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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN—
"home sweet home"

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WAKING UP NEXT TO VALEN'S BODY curled around mine had sent a cacophony of butterflies swirling in the pit of my stomach simultaneously intensifying the heat crawling up my cheeks. The feeling of having his arms protectively wrapped around my waist and his chest pressed against my back had sent my entire body on fire.

Tugging the duvet away from my body, I glanced towards the bathroom where he had entered few minutes ago, faint sound of the shower running in the background. I leaned back against the headboard as my eyes remained glued to the bathroom door, hopelessly picturing how his body would glisten under the morning rays filtering through his bathroom window as he washed himself clean; from his damp hair to the trail of water rolling down his built chest and down to his—

My wild imaginations were abruptly shut out by the sound of the bathroom door opening just before my thoughts could run to a very dangerous zone—the past Carla would cringe if she found out her future self would be thinking of a guy like this.

I jerked back slightly and back into reality as I watched Valen step out of the bathroom; grey sweatpants hanging low on his hips; just low enough for me to drool over the sharp contours of his v–line.

"Good morning sunshine," He smiled while he walked towards the bed, drinking from the water bottle on the bedside table.

"Morning," I replied softly, gawking as his fingers combed through his dark hair and catching the water droplets rolling down the side of his neck and making a stop at his bare broad chest.

He sat besides me on the bed, again pushing his dark hair out of his eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

I picked up the pillow closest to me, pulling it against my chest and resting my chin on it, eyes analysing his features. "Why wouldn't I? We cuddled all night."

Valen chuckled before letting the corner of his lips pull up in a smirk. His left hand inched closer to my face, tucking a wavy strand of my hair behind my ear. I shuddered as his palm gently made contact with my cheekbone, his touch lingering on my skin; the same teasing smirk plastered on his face. "If you want we can cuddle every night."

I locked eyes with him before releasing my bottom lip from my teeth to muster up a reply, "I'll consider." I giggled awkwardly. "Right now, we have to get ready, it's Thanksgiving break."

I barely had time to lift myself up from the bed before his hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me down until I was straddling his lap. A gasp erupted from my parted lips at the sudden action whilst a faint smile appeared on his face as he took in my widened eyes. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Basking in his opulent scent, I inhaled sharply. "Because, I haven't packed my stuffs yet and I have to get home early, dummy."

He shook his head, a deep, mirth chuckle sounding at the back of his throat. "Alright, get ready, I'll drive you back to your dorm."

Nodding, I pulled myself away from him before going to grab a pair of sweatpants from his closet. I slipped into the bathroom, relieving my bladder and washing my hands before reaching for his spare toothbrush—now mine—and the toothpaste. I brushed my teeth and leaned over to splash water on my face before lifting head to stare at the mirror in front of me.

I stood straight, both hands gripping the counter as I stared at my reflection, resisting the urge to cringe at the sight before me; my eyes were surrounded by dark circles, the usually bright blue colour terrifyingly dim. Valen's shirt was way too big, slipping down one of my shoulders, exposing the sharp contours of my collarbones, painfully reminding me that I'd been depriving myself of good nutritious food.

Sleep was all-consuming. I was constantly in a dull state of nerves; insusceptible to feelings and I often sought relieve in Valen's presence; the comfort his arms provided shielded me from the world and the darkness of my own mind.

Life felt pulseless, yet present enough to allow suffocating pain and horror. And even at the moment pictures of Evan in the cafe snapped into my mind and the thoughts just didn't seem to stop, shards of anger slashing through my consciousness until the grip on the counter tightened. I could hear the muffled sound of the world around me, but it was dull; so dull like nothing existed at all. However, with a huff of breath, it evaporated, leaving me in a state of pain and despair.

The light sound of the tap dripping was enough to pull me out of my head and back to reality, realizing that I hadn't fully turned the tap off. Letting out a sigh, I stripped, neatly folding the clothes and placing them on the counter before stepping into the shower.

I showered, washing myself clean and dressing myself up in the sweatpants. A hairbrush sat in a drawer below the sink and I took it, running it through the tangles of my hair. I emerged from the bathroom after braiding my hair into a single plait down my back to find the bedroom empty.

It didn't take too long for me to grab my crossbody bag and shoes, heading straight downstairs to spot Valen standing in the kitchen and in front of the cooker, the smell of pancakes wafting in the air. His bare back was to me, his joggers fixed expertly low on his hips, my eyes roaming at the expanse of his broad shoulders.

"Valen?" I called out to him softly, watching as he turned around to settle his gaze on me. "Hey," I breathed out, staring up at him as I admired the flecks of gold in his pupils, blending beautifully with azure shade of blue.

He smiled. "Hi."

"So, I've got to go get packing," I said, adjusting the strap of my bag across my chest.

Valen analyzed my features, his eyebrows furrowing. "Won't you at least eat something? It's almost done."

I bit my lip, resisting the urge to look away from the concern pooling in his irises. I didn't want to tell him that I wasn't hungry or that I didn't want to eat at all, not with all those emotions that swirled inside of me at the moment. "Don't worry, I'm sure I'd have something to eat later."

Valen stepped away from the cooker and advanced closer until we were a hair's-breadth away, hands wrapping around my shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am." I managed to muster up a smile, wrapping my arms around his torso and resting my head against his chest. "I'm fine, Valen."

Valen's hand found it's way into my hair, running through the length as his other arm wrapped around me. "I'll drop you off then."

"Aww, can't let me go?" I managed to tease, pulling away slightly to stare at him. "Don't stress your pretty head, you've got a lot of packing to do too."

He chuckled, pulling away to cup my face with his palm. "You sure?"

"Yes, I'll be fine," I nodded, wrapping my fingers around his wrists, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "But, Bella and I would be needing rides home so, we'll come over."

"Alright," he kissed my forehead. "Sounds good. So I'll see you later?"

I grinned. "Of course."

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I TUCKED A CHUNK OF MY DARK HAIR behind my ear, fingers threading through the soft strands as I placed the last needed item into my suitcase before closing it. The familiarity of my dorm room was one aspect I was going to miss, however, nothing could beat the excitement of going home.

As I reviewed my reflection in the mirror for the second time, I slipped on my favorite pair of sneakers while smoothening the fabric of my blouse that slightly tucked into my trousers. I stared at the two big suitcases that were situated next to Bella's bed, and then shook my head because—damn, did she really need all those for four days?

"Oh shit! I'm gonna get us late," she huffed. She had a curling iron in her right hand, a long black strand twisted around the hot metal rod.

I turned to her fully with my hands on my hips. "Do you really have to go through all this stress?"

"I wanted to try something new." She pouted slightly and I couldn't help but shake my head. Carabella was beautiful—both the art and the artist herself and she made the space around her beautiful as well. Even though she wore the simplest of clothings, her radiant nature would as hell capture everyone's attention.

Bella walked quietly towards me, in her hands my phone which she dropped in my palm, a sunken expression on her face. I nudged her and then; "What's wrong?"

"I'm going to miss you so much." She pouted and then pulled me into a warm hug. "Really."

It lasted for less than twenty seconds before I pulled away, and looking up, I spoke, "It's only a few days."

She proceeded to shake her head, making her new curls fly into her face. "Few days without you."

"Don't worry, you'll cope without me." I grinned.

"I refuse to stay through a four-day quarrelsome from those little boys," she groaned comically, throwing her hands in the hair before placing them back on her hips. A heavy sigh escaped from her parted lips before meeting my gaze once more.

I fought to hold back a laugh as I stared at her, imagining myself being in a house with two troublesome twin brothers. And even though I knew how her thanksgiving could go down, I mused, a blank expression on my face. "It can't be that bad."

"Well, I just hope it won't." she whipped a brand-new phone out of her back pocket, the glittery phone case instantly catching my attention. She had gotten rid of the one she previously had, after it's encounter with toilet water. I remember hearing her scream only to discover it had fallen into the toilet from where she'd kept it on the top, leading her to dump the phone into the trash.

Bella looked away from her phone, having just read the message she received. "The guys are here."

She didn't give me a chance to respond as she hurried into the closet, the noise of hangers clicking and drawers closing audible from where I stood. By the time I had grabbed my bag and positioned myself by the door, Bella came out with a belt wrapping around her jeans.

"I love this belt," she grinned upon noticing the look I gave her.

Giving the hanging clock one last glance, we left our dorm after locking it and made our way into the elevator. I immediately was aware of the faint male voices and when we stepped out of the elevator, the two boys graced our presence.

And of course, my eyes just had to fall on him. He slipped his phone into the back pocket of his pale blue jeans, and I took the opportunity to ogle his imposing figure, only resulting in me subconsciously biting my lip. He wore a grey champion hoodie, and a gold chain hid under the material, nevertheless, they caught my eyes.

Was it possible for guy to look so hot? I found myself asking, but fleetingly broke out of it. When I had stopped ogling, Valen had caught me, and there was a cheeky grin on his face. It was bold, comical and enthralling; reckless and trapping. His hair was the incessant ordeal of messy and I could never truly stop admiring his beauty.

"Hey." I strode up to them, enjoying the feeling the atmosphere gave because the day was more of a calm, serene and dwindling light.

Bella had walked into Walter's arms, the latter having his arm wrapped around her waist. There were, not to mention, few people walking around the campus—chatter and laughter filling the air, making my lips twitch up when I focused on the boys. "Thanks for offering to drop us."

"It's not a problem," Walter grinned. "We wouldn't want you ladies to have any troubles on your way."

"I thought we agreed on meeting at your place?" I questioned them, eyebrows furrowing, and when I turned to Valen, he smirked at my confused state.

He simply shrugged. His eyes looked lighter, almost baby blue in the sunlight. "We're saving your pretty legs, you should be really, really grateful."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks."

"Well ladies, we don't wanna be late so let's hit the road."

"Yeah," Bella responded before turning to me. "Don't forget to keep your volume high or close your windows at night or—"

I cut her off. "Relax Bella, I'm not a child. I'll be fine."

She sighed before pulling me into another hug. "Just take care."

"You too." I pulled away and watched her follow Walter to his car before turning to Valen.

"Shall we?" He ran a hand through his hair, mouth turning upwards in a goofy grin.

I shook my head with a light laugh and walked forward to his car, but he beat me to opening the door. I hadn't even noticed when Valen had entered the driver's seat and started talking, and when I looked over, his eyebrows rose in amusement.

"Sorry?"

He chuckled lightly. "I asked for your address, frosty."

I quirked an eyebrow, molars nipping on my inner cheek. "Hm, Is that safe?"

He chuckled, utterly amused. "Maybe, maybe not."

"You're an ass."

"That isn't a nice thing to say to someone offering to drop you home, is it?"

I shot him a glare which he ignored, and grabbed a bottle of water before giving him the directions.

Seconds passed by as Valen placed his phone on the dashboard phone holder which I didn't realise had been there before connecting his Spotify playlist, soft tunes filling the expanse of the car.

"Did you eat anything?" I heard him ask.

I turned to Valen, slowly shaking my head, almost forgetting for a moment that he couldn't sense the movement as his eyes were still fully on the road. "Not really."

Without hesitation, I watched his arm descend to pull out a brown bag from the compartment between us before handing it to me. And when I unrolled the top of the bag, I was welcomed with cinnamon rolls, mouth watering at the delicious sight. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

My fork dug into the cinnamon bun, cutting just enough to have my mouth watering. "When did the guys leave?" I asked, popping a bite into my mouth. The breakfast was quite satisfying—a big cinnamon roll and a large cup of iced coffee which he had earlier handed to me.

Valen looked out the car window, before focusing on the road again. "Jaxon left very early this morning since he had to travel further and it wasn't too long Austin left," he stated. "What about Jess?"

"Left early too," I grinned. "She's the punctual one."

Silence ensued and it was anything but awkward; it was comfortable to say the least, until a slight ding caught my attention, my eyes finding their way to Valen's phone that was placed on the dashboard phone holder and catching the message that popped up.

Kira:-
Can't wait to see you little brother, I hope you're bringing home a girlfriend too ;)

My eyes widened as I read the message before focusing on Valen who's cheeks were already tainted crimson as his eyes skimmed through the text, most probably more embarrassed that I'd seen the message. "What's that about?" I asked, stifling a laugh.

He let out a long sigh, his right hand shooting up to run his palm along his face before placing them back on the steering. "It's just how things are at home. My mom, my grandma and my older sister just wouldn't stop bugging me about getting a girlfriend, I mean, I can't remember the last time I dated, probably during my early high school days or so."

I hummed, taking another bite of the baked snack. "That's probably hard to imagine since you're probably one of the hottest guys in college."

His head whipped in my direction, eyes dropping on me like thunder and lightening. "What do you mean, probably one of. .?"

I grinned comically, patting his arm playfully. "Definitely in the top ten, anyway."

He rose an eyebrow. "So, you're one of those girls who make official Top 10 lists?" He smirked, eyes falling on me for a second. Fuck. "Just so you know, the number of girls screaming I love you Valen is more than—"

"Oh good lord!," I groaned, cutting him off abruptly because goddamnit. "I wonder how I can shrink your ego."

"You can't," he smirked confidently. We'll see about that.

"So what else? Your fan girls also go about introducing themselves as your future girlfriends?" I rolled my eyes, curiosity reaching it's peak.

"You can't blame them can you?" It was at that time that his tone began overflowing with cockiness.

"Cool it, asshole," I slapped his arm harshly, hoping it'd teach him a lesson.

"Damnit," he hissed. "Why must you be violent, woman?"

I winked. "I like it."

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THE RIDE HOME WAS LONG and fairly exhausting, and by the time my eyes snapped open after a nap, my home was right in front of my eyes. I waited patiently on my seat whilst Valen pulled over and then turned off the engine.

I rubbed my eyes, all before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Thanks for dropping me home."

He averted his gaze from the window to me, a wave of tiredness washing over his visage. "Don't worry about it." And it was only when I had gotten out of the car that he called out, "Enjoy your thanksgiving."

I smiled. "You too."

And then, he was speeding out of my lane.

I grabbed my suitcases and it was only when I had reached the front porch that I noticed Allison's presence. She stood by the door—hands crossed and lips twitched up. It made me question a lot of things but the most important of them all remained; why in hell was she staring at me like that? I had no clue.

My sweet smile and hand wave did nothing to wipe the teasing smirk on her face. "Who was that guy?"

Her tone was teasing.

Clearly, I had failed to acknowledge her presence when Valen dropped me off and the fact that I'd told her I would come home myself would as hell give her the wrong idea. "A friend."

I hadn't intended on calling him a friend because with the recent events, he sure as hell was more than just a friend. And because I have my response without missing a beat, her eyebrows arched upwards in amusement.

"Friend?" her tone was obviously drenched in doubt, and I rose an eyebrow. "Yes."

She clicked her tongue whilst stepping away from the door, and I didn't miss the way she had eyed me suspiciously. "Come on, foxy, that guy is way too hot to be just a friend."

"Ally!"

"Jeez, I'm just kidding," she chuckled, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "I've missed you so much."

I held onto her tightly, all before pulling away before the hug could last more than five seconds. "I've missed you too, pigface. Where's Mom and Uncle?"

"They're both inside."

"Carla! I knew I heard your voice," my mom hollered immediately she stepped out of the house with my uncle.

With eyes only slightly exhausted, her lips twitched into a hearty smile, and I couldn't resist falling into her arms when she extended them. "I've missed you, mom."

Uncle coughed, voice sounding offended. "Don't I get a hug too?"

I laughed, before embracing him in a tight hug. "I missed you too, uncle." I really had missed him a lot, with, and all of his diligence. He was the most hardworking man I knew of, in the work he partook.

When we finally entered the house, after our display for the neighbors, I started to feel the warmth of being home. I recalled how my room wasn't too tidy before I left for college and if anyone should pay attention to that, it would be Mom.

My mom placed a tender kiss on my forehead as we got into the living room. "Alright, Carla, clean up so we can have lunch."

I nodded in agreement, following Ally to my room since she had insisted on carrying my suitcase—and when my feet found the familiar carpeted floor, I wasn't at all surprised to see my room still organized.

"As you already know, aunt comes in here to clean," she lifted my suitcase and placed it down on my bed. "And, I come in here to steal those fiction books you don't read."

I chuckled, giving her a complementary eye roll before setting down the bag I carried.

"See you at lunch." She waved, making her way out of my room.

Soon, I stepped into the bathroom, showered and dressed in comfortable clothes. It didn't take too long for me to head straight to the dinning, the smell of grilled potatoes wafting in the air as Mom took out the plates and served us with grilled sweet potatoes with lemon-herb sauce.

"How has college been?" My uncle asked once we began eating, clatter of forks on the ceramic plates echoing around the expanse of the room. 

"It's been nice," I said, mouth covered by my fist as I chewed slowly, "Although, it's a bit hectic."

"Do you mind telling us about your new friends?" Mom asked between bites of her potatoes.

"Of course not. Well, there's my roommate, Bella, the one I had told you about, Jess, she's African American."

"I've always known African Americans to be really beautiful."

"She isn't an exception," I grinned.

"Any boys?" Ally chipped in through a mouthful of food, smugness written on her face with a yellow highlighter.

I glared at her, trying not to make eye contact with my mom, afraid of her reaction, "Yes, they're part of my friend group, there's Walter, Austin, Jaxon and Valen—he's a boxer."

My uncle's attention got robbed off at the mere mention of Valen. "Boxer, huh, what's his full name?"

"Valen Monroe."

"He attends your college?!" My uncle's head whipped in my direction, eyes wide and tone disbelieving.

"Yes. . .is anything wrong?"

"Don't mind Dad," Ally chuckled. "He hasn't stopped talking about Valen Monroe the 'undefeated champion' ever since he heard about him."

"Oh, if you were a fan, I would've asked him to wait," I said casually, perching my chin on my palms as I slowly dug my fork into the potato, popping a bite into my mouth.

"What!?"

"What are you talking about?"

Two sudden outbursts resounded around the dining room causing my eyes to widen as I sat up straight in my seat. My mother's tone was the sharpest, penetrating into my ear drums as I stared down at the table.

"Um," I cleared my throat, placing my fork on my plate, "Valen dropped me off."

"A guy dropped you off?" My mom questioned and she sure as hell wasn't pleased with me.

I winced at the question, fingers anxiously fiddling with the hem of my shirt as I forced myself to look at her. My mom wasn't a good company if you got on her bad side: her eyes were sharp and she wasn't one you could hide from because she was good at reading people. "Yes, he's a good friend of mine and he offered to drop me off," I managed to formulate before picking up my fork to take another bite out of my food.

She hummed, her fork coming in contact with her plate. "So, just a friend or more?"

When her words got to me, I choked on my food, but quickly took three gulps of water to force the scratchiness out. I turned to my mom whose eyes scanned me, waiting for my response. "Just a friend, and he's trustworthy," I said, hoping she didn't notice how nervous I was or that my expression didn't give away that he was far from that.

She sighed. "I want to believe your words but, please be careful."

I knew what she meant; we both knew what happened and she didn't want me getting hurt again but I knew I wasn't going to get hurt and so with a smile, I nodded. "I will."

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:-

wow! I'm back! the fact that I've been writing this chapter since September and could not find it in me to complete it until today is just wow.

first of all, I apologise for the very, very delayed update, but I can't promise no further delay—school's really stressing me out. secondly, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU for giving this book a chance. 66K reads?! it's made by day, really.

thank u guys so much for your patience and for staying with me on this journey,

Stay golden
— Jessie ❤️