005.
“Spill the tea, girlie. How on earth do you know Axel King? He even shoved you into his car!” Melissa exclaimed, causing Amber to laugh. “He didn’t really shove me into the car, Mel.” Amber massaged her forehead. Melissa had video called her the minute she got home and wouldn’t stop asking about Axel. She couldn’t help wondering how Amber knew who Axel was when she was just a freshman. Melissa rolled her eyes. “Oh please!” she waved it off. “He literally swept you off your feet.” she giggled. Amber chuckled softly. “Well, he is my brother’s best friend, so he is technically my friend too. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” Melissa gasped. “Girl, you’re lucky. Axel King is the most popular guy on campus. Don’t ask me how I know, I’m an all rounder-perks of being a mass communication student, am I right?” “It’s gossip.” Amber laughed. The door to her room opened and Cole walked in. He threw the towel he was holding on Amber’s face and she huffed. “Let’s talk later, Melissa. My annoying brat brother just walked in, and I think he wants to get beaten.” she narrowed her eyes at Cole, who stuck out his tongue at her. “Can I see your brother? I bet he’s as hot as Ax-“ “Melissa!” Amber cut her off, knowing exactly what she was going to say. She didn’t want Cole asking what they were talking about. Melissa cleared her throat and beamed at her. “Bye.” Without another word, she hung up and Amber turned to face Cole, her expression turning serious. “What are you doing in my room?” Cole plopped down on her bed and rested his chin on his hands. “I came to ask how your first day in school was, little brat.” Amber rolled her eyes. “Why do you care? I’m not a child, okay? You aren’t my babysitter either.” she gave him an exasperated look and he smirked. “You should thank your tiny lucky ass that you have an awesome and handsome big brother like me asking how your day was, baby girl.” Amber scoffed. “I’ll only admit that when horses fly,” she sneered. “Now leave my room. I want to take a shower.” Cole shrugged and stood up. He walked to where she was seated, bent to her level and poked her forehead, causing her to yelp in pain. “Ouch! Dude! What the fuck?!” she exclaimed, rubbing her forehead. Cole laughed at her, and she puffed up her face, ready to pay him back for what he did. Just as she was about to stand up, Axel rushed into the room. “I heard you scream, are you okay?” he asked worriedly, but halted when he saw Cole and Amber. It didn’t take him a second to realize that it was one of their siblings tantrums again. Cole laughed. “I wouldn’t call that screaming, though. It’s more like a rat-like yelp.” he mocked and Amber facepalmed. “When are you gonna quit bullying her?” he asked, facing Cole. “Man, she’s just a child.” Amber felt a sting in her heart. “A child?” she asked. “We’ve been like this since we were kids. I was a child then, but I am not a child now. I’m a grown up lady, ready to take control of her life.” she affirmed, her expression determined. Cole and Axel exchanged amused looks. Before she knew it, they had burst into a fit of laughter. Amber knew she should be angry at them for laughing at her, but when she looked at Axel and the way he laughed, she didn’t know when she smiled. The sound of his laughter, the way his Adam’s apple moved up and down, the way his eyes glinted when he laughed, all captivated her. She wanted to reach out to touch him but had to control herself. “Hey, little brat, you're still a child,” Cole teased, wiping tears from his eyes. Amber playfully rolled her eyes. “You guys are ridiculous,” she sighed. “Out of my room, Cole. I’ve got homework to do.” Cole scoffed. “No fair! You didn’t ask Axel to leave. Wait, didn’t you say you wanted to take a shower?” He folded his arms. “Not showering anymore. Stop being a baby, dude. Axel is gonna help me with my homework.” Axel blinked. “I am?” Amber nodded with a smile. “Yes, you are.” “I can help too,” Cole said, smiling proudly with his arms folded. Amber hissed. “Unless you’re willing to keep quiet and let Axel teach me, get out!” Cole mock-saluted. “Yes, ma'am. I'll leave you two alone.” As Cole exited, Amber smiled mischievously at Axel. “So…” she bit her lower lip. “I’ll go get my books,” she stood to her feet and rushed to where she had hung her bag, feeling like his eyes were following her. With a sigh, she brought out her books and pen and walked back to Axel, who was now seated on one of the chairs in front of her study table. He watched her walk to where he was seated and smiled when she stretched out her books to him. “Save it, cat eyes. I know you have no assignments today.” Amber shut her eyes tight. Shoot! She had been caught. “Uh… I just…” “Wanted to escape from Cole,” he completed, and she nodded, biting down on her lower lip again. Axel stood up, towering over her like he used to, and she avoided his gaze, looking down. He lifted her chin, causing her to look into his eyes. The proximity was killing her, and she could feel her legs getting weak. Just this little touch from him and her body was already responding. What if he… ‘Shut the fuck up, Amber!’ she mentally scolded herself. Her breath quickened, and she could swear she was hearing the rapid thump of her heart right now especially when he leaned in, his eyes still locked on hers. “That was a very naughty and petty thing to do, you know that?” he whispered, his hot breath fanning her face, sending tingly shivers down her spine. Amber gulped as she tried to maintain her cool. “How do you want to get punished for being so petty, little kitten?” he asked, his voice laced with mischief. ‘Oh I don’t know…maybe we could start with…you know…you pushing me onto this damn bed, pinning my hands above my head, fucking and spanking me for being a bad girl while whispering dirty things into my ears.’ She sneered at her own thoughts. That wasn’t gonna happen. Axel pulled away when she didn’t say anything and smiled at her. “Do the dishes with me. That’s your punishment. Expecting you in five.” he patted her forehead and walked out of the room. Amber released a breath and began fanning herself. “That was hot,” she muttered to herself. She exhaled again and took a seat on the bed. Her mind drifted to the dirty thoughts she had a few minutes ago, and she covered her face with her palms, clearly embarrassed with herself. She screamed into her pillow. Axel was driving her crazy!006.Next day…Amber, Melissa, and Jack were having lunch in the cafeteria and Melissa didn’t waste time before telling Jack about Axel. Jack gasped. “I might just be a freshman but the name “Axel King” is gold on campus. Everybody knows him and girls? Fuck, they are always all over him, especially when he plays basketball.”Melissa giggled. “Not only is he hot and drop dead gorgeous, he is also good at sports and have led this college to numerous victories in his two years of being here,”Amber smiled. “Axel has always been my golden guy. He is awesome.” Melissa narrowed her eyes at her. “Girl, you’re swooning.” she chuckled.Amber sighed.Just then, Axel walked into the cafeteria, and just like they had said, all eyes were on him in an instant, including hers. There was something about him… about his presence, his aura, that seemed to command the room. Melissa watched Amber with a smile on her face. No one needed to explain what was going on to her right now. One thing she knew;
007.Axel stood in the spacious office, his face indifferent and his patience wearing thin. He hated being here, and he especially hated the feeling of nostalgia that came with coming to this place.He walked over to the window, overlooking the whole city, and he sighed, tucking his hands into his pocket as his handsome face contorted to a frown. His father’s office had always been the most uncomfortable place for him to be in, and now he had been here for fifteen minutes, waiting for his so-called father who had called him here but went ahead to do business… as usual.Just as he was about to give up and turned to walk out, the door opened, and his father walked in, his expression stern. “I’m actually surprised you waited.” he took a seat and gestured for Axel to sit as well.“Why did you call me here?” Axel asked as soon as his butt landed on the chair.Mr. Kevin King cleared his throat and folded his hands on the desk as he looked at his son. “It’s about you and Candice,” he answer
008.“Turn around!” Amber screamed and Axel’s body moved of its own accord as he quickly turned, his heart beating fast.Amber shut her eyes tight in embarrassment as she rushed to carry her towel and back into the bathroom to calm herself down before coming out. She had no idea Axel would be back early. “Fuck!” she covered her face with her palms. She could literally feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment. How the heck was she going to face him now. What was she going to say? It was going to be so awkward talking to him after this.She groaned, feeling like the ground should open and swallow her whole. She paced around the bathroom as she thought of what to do. She slowly opened the door and peeked through it. He was still standing with his back turned. She guessed he might be scared to turn and see her again. Her eyes scanned her room before it landed on the tampons and chocolates he had bought. She looked away, stretched out her hand to her shorts on the bed and grabbed them
009.Damn her dirty mind! What in heaven's name was she thinking? She screamed into her pillow, her face heating from the first-hand embarrassment.After she uttered that insane sentence, it became awkward a little bit as Axel didn’t know the response to give her. She had to pretend it was just a harmless joke, blaming him for flirting with her, then quickly finished her food and rushed into her room.“Gosh!” she facepalmed, shaking her head. It was becoming more and more difficult to control herself around him. She might actually snap one day if he doesn’t see the green lights she’s been giving him.Axel was every lady’s guy. He knew how to have his way with girls, and he certainly knew how to keep them coming back for more. He also knew when a lady was into him, so why hadn’t he noticed that she had a thing for him?Was he mistaking her stares and flirting for admiration, or he probably thought she was joking? She tried to get the questions out of her head, but she couldn’t.During
010.Two days later…“Are you sure you want to go through with this, Amy? You still have a chance to change your mind.” Melissa said as she added the finishing touches to Amber’s hair.Amber smiled, her expression determined. “You’ve been asking me this for two days now, and I already told you I want to do it.”Melissa sighed. She understood her best friend’s plight, but she wouldn’t want Axel falling in love with her based on a mere seduction. Deep down, she knew Axel had a thing for Amber; I mean it’s damn obvious from the way he looked at her, and the way his expression softened whenever he listened to her.She wished Amber would let him make a move instead of pushing it down on him. She had been trying to convince Amber since that day at the cafeteria, but the lady was quite stubborn.“What about Cole?” she asked, reaching into Amber’s wardrobe and pulling out the signature red gown they had bought specifically for tonight.Amber smiled. “Let me worry about that. I’m finally eigh
011. After the party died down a bit and people began leaving, Axel took Amber to the rooftop of the house, decorated with twinkling fairy lights and a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Amber’s eyes widened. She felt like she had just walked into a fairy tale. “Wow, Axel, this is so beautiful,” Amber breathed, her eyes glinting with excitement. This had to be the best birthday ever. “I wanted to make tonight special for you,” Axel said, his voice low and husky, as he led her to the edge of the rooftop. The city lights stretched out before them, a dazzling canvas of color and light. Amber felt Axel’s hand brush against hers, sending shivers down her spine. “Thank you, Axel,” she whispered, her heart pounding as she turned to face him. Axel turned to face her, his eyes burning with intensity. When their gazes locked, he smiled and looked away while Amber looked around excitedly. “I guess this is one way to end the evening, don’t you think?” she beamed at him and quickly turne
012. “Girl, that is one cool iPad. It looks even better than the pictures you sent to us in the group chat.” Melissa took the iPad from Amber to get a better look at it. Amber smiled, her heart fluttering. “I know, right? Their gifts beat every gift people bought for me.” Melissa raised an eyebrow with a fake frown on her face. “What about my gift? Is it better than it? Just so you know, I had Jack take me around all the stores in the city just to get you something as special as that and make it perfect. Right, Jack?” Jack looked away, knowing fully well Melissa was overexaggerating. “Don’t ask me.” Amber laughed. “I loved the gift you gave me, babe. Who wouldn't love a personalized journal with our inside jokes and memories?” Amber said, hugging Melissa tightly. Even though they just became friends, she had no idea Melissa was this thoughtful. Melissa beamed. “I'm glad you liked it! I wanted something thoughtful, just between us besties.” Jack chuckled. “And I thought the gift
013.“King, you are not yourself today. You keep zoning out. Basketball demands focus and agility. What is going on?” Coach Rick asked Axel, who sighed and ruffled his hair.“I’m sorry, Coach,” Axel apologized, lowering his head. “I'll concentrate.” Coach Rick sighed and turned to face everyone. “Ten laps, let’s go!” he blew his whistle.Axel jogged alongside his teammates, his mind drifting back to Amber. The only person who had kept his mind occupied since yesterday. He had been zoning out because of her, and it was becoming even harder to focus or look at anything without thinking about her.What the heck was wrong with him? Trevor, noticing his mood, fell into step beside him.“Hey, man, you okay? You seem off,” Trevor asked.Axel nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just distracted.”Trevor raised an eyebrow. “Long night?”Axel chuckled. “Something like that.”As they finished their laps, Coach Rick gathered the team around him.“Today’s practice is crucial. We need to perfect our
082.“No! There's no way I'm letting you do that. What if it backfires? Promiscuous men like him can do anything to women.” Amber declined after Larissa told her about the plan. “C'mon, Amber,”“No, Larissa,” she sighed. “You are an idol. You have fans all over the world. Do you have any idea what this would cost you if it backfires? No way am I letting you go to that club and be the bait.” Larissa chuckled and took a seat beside Amber. “I like the fact that you underestimate me, Amber,” she smirked. “Look, I know how the club works. And I know what makes stupid bastards like that idiot tick. Do you think I'd go there with no backup? Trust me. It will only be just to lure him into the trap.”Amber sighed. “I don't know, Larissa.”“Amber listen, I'm sick and tired of seeing mean comments against you. Many jealous reporters are using this opportunity to ruin you the more. They might have been quiet because they saw nothing to use against you, but now, they are trying to ruin your rep
081.Amber pulled away from the kiss and cupped Axel's cheeks, her eyes shining with love for him. Axel raised a brow at her. “What was that about?” he asked amidst chuckles.Amber batted her lashes at him. “Don't you like it?” she asked, her voice small.Axel’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, then a grin spread across his face. “Well, now.” he drew Amber closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I do like it. But I can’t say I’m not a little bit surprised.” his voice was low and gravelly, making Amber’s heart flip-flop in her chest.Amber blushed, but she couldn’t look away from his intense gaze. “I had to do something to thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”Axel’s eyes softened as he stared at her. “Amber, you don’t have to thank me for anything. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.” He pressed his forehead against hers, their lips inches apart. “And I want you to know, I love you too.”Amber’s heart skipped a beat. She wrapped her arms around him. They've been thro
080.“So, how long have you and Mr. A been together?” Larissa asked during their break.Amber was taken aback by the question. “What? He and I are not together.” she answered.Larissa chuckled. “Seriously? Are you telling me that you two feel nothing for each other, or he feels nothing for you?” she asked, handing a chocolate bar to Amber.“Aren't dancers supposed to eat healthy snacks?” Amber asked, her gaze on the chocolate as she tried to change the topic.Larissa raised an eyebrow. “First of all, this is dark chocolate, which is supposed to be good for you. Second of all, don't change the subject.” she pointed her finger at Amber. “Now, tell me. Are you and Axel just friends, or is there more to it?”Amber fidgeted with the wrapper of the chocolate, avoiding Larissa's gaze. “We…we're just friends,” she insisted, though her voice wasn't quite as convincing as she'd hoped.Larissa smirked. “Uh huh,” she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Okay, let me break this down f
079.Axel continued patting her on the back as she cried. Amber couldn't help the tears. She melted into his arms while he kissed her hair. “Hey, stop crying, okay?” he said and she nodded.Axel pulled away from the hug and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Look at me,” he said and Amber looked up at him with a tear stained face. Axel used his thumb to wipe her tears and smiled at her. “You're a strong woman, Cat eyes. You don't need to let them know they've gotten you. I know you were set up, your friends know that as well, and your loyal fans too.”Amber nodded. “I'm just so hurt and annoyed.”“I understand,” Axel said. “And I won't let that motherfucker get away with hurting you. He's just dug his own grave for hurting my woman.”Amber smiled, a blush crawling up her cheeks. “You still call me your woman in such playful tone while I'm really annoyed here?”Axel leaned forward and rolled strands of hair into his index finger. “Why not? At least I got a smile from you.” he said, hi
078.GLAM MAGAZINE Amber walked into the company the next day, but something felt different. The employees were murmuring and talking in hush voices as she walked by. Her brows creased. What was going on? She was still in a sour mood from what happened yesterday, what was going on today?She walked into her department and Laura walked to her. “Oh, what a slut you are. I should have known that you got all your fame because you sleep with me that are old enough to birth you.”Amber frowned. “What the heck are you yammering on about?” she asked.Laura snickered. “You're a journalist. The news should be something you check every damn fucking day. I always knew you were pompous, now you've gone outside to show the world just how terrible you are.” Amber shook her head and walked to her desk. She knew bantering with Laura won't yield any results. The girl will only end up getting her to lose her temper, and she didn't want that.She brought her phone out and switched her data on. Her eyes
077.“We're going out for a girl's night, and you're dressed like this?” Melissa asked after Amber stepped out from her room.Amber looked down at her dressing, her brows creased. “What? Is something wrong with my dress?” she asked.Melissa rolled her eyes. “Everything is wrong with that dress. Go wear something sexy!” she snapped and pushed Amber back into the room.“Sexy? Melissa, we’re just going out for drinks!” Amber protested.Melissa crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “You look like a freaking librarian! Come on, Amber. Show a little skin!”Amber stared at her outfit—a black pencil skirt paired with a simple blouse. It wasn’t exactly exciting, but she’d chosen it because it was comfortable, not because it was sexy.The doorbell rang and Amber beamed. “Gina is here!” she exclaimed excitedly and rushed to open the door. “Girl!” Amber called and they shrieked.Gina looked at Amber's clothes. “What in fashion disaster are you putting on?” she asked, but Amber pulled her in.“Tol
076.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into her department, beaming with smiles. Now that everything was settled with Axel she felt like she finally had a reason to be happy again. She took a seat and texted Melissa, asking if she was free for a girls night out."Ooh, girls night out? Can I come?" Amber turned to see Gina, bending to look at what she was doing. "Gina!" she called, pulling her phone away. "Don't you have any idea what privacy means?" she asked.Gina rolled her eyes and sat down. "How can I when I'm curious to know the reason you're shining so bright this morning? Look at you grinning from ear to ear. Did you break up with that toxic boyfriend of yours?" she asked, her face filled with excitement."He's not toxic." Amber answered, dropping her phone on the desk. Gina scoffed. "I can't believe you're still defending him. Someone who guilt trips you and make you feel like you can't live without him because he helped you is toxic."Amber sighed. "I don't think so. Maybe he just
075.PRESENT TIME (LAS VEGAS)Amber has tears rolling down her cheeks as Axel told them everything. Cole couldn't believe what he had to go through. Maverick shook his head. He knew what happened, but he never really knew it was this deep. No wonder Axel developed PTSD. It was really a traumatic experience. Even he wouldn't have been able to handle it."I'm really sorry for everything. I only stopped getting the threat letters 2 years ago, and began looking for you. Then I found you working at Glam Magazines, and your outline that fateful day. I wanted "US" again.""You went through all this and you didn't tell me? You should have told me about it and we would have found a way to outsmart him together. I'm a computer genius and you know that. What are we friends for if you can't even tell me what's going on with you?" Cole asked, feeling pained and angry.Axel lowered his head and sighed. "At that time, the only thing I thought about was how to save her. I was paranoid and didn't even
074.Axel sat in his father's office the next morning after getting a transfer letter from the school. His luggage were already packed and everything was ready for him to leave. He just needed to see his father before leaving for Las Vegas. Kevin walked into the office. "Amber is here!"Axel sprung to his feet. "She's here? What is she doing here?" he asked, looking around for a place to hide. "I guess she thinks I'm the reason you broke up with her and she's here to confront me," he sighed. "You gotta hide before she gets here. She's currently arguing with the secretary, and I don't think the lady can hold her for long."Axel nodded. "Please, don't hurt her too much. Just tell her something that can make her give up for good."Kevin nodded. "I got it, trust me," Axel nodded and hid in the door next to the kitchen in his father's office. It was the equipment room and it was great because he could still see his father's table. He watched his father sit down and Amber rushed in immed