Library
Search
Home / YA/TEEN / Against the rules / Holding Back

Share

Holding Back

Author: happyink 🖋️
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-22 02:18:44

~Ava's POV~

The beach trip ended with more laughter than scandal, thankfully. Charlotte and Tristan gave us hell all the way back endless teasing, side-eyes, and dramatic sighs whenever Logan and I so much as held hands.

But we took it in stride. After all, we had survived an awkward walk-of-shame level encounter. Everything else felt like background noise.

When we pulled into the driveway of our apartment complex, Charlotte and Tristan practically jumped out of the car, muttering about never needing to see another couple naked again in their lives. I had snorted into Logan’s shoulder, half hiding my face as he pressed a kiss to my hair and whispered, "Still worth it."

Instead of heading to my place, I followed Logan up to his apartment like it was the most natural thing in the world. My place was quiet and neat, but his felt more warmer. Like a place where things happened, where love happened. And maybe I wasn’t ready to sleep alone just yet. Not when everything had changed betwee
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter
Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Related chapters

  • Against the rules    Trust me

    ~Ava’s POV~The beach trip ended with more laughter than scandal, thank God. Charlotte and Tristan gave us hell all the way back endless teasing, exaggerated side-eyes, and dramatic sighs every time Logan and I so much as breathed in sync.“You two seriously need a warning label,” Charlotte huffed as she rolled down the window. “Caution: PDA ahead.”Tristan snorted. “Forget that. I need bleach for my eyes after walking in on...”“Do not dare to finish that sentence,” I cut in, hiding my burning face in Logan’s shoulder.How can someone be so dramatic? I bet they do more indoors than us,but the way they're overreacting, make them seem like saints.He laughed, rubbing my arm. “Still worth it,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my hair.When we pulled into the driveway, Charlotte and Tristan practically launched themselves out of the car like it was on fire.“Never again,” Charlotte muttered, slamming the door. “Next trip, we’re getting separate cabins.”“Or a new hotel! cause I don't wan

    Last Updated : 2025-04-24

  • Against the rules    Crossing the line

    ~Logan’s POV~My phone buzzed again.Blocked number.I didn’t want to answer it. Every part of me wanted to toss the damn thing into the ocean and go back to cuddling Ava on the bed, pretending like nothing could touch the peace we’d just found.But something in my stomach twisted, cold and sharp.I answered.“Logan,” came a voice I hadn’t heard in months, smooth and sharp as broken glass. “Glad you picked up.”My chest tightened. “What the hell do you want, Vincent?”Vincent. My father’s right-hand man. The guy who delivered threats with a smirk and cleaned up blood without blinking.“If you don’t want to work with your father, that’s your choice. But he’s thinking about bringing Levi in. And I figured you’d want a heads up.”I froze. “What did you just say?”“You heard me. Levi. He’s almost twenty one right? Perfect age to start learning the family business.”“Where is he?” I snapped, already reaching for my jeans. “Where’s Levi?”“He’s with your father. Dinner. That place on Riverv

    Last Updated : 2025-04-24

  • Against the rules    my one rule

    Ava’s POV There were only a few rules I lived by in college. Rule number one? Never fall for a jock. It wasn’t just a personal preference. It was survival, I had to avoid them inorder to do well. I had seen too many smart girls throw away their GPA for a 6'0 something guy with biceps , a quarterback playboy and a bad attendance record. Not me, No way, I'll never do that that how I survived my first year in Westbridge university and I'm not going to break that rule in my second year. That’s why, when Logan Carter walked into my History class fifteen minutes late, I didn’t even bother looking up from my laptop. I already knew who he was. everyone knew him, star quarterback, campus heartthrob, a playboy, and the guy who had probably never studied a day in his life. Professor Ambrose mills barely looked at him as he walked to the only empty seat right next to me. I stiffened. Just my luck, I didn't want to sit closer with him. jocks never supposed to be with nerds,not that I'm a n

    Last Updated : 2025-02-06

  • Against the rules    Tutoring the badboy

    Ava’s POV I woke up this morning early, I took a shower and decided to go for something casual. I put my jeans and black top with a cardigan. I made myself a simple breakfast just tea and bread, in my situation I could not afford anymore fancy breakfast. I got used to it after my mom died and my dad chased me out of his house because I talked back to his precious wife. She always hated me but the feeling was mutual!. after I was done with my breakfast I exited my one room apartment and started walking to university. the West bridge university was huge it literally took me 30 minutes just to reach the library. Today I have to tutor Logan and now it's 8 am and he's nowhere to be seen. then about fifteen minutes later he strolled in the library like it was some changing locker room. everyone was looking at him in shock. because the famous Logan doesn't do studies. there was something about Logan Carter that screamed trouble or is it because of his confident smirk that he has all th

    Last Updated : 2025-02-06

  • Against the rules    The first game

    Ava’s POV I wasn’t sure how I ended up here. One minute, I was closing my laptop, ending another exhausting tutoring session with Logan Carter. The next, I was shaking hands on a deal I wasn’t even sure I wanted to make. I was going against my rules again. "Come to the game, and I’ll help you find a part-time job," he had said, flashing that cocky grin like he already knew I’d say yes. And somehow, against all logic, I had said yes! stupid!! Now, I was packed into the freezing bleachers of Westbridge Stadium, surrounded by screaming fans, girls with too much make up , and everything I was not a customized regretting every life decision that had led to this moment. "Come on, Ava, at least try to look excited!" my neighbor, Sophie, yelled over the deafening cheers. I forced a tight smile. "Super excited," I deadpanned, gripping my coat tighter around me. I don't know what came over me to accept the dealguess you can call it desperation!! Sophie rolled her eyes. "You’re impossi

    Last Updated : 2025-02-06

  • Against the rules    A deal

    Logan’s POV This was a bad idea. No,scratch that. This was a dangerous idea. And yet, here I was, walking into a house party with Ava Sinclair, the one girl on this damn whole campus who wasn’t wrapped around my finger. She wasn’t supposed to be here. and she didn't want to be here. But after our little negotiation in the library, after watching her hesitate before ultimately caving to my offer, I knew she’d show up. And damn, if she didn’t look completely out of place. She wasn’t dressed like the other girls,tight dresses, sky high heels, looking for attention. No, Ava wore ripped jeans and a fitted sweater, her hair in a ponytail, like she hadn’t even thought twice about what to wear. And yet, as I walked beside her, my eyes kept drifting to her. Dangerous. "You’re sure about this?" she asked, arms crossed as she surveyed the party like she was searching for an emergency exit. "Relax, nerd," I said, throwing an arm around her shoulder, grinning when she immediately stiffe

    Last Updated : 2025-02-06

  • Against the rules    close quarters

    Ava’s POV I stared at the eviction notice in my hands, my stomach twisting into knots. my landlord said I had a week but here I am .... on the streets!. Rent issues. A “miscalculation,” my landlord had called it. But all I heard was: you have to leave. I didn’t even have a place to go. It wasn’t like I could call anyone. I’d already strained things with my dad, and my so-called friends were more interested in their own drama than helping me out. I could get a cheap motel, but what the hell was I supposed to do after that? I just wanted to disappear. But as I stood outside the dorm, gripping my duffel bag like it could somehow shield me from everything, a ping from my phone broke the silence. Logan Carter: What’s up, nerd? I almost didn’t want to reply. I didn’t even know why I had his number in the first place, but here it was, glowing on the screen. I bit my lip, thinking of all the options none of them great before I did the dumbest thing possible. Ava: …Got a couch I ca

    Last Updated : 2025-02-06

  • Against the rules    First night at Logan's

    Ava's pov The last thing I remember after reaching Logan's place is that he told me he was going out tonight, so why the hell is he still here? I was lost in my thoughts when I felt something nudging me. I turned to face Logan who had a smirk on his face. "hey nerd, what are you daydreaming now? I know I'm hot but you can just tone it out sunshine". I scoffed "who told you I'm thinking about you? didn't you say you are going out tonight? or is no one willing to open their legs for you?" I remarked. Logan smirk widened "and why do you care nerd? I don't think me whoring around is any of your concern or are you jealous " he said . I became aware of the small space we were in. After the kiss we shared earlier, Everytime Logan is close to me keeps making me feeling conscious. " No I'm not jealous but can you move your body away, you're in my space " I said, tryin

    Last Updated : 2025-02-21

Latest chapter

  • Against the rules    Crossing the line

    ~Logan’s POV~My phone buzzed again.Blocked number.I didn’t want to answer it. Every part of me wanted to toss the damn thing into the ocean and go back to cuddling Ava on the bed, pretending like nothing could touch the peace we’d just found.But something in my stomach twisted, cold and sharp.I answered.“Logan,” came a voice I hadn’t heard in months, smooth and sharp as broken glass. “Glad you picked up.”My chest tightened. “What the hell do you want, Vincent?”Vincent. My father’s right-hand man. The guy who delivered threats with a smirk and cleaned up blood without blinking.“If you don’t want to work with your father, that’s your choice. But he’s thinking about bringing Levi in. And I figured you’d want a heads up.”I froze. “What did you just say?”“You heard me. Levi. He’s almost twenty one right? Perfect age to start learning the family business.”“Where is he?” I snapped, already reaching for my jeans. “Where’s Levi?”“He’s with your father. Dinner. That place on Riverv

  • Against the rules    Trust me

    ~Ava’s POV~The beach trip ended with more laughter than scandal, thank God. Charlotte and Tristan gave us hell all the way back endless teasing, exaggerated side-eyes, and dramatic sighs every time Logan and I so much as breathed in sync.“You two seriously need a warning label,” Charlotte huffed as she rolled down the window. “Caution: PDA ahead.”Tristan snorted. “Forget that. I need bleach for my eyes after walking in on...”“Do not dare to finish that sentence,” I cut in, hiding my burning face in Logan’s shoulder.How can someone be so dramatic? I bet they do more indoors than us,but the way they're overreacting, make them seem like saints.He laughed, rubbing my arm. “Still worth it,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my hair.When we pulled into the driveway, Charlotte and Tristan practically launched themselves out of the car like it was on fire.“Never again,” Charlotte muttered, slamming the door. “Next trip, we’re getting separate cabins.”“Or a new hotel! cause I don't wan

  • Against the rules    Holding Back

    ~Ava's POV~The beach trip ended with more laughter than scandal, thankfully. Charlotte and Tristan gave us hell all the way back endless teasing, side-eyes, and dramatic sighs whenever Logan and I so much as held hands. But we took it in stride. After all, we had survived an awkward walk-of-shame level encounter. Everything else felt like background noise.When we pulled into the driveway of our apartment complex, Charlotte and Tristan practically jumped out of the car, muttering about never needing to see another couple naked again in their lives. I had snorted into Logan’s shoulder, half hiding my face as he pressed a kiss to my hair and whispered, "Still worth it."Instead of heading to my place, I followed Logan up to his apartment like it was the most natural thing in the world. My place was quiet and neat, but his felt more warmer. Like a place where things happened, where love happened. And maybe I wasn’t ready to sleep alone just yet. Not when everything had changed betwee

  • Against the rules    I Love You

    ~Ava’s POV~I stormed down the boardwalk, the heat of the sun nothing compared to the burn inside my chest.What the hell just happened?Who just shows up like that? Ex-girlfriend or not, Serena's presence felt like a glitch in our perfect little bubble and I hated how shaken I felt. I hated that I even doubted Logan, even for a second.“Ava!”His voice.Of course.I picked up my pace, but seconds later, I heard his bare feet slapping against the wood. “Ava, wait!”I spun around. “Logan, seriously, don’t…”He didn’t stop. He reached me in three long strides and grabbed my wrist, gently but firmly. “Please, just stop running for one second.”I yanked my hand back, not because I didn’t want him to hold me but because I wanted him to work for it. “She said this was your spot.”He exhaled, looking frustrated. “It was. Years ago. Before I ever met you. We came here once. That’s it.”“And now she just magically shows up while we’re here and calls it a coincidence?”“I didn’t ask her to com

  • Against the rules    His ex

    ~Ava’s POV~Charlotte's words still echoed in my head.“So was it makeup sex?!”I blinked at her like she’d grown two heads. “What is wrong with you?!”She just laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder like she'd asked whether the weather was nice. “Don’t act like you’re shocked. You know me.”“You’re a menace.”“I’m a best friend,” she corrected with a smug little smirk. “And best friends ask.”I sighed, sinking back into the lounge chair, my skin warm from the sun and my nerves still buzzing from... well, everything. “It wasn’t makeup sex, okay?”Charlotte gave me a suspicious side-eye. “But you said you had an argument last night.”I chewed on my lip, my voice quieter now. “We did. But that’s not why it happened. It wasn’t about fixing something or distracting ourselves. It was... real.”Charlotte’s teasing expression softened instantly. “Okay, that I can respect.”I glanced out at the pool where Logan was being tackled into the water by Tristan for the fifth time in a row. He w

  • Against the rules    "He sees me!"

    Ava's povI woke up to the rays of sunlight streaming through the balcony doors and the even warmer feeling of Logan's arms wrapped tightly around me. His chest rose and fell against my back, he was sleeping soundly without any worries. I could’ve stayed like that forever.But then before I could dwell on his warmth again I heard a knock.And then…"Rise and shine, lovebirds!" Charlotte’s obnoxiously chipper voice rang through the door. I almost forgot that we were here with Charlotte and Tristan.I froze. Logan groaned behind me and buried his face into the crook of my neck. “Tell me I’m dreaming,” he mumbled.Another knock followed. “Hope you two got enough sleep last night... though judging by the thumping and oh-my-gods, I’m gonna guess not.” Tristan's deep voice rang through the door.My entire body went hot. “Oh my God,” I whispered. Now I was going to experience the walk of shame!“Tristan!” I shouted back, grabbing the closest pillow and chucking it toward the door as if it wo

  • Against the rules    Only her

    Logan's povI regretted those four words the second they left my mouth."None of your business."Really? That was all I could say?God, I sounded like a complete asshole! What the fuck was wrong with me?!But my blood was still boiling from the phone call. That voice, the one that haunted my nightmares and my childhood, had no right to call me now. Not after everything.And definitely not while I was here, with her. Why did he have to call me now? He ruined my whole day.But when Ava asked… it was like something in me snapped. Like all the anger I’d buried deep decided now was the perfect moment to come clawing out Even though I didn't mean to snap at her.She stiffened beside me, pulling her knees to her chest. She looked so small, so hurt, and I hated myself for putting that look on her face.But instead of apologizing, I made it worse.“Why do you always have to push?” I snapped. “Why can’t you just let things go for once?”Her head whipped toward me, eyes wide. “Are you fucking se

  • Against the rules    Beach Escaped♣

    ~Ava~My phone buzzed sometime after midnight. I was already half-asleep, wrapped in my blanket and dreaming about Logan's smile.Tristan: Pack a bag, sunshine squad. We’re going to the beach tomorrow. No excuses.Charlotte: YESSSSS! I’ve been dying for some sun, you're the best baby ❤️Tristan: ❤️Logan: Is it too late to pretend I’m sick now?Tristan: Nope. Ava already said you're coming.I laughed, even though I hadn't said a word. Trust Tristan to drag us all into a random beach trip like it was the most normal thing in the world.He was rich so that wasn't a problem to him at all.Me: I didn’t say anything. But fine. I’m in.Logan replied with a heart emoji. I stared at it for a while, smiling like an idiot, before finally putting my phone away.The next morning came so fast. Charlotte picked me up, blasting music with the windows down."Are you ready to tan and gossip about everything and pretend we don't have responsibilities?" she grinned."Born ready," I laughed.Logan and

  • Against the rules    Picnic Date

    ~Ava~The sunlight casted a shadow over the trees, soft and warm on my skin. It was the kind of day that begged to be savoured. After everything with Natasha, I thought things might spiral and go wrong. That Logan might pull away and decides he didn't want me anymore, or worse, that I might. But somehow, we didn't break apart. We just... solidified. Like the pressure we were experiencing only made us stronger. Like he was fire and I was glass, and instead of shattering, I melted into something whole.I hadn’t expected to find him waiting outside my final class, leaning against the pillar like he belonged there …like he belonged to me. His hoodie was pushed up to his elbows, revealing tanned tattooed forearms I pretended not to stare at. A dimple peeked when he saw me.“Hey,” he said, offering me that half-smile that always knocked the air out of my lungs.He had that hold on me, and I couldn't complain shit.“Hey,” I replied, trying to sound casual even though my pulse had started

You may also like

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status