes when an 18-year-old cheerleader is murdered which forces them to work together to find her body and solve the crime. It's an enemies-to-lovers story that revolves around a hot-tempered swimmer, a ghost, and a badass female protagonist. Get ready for a wild ride.

*18+ for strong language, sexual innuendos and violence. Night Orchid touches on mental health issues and unhealthy coping mechanisms (ie: alcohol abuse, drugs, a habit that resembles cutting). Please take caution if any of these themes trigger you.