Novels by NyX

Ashley's POV “What was that about?”That was the first thing he asked the moment we stepped out of the basement. Thankfully, Jake hadn't followed us out.“It was nothing,” I replied as we walked toward the dining table.He stopped so suddenly that I almost bumped into him, then sucked in a sharp breath.“Don't you dare lie to me.” His voice came out hard, edged with anger. “What the hell were you doing with him alone?”“I said it was nothing.”I just wished he could let it go, but I understood why he couldn't. If I were the one who caught him alone with Ava, I'd be suspicious too.He turned to me, biting down on his lower lip like he was trying to keep his temper in check, but the storm in his eyes gave him away.“You have to believe me,” I said softly, reaching up to cup both his cheeks playfully, the way I always did whenever I knew I'd messed up and wanted my way back into his good graces.“I want to,” he replied, his tone distant as his hand came up to hold mine against his cheek

Ashley's POV For a moment, I stood there, stiff as brick as his lips claimed mine. My mind went blank. His arms around me were tight, like he had been holding this hunger in for so long.My eyes stayed wide open, but my lips melted against his against my will. I kissed him back, feeling the heat of his body pressed against mine.For a moment, my guard slipped, and everything I had tried so hard to bury came rushing back, the fact that I missed his lips, missed the warmth of his body, and the way he touched me.But then reality hit me hard.What the hell was I doing? Kissing the same lips that had kissed that traitor for the past five years?How did I even let this happen?I shoved him away, my expression twisting with shock and anger.Who told him he could kiss me like that?I saw the remorse and regret in his eyes, but I didn't care. He should never have kissed me.I knew he was about to apologize, but before he could even speak, I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the chee

Ashley's POVFor a moment, I couldn’t find my voice. My thoughts scattered like frightened birds, leaving my mind frustratingly empty. It was as though his presence alone had stolen every word I had, pinning me in place beneath the weight of his stare.“Why do you always run from me?”This time, his voice dropped lower, rough and husky, curling around me like heat in the cold night air.My heart slammed painfully against my ribs, each beat louder than the last, and I hated how my body still reacted.No, he wasn’t supposed to do this to me anymore.Not after everything.Swallowing hard and tore my gaze away from his piercing eyes, desperate to steady myself before he saw the crack in my armor.“What exactly am I supposed to listen to, Jake?” I shot back, forcing my tone to stay sharp even as my pulse betrayed me. All I wanted was for him to move, to step aside, to let me breathe again.But he didn’t.“Look me in the eye and say it, Ash.”His words were quiet, but they hit harder than a

Ashley’s POV“How did you even know about that conversation?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.“That doesn’t matter.” He brushed it off, his tone cold. “What matters is why you told people we changed our minds before talking to me.”“Baby…” I stepped closer, trying to ease the tension between us. “It’s not what you think…..”“Oh really?” he snapped, cutting me off. “Then what should I think?”I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm.“You should’ve heard me out first,” I said. “I never told anyone we changed our minds.”His stare hardened.“Then what happened?”I exhaled shakily.“My mother came earlier. She begged me to stay until Thanksgiving.” My voice wavered slightly. “I told her I’d talk to you first.”“You’re lying.”The accusation hit me like a slap.A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I stared at him in disbelief.“Lying?” I repeated, stepping closer. “You’ve known me for years, yet you’d rather believe someone else over me?”Anger burned through my chest now.He sighed,

Ashley's POVThe words sliced through the room like a blade. My hands froze beneath the running water and a bitter ache coiled tightly in my chest.Sometimes, I barely recognized the girl standing in front of me. The same girl who had once been my best friend.How did she turn out so evil? Or had she always been evil from the start and was just hiding it.“You’re just too easy to deceive,” she continued, her voice dripping with venomous satisfaction. “God… the look on your face that night.” She took another slow sip. “I savored it. Truly one of the best nights of my life.”My grip tightened around the plate and my pulse roared in my ears.Rage simmered hot and dangerous beneath my skin, begging to be unleashed.But no. That was exactly what she wanted. A reaction from me. I refused to hand her that victory.Because the last thing I needed was for our parents to uncover the twisted history between me and Jake.“You couldn’t even keep Jake back then,” she said with a cruel smile. “So te

Ashley's POV.I looked at my mother properly this time, my fingers tightening on the cloth I was holding. A strange knot twisted in my stomach.Before I could voice a question, her hand reached for mine, warm and trembling slightly.“I’m serious, Ashley,” she said, her voice soft and fragile, almost like a plea. “You have to stay until Thanksgiving.” Her grip tightened just a little. “Don’t you think I’d feel better that way?”My throat went dry.The faint scent of her floral perfume wrapped around me, stirring memories I had tried so hard to bury. For a moment, I couldn’t bring myself to meet her eyes.How was I supposed to tell her the truth?That we weren’t exactly staying.That William and I were planning to hide away in a hotel until Thanksgiving because this house didn’t feel safe.“Mom…” My voice came out barely above a whisper as I gently placed my free hand over hers. “You need to understand.” I swallowed hard, my pulse fluttering painfully in my chest. “I don’t know if it’s