028.“Girl, you’ve been all smiles since you returned from the classroom. Did Bryan tell you anything?” Melissa whispered as they sat down in the library, going through their math textbooks for the next class.Amber bit down on her lower lip, remembering the insane moment she had with Axel a few minutes ago. If she hadn’t gotten a call from Melissa who asked her to run down to the library —not like she would have listened anyway — and if Axel hadn’t been summoned by the coach, she was certain Axel would have fucked her on the desk like he said.Just the thought of it sent tingling sensations into her stomach, and she was desperate to know what he would do to her next. Melissa watched her friend swoon with a dreamy smile plastered on her lips and raised an eyebrow. She flicked Amber’s forehead, bringing her back to reality.Amber glared at her. “Hey! What gives?” she frowned.“What is the problem with you? You’re definitely swooning, so tell me, what’s going on?” Melissa asked.Amber
29.“And this… here!” Amber dust off her hands with a smile as she placed the last book she had on the table. She looked around and smiled. Her room was in perfect order. Remembering snacks, she rushed downstairs to the fridge and picked out some biscuits and orange juice before heading back to her room.She took a seat on one of the chairs there and opened her math textbook, put a lollipop in her mouth as she flipped through the pages, waiting for Axel to come tutor her.He had returned from school and asked to shower first before they get on with it, and she was more than excited to see what he had in store. She thought she would escape math because she was a mass communication student, but she had no idea it would be given to them as one of their elective courses — she knew Math, but she hated it.Amber heard his door close and adjusted in her seat as she waited for him. When she didn’t hear a knock on her door, she raised a brow and stood to her feet.She opened the door, shocked
030.Amber took a seat on the bed, her face in her palms. Memories of their kiss flashed in her head again and she groaned, throwing one of her pillows across the room. Amber knew she was overreacting — Candice was his girlfriend and it was actually normal for her and Axel to kiss each other, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept it.Amber knew she shouldn’t lay claim on him just because she and Axel had one or two steamy moments together but still…"Get a grip, Amber," she muttered under her breath. "You're being ridiculous. So what if Axel and Candice kissed? It's not like you have any right to be jealous."But even as she tried to convince herself, she couldn't shake the feeling of hurt and betrayal that was creeping up on her. She thought she had something special with Axel, something real. But maybe she had just been fooling herself all along.Or was she?She grabbed another pillow and buried her face in it, letting out a muffled scream. Even though Axel had broken up with Ca
031.“Why didn’t you tell me?” Axel asked, covering his face with his palm.Amber sat up. “I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. Besides, I’m an adult now, aren’t 1?” she asked, but Axel shook his head.“I can’t do this to you, Amber,” he got down from the bed. “I seriously can’t. I can’t sue your first time like that. I thought…” he paused and released a heavy breath. “I thought you’ve had flings, you know. Maybe in high school or anything. People do that, don’t they?”Amber lowered her head. “Yes, they do, and I had every opportunity to do that as well,” she got down from the bed and held his hand. “But I waited because of you. I already told you about the kiss, didn’t I? I wanted you to be the first to do everything to me, Axel.”Axel sighed and ruffled his hair. This wasn’t what he was expecting from her at all. How could he bring himself to sleep with her? She was a beautiful girl that every guy wanted and even though he and Cole sent them away from her back in high school, h
032.Cole’s gaze flickered between Axel and Amber as they ate dinner. It was rare… very rare for Amber and Axel not to have any conversations when they were having dinner together. And it was quite shocking that Amber didn’t pick up a fight with him as well. ‘Did they have an argument?’ he thought but quickly shook his head.That was impossible. Amber and Axel were like two peas in a pod. They hardly fight or have any arguments, making him wonder what might be going on with them.He glanced at Amber who was eating her food slowly, an unreadable expression on her face. Then at Axel, who just flipped the sausage in his plate back and forth. He hadn’t even touched his food. Cole sighed. He couldn’t take this anymore. He dropped his fork on the plate, making a clanging sound.His sudden action caused both Axel and Amber to look up at him with raised eyebrows, the tension in the air suddenly growing thicker. “What's up, man?” Axel asked, putting on a brave face despite the tension visi
033. “Amy, have you noticed that Axel isn’t quite himself today?” Melissa pointed to the basketball court and Amber’s gaze followed her hands to rest on Axel, who was on the bench with his face buried in his palms. Amber raised an eyebrow. ‘Did he get benched?’ she thought as she watched him ruffle his hair. “I don’t think he’s fine. You should go check on him.” she suggested. Amber huffed, her expression hardening as she recalled what had transpired between them. “Why must I be the one to check on him?” Melissa raised a brow, confusion dancing around her face. “What do you mean? Of course, you’re the one to check on him. Do I have any business with him besides being his Cat eyes best friend?” she asked, but Amber rolled her eyes. “He looks perfectly fine.” Amber waved it off. Melissa wasn’t having it. “Look at that face, Amy, does that look fine to you?” she asked. Amber looked up again to see him biting his lip. She knew Axel too well—she had probably watched him all her li
034. Amber sat at the cafeteria eating lunch with Melissa and Jack when Axel walked in. Their eyes met. He only gave her a short nod and took a seat with his basketball teammates. Amber lowered her head, her heart aching slightly. On a normal day, he would come sit with her. He never cared if his teammates were with him — he always had dinner with her but today? Today, he was with them. Amber sighed. He was definitely avoiding her. She couldn’t deny the fact that she wasn’t mad about what he did to her, but one part of her still wanted him to behave like he always did to her. She didn’t want him to distance himself or avoid her — it was hurting her. Melissa noticed her mood and nudged her with her leg. “Girl, what’s going on with you and Axel? You have refused to tell me anything, and you keep looking at him like he hurt her, and you still can’t get over him. Amber bit her lower lip. Melissa knew how to get to her. She had no idea how the lady does it, but she knew and could read
035. Amber was seated in her room, her mind replaying the argument she had with Jack. He was damn right about some things he said — like Cole finding out and how it would affect his friendship with Axel, her heart getting broken and things not being the way they were supposed to be anymore, but she saw nothing wrong with one going after what he or she wanted. Like she earlier stated, there wasn’t a law that forbade people from dating their best friend’s sibling or a girl dating her brother’s best friend. She couldn’t wrap her head around how it had to be considered a taboo anyway. She ruffled her hair continuously, exhaling. Standing to her feet, she walked to where her study table was placed and stared out the window and into Axel’s room. He was seated there with his back turned to her and his head lowered. Amber had no idea what he was doing, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask him either. She recalled his mood in school and wondered if he was doing alright. A messaged popped
084."Hey, beautiful," the man drawled, his voice low and seductive.Larissa's grip on the glass tightened, her brows twitching as she fought the urge to punch him in the face and give him a good beating. She quickly forced a smile to her face and turned to face him. "Hi." she answered and looked away. All she had to do was play hard to get and he was going to try forcing himself on her for sure.The man took a seat beside her. "Can I buy you a drink? A beautiful lady like you shouldn't sit here all alone, you know." his eyes roamed her body as his tongue ran over his lips.Larissa rolled her eyes. "As you can see, I already have a drink. And it's not bad to be alone, is it?" she asked."So you're really alone," he smiled to himself and moved closer. Larissa noticed this and leaned back. "You know," he began, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw the way you danced a few minutes ago. Mind if we get a room and you can show me privately? I'd love to see it up close." he touched her la
083.KING'S MANSION The family was seated in the dining room, having a nice relaxing dinner. Kevin looked at Axel, who seemed to be in a good mood. It's been a while he saw Axel actually eat enough food like he did.His gaze darted to Larissa and Maverick. They were also in good moods. Were these kids hiding something from him? Besides, he saw the scandal with Amber. They couldn't be smiling at a time like this, right?Knowing Axel, he would have thrown a tantrum and dealt with whoever did it. But here the young man was, eating like he was celebrating.When he couldn't take it anymore, he dropped the fork and knife he was holding, making a clanging sound on the plate that drew the trio's attention. They all turned to look at him."You three, what's going on?" he asked, his gaze narrowed at them.The three of them exchanged confused glances, having no idea what Kevin was talking about. "Uncle, what are you talking about?" Larissa was the first to ask.Kevin scoffed. "Are you trying to
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