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
036. Amber sat in class the next day, twirling her pen in her hand, her thoughts filled with what transpired between her and Axel. She couldn't shake the feeling that she might have been too harsh, that maybe she should have tried to understand his perspective. After all, she knew he cared about her, and that his behavior was driven by concern but still… she felt lost and didn’t even know what to think of him anymore. “Hey, you okay?” Melissa asked, giving Amber a nudge. Amber snapped out of her reverie, glancing up at Melissa. “I'm…I'm not sure,” she said, her voice quiet. “Axel?” Melissa guessed, her eyebrows raised. Amber gave a small nod, her lips pursing. “I know he was only trying to protect me. But I can't help feeling like he's trying to control me, like he doesn't want me anymore and still won’t let me be with someone else.” Melissa leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “I can see why that would bother you, but try to look at it from his point of view. He doesn't want yo
037. Amber stared at Kevin, her brows furrowed in confusion. “I have no idea what you mean, sir.” she answered, her voice barely above a whisper. Kevin’s laugh lacked humor as he crossed his legs from where he was seated, his gaze suddenly turning cold as he looked up to meet Amber’s confused gaze. “Oh, so now you act like you know nothing about what I’m saying?” he asked. Amber shrugged. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I know Axel, and I know he is your son, but I’m failing to understand the path where you said I destroyed your relationship with him. We haven’t even met before.” Kevin frowned, his voice low and cold. “I don’t have the time to explain something you already know to you, Amber Smith. You caused a rift between my son and Candice, and you have the guts to show your face here? Asking me to serve as a dog for your stupid school project?” Amber gasped. “I didn’t-“ “Oh you want to deny it now, don’t you?” he snickered and leaned back on his seat.
038. Amber walked out of the office, her eyes misty. She wondered how she was going to convince Axel’s father after what happened between them today and after he had made it crystal clear to her that he hated her and would never help her. Just thinking about it brought tears to her eyes as she made her way to the classroom. She took a seat, her lips trembling. Professor Jenna was tough and Amber knew if she didn’t get this done, she was going to fail. She might be her favorite student, but when it came to scoring and grades, Professor Jenna was ruthless - even more ruthless with her star students. “What do I do?” she whispered to herself as she looked around the empty classroom. Jack and Melissa were busy with their projects, and it would be hard for them to spend time together now - she had no one to tell her hurt and she felt useless, like she wasn’t good enough and why all these had to happen to her. She couldn’t do anything about it. Amber knew she was trapped and there was
039.The next day, Amber paced back and forth in the classroom as she thought of different ways to meet Axel’s father again and get him to help her out. Her grades depended on this — she couldn’t fail.Melissa rushed into the classroom. “Amy, I ran here as soon as I was done and got your text. Axel’s father really said all that to you?” Amber nodded and ruffled her hair. “The man hates me. If I don’t get this project done before the timeframe elapses, I’m as good as writing this course again.” she sat down and Melissa sat beside her.Melissa placed a comforting hand on Amber’s shoulders. “I’m sorry you had to go through something like this.”Amber sighed, and shook her head. “It’s fine. How about yours?” she asked.Melissa smiled. “I’ve been able to get everything done. All that’s left is submitting it to Professor Jenna.”Amber gasped. “Whoa. That was fast. This was supposed to take two weeks.”Melissa nodded. “Yeah, but he is a busy man, so we spent yesterday and today getting it d
040.Axel's fingers traced the curve of Amber's waist as his lips moved to the sensitive spot behind her ear. "I'm done fighting myself," he breathed, his voice shaking with desire. "I need you, Amber. I need to feel your body against mine, your skin beneath my fingertips, your breath on my lips."Amber arched her back, pressing her hips against him. "Axel, please," she whimpered, her voice a plea. "Don't stop."Axel groaned, the sound raw, as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. He wasn’t going to pull away anymore. He wanted her and he would take, claim and make her his.Axel lifted Amber into his arms, carrying her to his bed with a possessive strength that made her heart pound. He laid her gently on the mattress, his body poised over hers, his hands cupping her face. "Tell me you want this," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "Tell me you want me."Amber's body trembled with desire. "I want you," she breathed, her voice aching with longing. “I've always wanted you.” she
041.Amber’s eyes fluttered open the next morning, and she exhaled with a smile on her face. Her thoughts drifted to what had happened between her and Axel last night and her smile widened.She turned to face him only to find him staring at her with his chin resting on his palm and his elbow on the bed. “Good morning, pretty.” he smirked.“Good morning.” Amber replied, her eyes fixed on him.For a moment, no one said anything else to each other. Amber bit down on her lower lip, and blinked at him. She wondered what was going on in his mind. “Do you regret it?” she asked.He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. “Not one bit,” he gave her lips a light peck.Amber smiled and wrapped her hands around his neck. “I want to stay in your arms all through today. I want you to kiss me and ravish me all over again, but I have classes this morning, need to submit my project to Professor Jenna and Cole will be home soon.”Axel chuckled, brushing a loose strand
042.Next day,Amber stood, watching as Axel helped Cole bring his suitcase out of the car booth. Cole walked to where Amber stood and wrapped his arms around her.“It’s just for the semester. I will be back before you know it.”Amber nodded, trying to hold back tears as she hugged Cole tightly. “I'm going to miss you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling.Cole pulled back and grinned. “It's just a two month trip, Amber. We'll be back before you know it, with tons of stories to share.”Axel chuckled. “And probably a bunch of silly souvenirs.”Amber smiled, feeling a bit better. “Make sure to take lots of pictures.”Cole saluted. “Will do. And don't worry, I'll text you every day.”As they shared one last group hug, Amber felt a pang of sadness. Watching Cole leave on his school trip was still hard, even if it was just for two months.“Take care of yourself, okay?” Axel reminded Cole, as he climbed into the bus.“I will, man. Take care of Amber for me,” Cole replied, his eyes lo
093.“Girl, calm the hell down, okay?” Melissa held Amber’s hand and gave it a pat. “You and I know Axel didn’t mean for all these to happen. He loves you and I know that. The person we should focus on is that fucking girl called Hazel.” Melissa balled her fists, her face twisting in disgust. After what Hazel did the other day, Melissa developed a certain hatred for her. She wished she could pull the girl’s hair and give her a brain resetting beating.Amber sighed and sat down, taking in what Melissa had said. She ruffled her hair, realizing the girl was right. She was blinded with the rage of seeing Hazel with Axel that she didn’t even notice the disgust on Axel’s face while Hazel was being all over him.“Do you think I overreacted?” she asked, her voice taking on a calmer tone.Melissa took a seat beside her. “I don’t think you overreacted, you actually overreacted,” she said and Amber threw her a glare. “I’m being serious. Who knows what Axel would be feeling right now? He loves yo
092.Axel tried to talk to Amber, Amber’s gaze didn’t leave Hazel. “What are you doing with Axel?” she asked, folding her arms across her chest.Hazel took a step forward, trying to sound as convincing as possible. “Amber,” she began, her voice laced with softness that only irritated Amber more. “It’s not what you think. I was just trying to—”“Trying to seduce him? Trying to get him to notice you?” Amber asked, her frown deepening. “Don’t you have boundaries? Aren’t you contented being the untouchable captain of the cheerleading squad?” Axel held Amber. “Let’s just go.”“No, allow me to talk,” Amber moved away, stopping in front of Hazel. “Listen, I will overlook many things as long as you stay away and do not cross me. Nothing you say today will dispute the fact that you’re trying to get Axel’s attention, and it beats me that you have no ounce of shame at all.”Hazel shook her head. “I’m sorry if that offends you, but you and Axel aren’t officially dating. Like other ladies, I have
091.A week later…“Girl, it’s only a week until first semester exams starts, and I’m freaking out like crazy!!!” Melissa paced back and forth, literally panicking. Amber chuckled. “Girl, relax. It’s just exams.” Amber rolled her eyes, pulling out a book from inside her backpack.Melissa stopped pacing, her gaze settling on Amber, who didn’t seem the least bothered about the exams. She was literally freaking out here and Amber? Amber was seated there, calm and composed like she had this in the bag.Well… of course Amber had this in the bag. She was one of the smartest persons Melissa know. “Amy, this is my first exam in college. I feel so pressured, and I’m panicking right here.” “Melissa, breathe,” Amber said, patting her on the shoulder. “It’s not as hard as you think.”Melissa huffed and plopped down on the seat next to Amber, her face a mask of frustration. “Breathe, huh?” She let out a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes. “Easy for you to say. You've probably already read all the
090.“You two haven’t answered me.” Cole folded his arms while Amber and Axel stared at each other. It wouldn’t be good to tell him about their relationship over the phone anyway.Amber took a deep breath. “Calm down, Cole. There’s nothing wrong with Axel being my date to the school dance. You know how I am with crowds. He was basically helping me. I put him up to it.” she replied, throwing a glare Cole’s way.Cole wanted to believe them, he really wanted to but whenever the dance between them popped up on his feed, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something wasn’t right. Call it insecurity, but he’d prefer to call it “brother instinct”.His gaze flickered between the two of them before he let out a sigh. “We will talk about this when I return, okay? And don’t you dare try anything funny until I’m back.”Amber nodded with a smile. “You can count on that.” Cole scoffed before fixing his gaze on Axel. “I asked you to take care of Amber, Axel. I trust you, so just do what you are
089.Amber quickly pulled away from the hug and stared at Jack, her eyes widening in shock. “W-what?” Amber took a step back.Jack lowered his head, sighing heavily. “I know it’s shocking given that I am your best friend and all, but I really like you,”Amber didn’t know what to say as she just stared at him, she couldn’t believe that Jack liked her. Could it be…“The crush you said you had—”“Was you,” Jack replied and that was when it all began to make sense to her. All those times he key mentioning Axel as her brother’s best friend and how she shouldn’t be together with him and things like that. “I couldn’t tell you to your face that I liked you, so I just decided to use something else. I know you don’t love me back and I’m not expecting you to. The person you love is Axel, and I understand that,” he forced a smile. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.”Amber was quiet for a moment, trying to process everything that Jack had just said. He was right, her heart belonged to Axel, an
088.The school halls buzzed with students dressed elegantly with music blasting from the halls. The school dance was already in full swing by the time Amber and Axel arrived.Axel held her hand as they walked in, stealing the spotlight immediately as all eyes were.“Wow, you guys really know how to make an entrance,” a voice exclaimed, and Amber turned to find Ricky and Melissa walking up to them, a smile stretching wide across Melissa's face. “Everyone is staring at you two like you're the prom king and queen already.”“Well, I can't blame them,” Axel said, his tone playfully cocky. “After all, I am the best-looking guy in the room, and I'm with the most beautiful girl.” He paused and added in a softer voice, “And I think everyone can see that.”“You're such a dork, Axel,” Amber giggled, punching him playfully on the arm. “But I guess you're right. It's just everyone else recognizing what we already know.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.“I'm just glad we made it here togeth
087.“And… for the final touch,” Melissa took the silver necklace Axel has gifted Amber and helped her fix it around her neck. Amber stared at herself in the mirror, but believing what she was seeing.“You look stunning,” Melissa exclaimed. “I'm sure you're going to steal the show at prom today. Axel won't be able to take his eyes off you.”“He shouldn't,” Amber smiled as she stood to her feet, admiring the elegant blue prom dress Axel had personally handpicked for her. The dress was a vision. It shimmered like the gentle waves of a midnight sea, clinging to Amber’s curves in all the right places. The deep blue color brought out the golden flecks in her cat eyes, accentuating her natural beauty. The expert beading and delicate embroidery around the bodice, glittering like stars in the night sky, made it clear this was no ordinary dress.“Wow,” Amber breathed out. “He’s really outdone himself. I look amazing and I know it.” Amber touched her hair that Melissa has style and curled into
086.“Rejecting every girl who comes to you and sitting like you’re gonna die the next minute isn’t gonna make Amber like you back, you know?” Gideon, one of Jack’s teammate and friend, said as he watched Jack sit on the bench in the gymnasium like someone who got beaten to a pulp.Jack sighed, frustration lining his features. “I don’t want those girls, Gideon.,” he answered, running his tongue over his chapped lips. “Amber is the one I like, dude. I don’t see myself being happy dancing with a random girl.”“But you said she likes someone else. Isn’t it better you stop this now before you fall deeper for her?” Gideon cautioned him, but Jack didn’t look like he was ready to listen.He had loved Amber from the very first day he set his eyes on her at the library. The first thing that attracted him to her was her cat eyes — he found it rare, amazing and unique. After they became friends, he would always stare at this mesmerizing set of her eyes whenever she was talking. And whenever she
085.Bryan walked up to Amber with a smile on his face, his face showing his charming dimples. “Hi, Amber.”Amber forced a smile as she looked at him. “Oh, hi,” she said, trying to stop herself from feeling awkward around him. He was Tyler’s friend after all, and he wondered if Bryan acted the same way as well.Bryan noticed that Amber wasn’t comfortable with him like she used to. “Amber, you don’t have to be awkward around me,” he said, giving her a warm smile. “I’m not like Tyler.”Amber’s eyes widened. How did he know that was the reason? She cleared her throat and looked into his eyes. “You are his friend. It’s only normal that you two are involved in things like that.”Bryan shook his head. “Can we sit somewhere and talk?” he asked.Amber wanted to decline, but when she saw that the students had their gazes on them, she nodded slowly and Bryan led her to the cafeteria. They took a seat, and he placed his plans on the table.“What would you like to drink?” Amber shook her head, n