~Logan's POV~After leaving Leviâs apartment, I drove back to my place, but my mind was still restless. Even though I had reassured Levi, the tension from our fatherâs sudden reappearance still didn't set with me. I knew I wouldnât be able to sleep. And honestly, I didnât want to. Not when there was only one person who could make me feel better.I grabbed my phone and dialed Avaâs number. She picked up after a few rings, her voice laced with sleep.âLogan?â she murmured.A smile tugged at my lips. âHey, nerd. Were you sleeping?ââObviously. Unlike some people, I donât stay up all night brooding,â she teased, her voice groggy but warm.I chuckled, leaning back on my couch. âYeah, well⌠I couldnât sleep. I missed you.âThere was a pause on the other end, and then she sighed softly. âLoganâŚââWhat?â I asked, closing my eyes. âIs it a crime to miss my girlfriend?ââNo, but itâs rare for you to admit it,â she said playfully. âYouâre all tough and broody, remember?âI smirked. âMaybe, but o
Logan's POVFootball practice started a little bit tense. The moment I entered the field, I could feel the way Aaron was looking at my presence. He was acting normal at first, but I knew him too well. There was something behind his smug expression, he was plotting something and I knew it wasn't any good. And I had a feeling it had everything to do with Ava and the bet we made.I regretted it every single day. But I also knew that no matter how much I hated myself for it, I wasnât going to let Aaron use it against me.But I was afraid!The practice began, and I pushed my frustration and worries aside, focusing on the game. Tristan was already on the field, his sharp eyes passing between me and Aaron, probably expecting things to go south at any moment.And he was right to.It started when Aaron refused to pass the ball to me. The first time, I let it slide, thinking maybe it wasnât intentional. The second time, I clenched my jaw, keeping my cool. But by the third and fourth times, wh
Avaâs POVI was curled up on my couch, clutching my stomach as another set of cramps churned through me. I groaned, my face turning in discomfort. Periods were the worst. It felt like my uterus was personally having war against me, and I was losing so badly.The soft glow of my lamp illuminated across my apartment, and I briefly considered reaching for my phone to distract myself. Instead, I sighed and closed my eyes, willing the pain to pass.Why do we women have to suffer like this!?Then, there was a knock at the door. I frowned because I wasnât expecting anyone. Dragging myself up with great effort, I went to the door and pulled it open.Before I could react, I was engulfed in a tight embrace.Logan.His fresh cologne wrapped around me as he held me close. His arms were firm, his grip was as possessive as ever, like he needed this as much as I did. For a moment, I forgot about the pain, the exhaustion, and just melted into him.âLogan?â I mumbled against his chest, my voice
Ava's POVI sighed softly, rolling over to check the time. My phone lit up with Charlotteâs name, buzzing like she was determined to pull me out of my thoughts and maybe she was right to. I had a shift at the diner, and then⌠the party.Groaning, I silenced her texts and sat up. The physical pain from yesterday was gone, but the emotional heaviness hadnât quite left. Still, I pushed it aside, took a quick shower, and pulled on my clothes. When I finally checked my phone, another message waited.Charlotte: Are you coming tonight or what?I smirked and typed back.Ava: I donât know, Charlotte. Iâm really not in the mood for a party tonight.Charlotte: Youâre not bailing. Tristan will be there⌠and so will Logan.Of course.Ava: Fine, but only because youâll never stop texting me.Charlotte: YES! Iâll make sure Tristan picks you up. Get ready, hot stuff.I shook my head, amused despite myself.At night, I found myself in front of the mirror, my heart was beating loudly as I pull down t
Ava's povThe streets blurred past the window, but all I could focus on was the way Loganâs hand rested on my thigh. His thumb moved in slow, lazy circles over my jeans, making my skin tingle through the fabric.He hadn't said much since we left the party, but he didnât have to. The way his eyes turned toward me every few seconds, the way his jaw clenched whenever I shifted in my seat it was obvious he was holding something back.And so was I.When we finally pulled up to his place, the tension had reached a boiling point. I followed him inside, my pulse racing. The second the door clicked shut behind us. Logan turned to me, his eyes were clouded with lust. âYou sure youâre okay?â he asked, voice low and rough.I nodded, heart pounding. âIâm more than okay, it's been long since I was hereâHis gaze dropped to my lips, and I barely had a second to breathe before he closed the distance. His mouth was on mine urgent, hungry, but still tender in the way only Logan could be. I melted in
~Ava~My heart raced as I watched Logan, coming towards me. His eyes were filled with desire, and his lips curled into a smirk as he whispered, "Good choice, nerd!, I'll make you feel good tonight" before pressing his lips against mine. I immediately shivered as his hands roamed my back, our bodies melting into one another.Our kiss deepened, and I could feel Logan's growing arousal pressing against me. My breath hitched as I felt his hands slide inside my panties, gripping my ass tightly. Logan pulled away, his eyes filled with lust. "Damn it!" he cursed. I gasped as Logan's tongue flicked over my nipple, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I arched my back, pushing myself further into his mouth. He was so good with his tongue!Logan's hands roamed my body, exploring every inch of my body. I could feel myself growing wetter with each passing moment.Logan's fingers trailed down my stomach, teasing the edge of my panties. My breath hitched as I felt him slip his fingers in
AvaThe morning light spilled through the curtains, warm and soft against my skin. For a second, I didnât move. My body was tangled in sheets that smelled faintly of laundry soap and Logan. It took another heartbeat for my memory to catch up.Last night.It really happened,not just a dream!His lips. His hands. The way he whispered my name like it meant something sacred.I turned slowly, the sheet slipping down to my waist as I did, and found him beside me. Logan was still asleep, his chest rising and falling with a steady rhythm. One arm was slung across his eyes, hair was a perfect mess, and the bare skin of his torso was half-exposed, making my pulse do a weird, giddy jump.Okay I'm weird now!God, he looked unfairly good even in the morning.My gaze drifted lower, to where the sheet barely covered his hips. I bit my lip, suddenly warm all over again. I remembered the way heâd kissed me last night, the way heâd whispered all the things he wanted to do and then actually did them.
~Ava~By the time lunchtime rolled around, I still couldnât shake the grin off my face.Everything felt surreal, I felt like I was floating through the day. My mind kept replaying Loganâs words, the way his arms had held me, the warmth of his chest against mine. And okayâŚmaybe the whole parking lot kiss was a little over-the-top, but the way he looked at me afterward? Like I was the only girl in the world?Yeah, I wasnât complaining.I was grabbing a smoothie at the student cafĂŠ when it happened.Logan, in all his tall, tanned, and annoyingly hot glory, walked in with two of his football friends. His eyes scanned the room once, and the second they landed on me, his face lit up. A casual smirk, a head tilt that said, There you are.My heart fluttered.But just as he started to head in my direction, she happened.Natasha Keller.The girl had legs for days, platinum-blonde hair that definitely wasnât natural, and a smile she flashed only when she wanted something."Logan!" she called, pr
~Loganâs POV~My phone buzzed again.Blocked number.I didnât 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 weâd just found.But something in my stomach twisted, cold and sharp.I answered.âLogan,â came a voice I hadnât heard in months, smooth and sharp as broken glass. âGlad you picked up.âMy chest tightened. âWhat the hell do you want, Vincent?âVincent. My fatherâs right-hand man. The guy who delivered threats with a smirk and cleaned up blood without blinking.âIf you donât want to work with your father, thatâs your choice. But heâs thinking about bringing Levi in. And I figured youâd want a heads up.âI froze. âWhat did you just say?ââYou heard me. Levi. Heâs almost twenty one right? Perfect age to start learning the family business.ââWhere is he?â I snapped, already reaching for my jeans. âWhereâs Levi?ââHeâs with your father. Dinner. That place on Riverv
~Avaâs 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.âYou two seriously need a warning label,â Charlotte huffed as she rolled down the window. âCaution: PDA ahead.âTristan snorted. âForget that. I need bleach for my eyes after walking in on...ââDo not dare to finish that sentence,â I cut in, hiding my burning face in Loganâs 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. âStill worth it,â 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.âNever again,â Charlotte muttered, slamming the door. âNext trip, weâre getting separate cabins.ââOr a new hotel! cause I don't wan
~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 Loganâs 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 wasnât ready to sleep alone just yet. Not when everything had changed betwee
~Avaâs 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.âAva!âHis voice.Of course.I picked up my pace, but seconds later, I heard his bare feet slapping against the wood. âAva, wait!âI spun around. âLogan, seriously, donâtâŚâHe didnât stop. He reached me in three long strides and grabbed my wrist, gently but firmly. âPlease, just stop running for one second.âI yanked my hand back, not because I didnât want him to hold me but because I wanted him to work for it. âShe said this was your spot.âHe exhaled, looking frustrated. âIt was. Years ago. Before I ever met you. We came here once. Thatâs it.ââAnd now she just magically shows up while weâre here and calls it a coincidence?ââI didnât ask her to com
~Avaâs POV~Charlotte's words still echoed in my head.âSo was it makeup sex?!âI blinked at her like sheâd grown two heads. âWhat is wrong with you?!âShe just laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder like she'd asked whether the weather was nice. âDonât act like youâre shocked. You know me.ââYouâre a menace.ââIâm a best friend,â she corrected with a smug little smirk. âAnd best friends ask.âI sighed, sinking back into the lounge chair, my skin warm from the sun and my nerves still buzzing from... well, everything. âIt wasnât makeup sex, okay?âCharlotte gave me a suspicious side-eye. âBut you said you had an argument last night.âI chewed on my lip, my voice quieter now. âWe did. But thatâs not why it happened. It wasnât about fixing something or distracting ourselves. It was... real.âCharlotteâs teasing expression softened instantly. âOkay, that I can respect.âI glanced out at the pool where Logan was being tackled into the water by Tristan for the fifth time in a row. He w
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 couldâve stayed like that forever.But then before I could dwell on his warmth again I heard a knock.And thenâŚ"Rise and shine, lovebirds!" Charlotteâs 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. âTell me Iâm dreaming,â he mumbled.Another knock followed. âHope you two got enough sleep last night... though judging by the thumping and oh-my-gods, Iâm gonna guess not.â Tristan's deep voice rang through the door.My entire body went hot. âOh my God,â I whispered. Now I was going to experience the walk of shame!âTristan!â I shouted back, grabbing the closest pillow and chucking it toward the door as if it wo
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 Iâd 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.âWhy do you always have to push?â I snapped. âWhy canât you just let things go for once?âHer head whipped toward me, eyes wide. âAre you fucking se
~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. Weâre going to the beach tomorrow. No excuses.Charlotte: YESSSSS! Iâve been dying for some sun, you're the best baby â¤ď¸Tristan: â¤ď¸Logan: Is it too late to pretend Iâm 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 didnât say anything. But fine. Iâm 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
~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 hadnât expected to find him waiting outside my final class, leaning against the pillar like he belonged there âŚlike 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.âHey,â 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.âHey,â I replied, trying to sound casual even though my pulse had started