Tiffany watched Jacob sleep for a few minutes, then stood up.While she was cleaning his room, she found her diary on his desk. Now it was time to take it back and go home. End this silly blackmail once and for all.But somehow, it felt like she was betraying him and instead of grabbing her diary and heading out, she walked over to the desk and placed it exactly where she’d found it.Something must be seriously wrong with her.She looked around the room, studying it again. It was a simple room.A few posters were tacked to the walls, mostly bands she didn’t recognize. The desk was cluttered with textbooks, crumpled papers, and stray pens, yet there was something oddly organized about the mess. It was a side of Jacob she hadn’t paid attention to before—just a normal guy with a space that reflected bits of his life.Her gaze lingered on a photograph tucked into the edge of his mirror. He couldn’t be more than five in it, all toothless and innocent.She smiled. He was so cute.“Mom, no.”
“So now you get to witness the true reality of my life. Jacob stuck in this messy, broken, and old house with his poor mother,” he said. “I wasn’t born with a golden spoon in my mouth. So you are probably thinking I got some audacity to ask a girl out like you,” he added bitterly.“I see your assholy attitude is back. You must be feeling better,” Tiffany retorted.Jacob smirked his expression a mix of relief and annoyance. “Guess some things never change, huh? Even when I’m half dead, I still manage to get under your skin.”“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just surprised you have the energy to be a jerk again,” Tiffany shot back, crossing her arms. She leaned against the doorframe, trying to maintain a tough exterior, but inside, she felt the tension shift. Despite his words, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, a reminder of how close they had been just hours before.“I’m sorry,” Jacob’s voice dropped, a more serious tone surfacing. “I just…I never wanted you to see how I li
Tiffany didn’t hate him, and she was willing to go to prom with him willingly.The thought brought a smile to his lips. It made his headache lessen.And she was here, with him. For once, he didn’t have to feel alone. He let out a soft moan as he felt her cool fingers massage his scalp.This had to be a dream, right?“You aren’t actually here, are you?” He murmured, his eyes closed.He felt her shift. “What?” she whispered.“I have a feeling I’m in some kind of fever-induced coma and imagining you next to me,” he said.Tiffany giggled. “You are always saying weird things. Is your headache getting better?”“Yes. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you’re doing right now. God, you have such a soft hand. I’m in heaven,” he said.“You still feel really hot. Maybe I need to take you to the hospital,” Tiffany said.Jacob’s eyes snapped open. “What? No, that’s not necessary.”“Why not? I can ask John to drive us and then…”“No!” Jacob exclaimed, interrupting her. “There’s no need
Tiffany stormed out of the bathroom, her heart pounding with anger and adrenaline. She couldn’t believe the nerve of those two confronting her like that. But a small part of her felt a thrill of satisfaction at the way she’d handled them, the shock on their faces when they realized she wasn’t some pushover.She was her father’s daughter, after all.She rounded the corner, her mind still reeling, when she nearly collided with a solid chest. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, steadying her, and she looked up to see Jacob’s concerned face.“Whoa, where’s the fire?” he asked, his brow furrowed.Tiffany let out a shaky laugh, the tension draining from her body at the sight of him. “Just had a little run-in with the queen bees,” she said, trying to play it off.Jacob’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening slightly. “What did they do?”She shook her head. “Nothing I couldn’t handle. Let’s just say they won’t be bothering me again anytime soon.”A slow grin spread across his face, his eyes gli
Tiffany’s heart fluttered like a trapped butterfly as she descended the stairs, her fingers lightly trailing the smooth banister. She paused at the bottom, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.As she entered the living room, Tiffany’s eyes darted around, searching for her family’s reactions. Her gaze landed on Lucas, her younger brother, who was frozen in place, his jaw hanging open.“Tiff… you look beautiful! Like a movie star,” Lucas exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine awe.Tiffany felt a rush of affection for her little brother. “Thanks, Luke,” she said, ruffling his hair playfully.Lucas ducked away from her hand, his eyes still wide with admiration.“Lucas is correct. This dress is perfect for you,” Riley said.A warm blush crept up Tiffany’s cheeks. “You’re sweet,” she murmured, smoothing down the front of her dress self-consciously.Is it too much? she wondered, suddenly second-guessing her choice. What if Jacob doesn’t like it?The moment was shattered by the sound
Tiffany took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was here with Jacob, not alone.They walked up the steps, Jacob still holding her hand. She could hear the muffled sounds of music and chatter filtering through the large double doors. The moment they entered, she was greeted by a wave of color and energy.Tiffany’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene. The ballroom was stunning, with shimmering decorations that reflected the soft glow of fairy lights strung across the ceiling. A large banner proclaimed, “Welcome to Prom Night!” in bold letters. It felt like stepping into a dream.“Wow,” she murmured. She spotted a group of her classmates nearby, including Amber and Emily.“Let’s find a table,” Jacob suggested. Tiffany nodded, grateful for his lead.As they made their way through the crowd, she spotted Amber and Emily across the room. They were talking and laughing with a group of their friends, their smiles wide and carefree. But as soon as they saw Tiffany with J
Tiffany and Jacob stepped outside into the cool night air, the music from the ballroom fading behind them. The excitement of the evening still buzzed in Tiffany’s veins, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her as they moved away from the chaos inside.“I can’t believe you won Prom King!” Tiffany exclaimed.“It’s all just bullshit, really,” Jacob replied, his smile infectious.“Whatever, you were reveling in that moment,” Tiffany said. “I could see your head blowing up like a balloon with pride.”Jacob chuckledJust then, a dark van pulled up beside the curb, its windows tinted and engine idling quietly. Tiffany’s smile faltered as she caught sight of the vehicle.Jacob’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing in concern. “What’s wrong?”Before she could answer, the side door of the van slid open, and two figures in dark clothing jumped out. Tiffany’s heart raced as a wave of panic washed over her.“Jacob!” she shouted, her voice high-pitched and laced with fear.Without a moment’
Jacob’s world spun as rough hands shoved him forward, the coarse fabric of a hood obscuring his vision. His feet scrabbled for purchase on the uneven ground, his heart pounding in his chest.“Watch it!” he snapped as he stumbled, nearly falling. A harsh laugh was his only response.Disoriented and angry, Jacob tried to focus on his other senses. The musty smell of decay filled his nostrils, and he could hear the echo of footsteps in what seemed to be a large, empty space.Suddenly, the hood was yanked off his head. Jacob blinked rapidly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. As his vision cleared, a chill ran down his spine.He found himself in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse, its cavernous interior shrouded in shadows. Dust motes danced in the weak shafts of light filtering through grimy windows high above. The air felt heavy and oppressive.“Where am I?” Jacob demanded, his voice echoing in the vast space. “What do you want with me?”One of his captors, a burly man with a
Lucas found himself staring at Amy, feeling irrationally happy. The aftermath of their lovemaking left his muscles relaxed just like it did when they did this back in Sweden. But somehow, this time felt even better than that time.“Stop looking at me like I grew a second head,” Amy teased.The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “Sorry. You look really pretty,” he said.“Pfft,” she scoffed, but Lucas could see that her cheeks were turning pink.He loved it when her cheeks turned pink like that.“Come on, Lucas,” Amy nudged him, her eyes twinkling. “Drive me home now. I have work in the morning.”“Let’s go,” he said, standing up.Amy chattered about random things on the way home, but Lucas only half-listened. A tightness coiled around his chest, an unfamiliar pressure attacking him.He didn’t want to take her back to her apartment yet. He missed her already.“I want to show you my Penthouse, Harpy. How about now?” he asked.Amy furrowed her brows. “What? Now? No way. I am d
This wasn’t fair.Amy thought as Lucas slowly, almost lazily, kissed her.This just was not fair.How was she supposed not to fall in love with him when he kissed her like that—like he had all the time in the world, and he simply didn’t care what he was doing to her?Amy’s fingers curled against his chest, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. She knew this was dangerous, knew it would only complicate things further, but when his lips moved against hers with that maddening patience, every rational thought vanished.Lucas made a low sound in the back of his throat, his hand sliding up her spine, his touch warm and steady. He wasn’t in a hurry, wasn’t rushing to take more. He was simply enjoying this, enjoying her.It wasn’t fair.Because the way he kissed her made her believe that she could have him all to herself.Amy knew better. She really did!Lucas wasn’t hers. He never had been, and he probably never would be. But in a moment like this, when his fingers traced her
Lucas lay beside Amy, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed up at the stars projected above them. The soft hum of the planetarium filled the air, but all he could focus on was the quiet rhythm of Amy’s breathing beside him.He felt at peace. No expectations and no responsibilities here. Just him and his Harpy.He turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She looked mesmerized by the stars, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the projection. Her lips were slightly parted as if she were drinking at the moment, and Lucas felt something tighten in his chest.“I think this is the calmest I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.Amy turned her head to look at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me again I talk too much?”Lucas chuckled. “Oh, absolutely.”Amy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I guess I do talk too much. I am sorry if it bothers you. I can’t help it sometimes. I promise I will try to be more quiet.”Lucas frowned sl
The lunch rush has started.Amy zipped between the tables of the crowded diner, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand.She delivered a steaming plate of meatloaf to Mr. Henderson, the retired schoolteacher who always insisted on extra gravy.“Guh. I need this today. Kids in my class are complete brats,” he complained.“Remember, Mr. H., it’s the digital age,” Amy quipped. “These kids can probably program your TV better than you can.” She laughed as he snorted into his coffee cup, waving a dismissive hand at her while hiding a grin behind his bushy mustache.“Ah, what do they know?” he grumbled.The bell above the diner door jingled.More customers, Amy thought. She was hoping today was a slow day, and she could go home early, but it didn’t seem like it was happening.“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Joanne murmured nearby, her voice low and teasing.Amy followed Joanne’s nod toward the entrance, where Lucas stood.Amy froze.“You go, Amy. You must’ve charmed his so
They all ate in silence. When they were done, Ben suggested that everyone go to the porch for some fresh air.Once they were out, the crisp evening air wrapped around them. Amy wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm, but Lucas noticed the slight shiver that ran through her.Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Before she could protest, he pulled her closer against his side, his arm wrapping securely around her.Amy blinked up at him, surprised. “What are you—”“You are cold,” he said simply, his voice firm but gentle.Over Amy’s shoulder, he caught Alicia watching them.She stood near the porch railing, her expression grim.Lucas wondered if this whole plan was already a success, and Alicia was jealous.Lucas held her gaze for a beat, then smirked, tightening his arm around Amy just a little more.Alicia looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line.Amy hissed near his ear. “What are you doing, Lucas?”“Keeping you warm,” he
Lucas immediately spotted Alicia as soon as he entered the dining room.As soon as her gaze met his, her mouth hung open, and her eyes turned wide.Lucas grinned. This was the exact reaction he was hoping for. “Hello, Alicia,” he said in a smooth voice.“You two know each other?” Amy’s mother asked.“I went to college with him,” Alicia said, her voice tight.“YOU DID! NO WAY!” Amy exclaimed in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, and Lucas could barely contain his laughter.Someone give this girl an award for the worst acting performance.Alicia shot Amy a look. “Yes, I did,” she said, regaining some composure.Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh my god, were you two, like… a thing? This is so awkward.”Lucas snorted while Alicia visibly clenched her jaw.“No,” Alicia said sharply. We were just acquaintances, that’s all.”“Oh, thank goodness. Because this would’ve been so weird if my date was your boyfriend or something,” Amy said in a conspiratory tone.Alicia w
Saturday night came too fast for Amy.She wasn’t prepared. Not mentally, anyway.She was anxious about seeing Lucas again and doubly stressed about spending time with her mother and her new family. Every time she was in their presence, her mom found a way to make her look bad.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her sundress, debating whether she should change for the third time.Her mother was always so critical about how she dressed and how she looked. What if she thought Amy was overdressed? Or underdressed?A knock at her door made her jump. She took a deep breath and opened it to find Lucas leaning against the door frame, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.“Ready to go?” he asked, flashing that boyish grin that made her stomach flip.“You are here too early,” she said, forcing herself to sound casual.Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I am?”He glanced at his watch, then back at her with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure I’m right on time.”Amy huff
Lucas took a bite of the cheeseburger and grinned. “Not too bad. Definitely better than what I expected from a diner.”“It’s no fancy food you are used to, that’s for sure,” Amy said.“What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Lucas asked.Amy’s eyes brightened. “The apple pie!”“Oh really?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am more of a peach cobbler kind of guy.”“With Vanilla ice cream?” Amy inquired.Lucas chuckled. “Is there any other way to eat it?”Amy leaned towards him, her tone conspiratory. “By the way. Did you have something to do with the whole…sick grandma situation?”Lucas paused, his burger halfway to his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he said, setting the burger down and leaning back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement.“How did you do that? You sound nothing like me,” Amy joked.“I called in a favor. My younger sister, Sky, called your boss and pretended to be you,” he said. “She loves acting, so I figured, why not give her something she would enjoy?”“N
“Amy, you are back! I am so sorry about your grandma,” Joanne exclaimed, giving Amy a big hug.Amy blinked. “My grandma?”Joanne released her from her embrace and looked at her, her eyes full of sympathy. “Brian told me you called and told him you needed a week off to visit your sick grandma in Tennessee.”“I did?” Amy asked but then quickly recovered. “Ah, yes. I did. Poor granny,” she said, thinking about both of her grandmas, who had been dead for years now.Joanne patted Amy’s arm. “You did a good thing by going to her. Family comes first.”Amy forced a tight smile. “Thanks, Joanne. She will be fine. Where is Brian?”Joanne glanced toward the back office. “He’s in the back office.” Joanne gave her another sympathetic smile. Amy swallowed down the guilt bubbling up inside her. “Yeah… thanks, Joanne.”Amy made her way toward Brian’s office. So she wasn’t fired because someone called Brian and made up the fake grandma story.She lightly knocked on his door.“Come in,” Brian called o