Semua Bab Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine: Bab 21 - Bab 30

ARDENThe sensation was strange—like déjà vu laced with dread. Both familiarity and unfamiliarity crashed over me, rooting me in place. His old, empty promises echoed in my head, and my body refused to move.“You’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” Jaxon said gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I laughed, not out of flattery, but disbelief. It was easier to laugh than to accept.He caught my tone. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me into his chest, his toned biceps forming a wall around me.“I’m serious,” he murmured into the crook of my neck, his breath ghosting across my skin. I felt his gaze dip to my scent gland, lingering on the mark. Then, he kissed it. A shiver ran down my spine, and before I realized it, I leaned into him, surrendering to his warmth.“Happy one-year anniversary,” he whispered, slipping out a ring that looked like it could buy all three of my brothers' cars.I turned to him, stunned. “Jax, I can’t accept this.”“Why not

ARDENEveryone turned to me in an instant. I could see how Jaxon attempted to walk over, but Sienna held him back. I glanced down at my dress and noticed it was stained with the wine sloshing in Sienna’s hand. “I’m so sorry,” she exclaimed amidst the noise of the party. “I didn’t see you there.” I pursed my lips, choosing to remain silent as I grabbed Tessa’s hand and started to walk away from the scene. Their laughter lingered behind me like a bitter echo, but I tried my very hardest to tune them out. I wasn’t a stranger to such antics. When I was in high school, I had experienced even worse bullying. However, it stung even more when it was your past best friend orchestrating this kind of chaos. We made our way out of the sprawling mansion and onto the empty streets. There weren’t many signs of life; it seemed all the excitement was contained within the confines of that party. “What a bitch,” Tessa muttered under her breath, reaching into her bag for a handkerchief and beginning

ARDENMy throat was parched, but it turned out it wasn’t water that I needed. The suppressant entered my lips, and I quickly swallowed. I drank his lips like it was the last drop of water on this planet. I could feel the effects of the suppressant kicking in, but even then, I didn’t feel like the beating of my heart was slowing down.More.I needed more.I opened my mouth, and his tongue plunged right in, massaging mine. Another moan escaped my lips, and with that, he pulled away, but not without biting my lips.I gasped before unconsciously leaning for more. However, when I saw his face, one that reverted back to its usual nonchalance, I couldn’t help but move away.“You’re such a handful,” he said, shaking his head. “I told you—desperation isn’t a good look.”Despite the remaining heat in my body, I finally stepped away, closing my eyes for a moment out of embarrassment. Why did I do that? I must be out of my mind!It was a good thing it didn’t progress to a more sensual deed. With

ARDEN“Thank you! Have a nice day!” I said with a bright smile as a customer snatched her drink from the counter. She was preoccupied with her phone, reaching out instinctively for the cup. I had to aim it into her hand, ensuring she could grab it without looking away from her screen. With that, she strolled out without any further acknowledgment. Still, I maintained my smile; it beat the countless men trying to shove their numbers at me any day. I glanced out the window and noted the darkening skies. The café was nearly empty, with only a few stragglers coming in for takeaway coffee as closing time approached. I sighed in relief and smiled softly to myself. I had survived my first shift. “You know, I’ve never done it in a café—sex, I mean. I’ve been adventurous in various places, but not here. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to fulfill that fantasy?” Well, almost. Out of everyone I encountered today, my boss might just be the worst of them all. I ignored him, focusing on wiping the c

ARDEN“Welcome to Silver Quill,” Miss Loveson greeted as she stood before us. I noticed Fort standing to the side; as soon as our eyes met, he waved. I returned the gesture with a brief smile before shifting my focus back to Miss Loveson. “This is a highly independent group, and as I, too, carry many responsibilities as a teacher, I need someone to act as the representative for the freshmen.” “Fort, over here, has the highest grades among all seniors, and consequently represents them. Now, who would like to volunteer among the freshmen?” Most students turned their attention to Elias, and I found myself glancing at him, too. To my surprise, he was looking back at me with a spark of curiosity. Part of me longed for such responsibility. Yet, with the demands of school and my job, I knew I couldn’t commit. Elias was undeniably well-suited for it, but it seemed he had other plans. “I’m busy with my other clubs,” he stated firmly. “I don’t want to be the representative.” The others r