039.The next day, Amber paced back and forth in the classroom as she thought of different ways to meet Axel’s father again and get him to help her out. Her grades depended on this — she couldn’t fail.Melissa rushed into the classroom. “Amy, I ran here as soon as I was done and got your text. Axel’s father really said all that to you?” Amber nodded and ruffled her hair. “The man hates me. If I don’t get this project done before the timeframe elapses, I’m as good as writing this course again.” she sat down and Melissa sat beside her.Melissa placed a comforting hand on Amber’s shoulders. “I’m sorry you had to go through something like this.”Amber sighed, and shook her head. “It’s fine. How about yours?” she asked.Melissa smiled. “I’ve been able to get everything done. All that’s left is submitting it to Professor Jenna.”Amber gasped. “Whoa. That was fast. This was supposed to take two weeks.”Melissa nodded. “Yeah, but he is a busy man, so we spent yesterday and today getting it d
040.Axel's fingers traced the curve of Amber's waist as his lips moved to the sensitive spot behind her ear. "I'm done fighting myself," he breathed, his voice shaking with desire. "I need you, Amber. I need to feel your body against mine, your skin beneath my fingertips, your breath on my lips."Amber arched her back, pressing her hips against him. "Axel, please," she whimpered, her voice a plea. "Don't stop."Axel groaned, the sound raw, as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. He wasn’t going to pull away anymore. He wanted her and he would take, claim and make her his.Axel lifted Amber into his arms, carrying her to his bed with a possessive strength that made her heart pound. He laid her gently on the mattress, his body poised over hers, his hands cupping her face. "Tell me you want this," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "Tell me you want me."Amber's body trembled with desire. "I want you," she breathed, her voice aching with longing. “I've always wanted you.” she
041.Amber’s eyes fluttered open the next morning, and she exhaled with a smile on her face. Her thoughts drifted to what had happened between her and Axel last night and her smile widened.She turned to face him only to find him staring at her with his chin resting on his palm and his elbow on the bed. “Good morning, pretty.” he smirked.“Good morning.” Amber replied, her eyes fixed on him.For a moment, no one said anything else to each other. Amber bit down on her lower lip, and blinked at him. She wondered what was going on in his mind. “Do you regret it?” she asked.He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her flush against his chest. “Not one bit,” he gave her lips a light peck.Amber smiled and wrapped her hands around his neck. “I want to stay in your arms all through today. I want you to kiss me and ravish me all over again, but I have classes this morning, need to submit my project to Professor Jenna and Cole will be home soon.”Axel chuckled, brushing a loose strand
042.Next day,Amber stood, watching as Axel helped Cole bring his suitcase out of the car booth. Cole walked to where Amber stood and wrapped his arms around her.“It’s just for the semester. I will be back before you know it.”Amber nodded, trying to hold back tears as she hugged Cole tightly. “I'm going to miss you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling.Cole pulled back and grinned. “It's just a two month trip, Amber. We'll be back before you know it, with tons of stories to share.”Axel chuckled. “And probably a bunch of silly souvenirs.”Amber smiled, feeling a bit better. “Make sure to take lots of pictures.”Cole saluted. “Will do. And don't worry, I'll text you every day.”As they shared one last group hug, Amber felt a pang of sadness. Watching Cole leave on his school trip was still hard, even if it was just for two months.“Take care of yourself, okay?” Axel reminded Cole, as he climbed into the bus.“I will, man. Take care of Amber for me,” Cole replied, his eyes lo
043."Fuck, you're so perfect," Axel groaned as he positioned his throbbing dick against her entrance. Amber arched her back, her body begging for him to enter her, to claim her in a way no one else ever had."Oh god," she moaned as Axel slowly pushed his length inside her, filling her up in a way that felt both foreign and natural. Amber felt her walls stretch to accommodate him, her nails digging into his back as he started to move inside her.Axel's thrusts started slow and sensual, but soon they became more urgent and powerful. Amber could feel his strong hands gripping her hips, pulling her into him as he took her in a way that was both primal and intimate.She cried out his name, her head thrown back in ecstasy as he pounded into her, hitting all the right spots. Their bodies moved together in perfect sync, as if they were made for each other."Fuck, you feel so good," Axel panted, his lips claiming her neck in a trail of kisses that made her shiver with pleasure."God, yes, jus
044."Oh, I want to," Axel growled, his lips finding hers in a hungry kiss. He kicked open the bathroom door and stepped into the steamy room, setting Amber down on her feet before turning on the shower.Amber watched as the water cascaded over Axel's sculpted body, the droplets running down his chest and abs, making her mouth water."Get in," Axel commanded, his voice low and husky.Amber stepped into the shower, the hot water instantly soaking her skin and hair as she pressed her body against Axel's.Axel's hands roamed Amber's wet body, cupping her breasts, running his fingertips over her nipples, teasing them to stiffness.Amber moaned, tilting her head back as Axel kissed his way down her neck, his tongue flicking against her skin. She arched her back, pressing her body closer to his, feeling the hardness of his cock against her thigh."I want you again," she breathed, her hands finding his cock, stroking him until he was rock hard.Axel groaned, his head falling back as Amber's
045.A week later...Amber was seated in the school relaxation spot with Melissa and Jack. They had lots of snacks in front of them while they talked and chatted happily."But seriously, Jack," Amber laughed, brushing her hair from her face. "You can't expect me to wear your jersey for the big game tomorrow. What do you want people to say? That we're couples?" Melissa laughed while Jack rubbed the back of his hair nervously. "C'mon, Amy, it's not that big of a deal,""Then let Melissa do it." Amber suggested with a smirk."No!" Melissa declined immediately. "I'm currently trying to win Tyler over and I'm almost there. Wearing Jack's jersey will give him the wrong idea and I don't want anything to screw my chances."Amber rolled her eyes with a yawn. "See?" she turned to face Jack, giving him the I-told-you-so look.Jack pouted immediately. "Amy, please, please, please, you are my best friend. Can you just do this one thing for me? I want to see the jersey on you so I'd know I have a
046."C'mon, Amber, you're just going to leave me alone here?" Axel whined as Amber got dressed for the party.Amber rolled her eyes playfully. "You aren't a baby. I'll just be gone for a few hours. I won't stay too long." she gave him a heart shaped necklace to wear for her.Axel took it with a sigh and after helping her with it, hugged her from the back, his arms wrapped around her. For a moment, Amber wanted to forget about the party and just stay with him, but Melissa needed her and she didn't want to let her bestie down. "I don't want you to leave." he pouted, placing a soft kiss on her neck. The kiss sent a shiver down her spine the shuddered, clearly affected by that little contact.She pushed away from his arms and cupped his face. "I'll be back before you know it." she kissed him but he wrapped his hand around her waist and deepened the kiss, causing her to moan into his mouth.Axel pulled out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Do not mess around with any man, Kitt
125 ~ Final Chapter ~ Epilogue Wedding Day… “Don’t cry, baby. You’re gonna ruin your makeup.” Loris said, her own tears falling. Amber nodded. “Mum, you asked me not to cry but you’re doing the exact same thing.” she sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. Loris wiped her face with the back of her palm. “It’s just that I can still remember forcing you to go to College that fateful day, and you didn’t want to because you didn’t want to stay with Cole. But you had no idea Axel was there. You two started young, and you’ve been through a lot together. I’m so proud of you for being so strong and resilient.” Amber smiled, squeezing her mother’s hand gently. “I wouldn’t have gotten through it all without Axel, Cole, my friends, and you, Mom. And now, here I am, about to marry the love of my life. It’s a dream come true.” “And I’m honored to be here,” Loris replied, her voice soft and loving. “Now, I don’t want to be responsible for making you late on your wedding day, so let’s g
124 ~ Penultimate ChapterA Day Later…Axel’s eyes fluttered open and the first set of eyes he met were those cat eyes he fell in love with. As he stared into those eyes, everything came rushing back to him and a small smile played on his lips.“Cat eyes,” he called weakly and she hugged him, but was careful not to hurt him.“Oh, Axel! I’m so happy you’re awake!” she burst into tears, a flood of relief washing over her. When she saw him get stabbed, it was almost like her world had come to a halt. She’d panicked and gotten angry that she had to inflict the same pain on Jack without even thinking twice.Axel winced slightly as Amber tightened her embrace, but he smiled. “I’m sorry I worried you,” he whispered. “But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”Amber pulled back, her eyes bright with tears. “How are you feeling?” she asked, smoothing his hair back with a gentle hand.“Better, now theat you’re here,” Axel replied, a weak but genuine smile on his face. “Are you okay?”Amber snif
123.A.A Entertainment…That same night, Larissa had fallen asleep in the employee’s lounge while resting. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she checked her wristwatch to see that it was already late into the night. She tried to call Axel, but his number was not going through. She couldn’t get Maverick either.Her eyes darted to the glass of juice she had taken. Something didn’t feel right. She wasn’t one to sleep this long and in the company for that matter. She stood up and quickly rushed to Maverick’s office, but he had just woken up too.“This can’t be a coincidence. How did we fall asleep at the same time?” Larissa asked.Maverick was about to answer when they heard a sound coming from Axel’s office. They both exchanged worried looks. “Quick, call the nearby police station. I’m sure it’s either a thief or someone I’ve been suspecting for days now.”Maverick nodded and went to make a call while Larissa snuck into the office. There she was, standing with her phone placed on her e
122.Amber stumbled backwards, feeling like a knife had been pierced through her chest. In that moment, the words of Friedrich Nietzsche which says “Betrayal hurts more when it comes from someone we trust. And the pain is reminder that our trust was misplaced and our love was blind.”She couldn’t believe the one person she had trusted with her life during her time of pain was the same person that caused her the pain to begin with?Ironically, it was like a twisted game of chess where she had been nothing more than a pawn, manipulated by a mastermind who had disguised himself as a friend and confidant. It was a cruel irony that only added to the bitter sting of betrayal.Amber swallowed hard, the ache in her heart intensifying. “How could you?” she asked, her voice shaky. “I trusted you. Melissa trusted you. Cole, my parents, we all did.”Jack didn’t have an ounce of remorse on his face. “I did what I had to do to get you, Amber,” he replied. “When I confessed my feelings in college an
121.Amber exchanged worried glances with Cole and the rest. “It can’t be, right?” she whispered, her chest tightening. “Jack can’t be Don. It’s not possible. He would never hurt anyone.”“Amber is right. Are you sure you checked the address correctly? Maybe there was a glitch or something?” Melissa asked. She might be mad at Jack for everything he had done, but she knew him too well. He would never hurt anyone. He wouldn’t stoop this low.Cole looked uncertain, but he was sure this can’t be a mix-up. He was a computer expert, and there was no effing way he would have gotten the wrong address. “As much as this might sound shocking, it might actually be true. Think about it, Jack is the only rival Axel has now. He used to date Amber before Axel returned. And according to what I’ve heard him say, he’s loved Amber since College.”Axel nodded. “Cole is right.”Amber shook her head. “No, this can’t be right,” she began pacing, her heart pounding in her chest. “I know Jack might be temperam
120.Axel felt like a thunderclap had just sounded in his head the minute he saw the message. Cole leaned close to Axel so he could take a look.“Whoa!” Cole exclaimed. “He caught the bait. But what the heck is Amber doing outside?”Axel sighed. “I can’t break up with Amber, Cole. She would be devastated,” he massaged his temple as he thought of a plan. “Devastated,” he repeated. “That’s it!” Cole arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” he gasped. “Don’t tell me you’re going to really break up with her? Axel, Amber might faint, and I will beat you up! It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.” Cole warned.“Relax and hear me out,” Axel said and Cole took a deep breath to calm himself down. “I am going to break up with her, but it’s not going to be a real breakup. We have to find a way to let in on the plan.”Cole seemed to get it and nodded. “Don’t worry. I know how to do that,” he said and Axel raised an eyebrow.“How? We can’t inform her through calls or texts. Our phones might be connecte
119.“Uh… I was…”Larissa folded her arms, her expression stern. “What are you doing in Axel’s office and why are his files scattered on the desk?” she asked, her eyes running over the mess Candice had made.Candice knew she needed to find a way out of this mess. “Uh… it’s not something serious. I just,”“You just what?” Larissa asked, her voice getting hard. Last time she checked, employees weren’t allowed in Axel’s office, especially when he wasn’t in. Coupled with that, Axel didn’t even like Candice to begin with, so there was no way he would ask her to get anything from his office for him, not when she and Maverick were around.“I was looking for the file I submitted to Mr. Axel,” she began, her heart beating frantically in her chest. “I mean, my resume and stuff. I don’t know where I kept the original anymore, and I need to check something urgently, that’s why I came here to find it.”Larissa scoffed. If Candice thought she was going to believe any of those lies, the lady was cle
118. The reporter’s voice echoed through the television in a serious, breaking news tone, “This just in: The only son of the world-renowned billionaire, Kevin King, has taken to social media to announce that his wedding to renowned journalist Amber Smith is soon, with the date being kept a secret.” The news spread like wildfire. Within minutes, the entire nation was buzzing with excitement, speculating about the date and location of the wedding. But underneath the glamour and excitement, a darker force lurked in the shadows. As the days passed, Amber and Axel played their part, lavishing each other with affection in the public eye. Every post, every picture, every tweet seemed to fuel the media frenzy and the anger of the dangerous underdog. Meanwhile, Cole and Axel worked tirelessly to track the mysterious Don. But despite their best efforts, they kept coming up short. The spyware was immune to every hack they tried, and the location remained hidden. It was as if Don were a ghost,
117.After the dinner, Amber, Larissa and Melissa stayed back to help Loris clean. Kevin talked over wine with Mr. Smith while Axel felt like his world had been tilted. Cole walked to him and held his hand, leading him upstairs to his room.Maverick, who had also noticed the distressful look on Axel's face had to follow them as well. They got to Cole's room and he locked the door then turned to face Axel.“Spill it. What happened back at the dinner? Your phone beeped, you checked it and all of a sudden, your mood changed. You haven't been yourself since then,” he said and Axel let out a sigh. “You might not married to Amber yet, but you and I have been friends long enough to be called family, and I won't appreciate it if you decide to hide this from me.”“I don't intend to hide this from you, Cole,” Axel said, his tone low. “I'm just worried. I might not be as scared as I was years ago, but I'm worried. Don is back.”“What!” Maverick and Cole exclaimed at the same time.“How is that p