

Betting on Red
Passion Exclusive

YA/Teen


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People say I have it all-looks, charm, and the ability to get whatever I want. At Elm Creek High, I'm the king, and everyone knows it. Teachers avoid me, guys envy me, and girls? They fall at my feet. I don't chase-I take. That's how it's always been.Then Betty Moore showed up. With her fiery red hair, sharp wit, and infuriating resistance to my charm, she wasn't like anyone else. She made it clear from day one that she wasn't impressed by me, and for the first time, I wanted to change that. Maybe it was the challenge, maybe it was her, but I couldn't get her out of my head.When my best friend Nate bet me I couldn't make her fall for me, I should've walked away. But I didn't. I told myself it was just a game-a way to kill the boredom. But the more time I spent with Betty, the more I started to forget the bet. She wasn't just a target anymore. She was smart, strong, and real in a way I didn't know I needed.Then it all fell apart. Now she hates me, and the worst part? I don't blame her. I thought I was the king of Elm Creek High. Turns out, I'm just a guy trying not to lose the only girl who can see right through me.
Chapter 1
Mar 21, 2025
David Burns strolled into Elm Creek High with the confidence of someone who owned the place—and in a way, he did. The whispers started as soon as he crossed the threshold. Girls nudged their friends, boys nodded in silent respect, and teachers subtly glanced away, pretending not to notice the school’s resident bad boy sauntering in fifteen minutes late.
At the front desk, Mrs. Carter sighed audibly when he appeared, her lips pressing into a thin line. She tried to look stern, but David caught the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Good morning, Mrs. C,” he said, his voice smooth as honey. “Did you do something different with your hair? Looks great.”
Her face turned scarlet. “Mr. Burns, you’re late. Again.”
“Am I? Must be my watch,” he said with a charming smile, tapping his wrist. “Or maybe I just couldn’t stay away from this lovely office.”
She sighed again, gesturing for him to move along. “Go to class, David.”
“Anything for you, Mrs. C.” He winked as he walked away, her flustered expression giving him a small boost of satisfaction. Too easy.
By the time he reached his locker, the hallway was buzzing with energy. Sophie, the blonde cheerleader he’d hooked up with last weekend, was already waiting for him. She leaned against the locker next to his, twirling a strand of hair around her finger and pretending not to notice him.
“Hey, David,” she said when he stopped to open his locker. Her voice was high-pitched, breathy. Fake.
“Morning, Soph,” he replied, not even looking at her as he grabbed his books. “Shouldn’t you be off practicing that pyramid thing you all do?”
Sophie giggled, louder than necessary. “Not until after school. Want to come watch?”
He shut his locker with a shrug. “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Predictable. Everything about her, from the way she giggled at everything he said to the way she leaned closer to him, was just predictable. It was all starting to feel the same—boring.
By lunch, David was restless. He sat at his usual table in the middle of the cafeteria, surrounded by Nate and a few other guys. Sophie slid into the seat next to him, her hand grazing his arm. He didn’t bother looking up from his phone.
“David,” she said sweetly. “Are we still on for this weekend?”
He gave her a half-smile. “Sure, Soph.” He had no idea what she was talking about.
Then the doors to the cafeteria swung open, and everything changed.
In walked someone he didn’t recognize, and that was rare. She was shorter than most of the girls at Elm Creek but walked like she was ten feet tall. Fiery red curls framed her face, and her green eyes scanned the room like she was sizing everyone up. She was carrying a tray, but she didn’t look nervous or unsure. She looked... angry.
David leaned back in his chair, intrigued as he watched her march straight to one of the tables. His friend Lucas was sitting there, laughing as he flicked fries at a scrawny freshman who looked ready to cry.
“Wow,” the redhead said, her voice cutting through the noise of the cafeteria. “Real original. Bullying a kid half your size?”
The room went silent. David raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold.
Lucas stammered, his usual confidence faltering. “I wasn’t—”
“Don’t,” she said sharply. “Don’t bother lying. Does being a jackass make you feel better about yourself, or is it just a hobby?”
David smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. Now this was interesting.
The freshman scrambled to grab his things, slipping away as the redhead stood there, her hands on her hips. She glared at Lucas for another second before turning on her heel and heading for an empty table.
But before she could leave, David called out. “Hey, Red! Who put a stick up your—”
She spun around, fixing him with a glare that could cut steel. “Finish that sentence,” she said, her voice calm but deadly. “I dare you.”
The cafeteria erupted in laughter. David blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before his trademark smirk returned. She didn’t wait for a response, heading to the far end of the room and sitting down as if nothing had happened.
Nate whistled low. “She’s got balls.”
David didn’t respond. He couldn’t stop staring at her.
For the first time in a long time, he felt something other than boredom. Challenge.

Betting on Red
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