004

FOUR 

Sun rays penetrated into my eyes directly, I felt my head ache alot. I was in Paxton's room- his bed!

That was when I remembered what happened last night between me and that handsome stranger. His presence was comforting and unfamiliar. I got down from the bed and saw him standing on the mirror and wearing his shirts and pants. Look away immediately. 

He noticed my uneasiness and walked to me. “You enjoyed it last night, you saw everything…you don't have to look away now.” He said. My throat hitched and I swallowed hard.  How did this happen?

 Paxton stirred. His voice, flirtatious as he draw closer to my ear, broke the silence. “Morning,” he murmured, he peeked my cheeks which send cold shivers down my spine.

“Morning,” I replied softly, my mind still racing. What does this mean now?

He grabbed my waist, running a hand through his dark curls. “Need a ride home?” he asked casually, his blue eyes locking onto mine.

I blinked, caught off guard by how nonchalant he sounded, as if spending the night together was no big deal. “Uh, sure. Thanks.” I shouldn't expect more than this from him right?

I slowly got out of bed, pulling my clothes from the floor. The weight of his gaze on my body followed my every move, the way his lips parted like he was going to say something but he didn't.  But when I looked up, he was already slipping into his jacket, pretending not to notice my struggle to steady herself.Does he feel anything? Or am I just another girl?

Paxton stood up, tossing on a shirt, his tattoos peeking from under the fabric. He caught me staring and flashed a grin. “Ready?” He asked and I nodded slowly.

We stepped outside, the crisp morning air still carrying the warmth of last night’s encounter. I climbed into the passenger seat, Paxton started the engine, his hand brushing the gearshift. A soft rock tune played through the speakers, filling the silence, but it did nothing to ease the tension simmering between us.

He glanced at me, his face serious, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my pulse race. “You know,” he said, his voice low, smooth, and possessive, “from today onward, you’re mine. You can come into my room anytime, any day.”

His words made me feel uneasy, heavy and undeniable. No one goes into his room twice but did he just invite me to his room again?

 My chest tightened. “Y-You mean it?” I stammered, my cheeks burning as his gaze didn’t waver. Joy surged through me but I maintained. What does being 'his' really mean?

As we drove, I stole glances at him. The way his hand gripped the steering wheel, strong and controlled, made my heart race all over again. His jaw clenched slightly, lost in thought, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly attractive he was. The memory of his kiss still lingered on my lips, sending a shiver down my spine. How did I end up here?

….

I stepped into the dorm, everywhere recks of alcohol. Spilled drinks, liquor, and too much sweat. My roommates are already asleep. Their snores echoing through the chaos.

“Oh, thank God.” I muttered slowly. I couldn't afford to tell them what transpired between me and Paxton last night. What happened between us was too raw, too personal. I needed to process it myself before anyone else could know.

 I held my head, it hurts. I tiptoed to the fridge and gulped down a bottle of chilled water. 

I feel so woozy out of last night's alcohol. I tiptoed to the bed and bounced on the bed. My body aching with exhaustion, but my mind was a whirlwind. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Paxton. I could still feel his hands on me, his lips against mine, the way he made me feel alive and reckless, like I was teetering on the edge of something I couldn’t control. What does he see in me? I wondered. Why am I different?. The thoughts Kept going through my mind until I slept off.

***

“Wake up, Hailey! We’re almost late for class!” Mia’s voice jotted me through my dreams, yanking me awake. I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as the mouthwatering smell of food hit me, making my stomach growl.

“Ugh, I’m starving,” I mumbled, dragging myself out of bed and heading toward the kitchen. 

“What’re you making, Jessy?” I asked, trying to shake off the sleep still clouding my mind.

“Noodles,” she replied, stirring a pot on the stove. “Oh Hailey, you look so smudged with patches of hickeys on your neck…you know what I mean” Jessy added with joking smile.

My stomach dropped at Jessy’s comment. I instinctively raised a hand to my neck, feeling my skin burn under my fingertips. Oh no…

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. My cheeks flushed hot as I avoided her gaze, suddenly finding my shoes way more interesting than they had any right to be.

Jessy’s grin widened, clearly e lolnjoying my discomfort. “Oh, come on, Hailey. Don’t play coy now,” she teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

I bit my lip, my mind scrambling for an excuse, but all I could feel was the pounding of my heart and the warmth creeping up my face.

I flopped back onto my bed, pulling my books together for class, but my mind kept drifting back to last night with Paxton. The heat of his body against mine, the feel of his tattoos under my fingers—it all still clung to me. Why me? I wondered, remembering the rumors about how he made girls beg for mercy. But I made him groaned for mercy last night. Why is my case different? I shrugged off the thoughts of him.

“So… do you mind tell us where you disappeared to last night?” Mia’s voice interrupted my thoughts, making my heart race. My palms went clammy as I swallowed, trying to keep my cool.

“Uh, we all went to the party, didn’t we?” I tried to play it off, but my voice wavered, betraying me. Damn!

Jessy and Mia exchanged a look. Jessy grinned. “Yeah, but we all know it didn’t end there once Paxton got you alone,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

My stomach sank. I felt exposed, vulnerable. “We just talked,” I lied, my voice shaking slightly. Their eyes were still on me. “Ugh, nothing..else.” I tried to fake a smile.

Mia’s expression shifted, frowning as she crossed her arms. “Okay, but why didn’t you tell us about Dimitri? The nerve of him!” I know Mia too well, she is only trying to change the conversation.

The mention of Dimitri was like a punch to the gut. I felt the familiar twist of pain deep inside. “He never wanted me,” I whispered, my throat tight. “He wanted to keep me a secret. We were betrothed, but... I guess that’s over now.” I could barely get the words out without choking on them.

Jessy wrapped her arms around me, her voice soft. “Hey, don’t let it get to you. Men are scum! You’re stronger than this.”

She was right, but I couldn’t shake the weight in my chest. “Come on, let’s eat. Forget about him. And as for Paxton, you still owe us some answers,” she added with a wink, lightening the mood just enough for me to laugh with them.

But their words echoed in my mind. *I gave myself to him… but Paxton is still a total stranger. But it feels so good to be disvirgined by him. But it doesn't matter now, I'm just happy that I had to do it to get back at that scumbag... Dimitri. I reminded myself.

When we arrived at school, everywhere was noisy. Everyone seemed to be rushing in the same direction, gasps and shouts filling the hallway. “What’s going on?” I asked, glancing around.

“It’s Paxton! He’s here!” one girl gushed, pulling out her phone to snap pictures.

“Oh my God, he’s so hot,” Mia and Jessy squealed in unison, practically bouncing on their toes.

I felt my heart slam against my ribs as I averted my eyes to the direction and my eyes caught with his, it was Paxton!

He was walking straight to my direction with his hands on his pockets with confident swagger and charm. His hands were stuffed casually into his pockets, but his gaze—those sharp blue eyes—locked right on me. I froze, my breath catching in my throat. 

The sun rays penetrated his eyes making his blue eyes shine brightly. His dark curly hair blowing up as he sweeped his hair with his hand. His upper shirt buttons are open revealing his tattoos.

*Oh no, not here…* I thought desperately, I gulped hard and quickly hid my face on Jessy's back, hoping to disappear into the crowd. But it was useless—he was already heading straight for me, that mischievous grin playing on his lips.

My heart raced faster with every step he took toward me. *What does he want?* Excitement and fear collided inside me as he stopped just inches away, the crowd parting like they were giving him space to claim me.

“His body is so perfect! I think I wanna bite him and get down on him already!” The crowd drooled over him. Hearing them saying all that makes the last night's scene rush back to me.

"Hailey," he said, his voice low and smooth, sending shivers through me. "After class, as the new cheer queen, make sure you're on time for practice." 

“Hey man, c'mon let's go or we'd be late for class.” His friends called.He flashed me a grin before turning away, leaving me standing there, my breath catching in my throat.

“Oh no! I can't be there at practice. I can't help it,” I muttered to myself, my heart pounding.

I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, I felt his presence again. Paxton had double-crossed me, standing so close I could feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. He draw his face closer to mine, whispering, “I’m personally inviting you to today’s practice, cheer queen.” His voice was teasing, but there was something serious in his eyes. His lips was almost touching mine.

I forced a smile, though my nerves were getting the better of me. “I… I don’t think I can make it,” I stammered. 

Without warning, his hand grabbed my waist, pulling me toward him in front of everyone. My heart slammed against my chest, and murmurs filled the air around us.

“He’s claiming her!”

“So sweet!”

“God, I wish I was her!”

The students around us were whispering, their eyes glued to us, but I was frozen, unable to think straight. What is he doing?

“What are you doing, Paxton?” I whispered, my voice shaky. 

He ignored me, turning to face the crowd. “Everyone!” His voice boomed, filled with confidence. “I’m personally inviting our cheer queen to today’s practice.” 

My breath hitched. The heat from his hand on my waist made memories of last night come flooding back—his kiss, his touch. I couldn’t think straight, and all I wanted to do was disappear.

He finally let me go, bouncing the ball to his friends and walking away, leaving me standing there, stunned. 

I swallowed hard, muttering to myself, “I’m definitely not going.”

***

Before I could even catch my breath, Jessy and Mira rushed up to me, excitement pouring out of them. 

“Do you even know what just happened? The almighty Paxton just invited you to practice!” Jessy squealed, practically bouncing on her feet.

My heart sank. “I’m not going,” I said flatly, but Mira frowned, crossing her arms.

“Are you serious? We can’t go without you!” Jessy pouted, her lips trembling in mock sadness.

I sighed, trying to find a way out. “I need to study—exams are coming up fast.”

“Exams can wait,” Jessy insisted. “You’re coming, right, Mia?”

“Of course,” Mia nodded. “It’s no big deal. You’re just overthinking.”

I rolled my eyes, finally giving in. “Fine, just this once.” 

Both girls jumped and hugged me, practically dragging me into the locker room.

Mia tossed me a sports outfit with our university’s logo. “Here! You can wear this.”

“Don’t forget a little makeup,” Jessy added, grinning as she tossed me her lip gloss.

***

We finished getting ready and made our way to the sports arena. Mia couldn’t stop gushing about Paxton the entire walk.

“His body is so fucking gorgeous! Those muscles… I just want to bite him!” she said, her voice full of excitement.

I forced a laugh, but my mind wandered. I couldn’t deny Paxton was gorgeous, but after last night, every time I saw him, those memories came rushing back. I wasn’t sure if I could even look him in the eye.

As we neared the field, a voice cut through the air, sharp and venomous. “Well, well, well, look who showed up. The boyfriend snatcher herself,” Nikki sneered, fake smile plastered on her face. “Wearing my cheer queen uniform, huh? This is going to be fun.”

I clenched my jaw, but I forced politeness into my voice. “Thank you, Nikki.” I could feel Jessy and Mia glaring daggers at her behind me.

Two girls stood behind Nikki, mimicking her wicked smirk. “Let’s enjoy the game and see who wins,” Nikki said, strutting off toward the field.

“She’s such a witch,” Jessy snarled once Nikki was out of earshot.

“So ugly,” Mia added, crossing her arms.

Before I could reply, my eyes caught on Paxton, walking confidently toward us. My heart flipped. Oh my goodness.