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
031.GLAM MAGAZINEAmber held the necklace in her hand as she swayed in her chair. If Axel thinks he could win her over with something expensive, then he was clearly mistaken. He should know the kind of person she was. She hated extravagance, and she particularly detest when people try to please her with extravagant things.She picked up her phone and dialed Maverick’s number. Maverick picked up almost immediately like he was expecting her call. “Good morning, Ms. Amber.”Amber sighed. “Good morning, Mr. Maverick,” she took one last look at the necklace. “Please, I’d like to give something to Mr. A. Would you mind me sending it over then you help me hand it to him?” she asked.“Of course, Ms. Amber. I’ll have someone come for it.”Amner sighed in relief. “Thank you so much, Mr. Maverick,” she hung up and was about to put the necklace in a box when Gina gasped.“Oh my God, Amber, you have this?” Gina took the necklace from her. Amber was about to take it back, but Gina pulled her hand
030.As they drove Amber back to her apartment, a soft music played in the car while Amber was lost in thoughts. She couldn't count how many times her heart had skipped beats tonight. And when Axel told her his wish, she felt a kind of warmth she hadn't felt in years; a familiar warmth only Axel could give.She turned to look at him and there he was again, staring at her, with those piercing blue eyes of his that intimidated other people but made her heart yearn for him. When she had asked why he wished for her and not for himself, his reply wasn't something she'd expected,"I wished for you because I want nothing more than to see you happy, loved, successful and full of energy and hope. For me, your happiness is my satisfaction. I want nothing more than that for you."And she knew she wasn't going to forget that in a hurry. "Axel," she called, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you really mean everything you said to me five years ago?" she asked, her face filled with curiosity.A
029.'Return to your senses, Amber. He is just messing with you. Come on!' Amber yelled in her head, but it seemed her body wasn't cooperating with her.Axel lifted her chin so she would look into his eyes and leaned forward, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Amber weak in the knees. Her grip on her bag tightened. "Cat eyes," he called and she blinked at him, knowing that if she dared to utter a word, it might come out as a moan instead. "Why are you so hot and tempting? I thought I could put up with holding myself during the day, and now you come here, all dressed up and tempting me," his voice was deep and husky, and Amber swallowed. "Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss this red lipstick off your lips and leave it swollen with a mark that I own you?"Axel maintained eye contact with her. He knew he had her right where he wanted her, but he didn't want to rush things with her. Despite the urge to show her that she was his, and he would never share her with anyone
028.NEW YEAR'S EVE... AMBER'S APARTMENT "Are you really gonna leave, Amber?" Cole asked with his arms folded. "We were supposed to spend the New Year's Eve together."Amber sighed and facepalmed. "Cole, I've told you time and time again that this is very important. I promise to make it up to you guys on new year day. We will do whatever you guys want and it will all be on me." she pouted, giving him the cutest expression she could muster.Cole rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the puppy eyes but he couldn't. He finally gave in and raise his hand in surrender. "Fine," he said with a sigh. "But only because you said you'd do whatever we want." he smirked and Amber's eyes widened."Can I take that back?" she asked but he shook his head. "Please, let me take that back." she whined, knowing Cole was going to use it to his advantage.Cole shook his head. "Not gonna happen. A promise is a promise," he said and Amber sighed. "And this Mr. A better not try this next time. I know he's the cit
027.GLAM MAGAZINE"Congratulations to us for the successful release of the last issue of the year," Ms. June announced and the employees clapped their hands. "I want to commend you all for your hard work and diligence into getting this done. Well done, everyone," she said. They applauded themselves. "We will be going off work tomorrow. I wish you all a prosperous new year.""Best wishes, Ms. June." The replied in unison.Ms. June smiled. "Dismissed," she said and they all stood to their feet. "Amber, see me please."Amber nodded and followed Ms. June to her office. When they were in, she sat down and faced the woman, waiting to hear what she had to say. "I want to personally commend you for the wonderful article. You made the outlines and the Lead Editor is so proud of you," she said and Amber humbly bowed with a smile. "The New Year is almost here. And when we resume work, we need to start working on more articles. I believe you see the request of the readers and how they want to k
026. AMBER'S APARTMENT Amber sat on the floor, her back rested on the couch in the room. Her thoughts drifted to how Axel had saved her from those thugs on the night of the gala. She couldn't believe she actually got butterflies when he called her his woman. She knew he was only trying to intimidate the men, but why couldn't she get that off her mind? Then, her thoughts went to her relationship with Jack. She should have opted out of it when she had the chance. When it hadn't gotten to this and when Axel hadn't come into the picture. Now, she didn't know what to do. She remembered her father's words, but it was easier said than done. Her doorbell rang and she forced herself up to take it. "Coming!" she walked to the door, peeped through the hole and was happy to see Melissa standing there. She opened the door with a smile. "Tada!" Melissa beamed, holding up a carton of pizza and drinks Amber's eyes widened. "Girl, I love you!" she exclaimed, taking the pizza from her and steppi
025.THE SMITH'S Amber turned the doorknob, opened the door slightly and poked her head in. "Hello!" she called.Loris, who was busy setting the table rushed to the living room. "Amber!" she quickly opened the door and pulled Amber into a warm embrace. "Oh, sweetheart, it's been a while." she whined, rubbing Amber's back.Amber chuckled. "It's nice to see you too, Mum," she said, pulled away from the hug and gave Loris a kiss on the cheek.Loris brought her in and shut the door. "You've been so busy working that you can't check on your mother anymore, huh?" she asked, feigning offense. "My little journalist." she pinched Amber's cheek.Amber chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Mum, stop it. I'm not that little anymore." she said, looking around to see if Cole was in."Oh, please, you will always be my little sunshine, sweetie." Loris smiled, causing Amber to smile as well."Where is Cole?" Amber asked, feeling all excited.Loris beamed. "He is upstairs in his room-"Amber didn't wait for
024.The next day…GLAM MAGAZINEAmber walked into the office and was shocked to see everyone smiling and looking at her. She had no idea what the attention meant. She was usually the center of attention, but this particular one looked different — it wasn’t the usual one she got every morning.What was going on?When she got to her department, Gina rushed to embrace her with a smile on her face. “Didn’t you see my texts and calls?” Gina asked.Amber raised an eyebrow. “No, I just—”“Mr. A approved your draft early this morning!” Gina exclaimed and the employees applauded.Laura scoffed. “Sheer luck.”Amber rolled her eyes at Laura’s statement before smiling at Gina. “I’m so happy!” she hugged Gina.Gina chuckled. “Ms. June asked to meet her in the office.”Amber nodded and rushed into Ms. June’s office. “Good morning, Ms. June.” she greeted as soon as she entered.Ms. June stood to her feet with a smile. “Good morning, Amber. Have a seat,” she gestured to the chair in front of her des
023.“And it’s a wrap. Thank you all for coming.” There was a round of applause and everyone began to disperse, except the reporters who flocked around Kevin and wanted to get additional information from him concerning the Charity gala. Amber stood to her feet and grabbed her bag. “You still haven’t told me what’s wrong, Amber. You just disappeared and returned like nothing happened. But I could see your hands trembling slightly. Did anything happen to you? Did that guy name Axel do anything to you? Just tell me and…and… I will beat him up. I don’t care how handsome he is.” Gina balled her fists, her expression turning protective.Amber forced a smile. “It’s nothing serious,” she looked around, her gaze landing on Maverick who was standing alone. Glad that Axel wasn’t with him, she rushed to his side, leaving Gina who raised a brow. “Good evening, Mr. Maverick.” she greeted with a smile.Maverick turned to face her, his lips curving into a smile at the sight of her. “Wonderful Even