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
014.Axel’s gaze roamed over Amber’s bikini-clad body, his eyes lingering on her curves. Her bikini was a vibrant, electric blue, with beautiful white floral patterns that accentuated her tanned skin. The tiny triangles barely contained her full breasts, and the high-cut bottoms hugged her hips, showcasing her toned legs.Amber’s long, midnight black hair cascaded down her back, framing her beautiful smile. Her sunglasses perched on her forehead, and her lips shimmered with gloss.Axel’s throat dried up as he struggled to maintain his composure. He felt a stir in his swim trunks, and his heart pounded in his chest.“Wow, you look… stunning,” Axel stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.Amber's cheeks flushed, and she chuckled. “Thanks, Axel. You don't look so bad yourself.”Axel's gaze never left hers, his eyes burning with desire. He knew he needed to rein in his emotions, but Amber's beauty had left him breathless.Melissa's distant laughter and the sound of waves crashing agai
015.“Come on, Amy, it’s just cheerleading tryouts. I really, really want to participate.” Melissa pleaded with Amber as she stared at the posters on the wall.The school’s cheerleading team just got a new captain and they needed new members. Melissa had waited for this day to come, and it was finally here. She wanted to try out, but she didn’t want to go without Amber.Amber wasn’t the least interested and Melissa wouldn’t stop pestering her.“Mel,” Amber sighed, her frustration evident. “How many times do I have to tell you that I am not interested in trying out for cheerleading? I’m not a dancer, okay?” she said for the one hundredth time, hoping Melissa would get it, but the lady was persistent.“You don’t have to be a good dancer to be a cheerleader. Besides, they’re gonna train you. Don’t you want to belong somewhere at least?” she pouted, making cute puppy eyes at Amber, who didn’t seem swayed. “Jack’s on the soccer team, your brother is on the gadgets or whatever you call it t
016.Axel walked into his room and grabbed a towel which he used to dry his hair. He shut his eyes tight, remembering what almost happened between him and Amber a few minutes ago.He groaned, the intensity eating him whole. He didn’t mean to lose control, just that he couldn’t help it anymore. The tension between them was obvious to even a blind man, and he had tried holding on to the last thread of self-control he had while they were swimming, but it snapped the moment they sat at the edge of the pool with their legs in the water.The way the water stuck to her face, the way her swimsuit clung to her curves, and the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed had been too much for him. He couldn’t help but stare, his desire for her overwhelming.Amber was hot — too hot if you asked him. He was drawn to her both emotionally and physically. She was his distraction, his cute little kitten, and it was getting even harder to control himself around her. If that call hadn’t come in, nothing woul
017.Amber stood rooted on the spot, her shocked gaze fixed on Candice, who had a mischievous smile on her face. Amber knew she wouldn’t get picked — not when Candice was the team captain.She had two options — she could chicken out and act like this ever happened, or she could face it head on and just do her routine, giving no fuck about Candice.Amber smirked. She wasn’t one to back down and cower in fear. Option one was not her style. Option two was better.“Come on, Amber, show us what you got!” Candice exclaimed, her voice laced with mockery. Amber was certain Candice doubted her, and it only made her determination to prove herself stronger. They saw her as a nerd who knew nothing besides reading books and getting straight As but what they do not know was that, she wasn’t just an ordinary nerd — she was Amber Smith, a computer guru’s younger sister and friend to the hottest guy in school. There were tons of things she could do aside books and one of them was showing people they
018. “You heard what she said, Axel, didn’t you?” Candice snapped, her expression hardening. “And you’re just going to stand here and act like you heard nothing?” Axel sighed and ruffled his hair. “What exactly is your problem, Candice?” he asked. This was tiring him out. He was happy Amber handled it perfectly, but Candice was work; one he didn’t want to attend to. “My problem?” she scoffed. “My problem is that your relationship with Amber is beyond friendship. The signs are there. Everything adds up and there is nothing anyone’s gonna tell me to make me change my mind!” Axel raised an eyebrow. "That's ridiculous, Candice. Amber's my best friend." Candice's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't lie to me, Axel. I see the way you look at her." Axel's expression turned cold. "You're being paranoid." Candice's voice trembled. "I'm your girlfriend, Axel. I deserve better than to be disrespected like this." Axel's eyes narrowed. "You're not being disrespected, Candice. You're ju
019. Amber stared at Candice, her eyes filled with so much rage. Candice stared back, laughing at the kind of mess she had made. Melissa held Amber's sticky hands. "Come, let's get out of here. They are taking pictures and making videos." she shook Amber's hand gently, but Amber's angry face remained fixed on Candice. She gently pulled her hand away from Melissa's grip, wiped her mouth clean and began walking towards Candice, who raised an eyebrow at her. She stopped in front of Candice, her eyes holding anger and resentment. "Why did you do it?" she asked, her voice deadly calm. Candice smiled and shrugged. "Do what?" Amber wanted to snap but she controlled herself. "Don't act like you have no idea what I'm talking about," she retorted. "Why did you dump cheese sauce all over me?" she asked, this time her voice was firm. Candice rolled her eyes. "Why are you acting like it's such a big deal? This is what we do to everyone who got into the cheerleading squad," she looked at
020. "Axel," Candice beamed as she made to run into his arms as soon as she caught sight of him walking towards her. "Don't you dare come close to me or you will regret it!" he snapped, his voice laced with anger. Candice was confused as she stared at him, giving him an innocent and clueless expression. "Axel, what-" "Why did you do that to Amber?" he asked, his expression hardening. He had gone online to get some things done only for the video of Amber getting drenched with cheese sauce and her confrontation with Candice popping up continuously on his feed. He hated the fact that many of the students saw nothing wrong with what happened and even made fun of Amber. He was getting sick and tired of Candice's shenanigans. The lady was becoming a huge thorn in his flesh, and he was fed up. Candice feigned innocence. "I did nothing wrong to her. I only upheld our tradition and she took it to heart." "Tradition?" Axel scoffed. "What do you take me for, Candice? A fool you ca
049. Next Morning... It was a Saturday morning and Amber's rest day. Axel had begged her to stay, but not trusting herself and the foolish things her heart has been doing lately, she refused. The previous night, Axel had been a gentleman. He didn't flirt with her, and his food was absolutely amazing. She knew he was a good cook, but he'd improved and was the best at it. At first she had been nervous falling asleep, but then that was the most relaxing and peaceful sleep she'd ever had. Not to mention how she'd sneak into his room to check up on him and know if he usually got nightmares, which she was correct. She ended up spending the night in his room. They arrived at Amber's apartment and Amber was shocked to see Jack standing in her porch. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. A. Happy weekend" she got down from the car and walked to him. Jack rushed to her. "Where the heck have you been?" his eyes darted to the car, shock flashing in his face when he saw Axel. "Don't tell me you spent t
049.Next Morning...It was a Saturday morning and Amber's rest day. Axel had begged her to stay, but not trusting herself and the foolish things her heart has been doing lately, she refused. The previous night, Axel had been a gentleman. He didn't flirt with her, and his food was absolutely amazing. She knew he was a good cook, but he'd improved and was the best at it.At first she had been nervous falling asleep, but then that was the most relaxing and peaceful sleep she'd ever had. Not to mention how she'd sneak into his room to check up on him and know if he usually got nightmares, which she was correct.She ended up spending the night in his room. They arrived at Amber's apartment and Amber was shocked to see Jack standing in her porch. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. A. Happy weekend" she got down from the car and walked to him.Jack rushed to her. "Where the heck have you been?" his eyes darted to the car, shock flashing in his face when he saw Axel. "Don't tell me you spent the nig
048.Amber said nothing and just allowed him to stay in her arms. Axel had his eyes closed while she just stared at him; his flawless face, eyelashes, hair and everything seemed to mesmerize her at this point. It's been a while since she got a closer look at him like this. Most times, he was flirting with her and she couldn't concentrate on his looks, but this time, he was right here in her arms, looking even more dashing than she gave him credit for. The boy she had loved during her teenage years was now a man; a successful man. Unfortunately, he has PTSD, and it makes her so worried about him. "What exactly did you go through, Axel?" she whispered, more to herself than him, but Axel heard her. He wasn't asleep. Infact, he felt the way her heart was beating wildly in her chest and his she'd try fighting to keep it at bay.But was he ready to tell her everything now? Was he ready for her reaction? Telling her meant he'd finally have the courage to face this anxiety, and it might als
047."How's that possible?" Amber whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. "How did he get PTSD?" she turned to face Maverick. "What caused it? Something must have given him anxiety and depression. What's that?" Amber asked, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.Why was she feeling sorry for him? She couldn’t understand.Maverick sighed. "I don't think it's in my place to tell you, Ms. Amber," he replied, not daring to look into her eyes incase he'd be tempted to blurt it all out. "He is the one that can tell you everything.""Tell me everything? Just talk to me. I want to know why he's like this," she demanded but Maverick didn't say anything. Amber sighed. "Okay, fine. How long has he had it?" Maverick bit his lower lip. "He's had it for five years now. The PTSD is a recent thing. And... And he's been going for therapy, so-""Five years?" Amber arched an eyebrow. "Five years? Again?" she took a deep breath and walked back to her table then took a seat. M
046.Maverick rushed out of the office while Axel walked to where Amber stood. "You're going on a business trip?" he asked, tucking his hands into his pockets.Amber nodded. "Yes, sir," she answered and he arched an eyebrow. "It's a conference in Los Angeles for Mainland Tech. It's just for three days and I wanted to talk to you about it. My magazine chose me to represent them."Axel nodded with a smile. "Impressive," he walked to his desk and took a seat. "It's your work. Why do you need my permission?"Amber sighed, sitting down as well. "I'm just being formal and polite. After all, I work for you too. And it wouldn't be respectful of me if I just go without telling you anything. Besides, it's going to eat into my work time here. So, I wanted to let you know." she explained, taking a close look at him.Axel nodded and crossed his legs. "Sure. That's cool. You can go."Amber smiled. "Thank you, Mr. A," she typed something into her keyboard. "Also, I'm done typing out the interview I
045.KING'S MANSION "Are you making any progress?" Kevin asked Axel, who was seated opposite him with his back leaned on the couch.Axel sat up with a sigh as he bent and steepled his fingers. "I think so, but I think I need a little push," he said, his tone laced with frustration. "It's been a week working with her, Dad. And aside the fact that she doesn't look at me coldly anymore, there isn't really much I can attest to and claim that I've won her trust. I catch her staring from time to time, but sometimes I see confusion in those cat eyes of hers; sometimes inquisitiveness like she's studying me or something.""I understand your plight, son," Kevin said and stood to his feet. He walked to his son shelf, took a bottle of one of his expensive wines and two glass cups. "Amber is a sweet girl. I feel like she's just curious to know if you'd hurt her again or you really meant it when you said you've changed and want her back," he poured the wine into the glasses and gave Axel one.Axe
044.Amber felt uncomfortable as they walked into the elevator together. The door to the elevator closed and Amber's heart began pounding. Fuck, she was in the same elevator with Axel. Axel! Alone.Axel turned to look at her and noticed how she fiddled with her fingers. He smiled, tempted to pick on her but he had to control himself. Why was she so nervous? They were only going to his private cafeteria to have lunch."So," Axel began, his voice smooth and controlled. "I've noticed you seem a bit uneasy." He cocked his head to one side, a playful smirk on his face. "Not used to being alone with the boss, huh?"Amber bit her lip, embarrassment flooding through her. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice higher than she intended. "Just not used to...you know, private lunches. With the CEO." she rolled her eyes, her tone sarcastic.Axel chuckled, his dark eyes dancing. "Relax, Ms. Smith. It's just lunch."Amber let out a shaky breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Right. Just lunch. No bi
043."What the readers are most curious about now is the fact that you are anonymous, Mr. A," Amber said, looking up to meet Axel's gaze from her laptop. "I'm certain you must have seen their comments on the latest interview. They want to see your face and at Glam Magazine, we strive to give the readers facts to their satisfaction. So permit me to ask when you'd be doing a face reveal? Don't you think you've been too anonymous for long?" she asked.Axel leaned back in his seat with a smirk. "A face reveal isn't a hard thing to do. Infact, I've been thinking about it," he said and Amber's eyes lit up. "But tell, Ms. Smith, do you really think a face reveal would actually be worth it? I mean, I've been anonymous for three years and my company has thrived wonderfully. Why does a face reveal matter to the readers so much?"Amber raised an eyebrow. "You know, Mr. A, that's actually an interesting question," she said thoughtfully. "I think the fascination with a face reveal stems from the s
042."Can you move back a little please? You're kinda invading my personal space." Amber forced these words out of her mouth, but Axel didn't budge."You haven't answered me," he replied, his voice laced with amusement. He knew what he was doing. If she really wanted him to move away and he didn't budge, she'd have moved away by herself. It wasn't like he was holding her or anything. He didn't have her trapped on the wall either. She had the liberty to move away, but she's still standing here, the scent of her strawberry shampoo driving him wild. "I asked you a question. Do you like it?"Amber exhaled, trying to bring words out of her mouth. "I like the arrangement," she answered for the least embarrassing one. "Can you move away now? Or do you want one of your employees to come see us like this? I bet you'd love it when rumours spread about us."Axel snickered, and moved away. Amber smiled, happy that she had gotten to him. But before she could say anything, Axel turned her to face h