Max's POV

Dad pulled back slightly, his hands found my face, his gaze frantic as it searched over my tears, as if every drop held answers he was desperate to understand, "What happened?" He asked, his voice barely holding steady, trying to understand my sudden collapse against him.

I shook my head, "I am sorry," I whispered again, the words cracked under the weight of all the pain I had been holding in, "For pushing you away, for hurting you. I just—I didn't know how to handle it. Any of it."

He listened to me, his hand shifting to the back of my neck, his fingers threading through my hair, anchoring me as if to ground me from slipping away again, "I am sorry for what I said, for all the hurtful words I've told you since all of this started," I mumbled, going back to the first day I learned about this truth, "I am so sorry, Dad," I whispered, "I just...I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore. Everything was okay, and then in a split second, my whole world turned upside down, and I doubted everything, even my own existence."

His grip tightened as if trying to pull me back from these dark moments, "I got scared, Dad, so scared that with the truth out, and with Nikolas back, that you'd...that you wouldn't want me anymore," I admitted my inner fears and insecurities, "I got so scared that I tried to push you away before you'd push me—"

He sucked into a stuttered breath and shook his head, the devastation in my words reflected all over his face, "God, Max, I...how would you think like that," He said, "Max, you're my kid, my son," he said it with such a belief, with such certainty that broke my heart and restored it all at once, "You're my little boy and I won't let anything, anyone, take you away from me," He added, using his hand over me to pull me back into his embrace.

His grip was fierce, desperate, like he was holding on to a lifeline. I clung to him just as tightly, letting my inner struggle dissolve.

He cradled the back of my head, "I know that it sucks, I know, believe me, I know how you felt, how you're still feeling," he said, his voice similar to a man who went to war and came back defeated, "I always knew that the truth was going to hurt you, which is why I did all I could, fought in every way I can to keep it away from you," Agony reflected in his voice and he edged back, his eyes gazing into mine, "I know that I failed you, son, that—"

I shook my head, "No, no, you didn't," I interrupted him, correcting his words. He never failed me. Not at all, "It's the exact opposite, Dad, I failed you, I didn't act like you raised me to act. I let my own doubts get in the way. None of this was on you."

He shook his head, "You didn't fail me, Max, if only you knew how proud of you I am," He added, his eyes flickering all over my face, his lips twitching just enough to calm my weak heart.

"You are?" I whispered.

He nodded, his smile growing a bit, "More than you can imagine," He said, "Now, come on, let's sit and talk," He added, ushering me to the living room, "I guess there is a lot we need to catch up on."

I nodded, ready to tell him everything from the very start. As we turned to head for the couch, I noticed Mom standing just a few feet away, watching us. Her eyes were misty, and she broke into an emotional smile before stepping forward, wrapping her arms around us both as best she could, "You two—promise you'll never fight like that again, okay?" she murmured, her voice tight with emotion.

Dad's arm tightened around my shoulders and he reached out to pull her close with his other arm, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "I don't like it when you two fight," she added, glancing between us, her lips pouting slightly.

Dad gave my shoulder an assuring squeeze, "I don't like it either," He said to her and me.

With a little huff, she nestled between us again, giving us both a warm squeeze, "I love you so much, you know that?" she whispered.

"That's just for me, right?" Dad asked, his tone playful.

Mom rolled her eyes, pulling back just enough to give him a light nudge, "Don't be jealous of your son," Then she leaned in to peck my cheek, giving me that look, one that said she understood everything without words, making my heart settle even further. A weight I hadn't even realized I was carrying slipped away at that moment, leaving me feeling lighter. Really, what would've I done without these two?

The thought hit me harder than I expected, realizing how Valerie no longer has this. With her father gone and her mother ever barely there, god, she was alone...

"Alright," Mom said, breaking my thoughts as she backed toward the kitchen. "I'll set the table for dinner. You two finish up talking and come help me," she added in a warning tone, probably knowing we'd try to avoid kitchen duty for as long as possible.

Dad and I settled onto the couch afterward. I took a breath and began telling him everything—about Valerie and David, how I went to Nikolas, how we pieced together the whole issue, what Nikolas had done so far to help, and, finally, the mess that led to our last fight.

"And because of that, we kind of had a little fight today," I added. Well, it wasn't little...she literally said let's break up. Her words hit me all over again, as if I hadn't been the one to hear them fall from her lips. God, how could she say that so easily?

Dad listened quietly, each nod absorbing the cracks in my voice. "I know you might not like this, but in a way...she's right," he said softly, and I exhaled hard, sinking back into the cushion.

"But Dad, how can I just sit and let him do this to her? it's driving me mad—" I could feel my voice climbing, desperation threading through each word.

"I know," Dad said, "Believe me, I do, and if I were in your shoes, I'd probably do the same thing, but it's a bit bigger than that to her, it's not just about the money," He added, explaining it to me, "She knows that he doesn't need the money, that he only did this to weaken her, to show her that she can't beat him, and pushing her to give up. She is aware of that, and by giving him that money every month, it's her only way to fight him back."

"You see, the whole situation is out of her control, so when she succeeds in paying him this debt, she feels a sense of control, that she can do this, that she can fight him back in this way, that he won't win in this part too."

He explained it slowly, making me feel the layers to it, the parts I'd missed in my own urgency to protect her.

In a way, his words made so much sense, that it made my heart ache more.

I shook my head, "Then, what the hell am I supposed to do?"

"You'll figure it out," Dad said, purposely pushing me to take this decision on my own.

I huffed and brought my hands up, covering my face, the frustration seeping way down to my bones.

He edged closer and gave my shoulder an assuring squeeze. I removed my hands from over my face and turned my head to him, "She has no one, Dad," I mumbled, the ache pressing on my chest getting heavier, "Her father is dead, and her mother is barely ever there, she is so alone and it kills me. She tries to do everything on her own, and I just want to help, it's the least I can do. I want her to know that she can depend on me."

Dad nodded his head, "I know," He said, "And she will, but with time, she only needs time, Max," He added, "You need to give her that and be patient."

My shoulders sagged, the exhaustion of it all pressing down as I let out a shaky breath. "She...she said she doesn't even feel like I'm her boyfriend anymore," I admitted, picking at the hem of my shirt, my voice barely above a whisper, "And she's right. I've been so consumed by him—by everything he's doing to her, in all the ways I'm trying to fight him off—that I don't even know the last time I just...was there for her. Not the way she needs me to."

She was so painfully right in that sense, that I barely even kiss her anymore.

I looked at him, my eyes bare for him to see my struggle, "It's like I try my best not to touch her anymore, scared that I would end up hurting her somehow or reminding her of what happened," My voice was little, it almost fainted under this affliction.

Dad's brows pulled closer, reading me way too well. He shook his head, "You can't think like that, Max." 

"Then how...how can I know?" I questioned because I was helpless.

Dad nodded his head, "You will know, believe me, you will," He said, "If she trusts you, then you'll know," He assured, "She knows that you're not him, Max, she knows or else she wouldn't be with you. But, you can't treat her like she is a glass that's gonna shatter," He said, same as her previous words, "Yeah sure, you need to be more careful, more aware and mindful, of course, but you can't let this be the main topic of your relationship."

"David or whatever that fucker's name is, he'll be dealt with," Dad said with fierce certainty, "Believe me, we've dealt with worse, he'll be taken care of at the right time." 

"But for now, for the meantime, you can't let him control this or your relationship, so go, take her out on a date, laugh and smile, and have fun, live this relationship, Max, you have to," He said, "Because if you don't, if you focus on him instead, then...you'll end up losing her."

His words settled on my heart, heavy and raw, but they gave me a sense of understanding I was truly missing.

I leaned back, pressing my head into the cushion and looking at him, a question forming that I hadn't dared ask before, "How were you able to handle it, Dad?"

My words had that look flash into his eyes, and for a fleeting second, that old bitter pain resurfaced, a pain he probably never fully recovered from. He shook his head, "That's the thing, Max, I didn't."

His jaw moved, tightening slightly, "It broke me, in a way I am not capable of explaining to you," He said, "It took a lot for your mother and I...to be where we are today," His lips twitched slightly and he brought his hand forward, smoothing the longer strands of my hair that kept falling on my forehead, "One of those reasons, and the actual one that really helped us, it was you."

"Me?"

He nodded, "Yeah, it's almost like you came at the right time, Max," He said, "After you, everything else started to feel less significant," He added, "The only thing that mattered is you, and your sister, and how we are going to make this family pull through," His smile was soft and warm, "And we did."

I nodded my head, a small smile forming over my lips, "You sure did."

He gave me a wink, "Come on, let's help your mother," He said, already getting up to his feet, "And after dinner, we can go see Nikolas, check out what he has been planning," he said, his tone turning playful, calming my heart even more, "I don't like it when he works alone. He tends to get extra creative."

•────•°•❀•°•────•

After dinner, Dad gave Nikolas a call, and they agreed we meet back at the bunker. I hopped into his car, and as he drove, we filled the time catching up on my studies, his latest work, and how Lilly was still driving him crazy as always.

Inside the bunker, Jeremy was gathering his things, looking like he was about to head out. He looked up, spotting Dad as we walked in, and raised a hand, "Hey, Alex."

"Hey, Jer," Dad greeted back, stepping further inside. "Heading out?"

Jeremy nodded, slinging his laptop bag over his shoulder with a sigh, "Yeah, I'd like to stay for this guy's night thing you got going on but the missus tends to get angry when I am late, she might just lock me out this time," Dad chuckled, clapping him sympathetically on the shoulder as he walked past. Jeremy shot me a quick wave and disappeared through the doors.

Dad strode further in, like he owned the place, and pushed open the door to Nikolas's office without knocking. Nikolas was inside, discussing something with that Ronald guy, though he paused when Dad strolled in, glancing from him to me, his gaze lingering on me for a beat longer, perhaps gauging my mood after the way I'd left earlier.

"I'd say get in but you've already got that covered," Nikolas said with a raised eyebrow as Dad settled comfortably on one of the chairs. Dad gave him a very unbothered look, "Shut up, didn't this place belong to our grandfather once upon a time, it's mine as much as it's yours," Dad responded back and Nikolas sighed, running a tired hand over his face.

"I already have a headache and I have a feeling you're going to make it worse," Nikolas said, backing from his seat and standing up, "So, I am gonna go get some painkillers and get back so we can start this," he added and Dad rolled his eyes, mutterings something like Drama queen under his breath.

When Nikolas left, my eyes flickered from his retreating back to Dad and Ronald already talking about something, "I'll go to the bathroom, I'll be back," I managed an excuse and left the room.

I walked around, my eyes drifting left and right in search of him. I reached the kitchen area, and my feet paused in their steps, my eyes falling on him as he drank down the water glass in one go before discarding it away. He rubbed at his temples again, clearly in discomfort. There was something off about him today.

I took one step closer, its sound echoed into the silent space, urging Nikolas to turn around, his gaze falling on me. My eyebrows pulled closer, "Are you okay?" I asked, "You're not really looking your best."

He let out a deep, weary sigh, nodding, "Just tired," He said, "A lot of things to deal with, and I haven't been sleeping well," He added, his tone reflecting his exhaustion, "Guess this is just one of the sign I'm getting old," He arched an eyebrow with a faint, self-mocking smile, and I couldn't help the way my lips twitched.

I took another step closer, pushing my hands into my pockets, "Seems like more than just that," I pointed out, my gaze searching his.

His eyes stayed focused on mine, trying to read the curious look in my gaze. He nodded, "Things have been hectic with—Nathan and his health lately," he said.

"Oh," I murmured, realization settling in, and I decided not to press further. I knew which Nathan he meant, and the topic of him wasn't going to let this conversation lead anywhere good.

Clearing my throat, I took another step forward. "Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about," I said, glancing around to make sure we had privacy, "In private."

His brows furrowed slightly as he nodded, gesturing for me to go on.

"First, I want to apologize for leaving like that, it just...hit me hard, and I had to get out," I said, explaining my previous departure.

He shook his head, "You don't have to apologize for that, Max," He said, "I get it and I am glad you and father sorted things out."

I nodded, my gaze drifting to the floor, swallowing hard against the tightness in my throat, "I know that...since you came back, I haven't exactly been the easiest person to be around," I said quietly, "I said and did things that probably hurt you, and, honestly, for a long time, I thought I'd hate you forever."

He tried to mask it, but I saw how my words hit him, the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly. "And part of me might always feel that way," I went on, keeping my voice steady, trying to be as honest and transparent as I could, "But I can't deny that you've helped me, more than once, that you stood by my side during this period and I am not going to lie and say I didn't like it, because I did."

My words deepened the lines on his forehead, the kind of words he hadn't expected to hear from me, "As messed up as all of this is, I still liked working on it next to you. I like the way you understood this thing in me that I don't understand. I like how you're helping me understand it, control it, and deal with it," I said.

"What I'm trying to say," I added, taking a steadying breath as I went to the main point, "is that I'd like to put the past aside, just for now. To start a new page, if possible," My words seemed to knock the air from him, and for once, he looked taken aback, his usual calm demeanor slipping.

"Maybe..." I ventured, "Maybe you could be the uncle I was curious about meeting when I first heard about you," I said, "And if you'd let me, I would want to be a part of Nathan's life," My eyebrows pulled closer, "Your son, I mean, not the other Nathan," I corrected immediately and his lips twitched slightly at my defensive tone.

"I want to be a part of Maria's life too, I want to get to know them better," I added, my throat felt so damn tight and sore as I finally allowed these words and thoughts out.

I pulled my hand out of my pocket and extended it forward to him, "So, can we declare peace?" I said, my tone a bit lighter now.

He looked down at my hand, just staring at it for a moment before lifting his gaze back to me. He brought his hand up, and I thought he would shake it with mine but his fingers wrapped over my wrist and with it, he pulled me closer to him before I could know it, he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me so tight, almost like he'd never have the chance to do it again.

I didn't fight his hold and he tightened his grip, his hand cradling the back of my head, "I love you so much, Max," He said, a desperation in his voice, "Maybe I haven't said it before, maybe you don't believe it, but I do, and I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

When he edged back, I felt the ache in my heart ease down another bit more. He clasped the side of my neck, a small smile played over his lips, "I can be the uncle you want, the one who hands you a gun and teaches you how to punch right," he said, a hint of playfulness in his voice, removing the little edge from earlier today.

I smiled and nodded, "Sounds like a cool uncle."

He shook his head, "That's more like Alex's department, not mine."

He took a breath, his tone softening as he said, "I'd love for you to be a part of their lives, Max. It's all I ever dreamed of," His voice carried a warmth that felt genuine, and that left no question in my mind.

I nodded, "Yeah, we're...family," I said, "I can't run away from that forever."

He gave a slight nod, relief settling into his posture. It was as if this little conversation had eased something for both of us.

"Come on, now let's go and plan how we'll kill David," he said and I nodded, trying not to reflect my excitement at that, now that's more like it, "Told you, cool uncle," I said, a playful hint in my voice.

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Valerie's POV

Max isn't picking up my calls.

I called him last night and this morning, but he never answered.

The memory of that look he gave me before walking away tightened like a fist around my heart. And, God, he had been in the wrong, but it was my words that had made me the guilty one. I shouldn't have said what I did. Not that long ago, he asked me to promise him, just one small reassurance that he wouldn't lose me, and instead, I threw the worst thing I could in his face.

Determined to make things right, I decided to drop by campus. My concussion had eased up, and I felt steady enough to be here. Plus, today we had the class he and I shared, which meant I'd have my chance.

I was seated early, my fingers twirling the pen anxiously as I kept my eyes fixed on the hall's entrance, willing him to walk through it. After what felt like ages, there he was, striding in with Cole beside him. My stomach twisted with a strange mix of nerves and relief—okay, maybe I was just hungry. Swallowing, I tried to plan what I would say, but seeing him made the words stick somewhere in my throat.

Cole caught my gaze and he nudged Max right away. Max's gaze flickered to me for half a second before he looked away, coolly walking to his seat as if I were nothing more than background noise.

"You're back," Cole said as he left Max's side and stopped beside my desk.

I nodded, my gaze still on Max as he settled down a few rows to my left, "Does that mean you're coming back to the shop too?" Cole's question pulled my focus back to him. I could see the look of total dissatisfaction already forming in his eyes.

I nodded my head and he sighed loudly, "Damn, I thought I had more time with Aubrey," He grumbled under his breath.

My eyebrow raised, "She literally begged me to come back so she'd get rid of you," I commented.

Cole's eyes narrowed, "She's just playing hard to get. She had a delight having me around," He answered, "So much of a delight that she got many more customers in because of me," His lips stretched into a silly proud smile, "Three of which I got the chance to sleep with but yeah who's counting."

I flashed him a very unbothered look before my gaze flickered back to Max, trying to will him to turn around and look back at me. "What's up with you two again?" Cole's question made me face him again, and I only shrugged in return.

"Did you break up again? Do I need to team up with your Barbie friend again? Because I'd rather not," Cole said with an exasperated sigh and I shook my head, "No, we just had a little fight," I mumbled lowly.

Cole gave me a lookover, eyes squinting, as if deciding whether to be angry at me like his friend was or not. I didn't give him much though, I was rather busy eyeing said friend totally ignoring me. He was sitting up ahead, the seat directly behind him empty. Making up my mind, I stood, grabbed my things, and headed up the row with Cole beside me. As we got closer, Cole slipped into the seat next to Max while I settled in right behind him.

It didn't take long for him to notice; he glanced back at me, his gaze catching my eyes. My lips spread into a small smile in return, but instead of a response, he turned his head up front, folding his arms across his chest, his attention seemingly glued to the professor as he started the lecture.

I tried to focus, really tried, but the thoughts swirling in my mind made it nearly impossible. They twisted and tangled, contradicting each other at every turn. Part of me was mad at myself for letting one guy rattle me this much. Too much for making a vow never to get near any guy after David. Too much for that.

Max made me break so many rules, all of my rules actually. To the point that I was really ready to take that next step and sleep with him, yet he totally dismissed me. Yeah, that one still stings.

I rested my cheek against my palm, my eyes trailing over the back of his head, noticing the way his soft hair caught the light, strands thick and smooth, making me want to reach out and run my fingers through them. My lips twitched slightly as I recalled a little memory from a while back. God, it feels like ages ago.

FLASHBACK

It was one of my very first weeks here, and I was sitting alone in class, fiddling with my pen, letting my eyes roam around. This place still didn't feel like mine, and I was fine keeping a low profile, staying on the sidelines, just passing through. I hadn't bothered to make any friends; my only real ally here was my boss at the coffee shop, who was kind enough to work around my erratic schedule.

I slouched in my seat, sighing in boredom, eyes drifting toward the hall's entrance when a loud group of guys walked in, their voices bouncing off the walls as they laughed and talked over each other. They looked like they'd known each other for ages, moving together with ease and familiarity.

My gaze fell on one of them, and for a reason, I couldn't immediately look away.

There was something about him, almost...magnetic, the kind of person who'd own every room he walked into without even trying. His smile was that perfect combination of playful and crooked, with just a glint of mischief in his eyes, as if he had an unspoken punchline in his back pocket. When he casually ran a hand through his hair, it left it artfully mussed, a little wild—and it only seemed to add to that ridiculous, boyish charm.

They took their seats in the empty row in front of me, close enough that I could still hear snippets of their conversation. He dropped into the chair directly ahead of me, and I found myself staring at the back of his head, noting the sharp line of his jaw as he leaned back to talk to one of his friends. That smile on his lips lingered, this time a little cocky, and I barely realized I'd been holding my breath, absorbed in his little bubble.

A blonde girl joined them then, slipping into the seat beside him, tossing him a very soft smile. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, leaning in close to murmur something that made her blush, her cheeks blooming with color. They looked...so cute together, a guy that charming would obviously have a girlfriend.

My little smile faded, and the scene pricked at a wound I'd almost forgotten. David had been just as charming, just as playful. He'd sit beside me in class, whispering sweet nothings in my ear, twirling my hair around his fingers, putting on a picture-perfect show. And then it had all shattered, the illusion crumbling in a single, unforgettable night.

I forced the memories back, keeping myself grounded in the moment before I sank down that pit again.

The blonde girl stepped away to take a call, leaving her bag in her seat. And that's when I caught it— I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I was so close to them so I heard. The guy leaned closer to Mr. Charming, "So, you banging that tonight?" he asked, nudging him with an all-too-knowing smirk.

Mr. Charming chuckled lowly and nodded, "Yeah, definitely," He said, a hint of something in his voice that had me shift uneasily in my seat, almost like he had found his prey for the night.

God, they're all the same, aren't they?

My grip tightened around my pen, my eyes narrowing as I glared at the back of his head. The Mr. Charming title dropped fast as they chatted on, discussing the girl like she was nothing more than a meal they'd scored.

When she returned, he switched back on like a light, draping his arm over her shoulders and tossing out the word 'babe' like he'd practiced it a hundred times. My grip tightened over the pen in my hand and I lifted it, ready to jam it in the back of his head. I'd say it happened by accident...

Just then, the professor started talking, his voice startled me and the pen fell from my grip. It bounced once and landed right in front, next to him.

His eyes fell on the pen that suddenly fell out of nowhere and he picked it up, turning his head enough to look at me. He extended the pen forward, "This is yours?" He checked. His eyes, so green and earthy fell on mine.

I felt my breath hitch for a second, maybe out of anger, or maybe because his eyes were so deep, so damn green—I wasn't sure. My jaw tightened and I tried to keep my cool. I reached for the pen and harshly took it from him, "Yeah," I grumbled.

My tone and negative attitude made his brows pull closer in confusion before he shook his head, dismissing the thought away, and turned to his blondie prey for the night.

God, I hate men.

End of Flashback

Back then, I was convinced he, like any other guy out there, was cut from the same cloth as David—that beneath that handsome face was just another guy with roots just as rotten. God, how I despised him. I'd shoot him a glare every time he walked into class, usually with a new girl on his arm. He really was something else back then. But somehow, against all my assumptions, he turned out to be someone entirely unexpected.

Underneath that playboy charm, there were hidden depths and layers—a maturity and quiet strength that surprised me. He was smarter, more responsible, and...just so much more.

I leaned forward, reaching out to twirl a strand of his hair between my fingers, letting the silky texture slip through. He stiffened, then turned to face me, eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "What are you doing?" he whispered, sounding half-annoyed, half-bemused.

I smiled, letting my fingers linger a second longer, "Something I wanted to do a year ago," I murmured.

His frown deepened, and he lifted his hand to gently swat mine away, "Stop messing with my hair," he said with a low sigh.

I chuckled, undeterred, and brought my hand back, fluffing his hair again. He sighed, clearly exasperated, and turned his attention back to the front, deciding against arguing with me now.

The professor soon announced a fifteen-minute break, and Cole stretched, groaning like he'd just woken from a deep sleep, rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn, "I'm grabbing something to drink. You two want anything?" His eyes flickered from Max to me.

I shook my head with a small appreciative smile. He left afterwards and I resumed playing with Max's hair, absentmindedly weaving my fingers through the soft strands. He huffed out a low breath and turned his head around to face me, making my hand involuntarily drop down.

"Hey," I said with an innocent smile.

His annoyed expression softened for a second as he took my face in, "Hey," He mumbled back, "Do you feel better?" He asked, checking why I dropped by the campus earlier than we agreed on.

I nodded my head, "Yeah," I said, "Why are you not talking to me?" I asked, confronting him headfirst.

His eyebrows pulled closer, "I am talking right now, aren't I?"

"You didn't answer my calls," I pointed out and he kept silent.

"Can we talk after class?" I suggested, hopeful.

He hesitated, studying me for a moment before he gave a slow nod, "Yeah," he said, "we can."

"Are you mad at me?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He took a slow breath, then shook his head, his silence saying more than words could.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Aren't you going to ask if I'm still mad at you?" I said.

He shot me an exasperated look, shaking his head. "I already know the answer to that."

I kept my eyes narrowed at him before my gaze flickered to the seat Cole was occupying next to him. Determined, I got up and moved up front. I took Cole's laptop and bag and dumped them in my previous spot before I settled down next to Max. He eyed me confusingly, his gaze flickered around the room, watching the other people who probably noticed us and then they fell back on me.

He edged his head closer, "What are you doing?"

I smiled, "I can sit next to my boyfriend in class, can't I?"

That only deepened his confusion, as if he hadn't quite caught up to where I was headed, "But—"

I shook my head, "There is no need to hide that we're dating," I said, meaning it, recalling the image of Stella creeping up next to him and caressing his biceps, damn, I'm angry again. "I was scared of David figuring it out somehow, and you know what, let him figure it out, I don't care," I said, trying to convince myself that as well, "If I keep letting him have this power over my life, I'll never really live it."

With that, I gathered all of my courage, heart racing in my chest as I inched closer, my hand going to his cheek as I pressed my lips to his, stealing a small little peck. The moment I pulled back, I could feel some lingering eyes on us, catching my bold move. But the biggest shock was in Max's eyes as he gazed at me with a mixture of something fierce, untamed, and before I could suck into my next breath, he closed the gap between us, his hand cupping the back of my neck as he closed the gap, his mouth meeting mine in a kiss that was undeniably, indisputably intense that I felt deep to my core.

It was quick but so deep and when he pulled back, my mind was spinning, my pulse a thunderous beat in my ears, "If we're giving them something to talk about," he murmured, his voice deep and smoky, "we might as well make it worth their while." His thumb traced over my lower lip, leaving a shiver in its wake, before he settled back with that maddeningly calm look, ever so composed.

I could feel the heat pooling in my cheeks and I hastily shrugged off my cardigan, trying not to look as flustered as I felt. Clearing my throat, I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, struggling to gather my scrambled thoughts. I bit down on my lip, struggling not to comment on how utterly satisfied he looked. The nerve.

"So, uh..." I cleared my throat again, but my voice came out squeaky, and his lips quirked up just slightly, clearly amused. The absolute ass.

"Yes?" he drawled, just waiting for me to embarrass myself some more.

I took a breath, steeling myself, "Back to the real topic," I managed, forcing my voice to sound steady, "I am sorry that I said that, I got angry and I was hurt and I just said it. I didn't mean it."

He nodded his head, "I know."

"But," I continued, crossing my arms, "that doesn't mean I'm letting go of what you did. I'm still upset that you went behind my back, and I'm not accepting that money, no matter what." I leaned forward, emphasizing each word, "So, like it or not, I'm going to pay you back."

"Okay."

"And if you...wait," My eyebrows pulled closer and I blinked twice, "Did you say okay?" I said, my eyes widening in happiness, "Oh my god, hold on," I opened my notebook and extended my pen, "I will need that in writing, stamped and notarized if possible," I added in exaggeration, scared he might change his mind.

His eyes narrowed in irritation, though a hint of a smile was hiding there too, "Don't push it," he grumbled, "It's better than you paying him," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening as he mumbled something like stubborn and whatnot.

I couldn't help but grin, a lightness filling my chest as relief washed over me, "Good, then it's a deal," I said ever so brightly.

He shot me a look that was half exasperation, half grudging acceptance, though his lips kept twitching into a scowl, "Whatever," he muttered, still visibly annoyed.

My eyes narrowed at him suspiciously, at how easily he was letting this go, "It feels like you have an ulterior motive behind this," I said, trying to understand him.

He gave me a shrug, his eyebrow raising, "I won't comment further on this topic, so let's close it before I get angry again," He said, being a baby.

I kept smiling and it didn't take him long to let go of that grumpy face, his eyes softening enough when he gazed at my smile. I scooted in closer, till my arm pressed against his. His gaze flicked to where we touched, and after a brief pause, he lifted his arm and settled it over my shoulder, pulling me in. The warmth of his hold had a way of melting some of the heaviness in my chest, and I leaned into him, sinking into the rare peace between us.

"Let me take you out tonight," Max said, out of nowhere, making me lift my eyes to look at his face, "Take me where?"

He shrugged, "You know, a date," He said, "We can have dinner and then go out, do something fun, you know the type of things people our ages do," he suggested and usually, I'd try to find a hundred different excuses, I'd search for all the possible bad outcomes that could come out of this but no, not anymore. After what happened that night, I realized that there is no escape, that there will always be bad things to happen, and I can't run away forever, I can't be scared all the time, and I can't keep letting him win.

A small smile touched my lips and I nodded, "Okay, sounds like a great idea," I said.

His shoulders seemed to ease as he smiled, "I'll pick you up at seven?" He asked and I nodded my head, "Alright, it's a date."

He leaned in, brushing a quick kiss against my cheek, but lingered just a second longer, his breath warm, "Let's not fight anymore," he murmured softly, like a quiet promise.

"Yeah," I replied, closing my eyes for a moment. "Let's not."

"Hey, that's my seat!" Cole's indignant voice snapped us out of our bubble, his face twisted like I'd just stolen a prized possession.

He shot a glare my way before turning to Max, "Would you please control your girlfriend?"

Max didn't even look up, "Ignore him," he muttered, entirely dismissive.

He moved behind and angrily sat where I dumped his belongings. I turned to him, "Sorry," I mumbled with guilty puppy eyes.

Cole narrowed his eyes at us, "I am so sick of being your third wheel," He said, "I am gonna search for new friends," he said.

"Or we can find you a girlfriend too?" I suggested.

He gave me an are-you-crazy look, "God, no," He said, shivering and grimacing, "I don't want to get infected too, I am happy like this."

"Infected?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

He nodded, "Yeah, with whatever romance virus has got you two all nauseatingly touchy-feely," He shuddered, mock gagging, "I'd rather eat stale cafeteria sushi for the rest of my life."

My eyebrow raised, amused at his melodrama, but he wasn't done, "Listen, I am thriving in my freedom. Zero drama, zero emotional roller coasters. Just me, myself, and a lifetime supply of peace and all the..." he waggled his eyebrows smugly, "benefits that come with that freedom."

"Sounds riveting," Max deadpanned.

"Oh, it is," Cole replied, leaning back with a satisfied smirk, "You lovebirds have no idea."

"You sure?" I said, "You and Tanya would look so cute together," I added, just to tease him some more.

The look he gave me could've frozen lava, "Never—ever—say my name and that Barbie's in the same sentence again." He clutched his chest in mock horror, like he'd been mortally wounded. "Me and Aubrey, though...that's a different story. We'd look so cute together. Absolute power couple vibes."

I sighed and resisted the urge to throw my arms in the air, "She is much older than you!"

He just shrugged, unbothered, "Love doesn't check IDs."

"Delusional," I grumbled out.

"Also, also, Aubrey isn't older—please, Valerie, she's vintage...like fine wine, you know? Only improves with age," He raised his eyebrows, looking pleased with his comparison, "Meanwhile Max, you're over here sipping on grape juice."

"Did he just call me grape juice?" I asked with a gasp as I looked at Max, who looked like he had enough.

"I told you to ignore him, he doesn't have a turn-off switch," Max grumbled, turning to shoot a glare at Cole, "Keep dreaming, Romeo."

"I will," He answered, never planning to shut up anymore, "Besides, I need someone who can balance out all this handsome youthful chaos," he added, pointing at himself and I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't be thankful when the professor came back and resumed his lecture. God, I can't wait to tell Aubrey that Cole called her vintage.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Hey!

Hope you liked the chapter!

Who should we ship Cole with; Tanya or Aubrey xD

See ya soon :)