Valerie's POV

I placed one earpiece of the headphones into my ear; the other one has not been working lately, so I figured it wouldn't make much of a difference. The distant hum of a familiar tune filled my head as I switched on some music. My eyes darted around the chilly street, illuminated by the feeble glow of streetlights. The wet pavement reflected the city lights like a distorted canvas.

The night air had a biting coldness to it, seeping through my clothes and sending shivers down my spine. Normally, the walk home from the bus station was a routine, and I felt a sense of familiarity in the quiet streets. However, tonight felt different. The dampness in the air seemed to amplify the eeriness of the surroundings.

I continued along the slick sidewalks, my footsteps echoing against the empty buildings. The usual calmness that accompanied my nightly walks was replaced by a growing unease. It wasn't just the cold or the wet streets; it was something more subtle, something that lingered in the shadows.

Glancing over my shoulder, I couldn't shake the sensation that someone was trailing behind me. I've been feeling that lately; that someone was following me and my every move. Perhaps it began with David's message, or maybe it was just my nerves getting the best of me, conjuring illusions in the recesses of my mind.

David did nothing besides sending me those two messages. And I kept them, a needed proof if he dares to attempt anything later on.

I knew he was clever; he wouldn't risk physically crossing paths with me at the moment, not with the media scrutinizing his every move and our case still the hot topic. Despite his public portrayal of innocence, a lingering doubt persisted among many people— the notion that where there's smoke, there's fire.

The same fire that burned me and my family.

I still looked around at his whereabouts, hoping to watch him burn too alongside his family for everything they've done. His father's business has witnessed a slight decline since that day. It wasn't a strong collapse enough to bring down a whole empire, but it was there nevertheless. Maybe that was the tiny extent of my justice...

I shook my head vigorously, attempting to push away these turbulent thoughts and calm my erratic heart. The determination to rid myself of his looming presence was overshadowed, however, when reality swiftly confirmed my apprehensions. A gasp parted my lips when a sudden force yanked at my backpack, a powerful tug as if someone sought to wrest it forcefully from my grasp.

Bewildered, I relied on my instincts, summoning every bit of knowledge I earned from the self-defense class I had been attending. With a surge of determination, I forcefully shoved the figure away, feeling the resistance of his attempt to snatch my bag. As I staggered backward, my bewildered eyes focused on the seemingly drunk homeless man, his hand clutching a pocket knife with ominous intent to inflict harm.

My trembling hand reached for the pepper spray in my bag but before I could do anything, before the drunk man could attempt a thing, someone came between us. Someone tall, someone muscular and looming. His big hand clamped around the old man's neck, propelling him backward with one swift motion until he collided with the unforgiving pavement.

My eyes grew wider as the man effortlessly fell to the ground, his head hitting the wet pavement and passing out almost instantly. The tall man turned around, his stance so strong and confident as his unfamiliar eyes fell on me. They flickered all over my face and body, almost as if checking if I was harmed, "You okay?" His voice, rich with an accent that resonated deeply, sent shivers down my spine, and I felt an instinctive urge to run away.

Gulping down, I nodded my head. Before I could suck in my next breath, the mystery man turned around and walked away, disappearing down the dark street.

What the actual hell?

I didn't need more to prove my dangerous surroundings, I whirled on my heels and sprinted forward, running as fast as I could without once turning to look back.

I paused only when I reached the safety of my house. Fumbling with the keys, I hastily unlocked the door and slammed it shut behind me, securing it with a swift turn of the lock. The harsh exchange of air rushed in and out of my lungs, my chest heaving, desperately attempting to find its calm amidst the chaos. Leaning against the door, I pressed my eyes shut, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions. What the hell just happened?

That man, that stranger, he couldn't be just a mere passerby strolling down the street, who suddenly decided to defend me.

He showed up out of nowhere.

The worst-case scenarios replayed in my mind, and the unsettling feeling of being followed gripped my quivering heart.

As I tried to gather myself, my gaze fell upon a small suitcase by the shoe rack, with an umbrella hanging next to it, poised to dry. My gaze flickered to the light seeping from the kitchen and realization dawned on me; My mom was here. God, how I wished to be able to go and share with her about what just happened, allow her to clear my fears, and offer me something safe to cling to.

But no, she'd find a way to turn this around and blame me somehow.

Swallowing past the fear, I took off my shoe and headed for the kitchen on hesitant steps, my eyes fell on her, still wearing her work uniform, sitting by the kitchen table, elbows pressed over the wooden surface and her head in her hands. Beside her on the table, lay a cup of water and some painkillers.

"Hey," I mumbled lowly.

My voice made her pull her head up from her hands, her eyelids gliding open and they met mine. Cold. Dead. Careless. Turned off. She only gave me a small nod of acknowledgment in return.

I grabbed a glass and filled it with water before I settled down on the chair, the one across from her as I sipped on my water, "Mom-" I started to speak, I wanted to talk, I needed to. God, we haven't spoken normally since the day Dad passed away.

She pushed herself up to her feet, running away per usual, "I have a headache, I will go to bed," She said, dismissing me as she gathered her pills, ready to walk away, and my shoulders dropped down.

I nodded my head, "Of course."

I heard her fading footsteps before the sound of her door slamming shut echoed into the house. I sighed and got up to my feet, grabbed my backpack, and headed upstairs. I checked on Reneé and fixed the blanket over her sleeping body before I dropped a soft kiss on her forehead.

I headed to my room and closed the door behind me, locking it as if to isolate myself from the whole world outside. I dropped my backpack to the ground just as my phone started to vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out to see Max video-calling me, probably checking if I had reached home.

I answered without hesitation and his handsome face filled my screen. It seemed like he was in his kitchen and he had the phone placed over the countertop, his hand swirling a spoon inside a cup. His eyes fell on mine and his lips formed that charming smile, "Hey," He said, leaning closer, pressing his elbow over the counter, cheek against his palm, his adorable gaze fixed on me.

His face alone prompted a smile out of me, "Hey," I mumbled as I walked toward my bed, dropping at its edge.

"Did you just get home?" He asked as he edged back slightly and I nodded my head, "A couple of minutes ago."

"What are you drinking?" I asked, watching him bring that cup of hot something to his mouth and wincing at the first sip.

"My mom made this thing," He mumbled as he stared down at it with disgust, "She thinks it can cure all of my diseases-" He grumbled out and I heard his mother's voice in the background before she came closer and playfully smacked the back of his head, "Drink it, it's healthy," She said.

Her eyes flickered to me and she smiled, she waved her hand, "Hey, Valerie."

I waved back at her with a warm smile, "Hey."

Max rested his cup on the counter before he used his hands to push her away, "Okay, now go, come on," He said, "I want to talk with my girlfriend, go-" His words were followed by her playfully scolding him and smacking his arm before she walked away.

Max's eyes flickered from her retreating back and to me, sighing loudly as he picked up the phone, "No privacy in this house whatsoever."

I smiled, if only he knew how I wish to have an ounce of what he has in there.

"How are you feeling today?" I asked, my gaze flickering over him. He looked much better than I last saw him.

"Better better, but I need to leave the house, I am losing my mind," He said, "Also, I need to see you," He added, his eyebrows pulling closer as he looked at me, as if wishing to pull me out of the screen and into his arms, "I miss you."

"You saw me yesterday," I pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, in the morning when we woke up and then you left," he grumbled out, "Also, I could see you every day, every minute, and every second, and I still won't be satisfied."

I rolled my eyes, "You're too clingy."

His eyes narrowed at me, "Hey!"

A yawn escaped my lips and I pressed my hand over my mouth to cover it. Lines etched Max's forehead, "You look so tired," He mumbled sadly and I nodded. I was exhausted. The early classes. Homeworks. Exams. The coffee shop and to top it all, I ended the day with babysitting. I am drained.

I was about to tell him about the small incident that happened on the street but decided against it. There is no need to worry him for nothing.

"I wish you were here," The words left me before I could stop them, a truth I couldn't mask this time around.

His eyes grew wide and he straightened himself in his seat, "Gingy, you're okay?" He asked, overreacting as usual, "Check your forehead, do you have a fever?" He added, "You don't usually say cute stuff to me."

I shot him a glare, "You made me change my mind so fast," I grumbled.

He ignored that part and he grinned, "So, so, if I was there, what would we do?" He asked with a a wink, "Explain in explicit details, don't leave a thing out."

I sighed and shook my head, "I take it back!" I shot out, "We would do nothing because I am tired, I need to take a shower and sleep."

"Would you have allowed me to join you in the shower?"

"Of course not."

"Just stand and watch?"

"No."

"Take a peek?"

"No."

"A small tiny one-second peek?"

"Max!"

"Okay, okay," He mumbled with a frown, "You ruin all of my fantasies."

I rolled my eyes and another yawn pushed out of my lips. Max noticed my drained state and decided it was better to not trigger me more, "Go and rest, gingy, we can talk when you wake up," He softly said and I nodded my head.

"Okay, good night, Max," I mumbled, waving my hand with a lazy bye before I hung up.

I gathered the little strength in me, picked up one of my PJs, and headed for the bathroom. Turning the water to a scorching hot level, I sought solace in its steaming embrace. The torrent of heat cascaded over me, an attempt to cleanse myself of the lingering, unwanted memories that clung like stubborn shadows.

I let the scalding water wash over my body for way too long, a feeble effort to scrub away the stains of the past, but the memories remained etched too deeply. The heat turned my skin a shade of red and eventually, I turned off the water.

I stepped out of the shower and diligently dried my body before slipping into my red Christmas PJ; It was my favorite. Dad gifted it to me around a year ago, a couple of months before he passed away.

I used the small towel to dry my hair as I walked back to my room. My phone buzzed from over the counter, urging me to step closer and pick it up. My eyebrows pulled closer as I found a series of messages from Max and two missed calls;

'Gingy?'

'Girlfriend, where are you?'

'Valerie, did you pass out in the damn shower?'

'Gingy, it's raining and I am getting wet over here.'

'wow, that was such a girl thing to say.'

'Although, you do make me wet in a way *wink emoji*'

'Valerie, just open the damn balcony door when you get back.'

My eyes widened, especially when he made a soft knock on the balcony's glass door. In a rush, I made my way there, unlocking and swinging it open. There stood Max, raindrops glistening on the tousled strands of his hair and all over his jacket. His green eyes softened a bit when they met mine and I wanted to push him off the damn balcony.

"What the hell are you doing here!" I hissed at him, my hand curling over his arm as I quickly pulled him inside and closed the door. It was freezing cold and raining still; is he insane?

"You wished for me to be here," He said, the corner of his lips pulled up, "And m'lady, your wish is my command."

I facepalmed, groaning loudly and I wanted to hit him and push him outside into the cold again.

"My mother is in the house, you doofus," I grated out, keeping my voice low on purpose.

"I know," He said, "Which is why I opted for the balcony and not the front door."

He climbed onto my balcony, in the cold and under the pouring rain. He is insane.

"God, look at you," I said, "You're gonna get sick again!"

I unzipped his jacket and pulled it off him, placing it on the rack to dry before I used the towel I was drying my hair with to dry his own. Ugh, how can he always be so damn reckless?

With all of my scolding and glares, Max just smiled in return, gazing at me with a breathless look as I fussed over him.

I shot him a glare, "What!"

His smile widened, "I smell like you now," He pointed out to my towel that probably smelled of my shampoo.

Groaning, I pulled back, discarding the towel away, and I faced him. I rested my hands over my hips, "My mother is here, Max, you can't just...you can't just drop by like this when she is around," I said, the fear gripping me tight on any chance of her figuring out his presence.

I doubt she'd come out of her room, but still...

"She won't know," He assured. 

"She could hear us," I grumbled out.

Max's eyebrow raised, "Oh wow, I didn't know you were a screamer, gingy," He said, his brain always going down that road. He inched closer, his hand reaching for me, resting over my waist, "I can try to be as silent as possible, don't worry."

I tipped my head up and glared at him, "I really wonder what runs inside that head of yours."

His lips, all wet and delicious and pink, curled up again, and tease fluttered all over his beautiful face, "You, naked."

I groaned and pushed at his chest, pushing myself away but he pulled me back into him, trapping me, "Gingy, come on," He brought his hand to my face, brushing the wet strand of my hair behind my ear, "I know you are already tired, I just wanted to sleep beside you," He said, for once his words genuinely innocent, "I love sleeping with you in my arms."

His stupid heartfelt words rendered me speechless and I wanted to but just couldn't be angry at him any longer. His soft gaze caressed my face, flickering over every edge, "I know you don't believe me, but I really missed you," He mumbled lowly.

Looking up at his face, at his soft green eyes, the tousled strands of his hair; the fact that he came all the way here just because I wanted him to, and just everything about this boy, it squeezed my heart so tightly. No matter how hard I pull away from this dangerous territory, he keeps pulling me back ever so effortlessly.

"I missed you too," I admitted in a low whisper. Throughout the day, I keep finding my thoughts drifting back to him, to his face, to his smiles, to his tender touches and nonsense words.

My few words had his face relaxing and something profound, a feeling he himself doesn't comprehend flashed through his eyes. I brought my hand up, and it gently rested over his chest, "Why did you do this," I mumbled, "You could get sick again."

He shrugged, "It's okay, you treat me nicely when I am sick," He said, "I can deal with the pain for that."

My eyes narrowed at him, "Don't say that."

He only smiled back, the doofus.

The exhaustion bore down on me, the tiredness, what happened on the street, Mom and her hate for me, it all suddenly became too much and I leaned closer to him. My temple pressed into his chest and my arms weakly went around his back, seeking solace in the warmth of his embrace.

He brought his arms around my frail body and hugged me back, his comfy embrace had my eyelids drop down and I breathed, in and out. I felt his lips on the top of my hair before he sucked in a very deep breath. With my curled hand, I playfully and lightly punched his back, "Stop smelling me."

His chest vibrated and his hand ran through the back strands of my hair, "What can I do," He said, "I am addicted."

I edged backward to look at him and he brought his hand to my cheek, brushing his fingers over my skin, "You're tired and it's getting late," He said, "Let's just rest."

I nodded and broke apart from him, "Let me dry my hair quickly," I said as I took a step backward.

Max nodded before his gaze swept all over me, taking into my attire as well. His lips twitched and I narrowed my eyes at him, "What?" I grumbled as I uncomfortably shifted on my feet.

"Nothing," He ran his thumb over his lower lip, in an attempt to hide his smile, "You just look so cute," He added, his eyes flickering back to my eyes, "Red suits you."

Something about his gaze had my skin flush almost instantly and I gulped down, taking another step backward. The thoughts in his head reflected into my own and I couldn't stop that tight tingling feeling in my stomach.

He winced afterward and shook his head, turning away from me as he rushed a frustrated hand over his face, "God, I can't stop my head from going there sometimes," He grumbled, stepping backward and settling into the edge of my bed, trying his best not to look at me.

"What?" I mumbled.

He rushed his fingers into his hair and grumbled something under his breath before he urged me to go, "Just go and dry your hair," He said, pressing his eyes shut as he mumbled for himself, "Think of unsexy things, think of unsexy things..."

I chuckled softly, leaving Max seated on the edge of my bed as I quickly made my way to the bathroom to dry my hair. After finishing, I walked down the hallway and glanced at Mom's room, finding the lights already off, relieving me just a bit.

Returning to my room, I closed and locked the door, diminishing any chances of getting caught. Max had settled on my bed, his head resting on my pillow, he had taken off his grey sweatshirt and stayed in a simple white tee. His hands were playing with the bracelet I had left on the nightstand.

His eyes fell into me and he let go of my bracelet, a small smile lifted up his lips as his eyes flickered over my face. Then, his smile dropped when his thoughts took the best of him, "Just turn off the lights, I don't want to see you."

I rolled my eyes playfully, complying with his request before heading to my bed. Slipping under the blanket, Max's arm immediately found its way around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

I rested my cheek over my palm, right beside his on the pillow and I tipped my head up just enough so I could look at him. He rested his hand on my lower back, his fingers gently fluttering over the fabric of my PJs.

"How was your day?" I asked, fishing for a casual conversation and trying to ignore the heat of his touch on my back, the one creeping beneath the fabric and into my skin.

"Uneventful," He replied, his eyes gazing at mine, the moon casting a soft glow in their reflection.

"Well, mine kind of was," I responded, arching an eyebrow slightly, "I almost got mugged on my way here," My words drew lines of confusion over Max's forehead, "But then, this big tall man showed up out of nowhere and kind of...saved me," I mumbled, the unsettling feeling still lingering, as if something wasn't quite right.

"Not that I had anything worth being stolen whatsoever," I added, playfully rolling my eyes at the thought.

Max's confusion cleared slightly and his expression shifted to a neutral one, "It just felt...weird," I added and Max asked, lines etching between his eyebrows, "What felt weird?"

"That man who showed up," I answered, "It didn't feel like he was just a stranger passing by...I am not sure how to explain, it's just..."

Max shrugged, "It just seems like you've got a guardian angel," His tone was pure mockery and I narrowed my eyes at him.

His jaw muscle worked slightly, and I felt the arm around my waist flex and tighten before he retreated. Something about his body language triggered that same unsettling feeling again, prompting me to observe him more closely.

He turned on his back, his gaze purposely leaving me and flickering to the ceiling.

"So, you are not gonna address the fact that I almost got robbed today?" I asked, closely assessing his expression and reaction.

He turned his head, his gaze meeting my eyes and he slightly lifted his shoulders up, shrugging as he casually spoke, "I mean you should've just opened your mouth and spoken, believe me, that homeless man would've run for the hills-" My eyes widened at his careless words and I lifted my fist and punched him in the chest multiple times.

"Ow, hey, that hurts...hey, it hurts and I am still sick," His fingers curled over my hand and held it back, his eyelids dropping down as he winced, the pain painted his expression and my heart dropped into my stomach.

I immediately shifted in my position, edging closer, "What?" I whispered, internally cursing myself as I reached for his chest, "Where does it hurt? I am so sorry, I didn't mean to-"

My words halted when I noticed the sheepish smile lifting his lips and I groaned, "You're faking again!" I snapped, unable to comprehend how easily he was capable of deceiving me.

He chuckled, this evil guy, "What can I do? You're only nice to me when I am sick," He justified his action, "With you, I am gonna have to stay on the brink of death, I guess," His grin grew wider and he sneaked his arm around my waist again, pulling me closer as he whispered, "I love it when you pamper me."

I kept glaring at him, my jaw tight and he chuckled lowly, amused by my utter annoyance. He inched closer and kissed the tip of my nose, "You are so adorable," He said, his genuine warm tone and touch unarming me and leaving me defenseless per usual.

He brought his hand up and rested it over my cheek, his fingers brushing the loosened strand of my hair behind my ear, his eyes focused there as he spoke, "Will you come with me to the Christmas party on Saturday?"

My eyebrows pulled closer, "Which Christmas party?"

His eyes met mine and he raised an eyebrow, "You're sure we attend the same college," He remarked and I recalled Tanya fussing about some party one of the fraternity groups was throwing this weekend. This must be it.

"Oh, that-" I mumbled, my hesitation climbing up, "I am not sure I should go-" I started to back out and Max's expression fell down a bit.

"I just wanted us to hang out, you know have some fun together," He mumbled, his puppy innocent eyes forcing me to step out of my comfort zone again.

"If you won't like it, we'd leave right away," He added, trying to convince me and I nodded my head with a low sigh, "Okay, what's the worst thing that could happen, huh," I mumbled in defeat and Max's lips broke into a beautiful smile.

"I will be with you every second of it, promise," He said.

My expression shifted into one of disgust, "Oh, now you're giving me more reasons not to go-" The rest of my words dissolved into a small giggle when he glared at me in annoyance.

"And you wonder why I have to pretend to be dying whenever I am around you," He grumbled out, glaring at me still.

I smiled and shook my head at his silliness. I knew he was indirectly assuring me that he would be there to ease my anxiety, and that he wouldn't let a bad thing happen to me.

I gave him a nod, "I think it will be fun, so why not."

His gaze flickered all over my face, his expression relaxing and he said, out of the blue, "Wear something red."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Why do you like to control what I wear?" I grumbled out at his insistence to interfere in my choice of attire.

"I am not, He shot back, "It's the dress code, dammit," he added, "Also, I am trying to live my fantasies over here."

I rolled my eyes, "I don't own anything red colored."

I do actually, but I just love to annoy him so much.

"We can buy something tomorrow," he suggested and I shook my head, "No, I don't want to wear red, I don't like the color."

Max rolled his eyes, "Says the girl with the red hair."

"It's ginger you blind."

"It's a shade of red still," He defended his statement and I wanted to push him out into the cold and under the pouring rain.

"Don't make me change my mind and decline your invitation," I said and he sighed loudly, "You are so exhausting," He grumbled and I narrowed my eyes at him again, refraining from punching him this time, "I am, deal with it!"

"I am," He said, "Now, kiss me goodnight and sleep, I don't want to hear your voice."

I shot him a glare and instead of obliging to his order, I pushed his arm from around me and turned my body to the other side, giving him my back.

I heard his loud sigh before he brought his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him, plastering my back against his chest, burying his nose into my hair, and dropping a soft kiss on the top of my head, "Goodnight, gingy."

"Goodnight," I mumbled lowly, my eyelids dropping down and my body started to relax into his comforting embrace but then, out of nowhere, something clicked.

My eyes shot open, my body tensed and I turned my head to look at his face, "How did you know it was a homeless man?" I asked, recalling his previous words.

"What?" he responded in utter confusion.

"You said the homeless man would've run for the hills if I just opened my mouth and spoke, but I didn't tell you it was a homeless man who tried to mug me," I pointed out, my words deepening the frown between his eyebrows.

"Valerie," he mumbled; he only says my actual name when it's serious, "It was just a hunch, it came out like that, I mean who else would try to mug you," He tried to defend himself.

My jaw worked and I narrowed my eyes at him, "You don't by any chance have someone watching me, do you?" I asked. That stranger man was no stranger man, I am sure.

"Have someone watch you? What the-" He said, clueless at the origin of my accusations, "Valerie, you are being paranoid, why would I have someone watching you?"

"I don't know," I said.

His eyebrow raised, "You think I just have men around to send after the girls I try to date?" He said, pointing out the absurdity of the situation, "Who do you think I am?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, but you rich people do have these weird things."

The muscle of his jaw ticked and he shot me a glare at the you rich people part of my sentence, "Seriously? What are you gonna accuse me of next...that I am a part of some mafia or something?" He question with a raised eyebrow.

I shrugged, "Could be, I learned to expect everything from everyone."

"Don't be silly."

"So, you didn't send someone after me?"

He shook his head, "No, I didn't."

His words seemed genuine but I had a residing suspicious feeling still.

He sighed, "Come on, sleep, you were tired, weren't you?"

"I am," I mumbled, "But if I learn that you are hiding something from me about this, Imma punch you really hard," I threatened, "Right in your one and only kidney."

His lips twitched into a smile, unaware of the seriousness of my threat, "Okay, deal."

I gave him a daring nod, "Deal."

******************

Saturday Night

Max's POV

Nerves gripped me tight as I paused by the porch and rang the bell. Tonight marked mine and Valerie's first official outing, and I wanted everything to go smoothly. I was relieved that Valerie's mother wasn't home, so, I could pick her up without causing a scene.

The door opened, and I was met with Reneé's smiling face. "Hey, Max," she greeted, ever so sweetly.

"Hey, you," I responded with a smile of my own, my tensed nerves easing down, "What's up?"

She shrugged, "The usual," she replied before turning her head around, leaning into her crutches as she called for her sister, a bit louder, "Valerie, Max is here!"

Valerie's distant voice confirmed that she was on her way. My attention shifted back to Reneé, and I extended the small bag in my hand. "I got you something," I said, and her eyebrows twisted in confusion, "For me?"

I nodded, "Yup, I think you're gonna like it," I added with a small smile.

Leaning into her crutch, Reneé used her other hand to take the bag from me. Confusingly, she opened it and pulled out the video game case. Her eyes widened in astonishment, and her gaze shot up to meet mine, "You must be kidding me!" She gasped in disbelief.

I shook my head with a smile, "This one isn't even out yet," she said in shock, and I nodded, "Yeah, I know a guy," I added with a wink.

The last time I was here, I noticed her enthusiasm for video games, evident in the stacks she owned. The latest season of Overwatch had yet to hit the market, but luckily, I had a friend interning there who consistently supplied me with limited editions.

"This is unbelievable, thank you so much," She said in appreciation, her youthful eyes lighting up, "You are so sweet. I knew I liked you for a reason," She added, earning a low chuckle from me.

Right then, I heard the sound of footsteps nearing from behind Reneé. She was the first to turn around, "Val, look what Max got me," she said, ever so enthusiastically gushing about her gift.

In that pivotal moment, as the footsteps heralded Valerie's approach, Reneé's excitement about her gift became a background noise. My gaze fixed on Valerie, and suddenly, the air was heavy with an intensity I couldn't ignore. The breath I took seemed to hang in suspension, unable to make its way past the lump lodged in my throat.

Valerie emerged from the shadows like a damn vision, and my senses were engulfed in a symphony of sensations. Her dark red, almost wine-colored mini-skirt clung to her body with an enchanting allure, a bold contrast to the dark allure of her stockings and short black boots. The snug fit of the black body suit traced the contours of her silhouette, unveiling an elegance that held my gaze captive.

A black leather jacket adorned her shoulders, adding a touch of rebellious grace. Her ginger hair cascaded in waves, each strand orchestrating a dance of its own. The subtle fragrance of her delicate perfume enveloped me whole, creating an intoxicating aura that left me spellbound.

Her lips were adorned with a daring shade of red, a hue that matched the color of her skirt and the fervor in my chest.

The eyeliner framed her eyes, and her long lashes, like the strokes of a painter's brush, created a captivating gaze that left me breathless and aching.

Every detail painted a portrait of a breathtaking allure, a masterpiece that rendered me utterly infatuated.

As she approached, time ceased to exist, and I found myself suspended in the enchanting realm of her presence. My heartbeat resonated with the intensity of a symphony, each note a testament to the magnetic pull she held over me.

I couldn't see anything but her, smell anything but her delicate perfume, hear anything but the soft rhythm of her breaths and my hands wanted to feel nothing but her, in ways they hadn't before.

"She looks so pretty, doesn't she?" Reneé voice finally broke my trance but I couldn't look away from Valerie yet, "Yeah," I whispered breathlessly, unable to form coherent words, the whole fucking alphabet failed me.

"Yeah, I picked the outfit," Reneé joked and Valerie rolled her beautiful eyes at her sister, she told her something about being careful and texting her if anything happened but I couldn't focus, I couldn't think as she bid her sister goodbye and stepped out, Reneé telling us to have fun before she closed the door, leaving us alone to the dark cold night.

I was frozen still, every glance, every gesture, ignited a fervor that I couldn't extinguish.

She will be the end of me, this girl, she definitely will.

I've never felt anything remotely similar to this.

Valerie shifted on her feet, her teeth nibbling at her lower lip, nervous too, "So, uh—" She mumbled, bringing her hand up and tucking her hair behind her ear, "Don't we have a party to attend?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but I am so close to changing my mind and kidnapping you somewhere else."

She rolled her eyes playfully, "Come on," She gestured to the car but I was serious. I didn't feel like sharing her with the world today, I wanted...god, I wanted so many things.

I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck, "Valerie, you look...breathtaking," I said, unable to calm down the fire licking over my chest, "If you don't let me kiss you, I might actually die today."

"You're so overdramatic," She said with a sigh.

"I am serious," I declared, edging closer, narrowing the space between us as I delicately cradled her hand in mine. Bringing it to my chest, I let her palm rest there, inviting her to feel my erratic heart, unleashed in its relentless beats for her. "You can't convince me that this is normal," I whispered, acknowledging how my heart seemed ready to leap into her waiting grasp.

Her soft gaze lingered there, fixated on her hand, on mine above it, on the rhythmic dance in my chest, and my fervent depraved heart, unrestrained in its desire for her.

A subtle shift in her expression revealed the delicate play of her emotions, a dance she tried to conceal, mirroring the sentiments she, too, was hesitant to confront. Her throat moved, a soft bob as she swallowed hard. Tentatively, she lifted her eyes, meeting mine with only a breath of air separating our close faces.

If possible, I sensed her drawing nearer, a fleeting moment of shared proximity before reality crashed down upon her. She retreated, edging backward, her words barely a whisper—or perhaps my ears failed to function normally again, "We should go, come on," She withdrew her hand, pivoting her body away from mine, mastering a control that eluded me.

Inhaling a deep breath, we both made our way to my car. I opened the door for her, and she slipped inside. Circling around to the other side, I ignited the engine, the roar of life pulsating through the vehicle as we set our course toward the venue of the party.

The drive went smoothly; Lilly called me as I drove and we spent most of our drive chatting with her. When we arrived, I parked the car in an empty spot and went down. Just as I reached her side, Valerie was going down, her gaze flickered to her attire and she fixed her mini-skirt, smoothing down its edges.

She lifted her gaze up and ran her fingers through her hair, buying time as she fixed herself up. Her hesitant gaze met mine, uncertain, almost like she was contemplating her choice and wanted to run away. I edged closer to her, fishing for any casual conversation to clear her anxiety, "What happened to not liking the color red?" I questioned, my eyebrow arching playfully.

"It's dark red, so, it's different," She said, believing in her defense and I chuckled.

Her face relaxed a bit and her gaze flickered down to my all-black attire, "We kind of match," She pointed out, her hand reaching and resting over the sleeves of my black leather jacket.

I nodded, "Yeah," I brought my hand forward and my palm rested over the window of the car, right next to her face, "But you're more beautiful."

The back of her head pressed further into the glass, trying to run away as I entrapped her. She licked her lips, killing me more and her big innocent eyes stared back at mine, too lost, so confused, scared, and terrified, just like I am.

"Max, we—"

"Can I kiss you?" I asked, on the brink of losing my mind if I didn't touch her, feel and taste her.

She gulped down, her chest heaved slightly, "If I said no?" She whispered.

My heart sank down a bit, "It will break my heart a little, but I will back away, take your hand in mine, and go inside to have some fun together," I said. No matter what, I didn't want anything to ruin today, "Like I said Valerie, I would never do anything that will make you uncomfortable."

Her eyes flickered all over my face and then she let out a low dissatisfied groan, "You know what makes me uncomfortable?" She questioned, her tone rising in frustration, "You," She poked my chest, "You make me uncomfortable."

My heart sank deeper, lines of hurt etched on my forehead and between my eyebrows. My hand fell from beside her face, "Me? But...why-"

"Because you make me want to do this," she grumbled, and all I felt afterward were her lips on mine, her hand gripping my shirt, seeking to draw me closer.

A warmth surged within my chest at her unexpected gesture, and my arms instinctively wrapped around her, enveloping her in an embrace that drew her nearer. One hand cradled the side of her neck, and my fingers subtly tilted her face to deepen the connection, sinking further into her heavenly taste.

A frenzy of desire surged through my veins, a madness that pushed and pulled. I found myself propelling her forward, pressing her against the car, ready to consume her entirely. Addicted, I was so addicted, to the point of sheer madness.

"Oh wow, and they say they're not dating—" Cole's voice intruded, shattering the intimate cocoon we'd woven. Valerie gasped at his unwelcome voice and stumbled away from me, severing the connection of our lips and bodies.

My jaw ticked, and I turned my head, my eyes landing on Cole standing right next to us, deliberately interrupting our moment. The infuriating jerk—I'll deal with him later.

His lips spread into a wide grin, and he crossed his arms over his chest, "So, so," he started, his eyes on Valerie, "You are the reason Max doesn't hang out with me anymore, huh?"

Valerie's eyes widened, buying into his nonsense, "What? No, I didn't do anything—"

"You know, my therapist said that all of this negatively affects my abandonment issues," Cole said, adopting a serious tone.
"Your abandonment issues?" Valerie asked, her eyebrows knitting together.

He uncrossed his arms and nodded, lines of distress etching his face, "Yes, you see, my mom, she left me when I was just a kid, and my dad buried himself in work and never looked after me-"

"Oh my god, really?" Valerie asked, her tone softening as she edged closer to Cole, ready to nurse his non-existent wounds.

I facepalmed, rushing a hand over my face, and grumbled out, "He is lying, don't believe him, the only issue he suffers from is being a dickhead," I told her, edging to their sides and glaring at Cole, "His parents are the best."

"Dude!" Cole shot out, "I had her, I convinced her and then she would've told Aubrey about it and I would've gotten myself some pitty sex, why did you have to ruin it!"

Valerie's eyes widened in shock and then she glared at him.

"Let's go inside," I said, my eyes narrowing at Cole and promising him of pain later on for ruining my kiss.

I wrapped my arm around Valerie's waist and Cole joined us on her side as we made our way inside, "You know what, I don't like this, I feel like a third wheel," Cole mumbled, his distasteful gaze flickering between me and her.

"You can leave," I suggested, "I would prefer it if you leave, actually."

"Ouch, hitting me in my abandonment issues again, not cool man, not cool," He said and I chose to ignore him from onwards. I didn't want anything to ruin this night.

"Oh, Val, you made it!" A cheery voice erupted from my left as something red whizzed by me, enveloping Valerie in a tight hug. I retreated my hand, edging back a bit.

"Uh, Tanya, hey," Valerie greeted, clearly perplexed by the overly friendly gesture as she pulled away from her friend.

Dressed entirely in red – red dress, red heels, red headband – Tanya held a red plastic cup, which she downed in one gulp. Valerie eyed her, "You're drunk?" she stated, and Tanya giggled, nodding her head, "Yup."

Valerie's confusion deepened as she edged closer, wrapping one arm around Tanya's wavering form, attempting to steady her, "The party just got started, how did you get yourself drunk so fast?"

Tanya leaned closer to Valerie, whispering, "I'll tell you a secret," her words slurring out, "I came here drunk already," Her words and gestures tightened the worry on Valerie's face.

Cole edged closer to me, his eyes flickering all over Tanya. Leaning toward me, he couldn't help but comment, "Val's friend is hot." His words caught Valerie's attention, and her head snapped in his direction, eyes widening, "No!" she exclaimed, understanding his motives, "Stay away!"

"What?" Cole said ever so innocently, "I was just gonna tell her about my abandonment issues."

Valerie shot him a hard glare and Tanya's hazy disoriented gaze flickered from her friend to us, more specifically to me, "Val, your tutor is so hot," She whisper-yelled and Valerie's glare shifted from Cole and to her friend, "Okay, you need to sit down and sober up," Valerie said in annoyance and I smiled, detecting the hint of possessiveness as she directed her friend away from me.

She helped her to the nearest empty spot and sat her down on the couch. The girl was so out of it, that she leaned and snuggled into Valerie, murmuring incoherent words and playing with Valerie's hair, twirling a strand around her finger, "Your hair is so pretty," She murmured, "Can I have it?"

"Did you come here alone?" Valerie asked, digging for more information to help understand her friend's state.

Tanya looked up at Valerie's face and she smiled, "You're so pretty too," She said and Valerie's confusion seemed to double up.

She averted her gaze from her friend, unsure of what to do, before she grabbed a pillow and allowed Tanya to lean into it. She got up to her feet, her eyes on me, "Can you please stay with her for a bit?" she requested, "I will go see where the other girls are, check if she came here alone or not," she added, and I nodded, "Yeah, sure."

She gave me an appreciative nod and walked through the crowd. My gaze fell on Tanya, and Cole occupied the spot beside her on the couch, "How much would you pay me to babysit her, so you can go and have fun with your girlfriend?"

I shot him a glare, "I'd pay you to stay away from her."

"Hey!" he said, offended, then it clicked, "You know what, yeah, I accept," he extended his hand forward, "200 bucks per hour?"

I let out a loud breath, way too annoyed by everything about today.

This is definitely not what I expected tonight to be like...

My gaze flickered around the place, searching for Valerie amidst the crowd but couldn't spot her.

"Ahh, help!" Cole squeaked out, grabbing my attention back to him, watching as Tanya shifted around and her head fell into his lap, "She said something about throwing up, pull her away, take her away! I can't handle vomit, take her!"

I made zero attempts to help him and when he tried to move away, the girl snuggled closer into him, mumbling something and his eyes grew even wider. He let out a fake cry, "Max, help!"

I really hate today.

**********************************

Hey!

I finally had some free time and decided to start updating with this book since it's the easiest one xD

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See ya soon ;)