Max's POV

"You want...what?"

Valerie's eyes held that glassy openness, soft yet searching, her usual walls barely holding up. Her teeth nervously dug into her lower lip, her cheeks flushed deep with color, and I could see her trying to steel herself, "You heard me," she mumbled, almost whispering, "Don't make me say it again."

I just stared, watching her, trying to process the question echoing in my mind. A thousand conflicting thoughts rushed through me, none of them making sense. My eyes flickered all over her face, trying to...understand. Understand why was she asking me that all of a sudden, understand why I felt so against it for once in my life, understand why I was so fucking nervous and had this sudden urge to bolt right away and never come back.

"Valerie, you're probably drunk and—"

She shook her head, her gaze narrowing as she took a step closer, "I am not that drunk, I am just...I am aware of my decision, okay. I know what I'm saying, Max," she insisted, her voice steady but softer than usual.

I felt myself take a step backward, my throat felt so dry all of a sudden and my inner temperature felt like it was hitting the roof. I shook my head, "I am not gonna have sex with you now knowing you just consumed alcohol," I shot out, my mind buzzing that I felt so lightheaded all of a sudden.

"Wha...I don't mean right now!" She shot in disbelief as she smacked my arm, "My mom's in the house. I'd never do it with her here...ugh, you're impossible, you sicko," she muttered. Sicko? The irony was rich—she was the one openly suggesting we have sex, and now I was the sicko?

She swallowed, her throat bobbing, her usual guarded look softening, though I could still see nerves flickering in her eyes, "I mean...maybe tomorrow?" she said, almost too casually, the red in her cheeks deepening, "I heard mom on the phone...she has a bunch of flights this week; she won't be home. And I could ask Reneé to stay at her friend's place so we'd have the house for ourselves, and we can...you know."

I blinked at her, dumbstruck. This was surreal. My mind raced to keep up with hers, but all I could feel was a surge of nerves. I mean, sure, I'd been the one who threw in all the sexual remarks, the one daydreaming of being close to her like this, having her skin on mine—but hearing her bring it up first, giving me the green light, actually wanting us to take that step?

The meaning behind her words hit me harder than I expected. This wasn't just her saying she wanted to be with me; it was her saying she wanted to heal, in some way, through me. She was asking for my help, to correct that past, to fix what she thinks is so broken within her...

What if I can't do that?

What if I misstepped, said the wrong thing, did the wrong thing and hurt her in the process? What if I pushed her past her limits?

I still don't know which one of my touches hurt her and which soothed her. I still don't know a damned thing about how to deal with all of this...

The worry gnawed at me, stealing my words. She mistook my silence for something bad, for a rejection because her expression fell, her eyes dimmed and her brows quenched in sadness, "You...don't want to?" She mumbled lowly, wrapping her arms around herself as she took one step backward, embracing herself for the hurt.

My chest tightened, and I stepped forward instantly, my hand reaching to gently hold her arm. "Valerie," I began softly, trying to steady myself, "Of course, I want to. It's just...you threw me off guard, that's all." I searched her eyes, hoping to ease her hurt. "Usually, I'm the one with all the sexual comments, and you're the one shutting me down," I added, smiling just enough to coax a smile from her too.

Her lips twitched, her eyes softening, and she gazed at me with a vulnerability I rarely saw—a look that felt like she was trusting me with a piece of her she barely trusted herself to handle. She looked at me like I could be the person to bring her some kind of peace, like I owned the cure to a plague that's been threatening her life, like I was some sort of a savior. But...but I wasn't that.

"So, tomorrow?" She asked, so hopeful, "It's a date?"

I swallowed hard, my mind still reeling, and nodded. "Yeah," my voice was barely a whisper, but I forced myself to say it, "it's a date."

She smiled, the kind that lit up her entire face, and moved closer to hug me, wrapping her arms around my back. I held her tight, grounding myself in the moment, trying to grasp what all of this meant. The idea of what tomorrow held hung so fucking heavy in my mind.

As her warmth settled around me, I tried to shake off my panic, but a part of me was already plotting my escape.

Tomorrow, maybe I'd fake a heart attack. Or stage a minor car accident. Or maybe I'd find the nearest truck and just step in front of it.

Because no way in hell was I ready for this.

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Next Morning...

"Who in their right mind would say no to sex?" I burst out, pacing Cole's room in circles, trying to wrap my head around this whole mess and how to let Valerie down gently without shattering her trust and affecting our relationship.

"Not me," Cole said, lounging back on his bed with his arms crossed, looking about as laid-back as possible, raising his hand like he was volunteering for something.

"But you should," he added, arching a brow, "Seeing as you've got yourself a girlfriend and all," he said, rolling his eyes as if he had a moral high ground, "I don't support cheating, even if some hot girl's throwing herself at you."

I stopped mid-stride, giving him a look like he'd grown a second head, "It's Valerie, you idiot."

I stayed at her place yesterday, she slept right away after our talk while I stayed awake all night and made my escape first thing in the morning and came here, needing help. Any help I could get.

Cole froze at my words, eyebrows scrunching together in shock before his eyes went wide as saucers. He sat up so fast it looked like someone had just dumped ice water on him. "Hold on— wait, wait, are you telling me that you and Valerie haven't...haven't actually had sex?"

I kept glaring back at him as I shook my head. Cole's expression only morphed from surprise into something more like...concerned sympathy.

"Oh, Max," he said with sorrow, shaking his head in disbelief as he got up to his feet and walked closer to my side, "Now it all makes sense. The mood swings, the existential crises you've been having...it's because you haven't gotten any action in—how long has it been, anyway?" He narrowed his eyes, genuinely curious.

Don't hit him yet, Max. Don't.

His face softened, and before I knew it, he was wrapping his arms around me in a pitying hug, "Oh, you poor thing," he said, patting my back as though I'd just lost a pet, "Come here. We're going to get through this. You've been so strong."

I shoved him off, "Get off me, Cole."

He kept giving me that pitty look that I wanted to punch so hard. "So, is that why you're afraid to, you know, take things to the next level with Valerie?" He asked, "You're scared of performance issues?" The lines on his forehead tightened, ever so concerned for this while my issue was so much bigger than his fucking nonsense.

His brow furrowed with sincere concern, "Worried you might, uh, finish the race too quickly?"

"What?" I gaped at him, hoping I'd misheard.

He nodded seriously, as though he was delivering the key to my salvation, "Yeah, you know, like...the time between the starting pistol and the finish line? Sometimes the swimmers just bolt for it," he said with a shrug, "if it's been a while."

I facepalmed, groaning in frustration, but that only spurred him on.

"It's fine, it's fine," he continued, patting my shoulder, "We'll get you through this. My dad has these, uh, pills he keeps in his nightstand. I'm sure they'll help."

I glared at him so hard he swallowed, looking like he might want to run for the door, "Why are you looking at me like you want to punch me?"

I fisted and unfisted my hands, "Because I want to."

Cole gulped down, his gaze on my fist and he tried to act indifferent, "Well, sue me for trying to help with your, uh, performance anxiety—"

"I do not have performance anxiety!" I grated, barely holding onto my patience.

Cole looked at me, unimpressed, "Then what is it?"

"You wouldn't get it," I muttered, half-turning to avoid his gaze.

He let out an exasperated breath, throwing his hands up, "Then make me understand," He shot out, "Come on, I'm trying to help over here, Jesus!"

I looked at him, "It's..." I paused, trying to find a way to say it without actually saying it, "You know, it's..." I paused and he gave me a questioning look, "It's her first time," I blurted out, "And I don't know how to, I mean I know how to, it's just I've never been with a girl for her first time before," I said, more like lied, but my lie was similar to the truth in a way. I just needed any help or advice I could get and my closest friend is proving to be utterly useless right now.

"Oh," Cole said, his face softening "Oh, okay," he mumbled, "I mean I haven't been with a virgin either, feels like a big responsibility," he added, "For girls, I mean, they make a big deal of it, as for me, I could care less," he added, "And ohh, she is also your girlfriend, so not just any girl, so yeah, it's a very big deal, damn."

Finally, I thought we were on the same page. But then his brows scrunched up again as he shrugged, looking at me with a hint of pity, "I can't help you with this," He said and I had to control myself and not slam his head into the wall, "Not my area of expertise."

I shot him a glare, "Thank you for being utterly useless," I grated out.

His eyes widened, "What the—" He said, "What's my fault, sex is just sex for me, I don't know how to make it special, why don't you ask your dad about this, Jesus," he added in a mockery tone and I kept glaring at him.

I rushed a hand over my face, trying to keep my agitated nerves from exploding. I huffed out loudly, "Don't make plans tonight," I muttered, exasperated, "because I may need you to hit me with your car later."

Cole's eyes widened, the amusement draining from his face, "What?"

I shrugged, already heading for the door, "It might be my only way out of this situation. Keep your phone on."

"Wait—I'm not running you over with my car!" he called after me.

I threw a hand up, not even looking back. "Useless. You're completely useless."

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Valerie's POV

I am so nervous.

Like, so nervous that I turned in last semester's homework—then wondered why Dr. Brooks looked at me like I was crazy. And let's not forget when I somehow tipped over Tanya's nail polish. It rolled off the desk, spilled all over her designer purse, and left this massive pink stain. She laughed it off, thank God. But honestly, I'm a walking disaster today.

Now I'm here at the coffee shop, trying to close up and wipe down tables like a normal person, but my brain's all scrambled. I've already knocked over one customer's iced latte and caught myself pouring cinnamon on someone's drink instead of chocolate shavings. Every time I pause for even a second, all I can think about is last night—what I said to Max and what might happen later today and—oh God, I just swiped an entire pile of napkins onto the floor.

I keep telling myself to focus, but then I'll catch myself daydreaming, wondering if Max is as nervous as I am. And then I'll look up and realize I've been scrubbing the same spot on the table for, like, five whole minutes.

I am nervous, true, but I am still on my decision.

It wasn't the alcohol's influence, like Max thought. The alcohol only allowed me to say what was already on my mind out loud, which is something I don't really excel at.

Finally, I abandoned the spotless table after fixing the napkins and plopped down behind the counter, fidgeting with my hands, my mind racing. Did I Google every question under the sun about, well, you know what? Definitely. Did I fall down a black hole of "Tips for Your First Time"? Absolutely, guilty as charged.

If anyone stumbled upon my search history, they'd think I was a sex addict.

I heaved out a low breath out of my lungs, my shoulders falling down in defeat. My one and only experience with the topic was...traumatic. So, I needed to explore the other sides of it. I needed to pave my way away from this terror and fear, I needed and make my peace with that part...I just had to.

Aubrey's voice pulled me out of my spiral, "What's on your mind, Val?" She looked at me with her head tilted, reading my tension like a book.

I tried to muster a smile, but it barely lifted before disappearing. She leaned over, patting my shoulder, "You've been out of it all day. Are you alright?"

"Aubrey," I said with a low voice, "You've had...sex before, right?"

True, she was one of the very few people closest to me and knew almost everything, but it still felt weird to speak of it out loud.

Her eyebrows pulled closer, "Uh, yeah, sure," She said, "Why?"

When silence hung in the air, she let out a loud breath, "Don't tell me Cole set you up to ask me this," she said, giving me a warning look.

I chuckled softly and shook my head. "God, no. I just... I don't have anyone to ask this without feeling utterly embarrassed, but..." The more I spoke, the more she began to grasp where this was leading, her hand gently tightening on my shoulder, "Sex isn't... scary, right?"

Aubrey crouched down in front of me, aligning herself with my gaze. Her hands rested on my thighs, and her eyes locked onto mine. "Not one bit," she reassured me, her voice steady. "It's not supposed to be scary. If you want it and you share that moment with the right person, it can be truly beautiful."

She paused, searching for the right words, "When it's with someone you trust—someone with whom you feel safe enough to be vulnerable—it becomes a profound connection. That kind of intimacy isn't just about the physical, Valerie, it's about sharing a part of yourself, embracing it without any fear," She explained, easing down my distress, "It can be magical sometimes, it can never be scary if it's built on love, trust, respect, and understanding."

My lips twitched into a smile as I rested my hand over hers, "I love you, you know that, right?" I mumbled, suddenly feeling the urge to express my gratitude, "You've stood by my side so many times. Thank you." My eyes misted with tears.

Her brows furrowed, emotions flashing in her eyes as she leaned closer to hug me, "Oh, Val, I love you too," she said, tightening her grip around me. Her hand smoothed the back of my hair. "You deserve all the good things in this world," She added, "I'm sure a great future is waiting for you, and you won't be a total screw-up like me," She added playfully as she pulled back.

I smiled and shook my head, "You aren't a screw-up."

"Ask my parents; they'll give you proof," she quipped with a wink, making me recall all the stories she'd told me about her rebellious past, how she'd escaped home before eighteen, and all the things she went through and how she'd managed to stand on her own two feet again.

Before I could respond, the bells of the entrance door chimed, drawing our attention to the newcomer. My brows knitted together as I spotted Cole making his way to the counter, "Hey," he said, flashing me a soft smile that morphed into a smirk when his eyes flicked to Aubrey.

"Hey, Aubs," he greeted, leaning against the counter with an easy charm, "You know, if you were a vegetable, you'd be a cute-cumber," He added, being ever so corny.

Aubrey rolled her eyes, "Really, Cole?"

He flashed her a wink and she ignored him, turning around and walking to the kitchen, not willing to indulge further in this. His mischievous eyes flickered from her to me and I got up to my feet, crossing over to his side as he asked, "Did you see Max today?" He asked, his expression changing back to serious.

I shook my head, "No, not yet," I said, my eyes flickering to the round clock on the wall, "But we are supposed to meet in an hour," Oh shit, now I am nervous again.

Cole's brows furrowed, "Okay," he mumbled, more to himself than to me.

My heart almost skipped a beat, "Is something wrong?" I asked.

He sighed, his voice laced with frustration, "He's been acting weird all day. And now he's not picking up my calls."

"Let me try calling him." I pulled out my phone, pushing away the unease that was slowly spreading. After a couple of rings, he picked up, "Missed me already?" Max's voice was light, playful, and a wave of relief washed over me.

"Normal people say hello," I teased, rolling my eyes.

Cole huffed beside me, clearly noting that Max had picked up my call. "Figures," he grumbled, half under his breath, "Ask him why he's dodging me. Do I need to grow a pair of ovaries just to get him to answer?"

With a stifled laugh, I repeated his question. Max sighed. "Tell him it's because he's useless, and I didn't feel like talking to him," he said with a bored tone and Cole heard him through the phone. He huffed out and muttered a few words under his breath.

I ignored him and focused on Max's voice, "So, uhm, we are still up for tonight?" I asked as I moved away from Cole so he wouldn't hear me.

"Yeah, sure," Max mumbled and I detected the same nervousness in his tone as my own, "Are you still on campus?" He asked, checking.

"Yeah. I'll head home soon," I said as I fidgeted with the hem of my sweater, "You can come by my place."

"I could come pick you up," he offered, and I smiled despite myself. I shook my head, "No, no need, I'll come by myself, you know it's...safe," I said, indirectly addressing Leo's presence, who was my shadow every second of the day. He's gotten better at hiding and making sure I don't detect him nearby so I won't force him into interacting with me.

"Yeah...okay," he mumbled, "I'll see you in a bit, then," He added.

"Yeah, see you," I added, both of our tones so very tense as we dreaded the upcoming.

We hung up, and I started gathering my things, "Heading out?" Cole asked as I threw on my backpack.

"Yep," I called out to Aubrey, "Aubrey, I am leaving, see you tomorrow."

She popped her head out of the kitchen, "Alright, Val," She gave me a soft smile, "Have a good night."

Cole interjected, "I'll make sure she does," only for Aubrey to roll her eyes and ignore him entirely.

I chuckled, and Cole followed me to the door, holding it open with a mock bow, "How're you getting home?" he asked, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets as we stepped outside.

"I'll take the bus," I said.

Cole's eyebrows pulled closer, as if he didn't understand what the word bus meant, "Come with me, and I'll drop you off, it's late," He said with genuine concern.

I shook my head with a smile, "There is no need, I always take the bus, it's safe," I added.

"Seriously, I'll drop you off," Cole added, "You're Max's girl and Max is my best friend, so by association, that makes us close friends too," he added, flashing me a soft smile.

I laughed, shaking my head, "Thanks, but really, I'm used to the bus. It's no big deal—"

Before I could finish my sentence, before I could take one step forward, something happened so quickly, so suddenly, I barely registered it. It was really dark, barely any light illuminating our way so I couldn't comprehend who came at us from behind. A figure moved from the shadows, gripping me around the waist and covering my mouth, trying to pull me away. Panic shot through me as I thrashed, as Cole tried to come to my rescue and tear the attacker away from me.

The struggle had me stumbling backward, the world spinning before I felt a sharp pain as my head hit the ground. Stars danced across my vision, and everything went dark for a moment.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" I heard Cole's outraged voice, tinged with fear, as I struggled to clear the fog clouding my vision. Blinking rapidly, I sat up, catching sight of Cole rushing the man who'd grabbed me. Cole swung at him, landing a punch, but the guy was bigger, and much stronger.

"Cole, watch out!" I gasped as he swung a gun at Cole, hitting him across the head with its grip.

I was about to rush forward only to be pulled back by Leo. He pushed me behind him as he charged forward, grabbing the attacker from behind and tearing him away from Cole. Leo's movements were fluid as he grappled with the guy, landing one punch after another.

The force of the earlier attack had pushed Cole to the ground. Leo was gaining the upper hand over the guy and I marched forward toward Cole, my knees hitting the floor as I landed by his side, my hand reaching for his face and checking his wound. He winced when I brushed his temple, where blood was seeping down from his fresh wound.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes flickering over my face, checking for any bruises after my head hit the pavement.

I nodded, gulping down, "You're bleeding, we need to take care of it," I mumbled lowly.

My eyes flickered, watching as Leo landed the last blow to the guy, knocking him unconscious to the ground.

Cole's gaze fell on the same scene, "What the hell," He mumbled lowly, trying to understand all of this and failing.

Leo patted the guy's pocket, pulling out what looked like an ID before he pulled out his own phone and dialed someone. He was at a close distance so I heard him as he said, "One of them tried to attack her, he is alive, what do you want me to do with him?"

Whoever he dialed was speaking back on the other side and Leo listened. His eyes flickered from the unconscious body to us and he walked closer. His eyes were mainly on me, "You're okay?" He checked, offering his hand for me to take. I rested my hand in his and he helped me get up.

I nodded my head, "Yeah." A bit shaken up, but I was physically okay, I guess.

Cole got up to his feet as well, wincing again as he rubbed at his head. Leo edged closer to him, his hand going to his face, moving it a bit to get a clearer look at his wound, "You'll survive," Leo said, making Cole flash him a confused annoyed look, "Thanks," he mumbled, his confused eyes falling back on me, utterly clueless at what was unfolding.

Just then, the screeching of tires not so far away pulled all of our attention. Two cars skidded to a stop nearby, doors flying open as more men stepped out. Leo's gaze turned steely. He was on the phone again, his voice tense and urgent, "I think more of them are here. I'm gonna need backup."

He finished his call, and his eyes went to us, "I am gonna need you two to get back inside that shop and lock the doors," he said, strictly, shaking his head as he looked at me, "Don't get out until he arrives, okay?"

My heart pounded as the gravity of the situation settled in, freezing me in place. "Valerie," Leo urged, snapping me back to reality. I nodded. "Okay...and you?"

"I'll keep them busy." He nodded sharply at Cole. "Get her inside, now!"

Before I could say a thing, Cole's hand wrapped around my wrist and he dragged me with him, jogging back toward the coffee shop. We stumbled inside and I immediately went to the counter, picked up the keys, and locked the door with shaky hands, my mind reeling as I drank into the feedback of all of this.

Oh god, will Leo be okay?

"Val, is that you?" I heard Aubrey's voice before she came out of the kitchen, her eyes searching around before they fell on me. They flickered to Cole and her eyes widened, "What happened?" She shot out in panic.

"Aubrey, lock the door in the back, please," I mumbled, almost breathlessly.

She read the urgent look in my eyes and instantly whirled around to get it done. I tried to even out my breath as I turned around, my eyes falling back on Cole. I almost gasped, now under the light, the fresh gash on his temple looked ten times worse, "Oh my god," I moved to his side and pulled out a chair, "Sit, sit," I urged him, practically pushing him onto it.

I reached out gently, my fingers hovering over the wound, my stomach twisting with guilt, "I'm so sorry, Cole."

He shook his head, taking my hand in his and pulling it away from his injury, "Valerie, it's not your fault."

"It is," I mumbled.

"What just happened out there, Valerie?" He asked, confused lines deepening on his forehead, "Who are those people?"

I shook my head, not sure of what to say. Just then, Aubrey came back, a first-aid kit in her hand. She rushed to our side and rested it on the table. She popped open the lid and pulled out a packet of antiseptic wipes, her fingers moving quickly but carefully as she tore it open.

Cole winced as she gently dabbed the antiseptic over the raw cut on his forehead, her touch gentle but firm, "Hold still," she murmured, using her free hand to steady his head. She tried her best to clean up his wound and she didn't for once ask who did this, because she already knew the answer.

It was me. My curse. Anyone that got closer to me, got hurt. I don't think I am ever going to be free of this. It feels like it will chase me till I breathe my last.

Cole grimaced again when Aubrey pressed a sterile gauze pad against his wound. His eyes flickered up to her and he pulled on a small smile, trying to act all casual, "Look at you, taking care of me and all," He said teasingly, his tone back to flirtatious, "Deep deep deep down, I know that you like me too," he added.

Aubrey's eyes narrowed, and in response, she pressed the gauze just a bit harder than necessary, drawing a sharp intake of breath from him. "Ow, damn it," he muttered, flinching.

She gave him a knowing look, "Stay silent, will you," She shot out as she resumed taking care of him.

"So, are you guys gonna tell me what just happened?" Cole asked, his eyes falling back on me, "And why did Aubrey's boyfriend..." He said with a roll of his eyes, "Save us?"

I shook my head, my heart feeling heavy, and whispered, "I'll explain later." The exhaustion was settling in, making it impossible to say more. I moved away from them, toward the glass doors, and stared out into the night. My hands reached for my phone, to call Max, to ground myself in his voice. But when I patted my pocket, a sinking feeling filled me—my phone was gone. I must have lost it in the chaos outside.

A surge of frustration rose, coiling in my chest, and I turned, heading for the restroom, needing a moment alone. From behind me, I heard Aubrey's quiet voice instructing Cole to give me space.

Once inside, I gripped the cold edge of the sink, looking up at my reflection, the face staring back almost unfamiliar—pale, shaken, eyes glassy with unspoken fear. My heart was still pounding, and for a second, I could feel the helplessness clawing its way up, threatening to choke me. Every time I fought back, every time, it always ended with people getting hurt. The same relentless cycle that I couldn't seem to escape.

Whenever I thought of the past—of David and all that he had done, I only felt pain, but now, at this moment, I felt rage, hot and consuming, an anger so deep it felt like it might burn me alive. The flames danced in my chest, my jaw tightening as I slammed my hand against the sink, a scream trapped inside my throat, one I wished I could let out for once.

After a few moments, I left the restroom and hovered at the back of the shop, deliberately staying out of sight. Cole and Aubrey sat in tense silence a few feet away. Aubrey's face was drawn with concern, while Cole's was with confusion, clearly wanting answers but holding back for my sake.

Time passed slowly, each minute stretching into an eternity as my heart continued its restless pounding. Half an hour, maybe more, slipped by in silence until a sudden, sharp urgent knock echoed against the door.

I was up on my feet in a second. Aubrey's cautious eyes fell on there, her expression a mixture of relief and worry, before she quickly got up to answer. She unlocked the door cautiously, and as it swung open, I saw Max. His face and gaze filled with so much worry, his eyes frantically searching until they found mine.

Relief swept over me in an overwhelming rush, pulling me forward before I could think. I all but ran to him, my emotions spilling over, uncontainable. When I reached him, my arms wrapped around his neck, holding him close, pressing myself to his chest. His arms immediately encircled me, pulling me to him with a fierce, desperate strength. Against my cheek, I could feel his heartbeat—a frantic, urgent rhythm that spoke of the fear he'd barely managed to hold back.

I closed my eyes, letting out a shuddered breath, feeling the steady weight of him anchoring me.

He edged back just a little, only enough to look at me, his hands rising to cup my face, his green eyes dark and tortured as they roamed over every inch, searching, needing assurance, "Are you okay?" he whispered, his voice raw, almost pleading, as if he needed to hear it from my own lips.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, yeah, I am," I whispered.

With a shudder, he pulled me back against him, holding me so tightly I could feel his heart pounding into mine, as though he was trying to fuse us together, to make sure I would never slip through his fingers again. His hand moved to the back of my head, and he held me there, unwilling to let me go even an inch.

"I was so worried," He whispered into my shoulder, guilt filled his tone as he added, "I should've been here with you."

I pulled back, looked at him, and shook my head, "Nothing happened, I am okay," I assured him again.

That's when I noticed he hadn't come alone. Beside him stood a man whose presence seemed to fill the room, his piercing green eyes—a mirror of Max's, but deeper and more intense—fixed on me, scanning me from head to toe as if assessing for any hidden injury, "Are you alright?" he asked, his tone warm but laced with some type of...authority.

A strange nervousness crept over me, and I swallowed hard, not understanding why he made me feel so...uneasy. I nodded. "Where's Leo?" I asked, my gaze flicking toward the door, my mind still racing to piece together what had happened.

Nikolas gave a slight nod, "He's fine, with the rest of the guys outside." I let out a relieved breath, my tension easing as Max's arm slipped protectively around my side.

He guided me forward, his attention shifting to Cole, whose haphazard bandaging job drew an immediate frown from Max, "What the hell happened to you?" he asked, eyebrows furrowing as he examined the makeshift dressing.

Cole gave an exaggerated sigh, then grinned, his hand waving the concern away, "Just got wounded while defending your girl's honor," he quipped, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "It's no biggie, it's just a bruise—makes me look even more badass," He added with a wink.

But his gaze wandered back to the other man next to us,  a wary look in his eyes, almost like he knew who that man was but also didn't know how to act. Nikolas stepped closer to us, Max noticed that and cleared his throat, "Uh, this is Cole," He said, introducing him, "He is my friend—"

"I know," Nikolas said, interrupting him, which made Max glare at him with a knowing look.

"Best friend, by the way," Cole interjected quickly, raising his finger like it was an indisputable fact.

Max rolled his eyes, his expression saying, Really? while the man's face remained as impassive as stone, "I can take you to a hospital to get that wound checked out," he offered, his gaze steady on Cole's injury.

Cole shook his head, swallowing hard, "No, uh, that's... not necessary. Thanks." There was a faint wobble in his voice, and I could tell he was trying very hard not to be intimidated.

Nikolas turned to Aubrey, "I take it you own this place?" He asked.

She nodded, looking almost as unnerved as I felt. "Uh... yes, I do."

He looked around, scanning the room, "If any damage has occurred, I'll take care of it."

Aubrey shook her head, a bit stunned, "Oh no, nothing happened, thank you," She said, "The important thing is that everyone is okay."

He gave her a silent nod, then turned to us, "Alright, let's get going. I'll make sure everyone's dropped off safely."

I bit Aubrey goodbye as we left. Max's arm tightened securely around my back as we moved outside, his touch so firm and protective, that I melted into it. He bent down, brushing a soft kiss to my temple. I tilted my head up, smiling as our eyes met, "I'm so glad you're here," I whispered, the relief finally catching up with me.

My words finally gave me a small smile, "Is it crazy that I never want to leave your side again?" he murmured, his voice laced with guilt, as if blaming himself only for not being by my side during this.

I leaned my head against his chest as we headed for his car, his arm warm and steady around me. Cole trailed alongside us, leaning in conspiratorially, "So...that's him, isn't it?" he whispered with a hint of mischief.

"Him?" Max questioned.

Cole gestured with his head toward the man ahead of us, "You know, him. Your biological father."

Max nodded his head, silently.

Cole's eyes widened, giving Max a quick once-over. "Man, you're like his carbon copy," he said, squinting in amazement. I looked up at Max, noting his slightly stiff expression as he listened. Sensing the shift, Cole cleared his throat and scrambled for a quick save, "I mean, look on the bright side—you're set to still look ridiculously handsome at his age. Lucky bastard."

We reached Cole's car first, and he glanced between it and us, then crossed his arms. "So...is anyone going to fill me in on what actually went down tonight?"

"Tomorrow?" I suggested, knowing that none of us had the energy for explanations right now.

"You don't need to tell him anything," Max interjected and Cole's eyes widened, "Hey!"

I smiled faintly, "He got punched for me, I owe him an explanation," I said and Cole's lips spread into a grin, "I like you," he said, pointing a finger at me.

Max muttered something under his breath, shooting Cole a warning glance. Cole waved us off with an exaggerated bye-bye before climbing into his car, with a biker from Nikolas's men following closely behind to make sure he got home safely.

As we reached Max's car, I barely had a chance to speak when Nikolas stepped forward, holding something out to me, "I believe this is yours," he said, handing me my phone.

"Oh, yeah, thanks," I murmured, glancing down at the cracked screen. Great. I tucked it away in my pocket, trying not to think about how shattered it looked.

Nikolas turned to Max, his face all business. "You're taking her home?"

Max nodded, his tone as cold as it can get, "Yeah, I'll stay with her tonight."

Nikolas nodded, "Okay, I appointed two other guys to stay around and keep an eye on things," He said, "It'll give Loe some time to rest," He added, and that's when my eyes spotted Leo at a distance, his face bruised, but he stood tall and strong, totally unaffected, looking every bit as solid as he had hours earlier.

His eyes found mine as I stared at him. I smiled guiltily and waved my hand at him. He gave me a respectful nod and I could swear his lips formed a very little tiny thing I could associate with a shadow of a smile.

Lost in that moment, I hadn't noticed Nikolas turning to leave. Without thinking, I slipped out of Max's hold and took a step forward, "Uh, Ni—I mean sir, thank you," I shot out, stopping him, not knowing how to address him.

He paused and turned around, his eyes falling on me as I added, "For everything you're doing for me, thanks," I felt my cheeks heat up, not sure what to expect from him as a reaction, he is a very hard man to read, "I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you."

He shook his head, "Don't you worry about that," He said, his tone softening a bit, "Your safety is as important to me as it is to Max," He said, his eyes briefly flickering to him before they found me again, "I just want you to know that it'll be over soon," he added, "Give me a bit of time and he won't be bothering you again."

His words settled over me like a weight I hadn't realized I'd been carrying, and for a second, I actually believed him. Yet that familiar fear still sat heavy in my chest, a quiet shadow that refused to budge. I managed a small smile. "Thank you," I whispered again.

And then it happened—his lips curled ever so slightly. It was the faintest smile, barely there, but it softened the hard lines of his face, making him look just a little more...human, approachable, and normal. God, I really had no clue what to feel about this man.

When he finally turned and walked away, I drifted back to Max's side, who didn't look so happy that I interacted with the man.

I reached for his hand, threading my fingers through his, hoping it might ease the tense lines etched across his forehead.

"So," I said softly, injecting a hint of playfulness despite the weight in my chest, "we decide to take a step forward in our relationship, and the whole world comes crashing down."

Max's grip tightened over mine, drawing me closer. His eyes softened, "I don't know if you noticed but I was kind of avoiding you today," He said, making my brows pull together at his direct words, "I was...dreading tonight, scared maybe," He spoke honestly, his eyes flickering all over my face as though searching for forgiveness there.

"I was wishing for anything to befall me so I would have an excuse not to come and now I feel like a total dick because I could've been here with you when this happened," He added, his voice full of guilt and self-blame.

His words tightened my chest so hard, and if his grip on my hand wasn't so tight, I would've let go of it, "Having sex with me is that horrible, huh," I mumbled lowly.

Instantly, regret flashed in his eyes as he edged even closer, his other hand reaching up to cradle my face, "No, Valerie," he murmured, his voice raw, "I promised you that I would always be honest with you about everything, and I am now," He said, "The truth is I am scared, god, I'm terrified."

His thumb traced over my cheek with a gentleness that made my heart ache, his voice tight with so many conflicting feelings.

"I am scared because I don't know how to do this," He added, openly talking about something so deep and raw, "Because I don't know...which one of my touches you like," His eyes were on his hand on my face, on his fingers as they gently brushed over my skin, slightly trembling in the process, "And which you don't," He added, "I am scared because what if I hurt you," He shook his head, "I would never be able to live with myself, god, it'd destroy me if I hurt you in any way."

Tears gathered at the edges of my eyes, they were mirrored in his own gaze, the redness stark against the white, and I felt his forehead drop gently to rest against mine. I closed my eyes, clinging to the sliver of control left in me, into the feelings this boy stirred in me.

"I love you so much, Valerie," he said.

His breath trembled as he spoke, "So much that it tears me apart to see you hurt."

The confession fractured something in my chest yet again, and I felt my tears slip free as his hand cradled my face like he was afraid I'd vanish. His voice filled with a raw, unbreakable determination that seemed to thrum between us, "And I promise you, I am going to kill him, even if it's the last thing I ever do."

A chill ran through me at his last words, my eyes flying open and I brought my hand to his face, "Don't say that," I whispered, shaking my head as my thumbs swept over the angles of his jaw, "Don't ever say that," I added, the panic clamoring in my chest, "You promised me that you'll be careful, that you won't take chances just because of me," I pointed out because that look in his eyes, it was untamed, it was reckless, a sheer, reckless fire that would get him hurt.

"If hurting him would hurt you in any way, then I don't want it," I said out, strictly.

His hands covered mine, anchoring them against his face as if he were holding on to his last sliver of control, "And I can't live in a world where he's free, breathing, going on with his life, after everything he put you through," he countered, his voice low and wounded. That animal edge in his gaze was slipping loose, and I knew I was losing him to his anger.

"Max—"

He shook his head, "We'll talk about that later," He said, trying to dismiss the topic.

His gaze softened, a hint of regret flickering there, "Right now, I need to apologize...for today. For avoiding you, for not telling you how I felt," He brought my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss there, soft and slow, like he was making a silent vow, "I'm so sorry, Valerie."

I shook my head, my voice a whisper, "You don't have to apologize for that," But there was a sliver of hurt lodged in my heart, and though I tried to hide it, he caught it in my gaze. God, I just wished I was like any other normal girl. I really do.

His jaw clenched, and I saw him silently scolding himself, "I can stay with you tonight, right?" he asked, searching my face, as if that was the only thing he needed in the world right now.

I nodded my head, "Yeah."

His eyes softened further, guilt turning into something tender and vulnerable, "You haven't forgiven me, though... have you?"

My lips twitched into a smile, "Would a kiss convince me that I did?" I suggested, trying to ease his worry.

He nodded his head, eagerly, "Very much so."

I chuckled lowly and tiptoed, giving his lips a soft quick kiss, feeling our tension melt ever so slightly. When I pulled back, exhaustion finally settled over me, heavy and all-consuming, "Let's go to my house, I want to sleep and forget that today ever happened," I mumbled with a tired voice.

Wrapping his arms around me, he nodded, pressing a comforting kiss to the top of my head as he said, "Let's go."

By the time we reached my place, a brutal, pounding ache had taken over my head. Every beat felt like a hammer, rhythmic and relentless, crashing inside my skull. I blamed it on the stress, the exhaustion, and the storm of thoughts that hadn't stopped swirling in my mind.

Letting Max into my room, I mumbled something about needing a moment and slipped away to the bathroom in an attempt to gather myself. The instant I shut the door, the headache sharpened, twisting into a kind of pain I'd never felt before—so raw and consuming that I felt like throwing up.

My hands fumbled for the sink, gripping it as I fought to stay upright. But everything felt off-kilter. My vision blurred and doubled, the walls seeming to tilt and sway. I blinked, desperate to steady myself, but the fog wouldn't clear.

I raised my gaze to the mirror, hoping to gather myself, to shake off whatever this was. Yet as I stared, my own face wavered, almost unrecognizable in the haze, flushed with heat that burned beneath my fingertips as I touched my cheek.

God, it felt like my mind was folding in on itself.

I brought a hand to the back of my head, where the dull throb suddenly flared with sharpness. My trembling fingers brushed against something wet and warm, and as I pulled them back, my breath caught in my throat.

Blood. Dark, vivid streaks stained my fingertips, standing out.

Panic began to creep in, recalling how hard I hit my head when I fell down. The ache intensified, all-consuming, and with each pulse, the world dimmed a little more. My limbs felt so heavy, so numb, like they weren't mine at all, and I knew I was slipping away, falling out of reach.

A faint, desperate whisper formed on my lips as I forced myself to call for him, "Ma-Max..." But it came out thin, so weak, swallowed up by the overwhelming fog, barely loud enough to pierce through the pain.

And then, as my knees buckled and my body gave in, the floor rushed up to meet me. There was a final, hollow sound as my head hit the tile, and the world dissolved into a silent, endless black.

•──────•°•❀•°•──────•

Hey!

I know it doesn't look like it, but this book will end soon. A couple of chapters left only ;)

If there is any specific thing that you'd like to see before the book ends, drop it so I try and include it.

Also, for anyone who was waiting for a sex scene, I am sorry to disappoint xD

See ya soon ;)