Sky's P.O.V.

I watch from a distance as Zoe and Liam talk in the cafeteria. Every time I see them together, I feel such rage within me I think my mind will explode.

Zoe is mine. Liam, you shouldn't have come between us.

Zoe's concerned expression and his serious demeanour confirm my suspicions: Liam has told her about the call.

I feel a pang of guilt, but I quickly shove it aside. I need to do this. Zoe belongs to me, and I won't let anyone dare touch her. My desire for her burns too brightly to allow anyone else to come near.

Zoe gets up to leave, and my heart aches as I see the worry etched on her face. It hurts more because she is worried because of me. But I know very well how to comfort my Trouble.

"Hey, Trouble," I call out, approaching her as she walks away from the cafeteria.

She stares at me, worried. "Hey." She glances at my bandaged forehead. "How is it?"

How can I stop my heart from beating for this woman? She's just learned something serious, yet she's still concerned about me. No one could ever care for me the way she does.

My guilt deepens because I'm the reason she is worried and afraid. Only I know how I yearn to reveal my forbidden desire to her right now! I wish it were easy for me to confess it. I'm truly sorry, Zoe. It's because of me you're going through this.

"It's fine," I answer her before asking, "What's wrong, Trouble? You look upset."

It's so difficult to pretend I don't know why she's upset.

She takes my two fingers in her hands. "Sky, something really scary happened. Liam got a threatening call last night, telling him to stay away from me. I'm so scared." Her voice wavers as she tells me, not knowing that I'm already aware of it. Because I'm the man who threatened Liam.

I feign shock, pulling her into my arms. "Oh my God, Zoe. That's terrible. Did he say who it was?"

Oh, God! It's getting harder to keep up this act, especially when she's so afraid.

I'm so sorry, Trouble. I promise I'll make up for every worry I've caused you.

"No, it was anonymous," she replies, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to do, Sky. I feel so helpless."

"Don't worry, Trouble. We'll figure this out." I hold her tighter and reassure her, feeling guilty. "For now, stay away from Liam."

She pulls away from me and stares at me with vulnerability. "I'll stay away from Liam, but I wonder who it could be. Is he my stalker? Or some psycho? I'm afraid, Sky."

She could never imagine that the person who threatened Liam was her best friend. What if she finds out?

No. No. I will never let her know.

"Don't be scared, Zoe." I place my hand on her face. "I'll make sure you're safe. No one is going to hurt you."

Seeing her scared expression deepens my guilt, but I'm relieved that my plan succeeded. She'll finally stop meeting Liam.

"I'm so lucky to have you, Sky," Zoe whispers, hugging me tightly again. "Thank you for always being there for me."

I hold her close, trying to ignore the ache in my heart. I know I've done wrong, but I can't lose her to anyone else. Whatever it takes to keep Zoe by my side, I'll do, even if it means being the villain in our story.

I never saw it coming that one day I would do all these insane things. First, I crashed my car, and then I blackmailed Liam.

God! I need to tell Zoe about my desires soon, or else I don't know what else I might end up doing.

But how? How can I tell her without losing her? How can I make her understand my feelings are deeper than friendship, that I want her in ways a best friend shouldn't? The thought of losing her forever terrifies me more than anything.

I pull back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Zoe, I need you to promise me something."

She looks puzzled, but nods. "What is it, Sky?"

"Promise me you'll be careful. Stay away from Liam and anyone who might put you in danger. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

Her eyes soften as she gazes up at me. "I promise, Sky. I'll be careful."

"Now let's go on that lake picnic you've been wanting me to take you on for so long." I'm not really the picnic type, but I suggest it because I want to make her feel good anyhow.

Her eyes glint with surprise, and for a moment, the worry fades away. "What? Are you ready to go on a picnic with me?"

I nod, smiling. "Yes, Trouble. Let's go and have some fun. You really need it."

Her face breaks into a wide smile, and she throws her arms around me again. "Thank you, Sky! This means so much to me."

***

We drive to the lake, and Zoe chatters excitedly about all the things she wants to do. I can't resist her enthusiasm, and I feel relaxed, letting go of my worries for a little while.

When we arrive, we find a spot under a large tree by the water. Zoe spreads out a picnic mat, and as we sit down, she starts unpacking the picnic basket she prepared, her eyes sparkling.

From the day I started developing feelings for Zoe, I began admiring her even more. I wonder, how did I never notice how beautiful she looks in the sunlight, her hair shimmering like gold? Her laughter, her smile, and her very presence seem to illuminate everything around her. My heart aches with the intensity of my feelings for her.

As she hands me a sandwich, her fingers brush against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. I try to focus on our conversation, but it's hard when all I can think about is how much I want to pull her close and kiss her.

We eat and chat for a while, and I laugh more than I have in weeks. Being with Zoe, and seeing her happy, makes everything else fade away.

Afterwards, Zoe starts snapping photos of herself, of us, and of the beautiful scenery around us. For a minute, I admire her, and then I pull out my art book and begin sketching my favourite person—my Trouble.