《Hatred With Benefits》


 O N E

    O N E


    EVA.


    "How didst night go?" Aliya grins at me as she slumps on the bed and I roll my eyes, shutting the


    door behind me. "Bad. Honestly bad. "


    She sits up with wide eyes, "Are you serious? I thought you caught that blonde guy. "


    I shake my head and stride towards her, taking the seat next to her. "That bastard has a girlfriend¨C or


    had. "


    "Aw, you poor thing. " She coos, wrapping her hands around my neck and I swat her hand away, which


    causes her tough. "You shouldn''t think too much into it, babe. His loss. We still have time before we


    head to college so plenty of time to catch fun. "


    "Yeah, " I breathe. "How did yours go?"


    When her lips spread into a wide smile, I know she had a better night at getting fucked than I did. A


    damn lucky bitch.


    "Okay, so I met this girl. She was so hot: We were talking one moment, and the next moment she''s


    dragging me down the halls and pushed me into the bathroom. God, Evie, you have no idea how I felt


    when her mouth was on my cunt. She''s so damn good with her tongue. " She sighs dreamily and I roll


    my eyes.


    "Exins why you were nowhere to be found for the rest of the night. "


    "Unfortunately, she didn''t leave her contact. " She says with a pout and I chuckle, grabbing my book


    and leaning back against the headboard. "Since when do you care about them leaving their contacts?"


    "I know!" She hisses andys next to me, turning on her side. "But there was something different about


    this one, Evie. I felt it. "


    "When she had her tongue on your cunt?" I tease her and she swats at my hand.


    "What? I''m speaking facts. "


    "Not exactly that, but it''s part of. She did wonders on me, babe. Her face was the first image that came


    to mind when I fingered myself to sleep. " I look up from my book to her and smile at the look on her


    face. This is the first time Aliya is truly engrossed in anyone she''s messed around with and it''ll be a lie


    to say I''m not amazed.


    She looks at me when she feels eyes on her. "You have no idea how that feels like. "


    "Getting tongue fucked by a girl? No, I''ll pass. " I wave her off and she smirks before jumping on me


    and settling between my thighs.


    "I could show you¡ª" Her hand moves to each side of my thighs and I kick her off the bed. She groans


    as she falls to the floor with a thud.


    "God, Evie! Did you have to kick that hard?" Sheins and I smirk. "When you act like that. "


    Aliya rolls her eyes. "Yeah, right. I forgot how much you love sucking those dicks. "


    Iugh and shake my head as I rest back against the bed, turning my attention back to the book in


    hand.


    Aliya and I have been friends since the moment she walked up to me, and shoved me in the janitor''s


    closet to tell me about her frustration with her project. She''s loud and carefree which is one of the


    things I love about her. We are simr in so many ways, yet so different from each other and that


    includes our preferences.


    "Hey, isn''t that your hot guy?" Her voice brings me out of my thoughts and I look out my window to see


    him striding inside his house with his famous signature look.


    I frown and look away, turning back to Aliya. "Why did you have to tell me? "


    Aliya chuckles and says, "I don''t understand why you hate his guts so much. "


    I narrow my eyes at her and she holds up a hand. "Okay, fine! I do understand, bute on, girl. He''s


    so hot. If I were you, I''d be humping him, not hating him. And the fact that you''re neighbours makes


    that so much easier. " She winks and I re at her.


    "I''m serious. " She says.


    "You''re not. I hate the sight of the guy and you want me to sleep with him?"


    She shrugs. "Hate sex is always so hot. It''s something else, I swear. The explosion of the¡ª"


    "Shut up, babe. " I groan and she chuckles before looking out the window again, mouthing, "He''s


    fuckable though. "


    ~


    "Did your friend leave?" Mom asks as Mrs Holton ces my te before me and I smile at her, to


    which she responds with one of hers before moving away.


    "She did hours ago. " I reply to mom''s question and she nods before taking her attention back to her


    food.


    "Hey, Princess. " Dad''s voice echoes around the room and the man appears in his usual home attire of


    cks and shirt with rolled sleeves. He walks to my side and presses a kiss to the side of my head


    before striding towards his wife to peck her.


    "I thought you had things to do. " Mom says as he takes the seat opposite her.


    "I wrapped it up to have dinner with my family. " He smiles and ces his hand over mom''s, before


    looking back at me with a frown. "Where were youst night, Eva?" Oh shit. I was hoping the man


    wouldn''t notice, but of course, nothing I do passes his grasp.


    "Last night?" I repeat and he nods, his eyes not leaving mine.


    "I was with Aliya. " I smile and he narrows his eyes at me as if he doesn''t believe my words, but he


    says nothing as he turns back to his food.


    I let out a breath of relief too soon because dad turns back to me, and say, "If I find out you snuck out to


    a party to hump some guy likest time¨C you won''t like it, Princess. " And there goes the warning.


    "I didn''t. " I tell him and he nods before looking away from me.


    Having an overprotective father can be fucking tiring. Father refers to it as being caring, and careful but


    I term it as not letting me live my life. It wasn''t always like this. Matt Carson wasn''t always this


    protective. Dad had his simple rules and as long as you stick to them, you have no problem with him,


    but since that incident from years ago; those rules got suffocating and frustrating. Though I tend to


    break those rules every other day, heading to college will be my real escape from Matt and his


    upsetting rules. The freedom thates with being away from here is something I look forward to. I


    love my father, but I love living my life more.


    ~


    "I''m off to my room. " I announce, leaving the two lovebirds on the couch as I take the stairs that lead to


    my room.


    Shutting the door behind me, I fish my phone out of my pants at the sound of the vibration.


    ALIYA: I heard tonight will be so much better! Are youing? Maybe you''ll finally find a hot blonde


    guy who doesn''t have a girlfriend this time.


    I chuckle at the words across the screen and type back a reply.


    ME: Can''t. Dad is suspicious and watching me like a hawk.


    She replies with a sad face and I turn the screen away from my view, throwing the phone to a side and


    copsing on the bed.


    I raise my head at another beep and grab the phone.


    It''s a picture of Aliya with strands of her dark blue hair sticking to her face, a bright smile on her lips


    with a ss in her raised hand.


    I scoff and drop my gaze to the text attached.


    ALIYA: I''ll have the fun for the both of us, boo.


    Rolling my eyes, I toss the phone aside and grab my book, flipping to the earlier page.


    I rub my hands down my arms from the blowing wind before dropping the book and moving from the


    bed to shut the window.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Halfway through, I stop when my eyes catch sight of a familiar figure and my mouth hangs open.


    Emerson has a girl bent over his window while he ms into her from behind.


    I should look away. I should close the damn curtains and stay away before he catches the sight of me,


    but I can''t seem to move as he wraps a hand around her hair and pull back roughly; his thrusts getting


    rougher.


    Move, Eva.


    I clench my thighs against each other, my grip on the window getting tighter and a low moan slips


    through my parted lips as the girl''s loud moans and screams fill my ears.


    Emerson lifts his head and I freeze in my stand as he smirks at me. He raises an eyebrow as his hand


    moves to her neck and he thrusts faster. Not taking his eyes off mine, he leans forward and presses his


    lips to her bareback and my body shudders at the move.


    Snapping out of the daze, I''m quick to shut my windows with shaky hands and fall to the ground with a


    racing heart.


    Emerson Ford just caught me watching him pound into a girl.


    And worse... My panties is drenched.


    Emerson Ford is my enemy.


    Emerson Ford is a guy I hate. I have hated his guts for years. He doesn''t inme any sensation from


    me other than resentment and irritation, so why the hell am I turned on from watching him fuck a girl?


    Why am I rubbing my clit to the image of him pounding into that girl from behind? Why is my body


    trembling as I imagine myself in that position?


    I try to convince myself this is because I haven''t getid in a while, yet I can''t deny the fact I''m unable


    to get that image of him off my mind as Iy on my mattress with legs apart and finger rubbing my cunt.


    "Fuck, " I hiss, throwing my head back as I rub the sweet spot between my thighs, trying so hard to find


    that particr spot that sends me over the edge.


    "Think of something else, Eva. Think! Think of any guy you''ve fucked until now. Get your mind off


    Emerson Ford!" It doesn''t work. I can''t close that image and I move my hand from between my thighs


    frustratingly,ying on my side and pulling the duvet over my body.


    The sexual noises have died down which means they are no longer in that position. Probably has her


    bent over his desk this time.


    I groan and turn to the other side, pulling the duvet up to my neck as I stare at the wall and try to


    convince myself this is because I''m horny.


    I''d never think of sleeping with Emerson Ford.


    Ever.

 T W O

    T W O


    EVA.


    "You look stressed. " Aliya remarks as she walks through the door and I nod, looking behind her. "Did


    she leave?"


    She nods and throws herself beside me. "She said to call herter. "


    "But you won''t do that, will you?" I lift my brows at her and she smirks, saying, "No chance. "


    Iugh and shake my head.


    "Why aren''t you on the bed?" She asks and I narrow my eyes. "The bed you just had that girl doing


    God knows what? Nah, I''ll pass. "


    "We didn''t do much. Do you want the details?" She cocks her brows and I frown. "What? No! Fuck off,


    Aliya. "


    She chuckles and moves to the bed. A sigh leaves her parted lips as sheys back and throws her


    head to the side. "I''m afraid she ruined me for everyone else, Evie. J was so damn good, but God


    help me¨C I couldn''t stop picturing that girl while she had her tongue on me. "


    "You need to get your mind off her, Aliya. You don''t even know her name. " I tell her and she nods,


    turning her head towards me. "I don''t and I''m so pissed I keep thinking of her. "


    I cackle. "You''ll get over it. "


    "I will. Once I suck enough pussies. " She winks and I roll my eyes.


    "What''s up with you?" She asks, sitting up.


    "What''s wrong with me?" I repeat with lifted brows and she tilts her head to the side, "I don''t know, but


    there''s something. Is there anything you want to tell me?"


    "No. " I say sharply and a smirk crawls over her face as she shifts closer to me. "Have I ever told you


    how bad you are at lying to me? "


    "Your first time mentioning it. " I shrug.


    "You''re lying, babe. Spill. " She urges and I groan, throwing my hands over my face. "I don''t want to talk


    about it, Aliya. "


    "Why?" She asks and I peer at her through the space between my fingers. "Because it''s something I


    regret. "


    "Fine, " she huffs. "Only because I''m in a good mood. So what are you doing tonight? Does daddy''s girl


    have a n to sneak out this time?"


    "Don''t call me that. " I snap and sheughs. "But that''s exactly what you are. "


    "Aliya..." I call in a warning tone, pinning her with a re and she rolls her eyes before holding up a


    hand. "Fine. What''s my so beautiful babe doing tonight?"


    I give her a soft smile. "More like it. "


    "Fucker. " She cusses with a grin.


    "Pussy. " I retort with a smirk.


    "I love eating them. " She winks and I roll my eyes. "Don''t turn this into something else. "


    "You asked for it. " She says as she stretches her hand across the bed to grab her phone.


    "For your question; I need to go out. I need to getid, Aliya. " Her smile spreads further into a grin and


    she''s by my side the next second, clutching onto my arm.


    "What should I do, Eva? I''m afraid I''m such a bad influence on you. Your dad will end me if he knows of


    this. " She says with a yful terrified face.


    "Good thing he''ll never know. " I assure her and she hums, throwing her face in my neck. "You might


    not be good at lying to me, but you sure are at lying to your father. "


    "Get off me, bitch. " I wrap my hand around her forearm and throw her off me, causing her tond on


    the bed; only because she allowed me to.


    "Nine tonight. I''ll meet you at your ce. " She announces and I throw her a smile, saying, "You''re the


    best, have anyone ever told you that?"


    Sheughs and turns her attention back to her phone. "Trust me. You aren''t the first girl to tell me that.


    " And there she goes twisting my words into something naughty.


    ~


    I take gentle steps towards the door and as I wrap my hand around the doorknob, and twist it slowly ¨C


    mom''s voice echoes around me. "Where do you think you''re sneaking to, youngdy?"


    I gasp and turn around with wide eyes, throwing my back against the knob. "Hey, mom! Didn''t see you


    there!" I chuckle nervously and she furrows her brows as she moves forward with a ss in hand.


    "Where are you heading to, Eva? "


    I part my lips to speak, but she cut me off. "The truth please. "


    I sigh and move away from the door. "A night out with Aliya. "


    I peer at her under myshes when she gives no response and she''s staring at me with a soft smile on


    her face.


    "It''s exhausting, isn''t it?" She says and I arch my brows. "Having to sneak out to have fun with your


    friend?"


    Whereas Matt is super protective, mom tries to tone down the protectiveness, but it''s no better, which is


    why it''s a surprise she said those words.


    "It is. " I respond and she nods, saying, "I know, baby. I''m sorry you aren''t as free as you want to, but


    you have to understand your father. His intentions are pure and he''s only scared. "


    "I know, mom, " I smile, striding towards her and covering her hands with mine. "I know why dad is


    doing all these, but he also has to understand I''m neen and I''m capable of protecting myself. "


    "I always remind him of that. " She whispers and lifts her free hand to my face. "You''re grown, Eva. You


    should get to have this freedom¡ª " She pauses, drops her hand and sighs. "Unfortunately your father


    is a stubborn one, but not tonight. "


    My brows shoot up in anticipation and she nods in affirmation. "Go have fun. I''ll cover up for you. "


    "You''re serious? This isn''t some kind of test tond me into trouble, is it?" I lift my brows and she


    chuckles, holding my head and pressing her lips to my forehead. Pulling back, she says, "You know me


    better than that. "


    "Thank you!" I beam excitedly, jumping into her arms and almost knocking the ss from her hand in


    the process.


    "Sorry, " I whisper as I pull back. "I got excited for a minute there. "


    "Just go. " She chuckles and I nod, nting a kiss to the side of her face before heading towards the


    door.


    "Eva¡ª" Mom calls when I pull the door open and I turn back to her. "Be careful. " I respond with a smile


    before walking out the door, shutting it behind me.


    EMERSON.


    "Isn''t that the Eva girl?" Ayden nudges me with his elbow and I look towards the direction he pointed to


    see Eva Carson walking in with the same girl who''s always beside her. She''s dressed in Jean pants


    and ace crop top plus a dark jacket with her ash blonde hair curled into a bun.


    Eva Carson.


    A girl I despise.


    The daughter of Matt Carson ¡ª my dad''s business rival and my next house neighbour.


    "She looks hot. " Jaxon smirks beside me, and I look back to him to see his eyes focused on her before


    looking back at her. There''s no doubt that Eva Carson is a hot piece of cake. A forbidden piece of cake


    that I would never get entangled with. That thought brings me back tost night: That priceless look on


    her face as she watched me fuck Val. I bet she''s never seen a guy fuck a girl before her very eyes,


    which makes me wonder what the hell she''s doing here; at a ce filled with wild people when she


    should be snuggled up in her room while her daddy pets her to sleep.


    I''ve known Eva Carson for years, and if there''s anything I''ve noticed unwilling about her¨C it''s that she''s


    a daddy''s girl and that''s one of the things I abhor about her.


    "Damn. Her friend is hot. " Ayden whispers, and my eyes move to the curvy girl beside her with dark


    blue hair. The thought to approach her just to piss Carson off crosses my mind, but that thought is fast


    to flush down the drain when I sight blue checking out a girl next to them.


    "Emerson. " The girl between my thighs calls me and I drop my gaze to her with lifted brows. "You


    aren''t paying attention to me. " She pouts and I roll my eyes.


    "Yes, dude. Pay attention to your girl. " Ayden winks beside me and I sneer at him before pushing the


    girl from me.


    "Where are you going?" She whines.


    "I need the restroom. " It''s the only thing I say before making my way to the restroom.


    Shutting the restroom door after finishing my business, my lips curls up in a smirk at the sight before


    me and I lean against the wall, folding my arms against my chest.


    "This is interesting, isn''t it?" Carson raises her head from the guy''s shoulder and meets my gaze with


    wide eyes. Wide, nasty eyes.


    "Do you know him?" The guy asks as he pulls away from her, letting her move from the wall she was


    previously pinned to.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Yes, Carson. Do you know me?" I arch my brows at her, but she says nothing. Just stand there.


    Fuming in anger, and I''m not joking about that. The girl is literally fuming.


    "I should go. " The guy says before walking down the hallway and Eva turns to me when he''s out of


    sight. She spats, "What the hell is wrong with you?"


    I raise an innocent brow. "What is wrong with me?"


    "Why did you do that?" She asks, taking a step closer and I push my body from the wall to move


    towards her. "What? So you can watch me fuck, but I can''t watch you about to get banged? That''s not


    ying fair, Carson. "


    "Fuck. Off. " She snarls before taking the other turn and I chuckle. "Does your daddy know you''re out


    here about to get banged by a stranger?"


    She turns to me; her hands balled into fists and her eyes full of anger... Hate, disgust, resentment and


    every other negative emotion she always has around me.


    There she is. The Carson I''m looking for.


    The one who despises me just as much as I hate her.

 T H R E E

    T H R E E


    EVA.


    Being in the same room with Emerson Ford is never a good option. We can''t stay around each other


    without having a sh, and this... I saw thising the moment I walked through the door and sighted


    him with his friends.


    I haven''t been in the same room with Emerson since we graduated high school. And that''s right; I went


    to the same high school with the guy I hate so much. With the ever-flowing rage between us, being


    miles apart from each other is the best thing that could ever happen, but somehow someway¨C we


    always end up in the same area.


    The office. School... My house.


    This is a scenario that''s urred over too many times. Emerson staring down at me with that annoying


    smirk on his face, and me fuming in anger, wishing I could throw my fist in his face and restructure the


    sight I hate so damn much¨C not that I haven''t tried several times.


    "What did you just say?" I lift my brows and Emerson rolls his eyes, "So you''ve turned dumb along with


    being daft, Carson?" I hate it. I hate the sound of my name rolling off his tongue, but even more... I hate


    him so much.


    "I do not have your time tonight. " I tell him and he hums, nodding his head. "Too busy looking for


    someone to fuck?"


    "I wouldn''t see how that''s of your concern. "


    "Did you enjoy it, Carson?" He abruptly says and I lift my brows in confusion. Emerson chuckles and


    shuffles closer. "Did you enjoy the show fromst night? I could sense you did judging by the way you


    stood there. "


    At the mention of the previous night, I take a step away and Emerson''s eyes fall to the move before he


    meets my eyes again; a taunting smirk on his face.


    "Did you want me to enjoy it?" I retort.


    "We both know what I want is far from that, Carson. Does your daddy know? That you loved watching


    his rival''s son fuck?"


    "I''m starting to think you''re obsessed with my father, Ford. " I fold my arms against my chest and I


    ignore the way his eyes not so subtle falls to my chest before he meets my gaze again.


    He shrugs. "We both know that''s far from the truth, Carson. "


    "As I said; Fuck. Off. " It''s the only response I give before I turn to walk again, but once again... He


    stops me.


    "What are you doing here? I bet your father would have never let you out, considering how you''re a


    daddy''s little girl¡ª" I hate hearing those words, and Emerson knows it, which is why he uses it at every


    chance he gets. "Matt would never let his little pete out to a ce like this. "


    Turning around, I give the words that I know would hit him as twice as he just did to me.


    "At least my father cares about me because I''m not a huge disappointment like you are to your big


    man. "


    It''s my turn to smirk as I watch his face drops, and his hands curl into a ball. The taunts in his eyes


    have germinates from seed and grown to a goddamn tree of rage and fury, and I feed on it like a


    hungry woman.


    This is what we do to each other. We use our troubles against each other till the anger that surges


    between them turns into something neither of us can handle. The wickedness that neither of us has


    any control over and the strong urge of wanting to hurt the other person.


    "Stay out of my business, Emerson. " It''s thest thing I tell him before finally moving down the hallway,


    and leaving a damaged Ford behind.


    "Wow, girl! What happened? You looked pissed. " Aliya shouts over the loud music as I take my seat


    next to her, and empty the content in my ss.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    "Emerson happened. " I seethe and she sighs, "Did you guys have a run in again?"


    "He showed up while I was in the middle of getting fucked. I swear, that guy pisses me off so much. "


    Aliya chuckles and ces a hand on my shoulder. "I know, babe. You tell me that every time, but that''s


    not the only thing he did, is it?"


    I meet her eyes and soften my gaze. "He called me a daddy''s girl. You know how much I hate being


    called that. " I hiss and Aliya nods, giving small pats to my shoulder.


    "Well... Judging by the way he''s ring at you; I can tell you aren''t the only one who left pissed. " She


    says, looking behind me and I turn back to meet Emerson''s eyes. He has a cup in hand, a girl between


    his thighs and his eyes on me.


    "I can feel the tension, Evie. Calm the fuck down. " Aliya whispers and I nod, breaking the contact with


    him.


    With a deep breath, I move off my feet and Aliya''s eyes follow me. "Where are you going?"


    "To make sure Emerson Ford doesn''t get the chance to ruin my night. Not this time. "


    She grins widely, "That''s the spirit, girl! Go off! Damn, I''m so proud of you. "


    I roll my eyes and make my way to the dancing floor.


    That asshole has ruined enough of my night.


    Aliya gives me a thumb up from her seat, and I look back to Emerson again. His eyes don''t leave me


    as I turn my body along with the sound. Mine doesn''t leave his as he grabs the girl''s hair and yanks her


    down. His doesn''t leave mine as unfamiliar arms wrap around my waist and I move along with the beat.


    My eyes don''t leave Emerson''s as the girl begins to give him ap dance, and his doesn''t leave mine


    as the stranger yanks me forward and im my mouth.


    All the while; the visibility of how much we hate the other person reflects in those eyes.


    ~


    I ce gentle knocks against the door and twist the doorknob at the sound of Matt.


    I shut the door behind me and walk towards my father, cing the bag before him.


    "Mom said you needed this. " I tell him and he looks up from hisputer to smile at me.


    "Yes, Princess. Thank you for bringing this to me. "


    "You''re wee. " I respond. "Will you beingte tonight?"


    Dad raises his head and gives me a tiny nod. "You''ll have to take dinner without me, but I''ll be back


    before you know it, yeah?"


    I nod with a smile. "I should be on my way. "


    "Be careful. " He says and I hum in response before walking out of his office. I take the hallway that


    leads to the elevator, and stop in front of Mason Ford''s office.


    The office seems open which makes me wonder if they arepeting again.


    It would be a surprise to know my father and his rival who hates each other so much happens to work


    in the samepany with my dad owning a higher percent and Mason doing everything in his power to


    send him out.


    I flinch at the loud sound thates from his office and makes my way towards the elevator.


    I fish my phone out of my pocket at the vibration of the device and shake my head as I read my best


    friend''s text.


    ALIYA: Red or Green, bitch?


    I type back a reply as the elevator doors open and a figure slides in.


    ME: You''re not changing your hair again, Aliya!


    I sigh and keep my phone away, jumping back at the sight of Emerson Ford beside me. An angry-


    looking Emerson Ford.


    His jaw is clenched and he''s staring straight ahead. The fact that he hasn''t said a word to me speaks


    volumes, knowing that Emerson Ford would miss a chance to piss me off and I shouldn''t irritate him


    any further than he already seems, but I live to torture the guy.


    "You''re unusually quiet. " I raise my brows and he stares down at me before lifting his head again.


    "Daddy issues, isn''t it?" I smirk, crossing my arms against my chest.


    "Trust me, Carson. You do not want to anger me right now. " His voice is cold and his tone drips of


    anger.


    I should stop, but we both know I never stop when ites to Emerson Ford.


    "Or what will you do?" I challenge him.


    "Don''t piss me off, Carson!" He snaps, now turning his body to me and I pout. "That''s funny. I thought


    you love it when I piss you off?"


    He parts his lips to speak, but shuts it and turns to the other side.


    "Being a coward, aren''t we?" I push.


    "Shut your mouth, Carson. " He says and I chuckle. "Yourebacks are getting drier, Ford. Daddy


    issues getting to your head, or something?"


    "I swear to God, Carson. If you don''t close that wild mouth of yours; I''ll pin you against this elevator,


    and teach you how to shut it. " His voice turns dark. They are words I wasn''t expecting. Words that


    evaporates every insult I had nned for Emerson Ford and words that keep me in silence with heat I''d


    rather ignore in my lower belly.


    "You won''t dare. " I breathe with my heart racing and Emerson chuckles, closing the space between us


    now and I can feel each of his ragged breath. I know better than to challenge Emerson Ford when I''m


    stuck in an elevator with him, but I''m too high to care about what he''ll do.


    "That was a wrong thing to say, Carson, " he whispers. "Because I love myself a good dare. " He turns


    back and presses the emergency stop button. And it happens so fast I didn''t have a chance to take


    another breath before his lips crush against mine.

 F O U R

    F O U R


    EVA.


    I freeze in my stand and my eyes are wide as I watch Emerson''s lip move against mine.


    This isn''t something I expected, but there is a small fraction that anticipated this: The anger that was


    burning between us to be fueled into something else. Something unexinable. Something delirious. I


    had set the trap, but I didn''t think Emerson would take the bait.


    Emerson forces my mouth open and slides his tongue through my parted lips, pushing me hard against


    the elevator wall as his mouth ravages mine and his hand moves to the back of my head, pulling at my


    ponytail and tilting my head to the back; giving him more opening to plunder my mouth.


    Disbelief dances through my veins as Emerson Ford kisses me rough and hard in a way that reflects


    how it''s always been between us.


    The warmth in my lower belly explodes into an unbearable sensation that leaves an aching need in the


    sweet spot between my thighs and a thundering heart in my chest.


    I fist my hands in his jacket and instead of pushing his body from mine; I find myself pulling him tight


    against mine as I shut my eyes. Our chests are pressed to each other and every sense seems to have


    flown out as we both fight for dominance. The kiss is like it''s always been between us¨C one of us


    fighting for the upper hand and in this position, Emerson Ford seems to have the upper hand as he


    presses his hip against mine for me to feel the hardness in his pants.


    "You seem to be enjoying my lips on yours, Carson, " he pulls back, a taunting smile on his face as he


    keeps me caged against the wall, hisrge body epassing mine and I part and close my mouth


    like a goldfish as I try to think of aeback.


    "You wish. " My voice is small. Almost inaudible and I want to smack myself in the face for it.


    "I do not think there''s any need to make a wish when I feel the urgency of your needy lips against mine,


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Carson. I bet I''ll find you a poor mess if I push my hand between those thick thighs of yours. " He


    smirks and his words are something that shouldn''t sound so hot. They are teasing and aimed at


    insulting me, yet I find myself wishing he do exactly what he said. I tell myself it''s the stance we''re in.


    Nothing more than that.


    "Fuck you, Ford. " I cuss and he shakes his head. "You''re asking for too much, Carson, but I won''t mind


    bending daddy''s little girl over my desk if you agree to be a good girl and beg for it. "


    "That''s something that will only happen in those ridiculous scenarios you make up in your head. I bet


    you''ve got tons of that up there, don''t you?" I chuckle but that doesn''tst long when he moves his face


    closer.


    "Are you daring me again, Carson?" His voice is almost a whisper and his hot breath fans against my


    face.


    "I am. " I lift my chin. "If you think you have the odds to stick that thing..." I nod to his pants. "Anywhere


    near me, then you must be insane, Ford. A thing that got hard with one touch from me by the way. "


    Emersonughs and moves back. "Trust me, Carson. This isn''t because of you. You''re not a sight to


    get hard for, especially not with me. " He doesn''t give me a chance to speak before he presses the


    button again. The elevator slides open and he gives me onest nce before walking away and I slip


    on my feet, my breathing heavy as the import of what happened whack me hard.


    I shared a kiss with Emerson fucking Ford.


    I shared a kiss with Emerson fucking Ford where we could be caught by men who hate each other as


    much as we do.


    What the hell was I thinking?


    ~


    "I''m home. " I shut the door behind me and I don''t wait for a response before heading straight to my


    room with my heart in my throat.


    I sigh as I lean against the door and fish my phone out. There are a few texts and two missed calls


    from Aliya. I didn''t even notice the poor thing ring because I was too caught up in something I shouldn''t


    be caught up in.


    Kicking my boots off my feet, I stride to my bed and drop on it as I contact Aliya.


    "Bitch, where the¡ª"


    "Hey, sorry I missed your call. " I cut her off.


    "What''s wrong?" Aliya asks with raised brows, zooming her face closer and I shake my head, gnawing


    at my lips.


    She frowns. "We don''t keep secrets, Evie. "


    I sigh and dig my fingers into my thighs. She would probably call me stupid if she heard of the


    incredibly mindless thing I did.


    "It''s just¡ª" I shake my head and Aliya hums for me to continue. Taking a deep breath, I say, "I might


    have, or might have not kissed him. "


    "Who?" She asks.


    "Emerson. " My voice is so tiny that she might have not heard. It could as well pass as blowing wind,


    but when I look back at the phone to see Aliya''s eyes widened with a grin on her face, I know she


    heard.


    "Oh, you naughty girl. Finally taking on my advice, huh?"


    "This isn''t something to be proud of, Aliya. " I hiss,ying back against the headboard and she lifts her


    brows. "Why not? Was he a bad kisser? Considering his looks, you would think¡ª"


    "No, that''s not it. " He''s not a bad kisser. God, he''s so far from that term. That ten seconds kiss is


    probably one of the hottest kisses I''ve ever had, and I hate that I love it. I hate that even after promising


    not to think of it, I still think of how it felt and the tingles on my lips for something I should hate. I hate


    that my body reacted so fast to him and I hate that I let Emerson Ford have his way with me¨C and


    would have probably let him have more if he didn''t pull back.


    Fuck. Me.


    "So what''s it then? Were you expecting more? " She questions and I roll my eyes. "I think you''re getting


    the whole idea of hate wrong. You don''t kiss someone you hate, Aliya. You want to smack them in the


    face, not want your mouth on them. "


    She grins sheepishly. "So you want your mouth on Emerson? Which part? Is it the pretty orgasm maker


    in his¡ª"


    "Aliya, " I groan and sheughs. "It isn''t funny. "


    "I know! I know, " she says through herugh. "And it''s just a kiss, babe. Nothing too serious. Who


    initiated it?"


    "Him. " Though I had indirectly goaded him into it. I shouldn''t have uttered a word, knowing where I


    was. Especially after his words, but that''s just it. There''s that part of me that will never keep it down


    when ites to Emerson Ford, and then there''s the other part... The part that tantly came out of


    nowhere and was anticipating his every next move. I don''t anticipate with Emerson; I do the opposite.


    "And you followed through. Maybe you both just need to fuck each other to get that hatred out of your


    systems. Might turn out better than being at each other throats. "


    "You aren''t helping, dimwit. " I tell her and she chuckles. "I''m just saying. "


    "Yeah, thanks for the advice, smart pants. I''m heading to bed. "


    "You''ll figure it out. "


    "Fuck off. " It''s the only response I give as the echoes of Aliya''sugh fills my room before I hang up


    and throw the phone to the other side.


    I sigh and stare up at the ceiling with my hands on my stomach. As I shut my eyes to get to sleep, I


    convince myself this is Emerson''s new fucked up way of messing with me and I''ll be damned if I let it


    get to me.

 F I V E

    F I V E


    EVA.


    "Last night here. I''m gonna miss this ce. " Aliya sighs as she stares around the club.


    "Why did you choose here though? I thought we were heading to the recently opened one downtown?"


    I ask her as I take a sip of my vodka and Aliya tries to avoid my gaze as she speaks, redness coating


    her flushed cheekbones. "No reason. I just thought¡ª"


    "Thought you would see that nameless fuck of yours?" A mocking smile rests on my lips as I raise my


    brows at her and she rolls her eyes. "It was a instinct, okay?"


    I hum with a shrug. "Exins why you aren''t out of your seat in search of someone to fuck. "


    "Shut up, Evie. " She groans and Iugh, taking another sip of my vodka.


    "You''re on your seat, " she drops her gaze to myp and I nod. "I think that''s pretty obvious, Aliya. "


    "Why are you on your seat? I thought you were going to make the best out of yourst day to party?


    You probably will go back to stuffing the books in your face once we''re at college. " She sighs before


    she shifts her seat closer to mine and ce a hand on my shoulder. "I will miss your wild era, my love. "


    I p her hand off my shoulder and Aliyaughs. "Stop messing around. You should go back to looking


    for your girl. Do you even remember what she looks like? "


    "How can I forget the face I masturbate to every single night?"


    "I honestly didn''t need that detail. " I scrunch my nose and she swats at my arm.


    "Or you might swing the other way tonight. " I tell her and she frowns. "What do you mean by that?"


    I nod my head behind her and she turns around to follow my gaze. "The guy in the ck shirt. He''s


    been staring at you since we came in. "


    Aliya observes the guy for some seconds before hissing and turning back to meet my eyes. "He''s fine,


    and that''s all. Nothing fuckable about him. "


    "Looks doesn''t justify how well a man performs in bed, you know. " I say and a tiny smirk crosses her


    lips as she says, "That''s your fucked up way of thinking. If the face ain''t hot then there''s no way the


    pussy would be pretty. "


    "That''s just dumb. " Aliya shrugs in response and Iugh as I watch the poor guy get out of his seat


    and walk towards us. "You''ve got somethinging your way irrespective of how you think, though. "


    She parts her lips, but before she can speak; the guy beats her to it and I bend my hand and lean my


    face against my knuckles as I watch the drama unfold.


    "Hey, I''ve been watching you for some minutes. " The worst words to start with, dude.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    "So I''ve been told. " Aliya responds and the guy looks at me before looking back to her. "I''m Terry. "


    "And I sincerely do not give a shit. Sorry, buddy but it''s a no. " She sounds pissed and I take another


    shot of the vodka as I wait for the poor guy to scramble off but he surprises me by lingering by with


    eyes on Aliya.


    "The fuck you looking at?" She hisses and heughs softly. "I kind of expected that attitude. "


    "You dumb or something? I don''t swing your way, man. Scramble off. " She snaps and the guy looks


    taken aback for a second. He looks at me and I nod, motioning for him to just leave. With another


    nce at her, he walks away and I swing a hand over Aliya''s shoulder.


    "That was harsh. " I tell her and she nods. "I know, but he couldn''t take a hint. "


    "I think you are stressed Aliya. You aren''t yourself. "


    "Yes, Evie, I''m not. " She hisses. "I''m heading to college in two days, and I haven''t found the best sex


    of my life. "


    "I know you want to look for the girl, but you need to forget about her. You don''t know her name and


    you have no way of contacting her. For all you know, she''s probably beneath or on top of someone else


    right now. You need to move on. "


    Aliya seems to process my words for a minute before nodding and raising her ss, clicking it against


    mine.


    "To thest night. "


    "To thest night. " I repeat before pouring the alcohol down my throat.


    After another shot of the alcohol, we are in high spirits and we move to the dance floor. We throw our


    hands in the air, mess with our hairs and move our hips along to the beat of Chase Antic booming


    around the room and somehow, I go from dancing with my best friend to dancing with a guy who seems


    weirdly familiar with Aliya nowhere to be found.


    "Hey, you!" He shouts over the loud music, moving closer to me and I let him wrap his arm around my


    waist and push me against his chest. "Remember me?"


    My dance steps turn slower as I furrow my brows and stare at his face before it hit me. It''s the guy from


    that night. The same guy I yed around with in front of Emerson and the same guy I told to fuck off


    when he tried to stick his thing in me.


    "The fuck?" I hiss, trying to push away from him but his grip tightens around me and he shakes his


    head. "Not so fast, sweetheart. I''m here to finish what you started. " He smirks coldly at me and it turns


    the adrenaline rush of excitement that pumps through me to a scary one as panic sets in.


    I''ve had my fair share of men and I make sure it''s nothing other than sex. There is no personal


    information disclosed and no question asked¨C you hit it once and leave, and on some asions, paths


    cross again but I''ve never had a man stalk me like this fucker right here.


    "Get your hands off me!" I hiss, wrapping my hands around his to push him off, but he doesn''t even


    budge.


    "I told you I''ll be seeing you again, didn''t I? Did you think you could tease me and get away with it? I


    don''t think so. " He pushes me tight against his chest as he moves his face closer. My eyes are wide


    and my heart is beating fast in my chest as I stare around the room in search of Aliya but all I see


    around me are bodies sliding against each other and people too drunk to care about what''s happening


    with me.


    I freeze when his lips melt against my neck. My body goes stiff as the paines rushing back with full


    force.


    "No. " My voice is small and it sounds so fucking weak to my ears. I''m not weak. I haven''t been weak in


    years and no way am I letting anyone take that away from me. "Let me go, you fucker!" I lift my free


    hand and hit him by the side.


    His face twists into one of pain as he pulls back before it turns into a look of anger and he''sing


    towards me again. I prepare to knee him in the groin, but someone else beat me to it.


    "She said to let go. " It''s a voice I''ll recognize anywhere and anytime because I''ve heard so much of the


    annoying sound.


    Emerson grabs his hand and stands before me, looking so tall and mighty.


    "When a girl says to let go, you let go. " He says calmly and I watch as he twists his arm. The guy cries


    in pain and a few heads turn our way before Emerson let him go, shoving him to the side.


    He turns to me and without a word, he grabs my hand and pulls me towards the exit.


    "Are you okay?" He asks when we arrive outside and I jerk my hand from his hold.


    "I didn''t need your help. " I hiss and heughs. "You sure as hell didn''t. "


    "I had it under control. "


    "Tell that to that scared part of you. " He retorts and I re at him. "Fuck off. "


    "You know, Carson, " His gaze falls to my chest before he brings it up to my face again. "I just saved


    your ass, and even for someone with a rotten character like yours, I expected you to thank me for it. "


    My lips turn up in a half-smirk and I fold my arms against my chest. "I''ll never thank you for anything,


    Ford. Never. "


    "You shouldn''t mess around with men like that, Carson. " He responds instead.


    "Then who should I mess around with? You? I''ll pass, jerk face. I don''t think that small thing in your


    pants is capable of satisfying me. " Hatred can be good. With hatred, there''s anger and with anger, you


    can hide your real issues. With anger, you can easily put up on an act. Hating Emerson Ford doesn''t


    only please me; it gives me confidence because the words of an insult thrown at each other and the


    refusal to never back down make me feel strong and strength is the one thing I crave. It''s the one thing


    I''ve always chased.


    "I''ll bend you over my leg and make you swallow those words back. I''ll show you just exactly how what


    you refer to will wreck that pussy of yours, and I''ll have you begging for more by the end of it. "


    All previous thoughts evaporate into the thin air at those words and I know I should walk away right


    there. Touching myself to an image of Emerson in my head is one thing, sharing a kiss with him is


    another thing, but goading him into touching me again is a different thing and I me it on the three


    sses of vodka I had earlier with the sudden agonizing ache between my thighs because that''s


    exactly what I do.


    "I. Dare. You. " I seethe, his words bringing about images that shouldn''t be there. Not here. Not with


    Emerson. Ford.


    "Desperation is a bad thing, Carson. It turns a blind eye to the worst of things and I can see how


    desperate you are to get fucked by your worst enemy. " A taunting smirk crosses his lips and when he


    steps closer to me, he brings with him fire that burns through my veins and has my lips shivering.


    Begging for another feel of his on mine. Craving... Desperate.


    "Go to hell, " I breathe and he chuckles.


    "I''ll be dragging you right there with me, Carson. Because we both know you can''t stay long without


    me. " I don''t have time to process his words and think of aeback before his lips crash against mine


    and my anger funnels into an intolerable want. A want between my thighs and every single inch of me.


    A want for Emerson Ford.

 S I X

    S I X


    EVA.


    Hot liquid burns through me. A hot, unquenchable thirst that can surprisingly and unfortunately be


    quenched at this moment by him only.


    My hands find themselves in his jacket when Emerson pulls my lower lip in his mouth, and tug on it


    hard; enough to draw a string of pain and pleasure through me.


    My want explodes into a need, and a sound between a moan and a gasp slips through my parted lips


    as Emerson''s hand move from my hair to my waist, pressing me hard against his chest.


    He pulls away for a split second, his breathing hard and loud, and mine is the same. Our eyes don''t


    leave each other and our hands stay fitted to their spots before Emerson pushes me in again; his


    mouth fast, rough and aggressive against mine.


    He begins to move, pulling me with me, stopping on asions to check his direction then finding his


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    mouth on mine again.


    Lust has taken over my brain, and my entire body. Every. Fucking. Inch. Has been consumed by the


    taste and feel of Emerson Ford, and I don''t want to stop. I hate that I don''t want to stop. I hate that


    there''s so single will to halt this before it turns into something more.


    Emerson invades my senses once again as he pushes me against a hard surface. My body crashes


    against the car and I throw my head back, my eyes screwed shut as Emerson''s lips travel down my


    neck. Leaving a burning, aching skin everywhere he touches.


    "Don''t fucking leave marks, " a hiss slips through my parted lips when he sucks on the sensitive spot of


    my neck and he chuckles against the skin, before he pulls back. "I don''t think you have the right to


    make the decision here, Carson. You''re at my fucking mercy and I''ll do whatever the fuck I want. "


    "I''m not at your fucking mercy, " I snap, though the hot need between my thighs for the bastard begs to


    differ. "I''m never at your fucking mercy, Ford. Don''t get this fucking twisted. "


    "Really?" He arches a mocking brow and a moan moves from my throat when he pushes his hand


    between us, and underneath the short skirt I have on to find my soaking panties. "What do you call this,


    Carson? You''re so fucking wet for me. "


    My gaze drops to his pants and I grip the front, squeezing his hardness in my hand. Emerson has a


    death re on when I return my gaze to his face and a smirk climbs on my lips, "Seems like it''s fucking


    mutual, Ford. You want this so don''t you dare think you have a fucking advantage here. "


    "Have I ever told you how intolerable you are?" He fists his hands in my hair and yanks it rough. The


    pain shoots through my scalp and has me dripping between my legs, right where Emerson''s other hand


    rests.


    "Wouldn''t be the first time. " I gasp as I palm him through his pants and Emerson smirks as he pushes


    his face closer to mine. His lips rest on my jaw and he bites harshly on the skin before he pulls back,


    opens the car door and pushes me in.


    My heart is racing fast in my chest as I watch him shut the door and enter through the driver''s seat.


    Climbing in, he doesn''t waste another second to pull me towards him and I straddle hisps, my hand


    coiling through his hair¨C tugging at the roots.


    His hand move to my waist and he snatches my skirt upward as I roll my hips against his hard cock.


    I tilt his head and lick his earlobe, earning a grunt from him. My lips travel down to his neck and


    Emerson takes the moment to slide the straps of myce cropped top down my arms, leaving my chest


    bare to his eyes.


    Alcohol gives confidence. Highness makes you make decisions thate back to bite you in the ass.


    The twobined is a whole fucking mess that leaves you a mindless goddamn idiot and that''s the


    only exnation for why I''m on Emerson''sp, in the small space of his car with my skirt hitched up to


    my waist and my top slid off my arms... Rocking desperately against the hardness protruding against


    his pants might I add.


    "Look at you, " Emerson breathes. "Rubbing your mess against me. What will daddy say when he


    hears his little daughter desperately seeks out an orgasm from the guy he hates so much?"


    "I could say the same about you. " I moan, throwing my head to the back when he rolls my nipple in his


    hand. "You seem to be enjoying the sight of my chest, Ford. So much for the girl you''ll dly watch die.


    "


    "I can watch you die tomorrow, Carson, " his hands find my hips and he takes over, going at a faster


    pace as he controls my movement. "Tonight, I''ll fuck your brains out and make you take back those


    words. "


    "So sure of yourself. " Iugh and he smirks, his hand slipping between my thighs and I moan when he


    shifts my pants to the side and rubs my swollen clit.


    "It''s more than that, Carson. What did I tell you about making you beg?" This motherfucking b¨¢stard.


    "Not gonna fucking happen. " I hiss and he cocks his head as he adds another finger, his knuckles


    deep inside me and I let out another sound of a half gasp, half moan.


    He pumps faster¡ª in and out, in and out¡ª and I struggle to keep my eyes open at the pleasure that


    rides over me as he curls his fingers and hit my sensitive spot, slowly pulling out when my moan


    increases before thrusting back in.


    "Tell me, Carson. How badly do you need toe?" He presses his thumb to my clit and I hiss. "Tell


    me how badly you need me to let youe. Beg. For. It. "


    "No!" My response is sharp and firm, but I doubt I canst very long if he keeps bringing me closer to


    my high, then snatching it from me and deterring me from going over the edge at the veryst minute.


    "Let''s see how long you canst, Carson, " he whispers, turning my body around and pinning me to the


    steering wheel.


    "Fuck..." I groan as Emerson presses on a button to give more space before taking his hand to my hips


    and I hum with closed eyes when his hands move to my ass and he rubs the flesh before pping it.


    I gasp. "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?"


    "Teaching you a lesson. " Is his only response before he yanks my skirt to my waist and I hear the


    sound of his belt with the zipper.


    I grip the steering wheel tighter as Emerson inclines my lower body to the back, grazing my wetness


    with the tip of his cock and I shudder at the contact, needing more of it.


    "You''ve done this before, " Emerson growls behind me, his hand moving around my throat.


    "What... What the fuck were you thinking?" I struggle to speak as he gives a rough thrust. A scream


    rips from my throat at the painful stretch of his size and the fierceness with which he fucks me, but it


    isn''t long before the scream turns into cries and an inaudible plea for more of him. He feels so fucking


    hard, long... Thick. Fuck, he''s everywhere. The pounding is in my head, my heart and every single


    fucking inch of my body.


    "That you''re Matt''s daughter and you should be f¨²cking innocent, but we both know you''re far from that,


    aren''t you?" A mocking sound leaves his lips and I pant, "You''re fucking sick. "


    "You''re right on my fucking dick, Carson. Taking every single m I give you. I don''t think you''re less


    sick than I am. " His hands dig into my hips and I feel it when he slowly lifts his body from the seat


    because he hits so fucking deep inside me, my mouth hangs open.


    "Fuck, yes. Yes!" Words slip through my parted lips and Emerson chuckles, "So much for a cock that


    isn''t capable of satisfying you, don''t you think, Carson?" I''m unable to give a response when his grip


    tightens on my throat, and he cuts my breath for a few seconds as he says, "Beg for it, Carson.


    F¨²cking beg for your release. "


    "No fucking chance. " I manage to breathe in response as he loosens his grip.


    "You won''t?" Emerson repeats and I hiss when I feel him slowing down, snatching my orgasm from me


    once again.


    "Why the fuck did you do that?" I cry in frustration.


    "We could do this all night long, Carson. I have all the time in the world, but I can''t say the same about


    you. Matt probably gave his little pet a curfew, didn''t he? And she''ll be in very big trouble if she doesn''t


    appear before, or by that time. It''s your choice. "


    "I hate you. " I tell him and heughs, "No more than I do. Take back your words, Carson. "


    The bastard knows what he''s doing. Not on the father part, but the release part. I badly need a release


    and I won''t get it if Emerson doesn''t get what he wants. But instead of begging, I do the exact opposite.


    I do what we always do. I bring up an insult and wait for Emerson to fall into the trap.


    "This is just an act, isn''t it?" I purr. "You''re afraid you won''t live up to your words. I should have known a


    fucking cock like yours isn''t capable of giving me an orgasm. My mistake ever doubting my words for a


    second. " I twist my head to re at him with a taunting smirk on my lips and the sight of him ¡ªall


    sweaty with furious eyes¡ª give me the satisfaction I want.


    Emerson pushes my head against the steering wheel as he ms into my pussy, his breathing ragged


    and heavy against the small of my back and I know I got him... Or at least I think I do.


    Emerson eases his thrusts just at the rim of my orgasm, his hand moving from my throat to my chest,


    squeezing a breast in his hand as he says, "My cock just had you screaming like a bitch. You''re a


    mess, Carson. Be a good girl and say those words before your friendes looking for you and catch


    you in thispromising position you would rather not let her see. "


    Fuck, he''s right. He''s fucking right.


    "One, " he moves his hand to my hips and yanks me down to meet his thrust. "Two, " he moves his


    hand to my front and finds my clit. He rubs on the spot as he controls my movement with the other


    hand.


    "Three, " Too much. God, it''s too fucking much.


    "Four¡ª"


    "Please, " the word falls from my lips in a helpless whisper and Emerson fists his hand in my hair,


    yanking my head back.


    "Please what, Carson? Use your fucking words properly. "


    I whimper when he licks my earlobe in a dragging, sensual motion. "Please, let mee. I need you


    to... Oh my God, yes! I can''t¡ª I, oh my, " Pleas slips through my parted lips and I do not care that he''ll


    tease me for itter. He''s got me under his fucking mercy, and it was stupid to think otherwise.


    "Yes, that''s it. " He says. "You feel so good taking me in, Carson. Can you feel it? Can you feel your


    walls clenching around my cock?"


    "Yes, yes yes. " I chant. "God, yes. I can feel it. I can feel it in every fucking inch of my body. Oh God,


    Emerson. It''sing, I can feel it. I''ming, oh fuck. " I scream as my orgasm ripples through me,


    leaving brain-melting pleasure in its wake.


    Emerson keeps thrusting roughly inside me till ck dots appears in my vision and my grip on the


    steering weakens. Embarrassing sounds fall from my lips as he finallyes, our breaths heavy in the


    small space of the car before he moves me to the passenger seat and tosses the condom out¨C one I


    didn''t realize he used.


    Myzy gaze moves along Emerson''s sweaty face and the realization of what we had just done hit me


    as the effect of the lust and the post-sex clears from my brain.


    I just fucking had sex with Emerson Ford.


    I just fucking had an angry, pussy wrecking, toe-curling and unbelievably fucking hot sex that leaves my


    body in an agonizing ache with a guy I im to hate more than I hate the sight of a wrinkled book and


    in the small space of his car, where anyone could have caught us.


    What the fuck have you done, Eva?

 S E V E N

    S E V E N


    EVA.


    "You have everything packed?" Mom asks again and a small smile tugs on my lips as I nod before she


    pulls me into a hug. "Oh, sweetheart. I will miss you so much. "


    "Mom, " I call her, augh slipping through my parted lips. "I''m not moving out of the state, mom. I''m


    only miles away. "


    She pulls back with a wide smile resting on her lips. "Does that mean I cane to visit whenever I


    want?"


    My smile turns into a frown and I shake my head in protest. "No fucking way. I told you both. I''lle


    home if I feel like it. You can''te to college. "


    "I was just teasing you, " she lifts her hand to my cheeks and pinches the skin lightly before dropping it


    to my side, a sigh leaving her mouth. "I know how much this means to you, and I respect that. "


    "Thank you, " I mouth and she smiles, her hands resting on either side of my face as she yanks me


    towards her. She presses her lips to my forehead before pulling back, "Be careful out there, Eva. Call


    me if you need anything. "


    "I have everything I need. " I assure her before gripping the edge of my suitcase, and rolling it along


    with me.


    Mom follows behind me and stands at the porch as I roll my bag into the backseat of the car before


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    climbing in beside my father.


    "I told you I could handle this. You should be in the office. " I tell dad as I fasten my seatbelt and he


    shakes his head in response. "I''m not missing thest chance to say goodbye to my daughter in a very


    long time. "


    I chuckle and rest back against the car seat, before staring ahead to see mom waving at me. I return


    with a small wave of mine as dad pulls out of our driveway and the sight of his house just before dad


    pulls back sends a shiver down my spine.


    I swallow the bitter lump in my throat as I sink back against the seat and turn my gaze to the sight of


    dad with the steering wheel in hand. The sight brings about an image in my head and I clutch my legs


    together at my body leaning against the steering wheel with my hair sticking to my face in all directions


    and Emerson''s grunts behind me.


    We didn''t say a word to each other that night and I''ve never seen him ever since that night.


    It''s almost like the graveness of what we did suddenly crashes down on us, and we''re trying our


    absolute best to forget about it. Not seeing each other is the best way to prevent a sh and a sh is


    the best way to prevent bringing up that urrence, though my mind seems to disagree about that


    every night.


    I can''t stop thinking about that night. It was a mistake. A mistake that I should have nevermitted,


    but there''s no denying the fact that it was one of my best mistakes. My hate for Emerson Ford doesn''t


    stop me from admitting that he fucks hard, and his makes my body burns hot at the thought of it, no


    matter how much I hate it.


    The sex wasn''t sexual, sweet, gentle, emotional or passionate. No, God, it was far from any of those


    words. It was rawer, more mind-blowing, more mind-melting than any sex I''ve ever had in my life. It


    sank deep into my soul and dug open a side of me I never knew existed. A part of me that''s filled with


    want for Emerson Ford.


    There shouldn''t be that part, and college is the best escape from it. Along with living my life, the night I


    had with Emerson Ford will be nothing but fragments of an old memory.


    "Why did you want one with a roommate?" Dad''s words bring me out of my imagination and slip me


    back into reality.


    I pass him a smile as I extend my hand to tune up the volume of Cami Cabello ring through the


    radio before resting back against the seat with arms crossed against my chest. "I think it''s more fun that


    way. Having a roommate wouldn''t make it feel so lonely. "


    He nods. "You''re right about that. "


    "I know, " I grin and he chuckles with a shake of his head. "I know how you feel, Eva. "


    I twist my head to the view of him and raise my brows. "What do you mean?"


    "All these years, I''ve curbed you from living the life you truly want. " A sigh leaves his lips and he rests


    one hand against the window, his fingers covering his mouth. "I know it has been exhausting for you,


    Eva, but you should know I do this in your best interests. I do not want what happenedst¡ª"


    "I thought we agreed to never bring that up. " My voice is small as I lower my head and the air in the


    small space suddenly feels exhausted as dark thoughts creep into my mind. Thoughts I''ve fought so


    hard for and thoughts thate back to haunt me no matter how hard I fight.


    "Right. I just want you to be careful, Princess. That''s all. " He whispers and I hum, the rest of the drive


    spent in silence. No doubt the memories haunt him just as they haunt me.


    ~


    The apartment is in a white attractive colour and looks well furnished from the outside.


    "This ce?" Dad asks from his seat as he stops the car and I nod before climbing out of the car,


    moving to the backseat to collect my things.


    "Are you sure this ce isfortable for you, Eva?" Dad asks as he moves out of the car to my side.


    "Yes, dad. You don''t have to worry about me. It looks very much better on the inside and it''s pretty


    close to the campus. " I tell him with a smile and he nods, still staring at the house. "As long as you


    love it. Do you want me toe in with you?"


    "No!" My response is sharp and dad draws a suspicious brow.


    I let out an awkwardugh. "I just mean there''s no need, dad. I''m fine. You can head back to the office.


    "


    He sighs and looks at the house before dropping his gaze to my face. He spreads his arms and I move


    into him, epting his tight hug before moving out of his embrace.


    "I''ll be fine. I promise. "


    "Let me know if anything happens. " He narrows his eyes and I nod, giving him the assurance I know


    he needs to get his mind settled.


    "Take care, Princess. " He gives me a tight smile and presses his lips to my forehead before pushing


    inside the car and I watch as he drives off, the car moving out of sight.


    I turn to the house with a wide smile crossing my lips as I roll my suitcase along, the wind blowing my


    hair against my face.


    I grumble as I stand in front of the door without a key in hand. Rolling my bag off my back, I stop my


    movement when I hear the creak of the door.


    Furrowing my brows, I kick my bag to the back and grip the doorknob. The door opens with a twist,


    which means there''s someone in there.


    That''s strange. That woman told me my roommate won''t be here until next week. Waving the thought


    off my mind, I grab my suitcase and slide through the door, shutting it behind me with a smile on my


    face.


    "Hey, I''m¡ª" My words catch up in my throat and my mouth hangs open at the sight before me.


    You''ve got to be fucking kidding me.


    Emerson fucking Ford?

 E I G H T

    E I G H T


    EVA.


    A tall shirtless frame. A chest that''s decorated with abs and muscles, mouthwatering and glowing


    before me. A chest that leads to a face on which a tiny smirks rests.


    Dark short hairplimented with brown eyes which stares back at me with amusement shining


    through the orbs.


    Out of everywhere I thought he could be, I never thought it would be here. No fucking way. There''s no


    fucking way this is possible. The woman told me my roommate was a girl, just about my age so how


    the fuck did that get switched with him?


    "You look shocked to see me, Carson, " Emerson speaks, breaking the silence between us and I scowl


    at him. "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?"


    He raises a mocking brow. "You''re dumb, Carson? What the fuck does it look like I''m doing?" My gaze


    drops to the mug in his hand and I shake my head.


    "That''s not what I fucking mean. What the hell are you doing here?" It''s a stupid question. The man is


    chest naked in front of me with a coffee mug in his hand, so of course, he lives here, but it could also


    mean another thing: he hooked up with the girl who''s my roommate and spent the night over. God, why


    does that sound so f¨´cking terrible to my ears?


    "Never knew you were this dumb, Carson. Do your fucking maths. " He hisses and I shake my head as


    I try to fight the voice in my head. "No, that can''t fucking be. You can''t be my fucking roommate. " You


    aren''t even supposed to be here, you bastard.


    "Newssh, Carson. I am. " A grin climbs on his lips and I scowl at the sight of it.


    "How?" I ask him and Emerson draws his brows. "How are you? The agent told me my roommate will


    be a girl. "


    "None of my fucking interest. I don''t owe you a fucking exnation, Carson. If you''re lost, talk to her¡ª


    not me. " And there goes one of the reasons why I hate Emerson fucking Ford. He''s arrogant and God


    knows that pisses me off than I like to admit.


    "You have to leave. " I say in a small voice and Emerson looks around us as if there''s another presence


    in the room before meeting my eyes with a pointed finger at his face. "I''m sorry. Did you mean me?"


    "Yes, I fucking mean you, Ford. You can''t be here. You can''t fucking be my roommate. "


    Emerson''s annoying smirk appears on his face and it grows wider with each step he takes. He stops


    only inches away from me and I ignore the way my heart picks up speed at his familiar scent.


    "Why, Carson? I have every right to be here. " He whispers, his gaze dragging down my body before


    moving to my face again. "Are you afraid you won''t be able to handle me? Is daddy''s little girl scared?"


    "I''m not f¨²cking scared of you. " I snap and he gives a mocking nod. "Of course, you''re not. Exins


    the horrified look on your face when you saw me the moment you came in. "


    "I can''t stand the f¨²cking sight of you, Ford. There''s a fucking difference. " I grip onto my suitcase and


    take tiny steps back with each step he takes forward. His gaze drops to our movement and he moves


    closer till the edge of his slippers are pressing against one of my shoes.


    Emerson''s eyes are on me when I return my gaze to him. "Right. You aren''t scared. You''re just fucking


    scared of what will happen if you stay around me. Afraid you''re going to jump at my dick again,


    Carson?"


    "Jump at your dick?" A scoff slips through my parted lips and he cocks his head. "I can remember you


    doing that two nights away. Your screams and the sound of my name leaving your mouth..." Should


    have fucking known he would taunt me for that. It''s Emerson Ford anyway, I don''t expect any less from


    him.


    "I didn''t jump at your dick, Ford. You seem to have a foggy memory. How about I clear it for you? You


    fucking shoved me inside your car and fucked me. "


    "Yet there was no single protest from your side. You wanted more. You begged for more. " He retorts


    and I shut my eyes to calm my breathing before meeting his eyes again.


    "You''re a fucking bastard. " I cuss and he chuckles, "Not your best, but of course Carson, you should


    run. We both know you don''t stand a chance against me. "


    "The fuck is that supposed to mean?" I ask him, pinning him with a re and he shrugs before walking


    away without a response.


    I should leave still, but Emerson did that for a reason. The bastard drew apetitive line he knows I''ll


    never back away from and leaving will prove him right. He''s far from being right. I''m not fucking scared


    of Emerson Ford, neither do I have the will to spread my legs for him again.


    Emersons twists his head to my side from his seat at the sound of my footsteps and he raises a brow.


    "You''re still here. "


    "You''ll be the one to leave, Ford. Not me. " I assure him and heughs before jerking his head behind


    me. "The one to the right is yours. "


    "I''ll decide which one is fucking mine. " I growl at him and a teasing smile climbs on his face as he


    says, "The one to the left is mine and all my stuff are in there. You''re wee to move them from there


    if you want. " He settles back on the couch and I grumble at his back view before rolling my suitcase


    across the room, towards the bedroom.


    The strong urge to take my right just to piss off Emerson streams through me, but I know pissing him


    off is thest thing I need in this situation so I take the left.


    I shut my door and drop my suitcase to the side. Striding towards the bed, I copse on it and stare up


    at the ceiling before the vibration of my phone pulls me out of my thoughts and I fish out the device.


    "Hey, " I speak as I push the phone against my ear and Aliya''s loud voicees from the other end.


    "Hey, you. You don''t sound so good. Is everything okay? Did you get there?"


    "Yes, everything is fine. I''m there right now. " I tell her and there''s the sound of a squeal from her end.


    "And how''s it? How''s your new roommate? Is she hot or just pretty? Nice or mean? Mean girls are


    usually¡ª" Except my new fucking roommate doesn''t fit with any of those descriptions. This wouldn''t


    have happened if Aliya had just got an apartment with me, but she wanted to experience what it''s like


    to be in the dorms and I respect her decision. ording to her, you can''t have a full college experience


    without the dorms.


    "It isn''t a girl. " I tell Aliya, and she halts her words. "What do you mean? I thought you said the woman


    told you¡ª"


    "I know what the woman fucking told me, Aliya and I''m so fucking pissed right now. "


    "Wow, calm down babe. It can''t be that bad living with a guy. " Yes, except the guy is Emerson Ford.


    "It''s Emerson. " I drop the bomb and silence takes over. Aliya says no word and her breathing is my


    only proof that she''s still on the line.


    "Ali¡ª"


    "Emerson? Emerson Ford? The guy you hates so much?" And the guy I had mind-blowing sex with two


    nights away will be my next-door roommate.


    One I refused to walk away from because I won''t give him the satisfaction of victory.


    Can my life get any worse?


    "Yes, that Emerson. " I respond to Aliya and there''s a sound of herugh. Is it supposed to be fucking


    funny?


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    "You both can''t stay away from each other, can you?" She jokes and I roll my eyes, "This isn''t the time


    for your jokes, Aliya. I''m more than pissed already. "


    Aliyaughs, not seeming to care about my words. "You''ll be fine, babe. It''s not like he''ll kill you or


    something, and if it gets too unbearable then one of you moves out. " No doubt it''ll be him.


    I will not give in to the urge. I will not lose this challenge.

 N I N E

    N I N E


    EVA.


    "Try not to kill him. " Aliyaughs before she ends the call and I text the woman.


    ME: Hi. GoodDay, there''s an issue with the apartment. I suppose you said my roommate will be ady?


    I chew on my lips as I stare at the screen, waiting for a reply.


    Her responsees secondter.


    APARTMENT: Oh right, Miss Carson. I''m extremely sorry to have not notified you instantly. The girl


    bailed and luckily, I got another roommate for you right after her. Is there any problem with your new


    roommate?


    Any problem? There''s a lot of fucking problems!


    I hiss in annoyance and stop myself before I send something stupid. Tossing the phone to the side, I


    move out of bed.


    I slide my feet into the slippers and walk out of the room, moving towards the living room and frowning


    at the sight of Emerson on the couch with the TV volume raised to the highest.


    "Are you deaf or something? Why''s it so loud?" I question him with hands on my hips. Emerson doesn''t


    give a response with his eyes focused on his screen, ignoring my very existence.


    "Hey!" I snap, moving in front of him and he slowly lifts his head from the TV to meet my eyes. A smirk


    crosses his face as his eyes move down my body and I swallow down my throat, suddenly feeling


    naked with the intense gaze of his eyes.


    "What''s it this time, Carson?" He asks in a bored tone as he averts his gaze back to the screen and I


    scoff, "What''s it? You''re being so fucking loud and the entire house is booming with the sound. "


    "I don''t see how that disturbs you. I''ll increase the volume if need be, if you have a problem with that


    then you may use your headphones. "


    "I think you''re forgetting the fact that we both have equal rights in this house. " I remind him and he rolls


    his eyes. "If I''m ufortable with your annoying behaviour then I shall speak. "


    "And that goes both ways?" He raises his brows and I nod.


    He chuckles and drops the bag of chips to the side. His hands slip into his pockets as he raises to his


    feet and strides toward me. Leaving only inches left between us, he lowers his eyes to my chest. "If I


    tell you I''m ufortable with that top you have on, will you get rid of it?"


    "What?" My response is quick as my eyes widen.


    Emerson shrugs, "You heard me. Will you?"


    "Did you hit your head or something?" I cock my head with lifted brows.


    "So much for the equal rights. " He mumbles before moving back to his seat, returning to ignore my


    words.


    "We need to talk. " I say softly, moving towards him and he meets my eyes with a smile. "About the


    best sex of your life which I gave you?"


    His words make my heart jump and I halt my steps just before I get to him, my body humming in


    reaction.


    "No. We''re not talking about that. We''re never talking about that. " I dere firmly, pretending my core


    doesn''t clench against my panties just at the sight of him sitting there and uttering those words.


    Pretending I haven''t been reliving that moment repeatedly in my head, and pretending I didn''t just


    touch myself to that image of us in my head a night away, failing miserably when my fingers don''t give


    me the satisfaction and pleasure he gave.


    "Why? Will you be the coward you''ve always been and say it''s a mistake?" A mocking smile rests on


    his lips and I want to throw my fist in his face, and clear it off his face.


    "I''m not a coward. " I seethe with a re and he nods, "Sure, daddy''s angel. What do you want to talk


    about then if it isn''t about me sticking my cock inside your pussy?" Please stop.


    Emerson keeps his gaze on me and I pray he doesn''t notice the way I press my thighs against each


    other to dull the ache there.


    Taking a breath, I finally take a step forward. "We both can''t stand the sight of each other. That''s


    positive. "


    "Like it''s always been. Unless I have you screaming my name, of course. You seem to withstand me


    better when I''m fucking your brains off. " And with each feeling of desire for him, he reminds me yet


    again why I hate him.


    "The same goes for you. You didn''t seem to hate me when you had your mouth on my chest. " I taunt


    and his gaze drops. I don''t need to trace it to know he''s staring at my chest again. "One you haven''t


    been able to stop staring at by the way. "


    Emerson meets my gaze, augh falling from his lips. "Just because I hate you doesn''t mean I can''t


    stare at your chest, Carson. I''m a man. "


    "And I''m not a girl you can fuck. "


    "I did once. " He throws back and I fold my arms against my chest. "Only because I let you. "


    "I can do it again. Want me to show you?" He challenges and knowing the back and forth will give him


    exactly what he wants, I change the subject.


    "I was going to talk about the rules of living together. " As ludicrous and unimaginable as that sounds.


    We won''tst a week with each other, that I know. One of us will have to leave in the end, because


    along with our intolerance for each other, we''re so far apart. You can''t put oil and water together and


    expect it to mix.


    "Alright, Daddy''s pet. Let''s hear what you have. " He smiles knowingly. Throwing him a re for the


    ridiculous name, I take the seat next to him.


    "You can''t mess with my privacy. I respect that, and I do not want you poking your nose in my business.


    " I pause to take a look at him and he raises his shoulder dismissively.


    "Two, you need to stop with the sexual talks and gazes. "


    Heughs. "What sexual gaze?"


    "I don''t know. You know, the one where you stare too long at my chest than normal people do and the


    one where you stare at me like I''m a toy you can''t wait to get your hands on again. " I hiss irritably and


    Emerson says nothing butys back against the couch with his arms pressed to his chest, giving me an


    indication to continue.


    "And thest is what you did earlier. You can''t be that loud when I''m around. When I''m out, I have no


    problem with it. You can listen till your ears bleed, but not in my presence. "


    "Is that all?" Emerson raises his brows after my words and I nod.


    Sighing, he raises to his feet. "The first one I can do. The second I refuse to and the third I can''t. You


    do not give me rules, Carson. I do whatever the fuck I want because I paid for this shit, and if you can''t


    handle me, then you can move the fuck out. I''m sure Daddy can afford a new apartment for his pet,


    can''t he?"


    Before I can say another word, he grabs the chips and walks away, but that doesn''t stop me from


    screaming...


    "Fuck you, Ford!"


    "I already did, Carson. You don''t have to beg for it again. " He responds, the echoes of hisughter


    filling the space around me and doing nothing to calm my anger.


    ~


    A groan slips through my parted lips as I struggle to open my eyes. I pull the book away from my face


    and toss it to the side before sitting up on the bed.


    With a stretch of my body, I move out of the bed with a yawn and stride to the bathroom.


    Shutting the door behind me, I turn around and flinch at the sight of Emerson walking in through the


    other door.


    "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?" I scowl at him.


    "What else will I be doing in the bathroom? You keep getting dumber every day, Carson. " He hisses


    and I shake my head, "This is my¡ª" I pause and my lips remain parted with no words slipping through


    as the reminder that the house has only one bedroom knocks me. God, this is fucking insane. I''ll share


    a fucking bathroom with Emerson Ford.


    "I need it right now. " I tell him and he nods. "So do I. "


    "I came in first. " I argue and Emersonughs. "I don''t think so, Carson. "


    I move towards him and pin him with a re, my wordsing out in harsh breaths. "You''ll get out of


    this f¨²cking room, Ford. "


    "You should know it''s never fair and just between us, Carson. Do you want to use the room first? Then


    fucking win it. " He speaks through gritted teeth.


    We''re full-on ring at each other now. My breathing increases rapidly and my heart races in my chest


    as I stare between the two of us.


    Without another thought, I take my hands to the hem of the thin shirt I have on and pull it over my head


    before tossing it to the side. I blow my hair from my face as I stand in my shorts and a naked chest.


    Emerson''s eyes roam to my chest and I don''t miss the way his eyes lingers on the left one, the bob in


    his throat shifting before he takes his hands to his hips and yanks his pants down his legs.


    Inhaling sharply, Itch my fingers around the waistband of my shorts and tug it down my legs, leaving


    me in myce panties with my chest bare. Emerson pulls his boxers down his legs and I draw a breath


    at the sight of his cock. Hard and pointing straight at me.


    I feel the sudden ache between my legs and the way my nipples harden as Emerson takes a step


    forward, his body heat surrounding me.


    "Go on, Carson. Take the final step. " He says and my gaze drops to his cock, not concealing the fact


    that I''m staring at it before I look back at my body.


    A naked Emerson stands in front of me in all of his manly glory and I''m almost naked myself. There''s


    that fire again. The fire from that night¡ª right when he pulled me out of the club, right when we threw


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    insults at each other and right when he pushed me against his car.


    The fire never left, it was only quenched to a certain level and now, at the sight of each other


    nakedness once again¨C it''s intensified.


    And there''s no denying such fire.

 T E N

    T E N


    EMERSON.


    I watch the swell of her breasts and the hardness of her nipples, drawing towards me and requesting to


    make a tug.


    I lower my gaze to her face and she has a look of both uncertainty and resentment.


    "What are you waiting for?" I take another step closer till her breasts scrape the skin of my naked chest


    and my cock grazes slightly against her thighs.


    I know the exact moment she thought of that night when her eyes drops to my cock again: her pupils


    dte, a crease forms over her forehead and her lips part with no word slipping through.


    She swallows down, and I drift my gaze to the slight bob in her throat. I want to poke at it before


    wrapping my hand around it to take her breath from her, have her begging¡ª pleading¡ª to let go.


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    There''s an obsession with Carson''s pleads I can''t seem to get myself. It''s that strong urge to hear


    those words from her, knowing she''s a damn stubborn chick who tends to defy me in every way


    possible. Her defiance serves both as an annoyance and something else that shouldn''t be there.


    Eva Carson makes my blood boil, but recently she''s been doing more than invoking anger in me. She''s


    like a drug I can''t wait to get my hands off again. She''s like an itch I can''t get off my skin. One gaze at


    her chest and I''m brought back to that night. The night when I had Carson screaming my name, and


    not in the way that implies she wants to murder me, but in a way that tells how much she enjoys my


    cock inside her pussy, despite her opposing words to it. I haven''t been able to get her taste off my


    mind, and it''s exactly what I need to do. I need to hit it and get it over with.


    I need to fuck her out of my system, and I don''t care how many times I have to do that.


    I desire to go back to loathing the very existence of Eva Carson without the craving part of it.


    Carson takes a step back and my mouth twitches when my gaze falls to the movement. She meets my


    eyes with a re.


    "I thought I was thest thing that could get you hard, Ford. " Sarcasm drips off her tone as she nods


    towards the erection poking at her thighs and I snort. "This is nothing, but a man''s morning ritual,


    Carson. "


    "How many times have you lied now?" Sheughs, amusement coating her expression and I''m the one


    to take a step back this time.


    "Get out. " I tell her instead, changing the subject and she rolls her eyes, "I never said I''m drawing back


    on this. "


    "You have your panties on. " I remind her.


    Her eyes move to her body before she meets my gaze again. "I do not need to get naked to get you out


    of this room, Ford. We both know that''s something else you''re digging. " That makes two of us, Carson.


    "Your breasts are out in the open. What do you have to say about that?" I fold my arms against my


    chest and she smiles, "Feeding your obsession for thest time. "


    "I''ve had them before. " I tell her and a smirk crosses her lips as she speaks. "And you''ll never again.


    Get your clothes and get out, Ford. Your body isn''t exactly a sight for sore eyes. "


    "Exins why you''re dripping between your legs. " I retort and her eyes widen just barely. Her mouth


    drops but she says nothing, and I know I''ve got her there. The sense of satisfaction thates with


    that is undeniable.


    Letting out a chuckle, I kick my clothes to the side and step behind the ss doors to the shower.


    "Unless you want to take a bath with me, Carson, you should stay out. Or you can stand there while I


    give you the show of your life. " I turn my back to her and grab the shampoo. When I turn back, both


    Carson and her clothes are out of the room, and there''s a loud m of the door.


    I chortle and rest back against the wall, shutting my eyes as I wrap my hand around my cock, pumping


    myself to the image of her bare breasts.


    Once again, she got to me.


    EVA.


    I throw my clothes to the bed in anger and process to fall on it, my hands in my hair, tugging harshly at


    it like a madwoman with my chest rising and falling rapidly.


    Once again, Emerson doesn''t fail to do the one thing he''s good at¨C make me scorn him the more. But


    there''s something else this time.


    I sit up on the bed and stare down at my body to my panties. He wasn''t wrong when he mentioned the


    drip between my thighs. I''m fucking soaked... At the sight of Emerson''s naked body.


    This cannot go on. It''s far from what I should be doing. When you hate someone, you hate them. The


    clear look of disgust, the unknown res and all those shit. There''s no fucking them or wanting to fuck


    them again after the first time, because that''s exactly what''s happening.


    I need to stop thinking of my nails raking down his back and me beneath him with our bodies pressed


    to each other and go back to thinking of my fist in his face. Especially if I''ll drive Emerson Ford out of


    here¨C something I won''t do with this new sentiment.


    ~


    "You''re heading to college in those hideous clothes?" Emerson snickers behind me and I spin around


    to be met with the sight of him in his usual attire of entire ckness¨C does he ever get tired?


    I stare down at my body d in a short skirt that goes a bit over my midthighs with a turtleneck before


    lifting my head to him. "What''s wrong with these?"


    "They are hideous. " He says, raising his shoulder in a half shrug and augh falls from my mouth.


    "How many times have you called me dumb, Ford? I think those were meant for you if you think these


    are hideous. Do you even know what that word means?"


    "You''re in a skirt and a turtleneck. " He rifies and I shake my head. "First, I don''t wear clothes to


    interest you. Second, what do you have to say about what you have on?"


    A tiny smirk climbs on his face and he throws his helmet to the second hand, pressing it against his


    side. "First, you shouldn''t have them on at all and second, ck is mysterious. "


    "ck is stupid. " I retort, ignoring the part about my nakedness.


    "ck is life. " He argues and I groan, turning back to the door. "And we''re done with this conservation.


    "


    "Want a ride?" He offers just as I grab the doorknob and I turn to him with furrowed brows.


    "A ride? With you? Not happening. " I say and he hums. "As you wish, Carson. I''m sure Daddy got that


    covered for you?" He winks before striding towards me and walking out the door, intentionally jostling


    me in an unfriendly way in the process.


    I huff as he ms the door in my face before walking after him. I shut the door behind me, and use the


    lock just as Emerson revs his engine.


    "I don''t see your car, Carson. " He yells, his head peeking out the window.


    "I don''t have a car. " I say with lifted brows, knowing very well he is aware of that and only seeks out for


    mockery.


    "Oh right, " he grins. "My bad. Enjoy your walk to me. "


    He gives a wave with two fingers just before he drives away and I grit my teeth in response, pulling my


    phone out to text Aliya.


    ~


    "How was your first night with your new roommate?" Aliya smiles as she drops the coffee in front of me


    and I throw her a re, "Don''t even bring him up right now. "


    "Was it that bad?" She chuckles and I nod, "It was more than bad. It was terrible. Extremely terrible.


    The faster I drive him out of there, the better this will be for me. "


    "You honestly think you can do that?"


    "I can''t stand him. " I hiss and she chuckles again.


    I take a sip of my coffee with my eyes fixed on her, and I don''t fail to notice the unusual glow on her


    face.


    Setting the cup back on the table, I tap her feet with mine and she meets my eyes with lifted brows.


    "What are you on this morning?" I ask her.


    "What do you mean?"


    "You''re glowing differently, and you look somewhat happy. Excited. " I push my face closer to study


    hers and her palms moves to cover her cheeks. "I''m just happy for ss. That''s all. "


    "We both know it''s not that. Spill, Aliya. You know I won''t stop asking until you say the words. "


    She breathes and sinks back in her seat. After a few seconds, she speaks, "I might have, or might


    have not seen her. "


    "Her?" I ask, and when she nods and moves her hands from her blush coated cheeks, I know what she


    means. "The girl? "


    Aliya nods again, her lips stretched into a wide smile. "It was just a blur, but I can almost swear it was


    her. There''s something about it I can''t point out, but my body knew it was her. "


    "Your body?" My lips turn up in a smirk and she rolls her eyes, "Shut up. "


    "I didn''t say anything. " I say through cackles and she grabs her cup, moving from her seat. "You don''t


    have to. Come on, we don''t want to bete for ss. " And the smile remains on my face as I grab my


    bag and follow after her.


    I don''t fail to taunt her as we cross the streets that lead from the small coffee shop to the campus.


    "Do you think she schools here?" I ask Aliya as I catch up with her steps and throw a hand over her


    shoulder.


    Her shoulders sink in a sigh. "I honestly don''t know about that. "


    "If you saw her at the dorm, then there''s a chance she might be. " I tell her and she stops at the door of


    the ss. Turning to me, she says, "Even if she does, what do I sag when I see her? Do I walk up to


    her and go: Hi, I''m the girl you hooked up withst time?"


    "You''re a bad chick. I''m sure you''ll know what to do when that timees. " I swat at her arm and she


    shakes her head, a shortugh leaving her parted lips before we both turn to the ss.


    We walk inside and my eyes move across the room,nding on thest sight I want to see.


    "Oh, oh. He''s here?" Aliya giggles beside me. "You two are really a match made in heaven, aren''t


    you?" She ps my shoulder before walking to a seat and I remain frozen, my eyes on the man who


    has his famous, irritable smirk on his face.


    This was meant to be my escape from him, but it seem he turns up with every turn I take.


    It''s both suffocating and scary.

 E L E V E N

    E L E V E N


    EVA.


    Emerson''s eyes remain on me, his finger tapping against the table as I make my way towards Aliya


    and grab the seat next to her, throwing my bag to the side.


    "Done with your staringpetition?" She lifts her eyes from the face mirror to meet my gaze and I


    shake my head, staring at her red lipgloss.


    "Why are you applying lipgloss?" I ask her and she raises her shoulder, "To look good. I care about my


    appearance on the first day, babe. "


    "You already look good. " I rify. She grins as she shuts the mirror and throws it inside her bag before


    saying, "Nothing wrong with trying to look perfect, Evie. You never know what''sing to you. "


    "You''re insane. " I chuckle with a shake of my head just as the professor walks in, in a perfectly ironed


    suit with a scowl on his face.


    The room is filled with decent students upying the seats¡ª arranged in rows like an atrium so each


    row is slightly higher than the one in front of it. I''m in the middle section which gives me the perfect


    view of the ss with Aliya by my side, and Emerson breathing down my neck from the back.


    "I see you made it to ss, Carson. " His hot breath tingles my skin as he mumbles the word.


    "Don''t speak to me, Ford. " I respond and heughs. I flinch slightly when I feel the tip of his fingers on


    my neck, tracing across the skin.


    "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?" The tremor in my voice is unmistakable and I internally


    curse myself for it.


    "Pay attention to ss, Carson. You don''t want Daddy''s money toy to waste now, do you?" He says


    in a mocking tone and moves back, taking his body heat with him.


    I hold my breath and clench my hands into fists on the table before me as I watch the professor


    introduce himself and pray I can make it through the lecture without twisting my head tond a punch


    on Emerson Ford''s ever so perfect face.


    When I gaze back at Aliya, she has a smirk on her face and I silence her before she can speak when


    she parts her lips.


    "Don''t. " I warn and she nods, folding her lips and drawing her fingers across it before turning back to


    the professor.


    Still, I don''t miss her almost silent snicker.


    ~


    The ss finallyes to an end and my chest falls in relief as I release the breath I''ve been holding


    through the entire ss. The students start to filter out of ss and I gather my things as Aliya waits


    beside me.


    "Want to check out my dorm before you leave?" She asks when I lift my head and I nod with an eager


    smile. Anything that shortens the time I spend with Emerson Ford, I''m all for it.


    "Time to show you what you''re missing. " She winks as we proceed to move out of ss and I chuckle


    softly, "I don''t think I''m missing anything other than the long queue for bathrooms and the tiny space of


    the rooms. "


    Aliya gasps, a pretence hurtful expression crossing her face as she ces a hand on her chest. "How


    dare you say those awful words?"


    I nudge her shoulder with mine and sheughs, her hand falling from her chest. "It isn''t as bad as you


    think it is, though. It''s actually pretty fun. "


    "I know, " I agree. "You have told me that multiple times now, but I still prefer being in thefort of my


    apartment. "


    "Even when you share it with someone you hate?" She lifts her brows, a smile resting on her lips and I


    frown, drawing the straps of my bags as we step out of the room.


    "Even when I share it with someone I hate. " I angle my head to nce back at the room as I whisper


    those words, and Emerson is staring right back at me with arms crossed against his chest and a


    familiar guy standing above his head, mumbling some words to him.


    He gives me a wave with his two fingers just like he did earlier and I finally shift my gaze from him as I


    take a step forward.


    "You might want to tone down the res, babe. " Aliya''s voice draws my attention back to her and I


    nod. "Tell me about it. "


    We move across the field and walk down the path that leads to the dormitory.


    "How''s your roommate, anyway? I never asked about it. " I lean against the wall with my eyes on Aliya


    as she rummages through her bag to find the key to her lock.


    "I swear, I fucking had it with me!" She hisses in frustration, dropping the bag to the door and pushing


    to her knees.


    "Are you sure you didn''t misce it? It shouldn''t be hard to find if you didn''t. " I tell her, moving beside


    her to help with her search.


    "No, I''m sure I¡ª" Aliya pauses and lifts her hand to her Jean front pocket. With a groan, she grabs her


    bag and moves to her feet, fishing the key out of her pocket and dangling it before my eyes.


    I shake my head and move to stand beside her, dropping a hand on her shoulder as she opens the


    door.


    "She''s a girl and she seems l. " She says as she walks inside while I follow beside her.


    "Are you sure she''s nice or that''s another part of you speaking?" I tease her as I stare around the room.


    It''s a small space, but spacious enough for the two beds which upy the room.


    "It looks nice. " Aliya throws me a re at my words as she kicks her boots off her legs while I move to


    her bed and settle on the soft mattress.


    "This is nothingpared to the luxury you live in. "


    "A luxury you rejected. " I point out and she twists her head to pass me a smile before hanging her bag.


    "I heard there''s a frat party tonight. " Her lips stretch into a wide smile as she plops herself next to me


    and grabs my hands. "We''re going and you can''t refuse. I''ll not let you stay in that ce with a book


    stuck to your face, Evie. We''ll make new friends and have fun. It''s been a while, hasn''t it?" She sighs,


    lifting her hand to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear and I swat at it, earning myself augh.


    "It''s only been days, Aliya. " I remind her and she rolls her eyes, "Oh, I didn''t know that, Miss so


    obvious. I thought it''s been years. "


    I giggle. "I''m just saying, but of course, I don''t have a choice in this, do I? You will drag my ass to there


    even if I say no. "


    "And right there, is one of the things I love about you Eva fucking Carson. You know me too well for


    your own good. " She coos and I give her an annoyed look before falling back on the small bed.


    "You don''t have to sneak out, Evie. No Daddy here to stop you from doing what you want. You finally


    have the freedom you''ve always wanted. " She says as she lies beside me and I turn on my side to


    meet her eyes, a smile on my face.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    That, she''s right about.


    ~


    After lunch with Aliya and goofing around, I make my way back to my apartment and pray I don''t have


    to face him.


    That prayer isn''t granted when I sight Emerson''s car at its spot as I stand by the doorway.


    I grumble under my breath and brace myself for another torture of his annoying face. An annoying,


    gorgeous face that''s been in my head for a while now.


    I shake that thought off my mind and push through the door, shutting it behind me.


    My feet stays rooted to the spot as my eyes take in the sight before me and as if on cue, all gazes turn


    to me.


    "Who''s she?" I hear the redhead girl by Emerson''s side ask as she watches me with clear disgust on


    her face. Girl, what the fuck? I don''t even know you.


    "She''s the one I told you about. " He whispers to her, before turning to me with the familiar taunting


    smirk pressed to his lips.


    "Carson. " He draws, "Didn''t think you would be back so early. "


    You''ve got to be fucking kidding me!

 T W E L V E

    T W E L V E


    EVA.


    There are five of them: Three guys and twodies. I recognize one of them as Jaxon, one of Emerson''s


    long time friends. How could he have made friends so soon?


    "Will you keep staring at us, or will you move from that door?" The redhead by his side hisses and I


    scoff.


    "I don''t think we''ve met before. I''m not sure what Ford told you, but this is my fucking ce and you


    don''t get to speak to me that way. " I snap and there are loud whistles andughs from the boys.


    The redhead looks around before meeting my eyes again, a frown pressed to her face. I have a feeling


    she doesn''t fancy me too much, and judging by the way Emerson snickers next to her; the fucker must


    have said something.


    "This is his ce too, bitch. " She cusses and dramatic gasps follow her words.


    I clench my hands into fists as I keep my eyes on her, drinking in her appearance. She''s in a short skirt


    just like mine with a cropped white top. She has the mean girl vibes attached to her, but if this bitch


    thinks she has a hold over me in my own fucking house then she has something elseing to her.


    "His ce, not yours. Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? You should know you''re his guest


    here, not mine so do not cross the line, redhead or I''ll put you in your fucking ce. " She parts her lips


    to speak, but no words follow through. Anger masks her expression as she pushes from her seat and


    tries to take a step forward, but Emerson grabs her wrist, giving her a slight head shake.


    "Don''t, " he says and the girl meets my eyes again before pressing herself tighter to his side.


    "You might want to head to your room, Carson. " Emerson says with a nk face and I cock my brows,


    folding my arms against my chest. "And who are you to tell me what to do?"


    Before he can speak, another beats him to it.


    "Hey, Eva. I''m Jaxon. I don''t think we''ve met just yet. " Jaxon smiles at me, extending his hand towards


    me and I stare at it for a few seconds before taking it in mine.


    "I''ve seen you around. " I say and his smile grows wider, "Sharp of you to notice me. "


    He keeps his hand in mine for longer than necessary before finally letting go and I move from the door.


    "I think we should leave. " The third guy says, looking around his circle and everyone nods except the


    girl who''s been quiet since I arrived.


    "We''ll see you at the party, yeah?" Jaxon nods towards Emerson and he nods. They all move from their


    seats and head towards the door, but not without a nce to my side and a dirty look from the redhead.


    "Hey, " A voice says behind me and I angle my head to the sight of a pretty woman with brown eyes


    and short blonde hair.


    "I''m Sage. " She smiles, moving closer to me.


    "I''m¡ª" I start, but she cuts me off. "Eva. I know. "


    "Seems like I''m pretty popr, huh. " I joke and sheughs; the sound echoing around the room.


    "I want to apologize for Paige. I promise she isn''t always like that. " She speaks softly and I draw my


    brows in confusion. When she points behind her, I nod in realization. "Oh her. She doesn''t seem to like


    me too much. "


    "That''s because of Emerson. " She chuckles. "She likes him, but he doesn''t have much regard for her


    and you being his roommate is threatening her ce, she thinks. She''s afraid you''ll get close to him,


    nothing more. "


    "Then she''s wrong, " Emerson and I being close? I don''t see that happening in a thousand years. She


    hasn''t been around for long if she doesn''t know Emerson hates the sight of me just like I do to his.


    "We''re far from close, trust me. " I assure Sage.


    She raises her eyebrows, "He''s your roommate. " Based on some circumstances.


    "It''s moreplicated than you think. " I tell her and she nods. "When people say that, it''s usually less


    The silence stretches between us at her words as I think meaning to her words.


    "But you don''t have to worry about that. She goes a little overboard sometimes, forgetting she doesn''t


    mean much to the said guy as she likes to think she does and it was nice seeing someone put her in


    her ce. " She raises her shoulder and I hum, leaning against the couch. "I''m all in for that. "


    Sageughs. "I like you. "


    "I can say the same thing about you. " I wink and sheughs again before taking a step back. She


    gives me a wave and turn around to walk towards the door then stops as she wraps her hand around


    the doorknob, turning back to meet my eyes.


    "Will I see you at the party tonight?" She asks with lifted brows.


    "The frat party?" I rify and she nods.


    "You will. " I assure her and she smiles before jerking her head towards me. "Nice hair, by the way. "


    And she''s out of the door.


    A smile remains on my face as I stare at the door. Maybe not everyone who surrounds Emerson Ford


    is as bad as him.


    "I don''t appreciate you smiling at me, Carson. " His voice startles me out of my thoughts and I clench


    my jaw at the sight of him standing by the door with his lips turned in a half-smirk.


    "Can you not bring people here without my permission?" I re at him and he gives me a disgusted


    look as he says. "And I need your permission because you''re my father?"


    "Because I''m your fucking roommate!" I raise my voice in anger and heughs, taking slow strides


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    towards me. With each step he takes, my heart beats faster in my chest and that''s not in a good way.


    It''s never in a good way when ites to Emerson Ford.


    "This is because of Paige, isn''t it?" He says when he''s close enough for me to feel each breath he


    takes and notice the specks of gold that surrounds his brown eyes.


    "Why do you hang out with people like that?" I lower my voice and he shrugs, "Because she''s hot? And


    I need someone to fuck?"


    "You''re insane. " I shake my head and he smiles. He smiles more around me these days, it''s almost so


    distracting.


    "I could stop if you want. " He offers when I attempt to walk away. He takes the final step that closes the


    space between us and my breathing elerates at his body closeness.


    "Stop what?" My voice is small, almost inaudible and there''s something else about Emerson''s


    expression that scares me.


    "Hanging out with Paige. " He exins. He averts his gaze to my arm and I stand still as I watch him lift


    his hand to my shoulder. "But I''ll need someone else to fill that space. " I don''t need him to say anything


    else to understand what he means with those words.


    My breathing is quick when Emerson meets my eyes again and I''m hyper-aware of his every touch. I


    part my lips to speak and he nods slowly, giving me a go-ahead.


    "Come on, Carson. Say it. I know you want to. "


    "How much do you want to fuck me?" It was meant to be a yful insult. A question I expected him to


    answer with a rude one of his, but not the words that leave his lips.


    "As much as you know I hate you. " He doesn''t blink as he says those words and my eyes widens just


    barely. I swallow the lump that rises in my throat as Emerson lifts his hand from my shoulder to the side


    of my neck, his face inching closer to mine.


    His lips graze against mine just barely and I''m almost tempted to take them in mine, giving in to the


    scorching desire that burns through me for Emerson Ford and forget the animosity between us once


    again as I did that night, but I know that can''t happen again.


    They say once is a mistake and twice is a decision and I would be stupid to willingly give into fucking


    him again.


    "Shame, " I finally find my voice as I ce my palms to his chest. I let myself feel his muscles through


    the thin shirt he has on for a few seconds before pushing him off me. He budges just slightly, a smirk


    crossing his face. "I told you, Ford. That was once in a lifetime opportunity. "


    "Maybe you aren''t as dumb as I believed you to be, " he drops his hands to the side and takes a


    willingly step back. "But we both know it''s only a matter of time before you give in to that desire,


    Carson. "


    "There''s no desire. " My annoyed voice says, denying the wetness that''s gathered between my legs


    from having him so close... So warm. Just at the tip of my grasp.


    "If I push my hand between your legs, I''ll find your wetness awaiting me. There''s no use denying it. "


    He calls me out and I hate how much he seems so confident. I hate how much he seems to be right


    when ites to my body, even if he doesn''t know it... More like certain of it.


    "How many times have you touched yourself to the thought of that night?" He manages to corner me


    again. "How many times have you tried to get the satisfaction and pleasure I gave you that night? And


    how many times have you failed?" The words leave his mouth so easily. Almost like he had caught me


    himself. Whatever went wrong with me from sleeping with the enemy must be worse than I reckoned


    for me to clench my legs at the thought of Emerson watching me touch myself.


    "Cat got your tongue, Carson?" Emerson''s mocking smile brings me out of my thoughts and it only


    widens when I snarl at him.


    "Null. " I lie. "To have slept with you is so embarrassing I never thought about it. It only makes me want


    to puke. " I continue to lie, knowing damn well there''s no silver of truth in those words.


    "You''re getting good at your game, Carson. I''ll give you that, but you should know I know your body


    better than you think I do. " And he doesn''t give me time to dwell in his words before walking away.


    Know my body better than I think he does? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

 T H I R T E E N

    T H I R T E E N


    EVA.


    "Where''s your roommate?" Aliya asks as she peeps behind me and I roll my eyes, leaving her by the


    door to walk inside the house, the sound of her chuckle trailing behind me.


    "Are you ready?" She asks and I nod. "Yeah, I just need to grab my phone. " I motion for her to sit on


    the couch while I walk to my room.


    I throw my phone in my clutch and shut my door behind me, stopping at the sight of his.


    I shake the thought off my mind before it grows out of control and strides back to the living room to see


    Aliya settled on the couch.


    "I''m ready. " I tell her and she raises her head, her eyes moving across my body.


    A smile climbs on her face as she moves from the couch and stalks towards me in tiny steps. "Can I


    see your room before we¡ª"


    "No. Out. Now. " I point to the door and she huffs before heading towards the door with me trailing


    behind her.


    "That was so disrespectful of you. " Aliyains as I lock the door and I chuckle at the look on her


    face when I meet her eyes.


    "How are we getting there?" I ask her, and she says nothing but grab my wrist, dragging me along.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    "The same way we get to wherever we go. " She rifies and I groan in annoyance. I think it''s time to


    take up mom''s advice and get a car. The suffering thates with not having one is bigger than I


    thought it would be.


    "Oh, I''m excited! Our first college party. I''m curious to see what they have in store for me. " When her


    lips turn up in a smirk, I giggle and say. "I''ll take it as you''ve gotten over your mystery girl?"


    She raises her shoulder dismissively. "She felt different, yes but I won''t stop living my life just because


    of her. "


    My lips stretch into a smile and I slide a hand over her shoulder, holding her head under my arm to


    ruffle her hair.


    "God, what are you? Fucking five?" Aliya snaps in irritation as she slips from my grip and Iugh in


    response before we cross the street.


    ~


    The room is crowded with people. So many unfamiliar faces with bodies gliding against each other to


    the tune of the music booming across the room.


    "A fucking party!" Aliya screams next to me and I shake my head, a small smile climbing on my face at


    the sight before me.


    No sneaking in and out. No parents to keep me in my room. This is freedom. This is what fucking


    freedom feels like.


    "Come on, let''s get you a drink. " Aliya says, dragging me to the other side of the room.


    There are red cups lined across the table in front of us and Aliya looks back at me with a disgusted


    face; the sight making meugh.


    "Those have been used. " I tell her and she nods, hauling us away from there.


    We manage to get our cups and stand by a corner, watching the loud disarray across the room. Noises


    fill every single corner and it''s almost as exciting as it looks.


    "Hey, I''ll be back. I think I¡ª" she pauses and furrows her brows, staring ahead of her. I move closer to


    her side to catch what''s she gaping at, but end up with nothing.


    "What''s wrong?" I ask her and she meets my eyes, a frown stretched on her face before she shakes


    her head. "Nothing. I''ll be back. I think I need to pee. "


    "Don''t keep me waiting, " I shout near her ear and sheughs, moving near mine to speak. "Blend in,


    bitch. " It''s the only response she gives before she pushes the cup to my chest and I snort as I watch


    her find her way amidst the bodies.


    I lean against the wall, and take a sip of the content in my red cup. It tastes like tequ mixed with


    orange juice. The taste is odd at first touch with the tongue, but there''s that familiar rush after a few


    seconds.


    I nod my head as the tune of the song changes from fast to slightly faster and my gaze moves across


    the room,nding on none other than thest person I want to see.


    Emerson is standing in his circle of friends. There are more with them from the ones who were at my


    ce earlier and I can easily spot the redhead who stands beside him with her hand roaming across


    his chest and a wide smile on her face as Emerson throws the ball. It ends in one of the cups of beer in


    the other end and before he can lift his head in excitement, redhead yanks him towards her and press


    her lips to his.


    I look away from the spot just before Emerson raises his head. Thest thing I need is to fuel his


    already fucking big, annoying Ego.


    "A sight it is, isn''t it?" I flinch in surprise at the voice beside me and twist my head to meet Sage''s


    amused eyes.


    "Hey. How long have you been standing there?" I chuckle and she nods her head to the other end.


    "Long enough to watch you watch them. "


    "Oh, I wasn''t watching them. " Sage narrows her eyes at me. "I wasn''t. I was just curious about the


    game. " I insist and she nods, a soft smile crossing her face.


    "Do you want to join in? I''m sure they won''t mind. " She suggests and I dismiss it with a wave of my


    hand. "I''ll pass. "


    She nods, and presses her back to the wall next to me. "Did youe alone?"


    "No, " I tell her and angle my head to the side, in a quick search for a dark blue head. When there''s no


    sight of Aliya, I look back at Sage and say, "I came with my friend. She had to use the restroom. "


    "Eager to meet her. " She winks and Iugh, using the silence that stretches between us ¡ªexcept for


    the loud music and noises around us¡ª to take in her appearance. Her blonde hair is pulled up in a


    bun, and she has ripped jean shortsplemented with a cropped tank on. Her look right here is


    entirely different from the one she had earlier. Girl went from cute toplete badass and I''m amazed.


    "It seemed perfect for tonight. " Sage says when she catches the notice of my stare and I nod


    awkwardly.


    "The nose ring, I mean. " Sheughs and I raise my brows as I take note of the tiny nose stud.


    "Oh, I didn''t see that. "


    "Then what else were you staring at?" She asks and I drag my eyes down her body before meeting her


    eyes.


    She nods in realization, a chuckle slipping through her lips.


    I take another sip from the cup and look away from her, wondering if I should go look for Aliya.


    "Have you known Emerson for long?" Sage asks, bringing my attention back to her and I nod slowly.


    "High school. "


    "That exins it. " She smiles.


    "Exins it?" I repeat and she nods. "We met during graduation break and turned out with the same


    college choices. " That exins why they all seem so close when it''s only the first semester.


    "Are you all freshmen?" I lift my brows and she shakes her head, taking a sip from her cup. "Not


    everyone. About three are sophomores. "


    "Hey, I''m back!" Aliya''s voice interrupts Sage when she parts her lips to speak again and we both turn


    our heads to her.


    "What took you so long?" I say with a frown and she giggles she grabs her cup from me. "Drunk


    assholes. " She averts her gaze to Sage before meeting my eyes again with raised brows.


    "Oh, Sage, this is Aliya, the friend I told you about. And Aliya, this is Sage. We met today. "


    I introduce them and watch in amusement as Aliya shoves me to the side to lean next to Sage.


    "Hey. I love your name. " She grins and I roll my eyes.


    "Love your hair. It''s beautiful. " Sage responds and I stride to the other side, leaving them in their


    bubble.


    I walk up to the seat at the other end and crouch next to a guy.


    "Hello beautiful, " he smiles and I lift my head to him. "Hi. "


    "I''m Dan. I don''t think I''ve seen you around. " He creases his brows as he extends his hand and I take it


    in mine for a short handshake before withdrawing my hand.


    "I''m new. " I inform him and he nods with a gorgeous dimpled smile. "Wee to the frat house.


    Enjoying it so far?"


    I tilt my head to his side. "Enjoying, yes. Fun, no. "


    Danughs. "Is there a difference? "


    "Of course, there is, " I tell him. "I enjoy the sight but I''m not exactly having fun. "


    "I bet I could change that. " A sly smile covers his face as he shifts closer to my end, and I take it as an


    invitation for something I''m not new to.


    Dan has curly blonde hair that looks more on the tousled side with blue eyes toplement the hair.


    The seducing smile, the almost indiscernible bite of his lips and his brow piercing screams a word that


    thrills me: Fun.


    I haven''t had sex since thest time in Emerson''s car and maybe that''s what''s fucking with my brain


    and messing with my head. A time with another man should scrub off every feeling of Emerson Ford


    across my body and Dan seems like he''s a guy who can give me what I want.


    "I would love to see you try. " I put on my flirty smile and drop my hand over the edge of the couch.


    Dan pushes his face closer to mine and just as his lips rest on mine, the vibration of a phone interrupts


    us.


    "That isn''t mine. " I tell him as I draw back a bit and he nods, moving his hand to the back of my head


    to bring me close again. "It''s mine. Ignore it. " He closes his lips over mine and he tastes of the drink


    I''ve been having. His lips are soft and careful against mine, nothing like the aggressiveness and


    dominance thates with Emerson''s¨C an observation I shouldn''t fucking think about.


    His phone rings again and he groans against my lips. Pulling back, a soft smile rests on his lips as he


    strokes my cheek. "Give me a minute and you can have me for the rest of the night. "


    "That sounds like a perfect n. " I whisper and heughs before moving from his seat and walking


    away.


    A sigh slips through my parted lips and I push my body back, my eyes meeting Emerson''s. He has his


    eyes fixed on me and Paige on hisps. I throw him a smirk I hope he catches before looking away


    from him.


    I move from my seat and I take two steps forward before I freeze. She looks just exactly like the image


    I have in my head and my breath closes up. I try to take a step forward to her but I can''t move. She''s so


    close yet so far from me. My heart clenches in my chest and ck dots appears in my vision. I grip the


    cup tighter and I''m almost sure the drink is spilling as I try to hold back my scream.


    "Are you okay?" The voice startles me out of my unweed thoughts and I twist my head to see


    Emerson by my side. I turn my head back to her and she''s gone. She was never here. She''s always


    never.


    "I''m starting to think you care about me, Ford. " I easily slip out of those thoughts to Emerson Ford.


    Emerson studies me for a few seconds before inching closer. He lowers his voice as he speaks. "You''re


    hiding, aren''t you?"


    His words catch me off guard, but I''m quick to mask it with hostility. "What are you on this time?"


    "It''s something, Carson. It happenedst time and there''s no use denying it because I saw it. " He says


    and I scoff. "Never realized you enjoy watching me. Am I not the least sight you love to see?"


    "Oh trust me, you are. " He smiles. "And I''m not watching you, I''m being forced to notice. "


    "Could have fooled me, Ford. " I tsk and he pushes closer till his breath tickles my face. "You''re


    clenching your legs. Do I make you hot, Carson?"


    "Please, " Iugh. "You unt yourself too much than you deserve. "


    When Emerson presses his body to mine, I don''t stop him. When he expertly slides his thigh between


    my legs, I don''t stop him. And when he rubs his thigh against my aching core, I don''t stop him.


    I don''t stop him because soft and gentle can no longer give me what I want. Only Ford''s


    aggressiveness can take this away. Just like he did that night. It''s only with him I manage to keep those


    thoughts away and channel them to the enmity between us.


    I don''t stop him as he moves his thigh from between my legs, and grab my wrist. He knocks the cup


    from my hand but neither of us pays attention to that tiny urrence as he drags me to the exit.


    I pray that his friends are too busy to take notice of us and Aliya is too consumed by the presence of


    another to catch the sight of her best friend being dragged away by her enemy, about to make one of


    the mistakes she loves to term as unruly.


    He pushes me into the backseat of his car and climbs in after me. He shuts the door behind him, before


    spreading my legs to settle between my thighs and I swallow down my throat when he moves his face


    close to mine, his breath scraping against my skin and the smell of alcohol hits my nose.


    "Turn around and move to your knees. " The tone of hismand tempts me to do exactly as he


    requested, but I raise my chin instead of doing what my body craves to. "I''m not your fucking¡ª"


    Emerson doesn''t let me finish my words before he wraps his hands around my middle and twists my


    body so my front is pressed against the car seat.


    My body hums in response when he lifts the dress to my waist and caresses the bare flesh of my ass.


    "Such a fucking stubborn chick. How about I fuck that stubbornness out of you, Carson?" His mocking


    sound echoes behind me as he closes his hand around my throat and lifts my head. My body shivers at


    the pain that shoots through me when he tilts my head to the back to meet his eyes.


    He moves closer so his lips hover over mine, pressing together each time he parts them to speak.


    "How about I make you beg again, Carson?"


    "No fucking chance. " I breathe harshly as he presses his lower body to my back and I feel the


    hardness of his cock against my ass.


    "Do it before I change my mind. " I threaten him and Emerson chuckles but surprisingly unwraps his


    hand around my throat, leaving my head to fall back against the seat.


    He encircles his hands around my legs and bends my knees, bringing me in a bent position before him.


    I gnaw at my lips to keep down the moan that threatens to slips through when he shifts my panties to


    the side and glide his finger over my wet, throbbing core.


    "You feel that, Carson? Do you feel how fucking wet you are for me? You feel how much you want


    this?" I can barely think straight when he speaks like that. Especially when his hands are on me. On


    ces they shouldn''t be. Unholy ces that turn me into a screaming bitch in the arms of my enemy,


    and the only ce I do not care about how we see each other.


    "Oh God¨C" the moan I try so hard to hold back easily slips through my parted lips when Emerson


    pinches my clit and thrust his finger inside my cunt, only reaching up to the level that pleases me, but


    doesn''t quench the fire that dances through my veins. I need more. I want more. I fucking crave more.


    "That''s right. Come for it. Show me how much you want it, Carson. " Emerson whispers behind me,


    slowly pumping in and out.


    "You''re a fucking bastard, Ford. "


    "Wouldn''t be your first time saying that, Carson. " He throws back, augh following his words.


    Emerson grunts when I deliberately clench around his fingers. "You just have to turn everything around,


    don''t you?" He hisses and gives me exactly what I want. He buries his fingers inside my cunt and uses


    his other hand to jerk my body along with his movement.


    The vibration of his phone interrupts us and I mp my hand over my mouth.


    "Who''s it?" I twist my head to him when the phone continues to ring.


    "Paige. " He answers and a smirk climbs on my face as I say, "And why are you not answering, Ford?


    Don''t want your chick to know you''re about to fuck another?"


    "Who I decide to fuck after Paige has no business with her. " Heughs.


    "You lie now, Ford?" I taunt him and he stays silent for a few seconds before cing the phone in the


    space between my body and the seat, right in front of me.


    "What are you¡ª Oh, fuck!" I shut my eyes at the pleasure that floods through me as Emerson doubles


    his finger.


    "That''s right. Fucking scream. Fucking scream for me. " He goes faster and my eyes widen at the


    sound thates from the phone under me.


    He picked it. He fucking took the call.


    I try to reach for the phone but Emerson yanks me to the back and I scream in frustration.


    I move my gaze back to the phone when it beeps to see she disconnected the line and Emerson


    remains silent as he drives me over the edge with his fingers; my orgasm quivering through me in an


    outburst of waves.


    He releases his hold on me and I fall against the seat, beads of sweat covering my brows and my body


    fueled with an adrenaline rush as I exhale in harsh breathes.


    Emerson wraps his hand around my middle and flips me to his view. A sense of concentration covers


    his face as he meets myzy gaze and he moves his hand across my chest, his finger tugging at my


    hardened nipple through the thin material as he finally speaks, "I have a proposition for you, Carson.


    Something that''ll make things easier for both of us. "

 F O U R T E E N

    F O U R T E E N


    EMERSON.


    Her juices coat my fingers, and her chest rises and falls in rapid beats. Sweats cover her brows and


    forehead, and the shadow cast through the window makes the skin glint in the darkness of the car. Her


    hair sticks to her cheek and I reach out to tuck it from her face, pressing my lower body against her


    core. In this position with her beneath me, I know fucking her once wouldn''t be it. Whatever has caused


    my sudden obsession with her body from that night, it''s something I have to do repeatedly to get over.


    "What proposition?" Carson asks, her voiceing out rough and I increase the pressure on her


    nipples, basking in the way she pushes barely closer.


    "It''s obvious another fuck won''t cut this, so let''s make a deal. A sort of arrangement. "


    "No. " She''s quick to say and Iugh. "Do you know what I''m about to say?"


    "I''m not dumb. And no, I''m not making any fucking deal with you. What in the hell makes you think I


    want to sleep with you again?" There she goes. Trying to deny what I know she wants. Trying to deny


    what''s visible between us, but two can y her game and I''ll show Carson exactly that.


    "The fact that you juste with my fingers isn''t enough?" I raise my brows and she gulps. "The fact


    that your wetness is pressing against my cock? And the fact that you''re enjoying my hand on your


    chest when I''ve barely started doesn''t seem to tell you what this is?" I continue and she purses her lips.


    Carson is a stubborn chick, so I know this won''te easy, but it''s something she can''t escape.


    "It''s friends with benefits sort of arrangement. " I continue my earlier suggestion and she narrows her


    eyes, saying, "We aren''t friends. "


    "We aren''t. " I confirm with a chuckle, sliding my hand down her chest to the spot between her legs.


    Her body full-on shudders in response when I give faint rubs to her clit. "Minus the friends part. "


    "Let''s say I submit to the desire between us. Why should I give in to this proposition of yours when I


    could just ignore it?"


    "And how much longer do you n on defying it? We both know I drive you insane with my cock,


    Carson. " I throw back, spreading her thighs wider and she gives in without aint. I throw her


    legs over my shoulder and push my face between her thighs, my hands resting on her inner thighs as I


    give a slow swipe of my tongue across her cunt.


    "Oh, fuck¡ª" she whimpers above me and I repeat the action. Not sucking. Not biting. Just a slow swipe


    across her wetness.


    I lift my head to meet her eyes and she''s staring at me. "It''s easier. You do not need toe out every


    night and look for a hook-up to burn your desires. I''m right next door and we fuck when we want to. We


    fuck until we grow tired of sleeping with each other, which we both know will be extremely close. " I


    watch as the wheels behind her eyes turn and I know she''s thinking about it.


    An impressive smile climbs on my face when Carson turns back to me and says. "There will be rules. "


    Of course, there will be rules. The more we keep from going over that line, the easier it''ll be for the both


    of us.


    "Agreed. " I tell her. "I''m all ears. " I move back to her pussy and sink my teeth into it, earning a moan


    from her.


    She tries to push back, but I yank her closer and suck on her clit as I listen to her speak. "I¡ª This


    doesn''t stop the boundaries between¡ª oh God. " She moans in between words when I thrust my


    tongue into her pussy. "It doesn''t stop the boundaries between us. No prying in each other''s business


    and that means we have no im on the other person outside of sex. "


    I nod against her pussy as an indication for her to continue, and she speaks again. "This doesn''t stop


    our rtionship with others. "


    At those words, I move my face from her cunt, not caring about the irksome face she gives me when I


    meet her eyes nor the irritation in her voice as she says. "I was close, you fucking bastard. "


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "No double fucking. " I say in a stern voice, ignoring her rants and she cocks her brows. "What are you


    talking about?"


    "It means you don''t get to fuck me and another guy at the same time. It''s me and me only until this is


    over. If you find someone you''ll love to fuck, then this must be off. "


    "You''re fucking Paige. " She points out and I shake my head. "That was before this. "


    "So I can''t sleep with another guy because I''m sleeping with you?" She exins again and I nod.


    "Kissing is fine, hanging out with others is fine, but no sleeping with them. The same goes for me. "


    She hums. "Seems fair. "


    "No making a fuss about it when the other person wants out. " I tell her and she shrugs. "Alright with


    me. I''ll be more than d to get rid of you. "


    I smirk at her. "We both know that''s a lie, Carson. "


    "Those are the rules. Do you have any addition?" She raises her brows and I lower my mouth to her


    cunt again, giving her another tease I know she''ll curse me for before lifting my head to say, "Thest


    rule is no falling in love. "


    Carson snorts. "Fall in love? With you? You''re thest person I''ll fall in love with, Ford. Nothing can


    overshadow my hatred for you. "


    "You never know, Carson, and that''s why it''s a rule. I''m quite addicting, so I won''t be surprised if you


    manage to fall in love with me despite your acimed hatred for me. " I tease her, knowing it''s far from


    possible.


    "It should be a warning to you. Not me. " She says.


    If I would ever fall in love with any woman, Eva Carson wouldn''t be on the list. Not even thest on the


    list. She wouldn''t appear at all. The line between hating Carson and loving her is so far apart and will


    never meet, no matter how much she''s somehow made fucking her addicting. People tend to mix sex


    with love, but it''s never been so in my case and it won''t start with Carson. My hatred for her is as clear


    as my obsession with her pussy is.


    "Do we have a deal?" I ask her and she offers one of those taunting smiles of hers. "Just f¨²cking,


    Hating continues. Yes, we have a deal. " And I seal that deal by giving her the orgasm I''ve kept away


    from her.


    EVA.


    I thought letting Emerson go down on me again was insane, but there has been no greater insanity


    than making that deal with him.


    I say it''s the spot we were in. It''s the small space of his car that made me aware of everywhere his


    body is pressed to mine and our heavy breaths in the car. I say it was the ce and the time, but


    somehow Emerson was right. There''s always that desire for him. I''m yet to meet a man who manages


    to make me loathe him as much as turn me on like Emerson does, and this deal breaks everything off.


    It''s a fair one: fuck till you burn out that desire and all that remains is the hate that''s always been there.


    "I have onest rule. " I stop my steps and twist my body to Emerson who shuts his car door before


    angling his head to me.


    "This has to remain a secret. " I say in a warning voice and he leans back against his car. "And why''s


    that, Carson? Afraid the news will get to your daddy?"


    "Thest thing I want is for people to know I''m involved with you. " My father will lose his cool if he finds


    out I''m housing with the son of his rival, not to speak of sleeping with him and I know the same goes for


    Ford.


    Emerson finally nods. "Let''s keep it that way. "


    "Good. " It''s the only response I give him before I walk back into the frat house and go in search of my


    best friend, pretending I didn''t just have my enemy''s face in my pussy.


    "Hey, you! I was just looking for you. " I turn around to meet bright blue eyes with a gorgeous dimpled


    smile.


    "Oh, hi. " I respond with a smile and he moves closer, bending over my shoulder and bringing his


    mouth near my ear as he says, "Want to get out of here? Continue from where we stopped?"


    "About that¡ª" I start, and he draws back with furrowed brows. My eyes catch the sight of Emerson


    walking in behind him and he meets my gaze, looks between me and Dan, throws me a smirk and walk


    away. Fucking bastard.


    I look back to Dan and say, "That will be some other time. Sorry to lead you on. "


    His face falls for a second, but he''s quick to mask it with a smile. A forced smile. "That''s alright, but I''ll


    see you around, yeah?"


    "Absolutely. " I assure him and he nods, stepping forward to press his lips to my earlobe before


    stepping back and walking away.


    I look to where Emerson stands, mumbling something to Paige before turning away.


    I find Aliya moulded to a wall with her tongue down Sage''s throat. Surprise is thest thing I feel at the


    sight of their lower bodies pressed against each other.


    Sage must have noticed my presence because Aliya turns back, a smirk pinched to her face as she


    meets my eyes.


    "Were you looking for me?" She asks and I shake my head. "You weren''t hard to find. "


    Aliya chuckles and drapes a hand around Sage''s waist, moving her to her side. "Did you find someone


    to fuck?"


    I did in a way? "Maybe. "


    She gives me a thumbs up and looks back to Sage, pressing a kiss to her jaw and the girl giggles in


    response before she meets my eyes. "You look like you had fun with whoever it was. "


    I draw my brows in confusion and she nods to my face. "Your hair. "


    "Oh, " I chuckle awkwardly and lift my hand to my hair, smoothing it as best as I can. I me that on


    the car.


    "Come on. It won''t be fun with just us three. " Sage says and grabs Aliya''s wrist, dragging her along.


    Aliya looks over her shoulder and gestures for me to follow them and with a sigh, I trail behind my best


    friend.


    Sage leads us to her group of friends and I quietly take the empty seat next to an unfamiliar face,


    ignoring the snort redhead gives me.


    "How nice of you to have her join us, Sage. " Paige snickers and when I raise my head, she''s


    positioned on Emerson''sps. The strong urge to speak about that phone call surges through me, but I


    ignore it and give her a sweet smile.


    "How nice of you to wee me. " I retort, and a fewughs erupt in the air as Paige clenches her jaw.


    "Hey, I''m Leo. " I look away from her to the guy beside me and shake his hand with a sluggish smile on


    my face. "Eva. "


    "Do you want a drink?" He asks, raising his cup and I dismiss the inquiry with a wave of my hand. "No, I


    had that earlier. Thanks for offering, though. "


    "The pleasure ispletely mine. " He winks and augh falls from my lips as he shifts closer to my


    end before looking back to his friends.


    "We were ying truth or dare before you guys joined us. Anyone wants in?" Jaxon asks from his end.


    Sage and Aliya agree while I sink back in my seat, giving a silent shake of my head.


    "It will be fun, " Leo whispers beside me.


    "Not always. " I tell him, furrowing my brows when he doesn''t keep his eyes off me. "What?"


    "I just find you interesting. " He chuckles.


    "Because I refuse to y a game of truth and dare?"


    "Because you don''t think it''s always fun. " He says before shifting his gaze.


    After a lot of truths and dares, Aliya is drunk off her ass, mumbling gibberish next to Sage, who''s


    equally drunk.


    I look around me to see almost half of the people drunk while the others continue to have fun.


    I move across the room to get to Aliya and push her off her seat. She giggles when I wrap my hands


    around her and take my face in her hands. "Evie! Why do you look so small?"


    I shake my face from her grip and sp her hands in mine while the other remains secured around her


    waist. "You''re drunk. Come on, I''ll get you to your dorm. "


    "I''m not drunk. " She argues. "I''m well aware of everything that''s going on. Have you seen the other


    girl? I had a great time tonight. " She chuckles and spread her arms.


    I remind myself to tease her about it when she almost trips over her feet.


    "I won''t be responsible for whatever happens if you don''t hold on tight. " I warn her and she pouts


    before wrapping around my neck.


    "You''re leaving?" Leo asks as I walk past him and I nod.


    "Do you need help with her?" He nods toward Aliya and I shake my head, a smile resting on my lips.


    "No, I''ll be fine. You seem to have a lot more to take care of than I do. " I chuckle, referring to his


    friends before moving towards the exit with Aliya dangling off my arm.


    "You''ll fucking pay for this. " I hiss as I struggle to bnce her but she onlyughs, throwing her arms


    around me.


    "You look like you need help, Carson. " I lift my head to see Emerson standing in front of me.


    "Help, yes. Your help? Certainly not. "


    Emersonughs and moves Aliya from me. He looks back at me, and say, "I''ll save you the trouble and


    help you, despite your rotten behaviour. "


    "I don''t need your help, Ford. " I tell him again and he rolls his eyes before walking away with Aliya in


    his arms.


    When he''s halfway through, he twists his head to me. "Youing?"


    I stand still for a few minutes and debate on epting Emerson''s offer which he''ll boast ofter on or


    calling the Uber. To save me the stress, I go with the former and walk towards them.


    "Move to the front seat. " Emerson says as he hurls Aliya in the backseat and I shake my head in


    refusal. "No, I''ll sit with her. "


    Without a word, he shuts the door to the backseat and pushes me inside the front seat. He shuts the


    door behind me and walks around the car to get in the driver''s seat.


    "That wasn''t so hard, was it?" He smiles as he climbs in. I look to the backseat to make sure Aliya is


    fast asleep and unaware of what''s going on before turning to Emerson.


    "You don''t get to fucking push me around. If I want in the backseat, then I want in the backseat. The


    fuck is wrong with you?" I snap and Emerson groans, starting the engine and ignoring my rants.


    "It''s my car. " He says as he drives out of the house.


    "One you fucking offered to me. "


    "You can move there if you want. " He raises a shoulder and I throw him a re. "Fuck you. "


    Emerson chuckles. "You''ll be getting lots of that soon, Carson. You don''t have to beg. "


    "I''ll never beg you for anything. " I snarl and Emerson takes his eyes off the road for a second, dragging


    it down my body. His tongue swipes over his lips, the movement so fucking slow and purposeful it


    shouldn''t be sexual, but Emerson knows what he''s doing and I clench my legs at the flush of arousal


    that gushes through me.


    He lifts his eyes to my face and smirks. "You know, Carson¡ª" he pauses and takes his eyes to the


    road before looking back at me. "Sometimes, I think you forget the way I always have you screaming


    with my cock, my mouth or fingers between your legs. And I think you forget you''ll be doing lots of them


    from now on. " I hate the arrogant smirk that remains on his face as he turns away from me. I hate his


    fucking Ego and I hate that he has me right where he wants me¡ª my body reacting to the filthy words


    that leave his dirty mouth against my better judgement.


    "Nice try, Ford but you''ll be doing lots of sweating on that. "


    His smirk doesn''t fade, but he changes the subject. "Who was that guy?"


    "What guy?" I cock my brows, angling my head to his sight and his eyes are on the road, his one hand


    on the steering wheel while the other lies on hisp.


    "Don''t act dumb, Carson. " He hisses and it''s my turn to smirk. "Nice going on your own words, Ford. "


    "Just answer the fucking question. " He says irritably and a smallugh leaves my throat before I say,


    "No meddling in each other business. That''s the number one rule. "


    "Right. " He drums his fingers against the steering wheel. "I''m just watching out for you. "


    The sudden change in his tonees with a change in the air between us and I stare at the side of his


    face before looking away with a gulp.


    "I don''t need you to look out for me. I can take care of myself. " I mumble as I rest my head against the


    ss.


    "You aren''t as tough as you think you are, Carson, and I need you around if I will fuck you, so yes, I do


    need to watch out for you, Daddy''s pet. " Mockery and finality creep into his voice as he speaks and I


    want to reach out for the steering wheel and turn it the other way, just to show him fucking him and


    agreeing to sleep with him some more doesn''t change the littlest of things between us.


    "The rules were made for a reason. You break them and we end this before it starts. You get to fuck


    me, Ford and that''s all you get to fucking do. " When Emerson clenches his jaw in response, I know the


    message is well received.


    The rest of the drive is in silence and I know we''re back to that point where craving each other isn''t a


    thing. Only bitterness and hostility.


    This thing won''tst and I''m counting the days before one of us put an end to the madness.

 F I F T E E N

    F I F T E E N


    EVA.


    "My head hurts so fucking much. " Aliyains, holding her head in her hands as I slide her cup


    towards her.


    Iugh and lift the cup to my lips, taking a sip before looking back at Aliya''s squeamish face. "You


    drank too much. " I tell her and she lifts her head to me, a frown crossing her lips.


    "Why didn''t you stop me?" Sheins with a pout before dropping her hand to the coffee in front of


    her and I scoff, saying, "Stop you? I don''t remember you being a kid, Aliya. "


    "I know that, mom, " she jokes and I throw her the middle finger, earning augh from her.


    I chuckle and shake my head as I stare down at my wrist. "We have to leave soon. Finish your coffee. "


    I nod towards the cup in front of her and she nods.


    "I didn''t do anything stupidst night, did I?" She asks and knowing this is my chance to tease her, I


    smirk and lean towards her. "What part do you remember?"


    "Up to the part of the game? And yes, I remember hooking up with Sage. " She frowns and I furrow my


    brows, "Why do you sound that way? I thought you enjoyed your time with her?"


    "I did, " she agrees. "But I have a no messing around with friends strict rule, remember?"


    I shake my head. "Since when was that a rule? I don''t remember. "


    Her lips curve into a smirk as she moves her coffee to the side to push her face closer to mine. "Why


    do you think I haven''t had my mouth on your cunt yet?"


    I lift my hand and smack her forehead. She tumbles back to her seat and hisses, holding the spot.


    "The fuck was that for, Evie?" She snaps, lifting her head to me and a smallugh falls from my mouth.


    "For fucking with me. "


    Aliya rubs her forehead a few times before she drops her hand. "You know I was fucking with you. "


    "I know. There''s no such rule, so tell me why you sounded that way. " I repeat my earlier question and


    her shoulder sinks in a sigh. "It''s not me. It''s her. She said she isn''t into it. "


    I draw my brows together. "Into it? She kissed you and trust me, thest thing I saw in her was her not


    into it. "


    "She just wanted a taste. " She raises a shoulder and I hum, moving back in my seat.


    I study her for a few minutes before I ask my next question. "And you? Was it just a taste or you


    wanted more?"


    "I''m not into her that way. " Sheughs with a slow shake of her head. When the sound dies down, her


    voice is soft and small when she says, "She just feels like someone I could keep around. "


    "That doesn''t sound bad. " I smile at her and she grins.


    "Come on. We should leave now. " Aliya moves out of her seat, and I follow behind her as we walk out


    of the cafe.


    "Oh, and I wanted to ask. How did you manage to get me to my dormst night? I can almost swear


    you didn''t do it alone. " Sheughs and those words brings about a moment I would rather not think


    about.


    After helping with getting Aliya to her dorm, we didn''t speak a word to each other and he wasn''t in the


    house when I woke up this morning. Unless his car mysteriously disappeared from the driveway and he


    remains hidden in his room.


    Whatever is keeping Emerson Ford out of my sight, however, I know it has nothing to do with the


    moment of anger between usst night. We have had a lot of those moments and he''s always ready to


    annoy me the next minute. Whatever is keeping Ford from my sight is unknown and its something I''m


    pleased for because I get to live peacefully without him breathing down my neck, and poking each of


    my fucking nerves.


    "Did you hear me?" Aliya''s tap on my arm brings me out of my thoughts and I nod. "I had help. "


    "From who?" She raises her brows and I roll my eyes. "And why do you need to know that?"


    "Why can''t I know?" She retorts, raising a suspicious brow at me. "Are you hiding something?"


    "What? No!" I deny, ignoring the way my heart races at the thought of my previous agreement with


    Emerson. Aliya will never let me hear the end of it if she finds out.


    "Are you sure?" She narrows her eyes and I drape my hand over her shoulder, dragging her with me.


    "I''m sure. " I assure her and she gives a small nod while we make our way to the campus.


    "Do you look forward to seeing her today?" I nudge Aliya with my elbow, teasing her and she shakes


    her head. "I''m not. I already told you it''s not what you think. "


    "But you do want to keep her around. " I agree, repeating her earlier words and she looks away from


    me. I chuckle and duck my head towards her face just to piss her some more and Aliya snaps her head


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    to me. She parts her lips, but before she can speak, a low gasp falls from my mouth as I bump my


    head into a hard surface. A hard, smooth surface.


    "Oh, fuck! I''m so sorry. " I apologize as I move out of the man''s chest and my eyes widen barely when


    my eyes meet bright blue ones.


    "Oh, hey. It''s you. " I smile at Dan and he smiles. "It''s me. Why do you sound so surprised?"


    "I''m not surprised, " I say, stepping back to put some space between us. "Just intrigued to see you


    again. " I look behind him to the dark-haired guy who stands next to him with a scowl on his face, and


    his eyes on his phone.


    "Oh, don''t mind him. " Dan says when he notices my gaze and I let out a smallugh as I look back at


    him.


    "I never got your contactst night. Mind if I do now? You said we could hang out some other time. " He


    fishes out his phone and pushes it towards me.


    I meet his eyes before shifting my gaze back to the phone between us. I take it and ignore the way


    Aliya''s eyes follows me as I type out my contact before passing the phone back to Dan.


    "I''ll text you. " He tells me, offering me one of his gorgeous dimpled smiles and I hum, before saying,


    "See you around. "


    I step to the side and drag my best friend with me.


    "He''s from the party?" Aliya whispers beside me with brows raised in inquisitiveness and I give a nod,


    ignoring the way her lips stretch into a wide smile.


    "Fuck off. " I groan, knowing questions that will follow.


    "What? I''m not asking much. I just want to know how good he was. He looks hot. " She squeals and I


    roll my eyes. "I didn''t have sex with him, Lia. "


    Her smile drops. "You didn''t? But you said he''s from¨C"


    "I didn''t know I was to sleep with every single guy I metst night. " I mumble sarcastically and she


    "I didn''t mean it that way. You don''t give out your contact that easily and It just felt like you have


    something different with this one. " She says and I nod; if you count the sweet kiss we shared and the


    almost-sex before Emerson came in and turned the whole thing around.


    "Do you like him?" She intentionally bumps her shoulder into mine as she wriggles her brows at me.


    "He''s okay. " I say and Aliya gives me another one of her dubious looks. I dismiss her with a wave and


    make my way towards ss, ignoring her calls behind me.


    She catches up with me just before I move into the ss.


    "You''re telling me everything as soon as we''re out of ss. No questions asked. " She points a warning


    finger before she walks inside while I trail behind her.


    My eyes move across the room briefly before I catch myself and move to a seat with Aliya settling


    beside me.


    "No one to annoy you today. " Aliya chuckles beside me as she drops her bag, and I nod slowly. "I''m


    more than fucking d about that. "


    Sheughs and turns her head away, while I sink back in my seat, gnawing at my lips.


    ~


    sses end with Aliya returning to her dorm while I make my way to my ce.


    I halt my steps just before I get to the door and stare at the spot where his car was previously parked


    before shaking that nonessential thought off my mind.


    A sigh leaves my lips as I walk through the door. I turn around to click the lock and my eyes widen, my


    heart racing in my chest as a hand presses against my mouth.


    Panic sets in and I prepare to attempt an attack but stop at the familiar cologne that surrounds me


    when the body presses against my back.


    I stop struggling against him and he lowers his hand, moving it to my throat instead. I remain still as he


    "I need you, Carson. "

 S I X T E E N

    S I X T E E N


    EVA.


    "What are you doing?" I whisper when he pinches his lips to my neck and move his hand from my


    throat to my waist.


    "Emerson¨C" I try again when he gives no response, trying to veer around in his arms but he hums


    against the skin of my neck and keeps me still.


    "No, don''t move. Stay like this. " He mumbles, his lips making contact with my earlobe and sending a


    shiver down my spine.


    "I can''t see you. " I cover my hands with his and try to move out of the cage he has me in, but Ford


    doesn''t yield.


    "I didn''t realize you love the sight of my face so much, Carson. " His deep chuckle vibrates through me


    as he says those words and I roll my eyes, almost tempted to push back against him.


    "That''s not it. " I offer silently and there''s no response from him. My heart races in my chest when


    Emerson moves away, seizing his body heat with him and I turn around to meet his eyes. A smirk


    presses to his lips as he says, "But I won''t me you for it. I told you I''m quite addicting. "


    "Where were you?" I ignore his taunts and ask. Emerson furrows his brows at my question and folds


    his arms against his chest. "Since when do you care?"


    "I don''t!" I snap and he cackles. "I don''t. I''m curious, nothing more. You disappeared through the entire


    day and now you''re here? "


    "How do you know I wasn''t at school?" He proposes and I shake my head. "You were not. If you were, I


    would have known because I was¡ª" when the realization of the words I''m about to let go hit me, I


    mp my mouth shut and move my gaze to the floor.


    "Because you were what?" Ford pushes.


    "You weren''t at school, Ford. " It''s the only response I give him. I take harsh intakes of my breath


    before lifting my eyes to him again. "What happened?"


    "You''re being a hypocrite. That''s what. " He says with a straight face and I frown. "The fuck is that


    supposed to mean?"


    "You don''t get to ask about my whereabouts, Carson. You don''t get to pry into my business, that was a


    rule. Your rule, might I add. " I don''t fail to catch the mockery attached to his words and I nearly throw


    my fist in his face. I''m not prying in his business, I''m just inquisitive.


    When I give no response, Emerson closes the distance between us till his chest is squeezing into mine,


    and his muscles against my chest. His eyes are darkened and I don''t think that''s malicious. I part my


    lips to speak, but I end up with nothing when he mashes his lips to mine.


    His hand moves to the back of my head and I moan into his mouth when he easily slips his tongue


    through my parted lips, tangling and battling with mine in a fight for dominance. He tastes like mint


    mixed with alcohol and it''s as weird as it sounds.


    My bag falls from my grip when I lift my hands to his neck and Emerson lifts me in his arms, his hands


    curling around the back of my thighs to secure them around his waist.


    He moves backwards with me in his arms and I fall against a soft surface. Emerson breaks away when


    my head hits the couch.


    His eyes roam to my chest and he inches closer but I''m quick to press my palm to his chest at the


    vibration of my phone against my pants.


    "Wait¡ª" I re at him when he tries to press his lips to mine. He rolls his eyes and back away while I


    lift my body barely from the couch to retrieve my phone.


    The contact res back at me from across the screen and my throat closes up.


    "Who is¨C" Emerson starts but I cut him off, silencing the rest of his words. "It''s my mom. "


    His lips turn up in a smirk at my words and he drags closer to me, "Take the call, Carson. "


    Something about the tone he uses unsettles me and I attempt to nudge him away, but falls back


    against the couch when he swipes the button to the side and mom''s voicees from the other end.


    "Princess. "


    "Motherfucking b¨¢stard. " I mouth to Ford and heughs, giving me a thumbs-up before nodding to the


    phone.


    I sigh and press the phone to my ear, my voice is soft as I say, "Hey, mom. "


    "You got into college and you forgot about your mother?" There''s a shuffling sound in the background


    as mom jokes and I chuckle lightly.


    "I''ve been busy with school. " And having the face of my enemy between my thighs. Which I presently


    do because Emerson deals with the buttons of my Jeans pant before pulling them down my legs.


    "I know that, but I hope you''ll check in with me often, Eva. I''ve missed you. " Her sad voice troubles my


    heart and I know she''s still watching out for me.


    "Mom¨C" I start but pause when Emerson gives faint rubs to my panties, having me soak the thin


    material with my wetness.


    When I lift my head to him, he has a tiny smile on his face and I forget for a second that I''m on the


    phone with my mother until her voicees through. "Eva. Are you there?"


    "Yes, yes, I am. " My voicees out breathless when he shifts my panties to the side and slide his


    finger over my cunt. My body trembles lightly in response to his not so innocent touch and I push into


    his hand when he thrusts a finger inside my core.


    "I¨C what were you saying? " I bite down on my lower lip to keep down the moans that threaten to leave


    my throat and Emerson isn''t making it any easier for me when he slides his hand around my middle,


    lifting my body from the couch to give him better ess.


    "Is everything alright there? You don''t sound like yourself. " Mom''s worried voice fills my ears and I


    shake my head, a tiny whimper that I hope she doesn''t catch falling from my mouth when Emerson


    doubles his finger while he rubs my clit with his thumb.


    "Yes, of course. I''m fine. I''m just¨C I''m working out. That''s all. " I lie and Emerson snorts, a proud smile


    crossing his face when I push into his hands again.


    "Since when do you work out?" Oh God, please. Stop already.


    "Oh fuck. That feels good. "Emerson''s expression remains unfazed as the words leave my mouth and


    I''m quick to clutch a hand over my mouth.


    "Eva¨C" mom''s warning tone tells me she heard my words loud and clear. "Did you just moan? What the


    hell are you doing?"


    "Working out, I told you and I didn''t moan. You heard wrong, mother. " I lie and re at Emerson when


    he snickers.


    "But I''m pretty sure I¨C"


    "Oh, shit! I just slipped. I''ll call you back mom." I don''t let her say another word before disconnecting


    the line and tossing the phone to the side.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you?" I snap at Emerson but he says nothing as he slides his fingers out


    of my cunt. They glisten with my juices and he rolls over me, pushing his fingers through my parted


    lips.


    "Suck. " He whispers, his voice low and seductive and I wrap my mouth tighter around his fingers.


    Emerson smiles at the sight and drops his fingers from my mouth, meandering his thumb over my lips.


    He parts them and pulls at the bottom before closing his lips to mine.


    He starts to unbutton my sweater while my fingers fumble with the buttons of his pants.


    After much struggle, Emerson gets me out of my clothes and shoes, and I get him out of his, rendering


    us entirely naked to each other''s gazes.


    His eyes drink in every inch of my body while I let my eyes fall to his chest. I want to run my fingers on


    the skin just to get the taste of him. I want Emerson Ford trembling and hot in my hands. Under my


    mercy.


    Before I can do that though, Ford shoves me back and moves over me; a packet between his lips as he


    fixes his gaze on me.


    He tears the packet with his teeth and slides the rubber down the length of his cock before spreading


    my thighs. He wraps one hand around his cock¡ª the sight so fucking sexy¡ª and uses his other hand


    to massage my pussy.


    After a few strokes of his fingers, he brings his cock to my entrance and drives in torturously slowly.


    "What the fuck are you doing?" I pant in annoyance and Emerson dares to chuckle. "Patience, Carson.


    I know what you want and I''ll give it to you. " And he shoves his entire length inside my pussy.


    A weak sigh leaves my mouth at the feeling of having him inside me again.


    "Does your Daddy know you have a belly button piercing, Carson?" Emerson smirks at me as he raises


    one of my legs to his shoulder; his thrusts going deeper and faster.


    "Why¨C Oh, fuck. That feels so fucking good. " I cry when I feel him hit that particr spot, my nails


    raking down his naked back and Emerson''s face twists into that of pain as I dig them deeper, wanting


    to draw blood.


    "You''re fucking doing that on purpose, aren''t you?" He hisses, wrapping a hand around my inner thigh


    with his palm pressed against my clit as he gives hard rubs while he ms roughly inside my pussy.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Am I?" I tease him, intentionally clenching around his cock when a flush of arousal and near-end


    crosses his face. "How about I y that game of yours, Ford? Beg for it?"


    A scoff leaves Emerson''s lips before he turns my own game on me. He raises my other leg and sps


    his hands around the two, keeping them locked on his shoulders while he rocks into me; filling me and


    hitting every nerve ending.


    "Oh, fuck! Yes. Yes, God¨C" I throw my hands to my hair and pull at the ends. I squeeze my breasts


    between my palms, my body shaking with every pound he gives. I move my hands down his naked


    chest, relishing the way the sweaty skin feels on my fingertips as Emerson meets my eyes. It feels so


    fucking good. I thought that night in the small space of his car was the best sex I''ve ever had, but


    Emerson had something elseing for me. God, that didn''t feel half as good as this. I can feel him


    everywhere. He devours every inch of my body and my sight and my mind as he keeps his fierce gaze


    on me while rocking me to a world ofplete bliss.


    "Say the words, Carson. I want to fucking hear the words. " Emerson says, pressing my body into the


    couch and I moan in response, feeling my orgasm at the edge of my spine.


    "What word?" I y ignorance as I move my hands to his ass, trying to push him to give me what I


    want, but Emerson doesn''t budge as he lifts my hands from his ass. He sps both hands in one of his


    and pins them over my head on the arm of the couch, letting my legs dangle on his shoulders.


    He lifts his face to mine, slowly easing down his thrusts as he says. "Tell me how much you need to


    "This isn''t part of the fucking arrangement. " I frown and Emerson chuckles, pressing his lips to the side


    of my face.


    "Rules were made for that arrangement. You gave me your consent to fuck you but you never gave me


    a rule on how exactly I will do that. " He whispers next to my ear, stroking the flesh with his tongue


    before pulling back. "Tell me, Carson. "


    I shouldn''t. It''s thest thing I want to do: To feed Emerson''s obsession with hearing me beg, knowing I


    take every chance thrown at me to defy him. I shouldn''t give him that, but God help me, I can''t help it. I


    can feel the frustration building up and knowing Ford is capable of leaving me here with an impending


    orgasm if he doesn''t hear the words¨C I bite down on my pride and do as he wants.


    "I need it. " I whisper and Emersonughs, giving one rough thrust of his hips before slowing down


    again. "You can do better than that, Carson. "


    Fucking b¨¢stard.


    "No. "


    "Yes, you can, " he argues. "Unless you do not want it. Trust me, Carson, I have no trouble leaving you


    here and helping myself to finish. " I want to p the confident look that he throws at me off his face.


    Emerson bends over me till every inch of my skin is pressed against his¡ª slicked with sweats¡ª and


    it''s too f¨²cking much to handle. I can''t¨C


    Don''t do it. Please, don''t¨C


    "I need you to give it to me, Emerson. " I don''t miss the surprise that masks Emerson''s expression at


    first before he reces it with smugness and fucks me harder. The sound of our groans and our skins


    pping against each other is the only noise disrupting the peacefulness of the room before I scream


    as my orgasm strikes me like a lightning bolt¨C so sudden and punishing.


    Emerson doesn''t stop after that. He moves me to my fours and pounds into me from behind, chasing


    after his orgasm. It isn''t until I''m a spineless wreck we finally copse on the couch, Emerson''s body


    falling into mine.


    I hum silently and try to catch my breath with my eyes closed as I feel the trail of his fingers across my


    skin¨C his touch feels good on my body than I like to admit.


    "What''s this?" I hear him ask and my eyelids flutter as I duck my head to where his hand lies, his finger


    caressing the small tattoo across my hip.


    "Are you too dumb to realize that''s a tattoo?" I raise my brows and Emerson throws me a re before


    shifting his gaze back to the light inked skin.


    "It''s a butterfly. What does it mean?" He questions again and I roll my eyes, tumbling back on the


    couch.


    "I think you need to master the art of following rules, Ford. "


    He snorts, but gives no response as he slumps on my body again, silence stretching between us.


    Minutes pass before I move my gaze to his face: His head rests on my chest with one palm closing my


    left breast. His soft breaths scrape my skin and I wonder if he''s asleep.


    I angle my head to study his face¨C his eyes are shut and a frown presses to his lips. The sight makes


    me wonder what truly happened with him.


    My eyes fall to the dark curls and I''m tempted to reach out and coil my fingers through it, which is


    exactly what I do. It''s nothing weird or intimate, just the feel of the curls on the tip of my fingers like I


    would do if his mouth were on mine. I tell myself it''s nothing different from that, until I realize the import


    of what I''m doing: I''m brushing his hair while he rests on my chest after we just had sex.


    His hair suddenly bes a zing fire and I pull away like I''ve been burnt by it. Irritation flows


    through me as the meaning of my inner thoughts smacks me in the face.


    An emotion. An irritating, unweed emotion.


    Worry.


    I feel worried for Emerson Ford.


    Without thinking twice about it, I push at his shoulders and push harder when he doesn''t move. A small


    gasp slips through my parted lips when I shove too hard and Emerson falls to the carpet with a thud.


    His eyes are wide with anger swirling through the brown orbs when he lifts them to mine and I lose it


    right there. I break into augh at the sight of Ford naked on the floor with his cock dangling between


    his legs and a gaze that tells me the next time he has his hand wrapped around my throat, it''ll be to


    take my breathe permanently and not to give me pleasure.

 S E V E N T E E N

    S E V E N T E E N


    EVA.


    "The fuck is wrong with you?" He bellows as he moves to his feet and I take my eyes from his lower


    body to his face covered with an angry expression.


    "You were cuddling me. " Iin as I extend my hand to grab my sweater from the carpet when


    Emerson''s gaze gets too overbearing.


    "Cuddling you?" He scoffs as I throw the material over my head and raise to my feet with a smirk


    covering my face. "Yes, Ford. You had your arms wrapped around me and your head on my chest.


    What the fuck do you think I was gonna do? Let you stay there?"


    "I wasn''t cuddling you. " He argues, moving towards me to grab his shirt. "Even if I was. We just had


    sex, Carson. You think a cuddle means anythingpared to sex?"


    "A cuddle is intimate and intimacy is thest thing I want to have with you. " I tell him, and he cocks his


    head, his famous smirk appearing on his face. "And why''s that? Afraid you''ll break the rule and fall


    faster than I predicted?"


    I shake my head and grab my phone from the table. Lifting my head to him, I say, "It''s because the


    thought of my skin against yours sicken me. "


    Emersonughs. "I take it as me fucking you disgusts you then?"


    "It does. " I confirm with a nod and Emerson finally throws his shirt over his head. Smoothing his hands


    down the material, he moves closer to me. "For something that disgusts you, you sure as hell scream


    too much for more. I would have thought you actually loved it. " I don''t miss the mockery in his voice


    and I clench my jaw in response.


    Before I can speak again, the vibration of his phone interrupts me and Emerson looks to the device. My


    eyes follow his and I take in a breath at the sight of the name across the screen: Paige.


    Emerson shifts his gaze back to me and gives me a dismissive wave before turning his attention back


    to the ringing phone.


    "Hey. " He speaks as he takes the call and throws his trousers over his shoulder, walking past me to his


    room and I let out a sigh, falling back on the couch.


    I take my eyes to my phone and there are three new text notifications.


    My heart races in my chest at the text from my mom and I gnaw at my lips as I open the message, her


    words staring back at me from across the screen.


    MOTHER: I just wanted to make sure you''re alright, Eva. The time is drawing near and I know how you


    get during those times. I want you to know that you always have me and your father by your side. You


    never have to deal with it alone, Eva. Love you always, mom.


    Sadness engulfs me at her words and I inhale a sharp breath. I do know it''s near and I''ve been


    sessfully distracting myself with things around me. Trying to stop those all too familiar dark thoughts


    from creeping in, trying to break free from the pain that consumes my heart and trying not to go down


    the path everyone is afraid I would, but in the end, there''s only an amount of time I can escape from it


    all.


    My phone vibrates next to me, bringing me out of my thoughts and I take a thick breath before lifting it


    to my gaze to see Aliya''s name across my screen.


    "Aliya. " I say as I press the mobile to my ear and there''s a loud noise in the background. I frown and


    move the phone from my ear when there''s no response, making sure she''s still on the line before


    clutching it to my ear again. "Are you there?"


    "Yeah, " her almost breathless voice says.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Trying to call you. Oh, Goddamn! Fuck off!"


    When I realize she''s out somewhere, I stay silent and let her get to a less crowded ce before


    speaking again.


    "Where the fuck have you been? I left messages, and you never responded. " Aliya snaps, her voice


    loud and clear this time.


    "Sorry, um¨C" I rake my brain for a reasonable excuse other than the unspeakable truth. "I didn''t realize.


    I left my phone in the living room. Where are you? Is something wrong?"


    "No, " she answers. "Everything is fine. I just got worried because you weren''t responding and that''s


    unlike you. "


    I smile and sink back into the couch. "I''m fine, Aliya. "


    "Good, because I''m in some deep fucking shit right now. " Her troubled voicees from the other end


    and I draw my brows together. "What do you mean? I thought you said everything is fine?"


    "Nothing is fine, Eva. I''m fucking freaking out. I don''t know what the fuck I''m supposed to do. I mean, I


    do know what I''m to do but I don''t know¨C I can''t. " She rushes her words, her heavy pants discernible.


    "You need to calm down and fill me in, Lia. " I say softly and she hums, taking several breaths before


    she speaks again. "Okay, so I kind of bumped into Sage. It was fucking awkward but we yed it off


    and she wanted me to tag along with her friends. "


    "And you did?" I ask.


    "Of course, I did, Evie. I wasn''t going to miss an opportunity to have a go at it again. "


    I roll my eyes. "I''m d to know you aren''t in any deep trouble. "


    Aliyaughs. "Shut up, bitch. Anyway, I followed them to a restaurant and everything was going well


    until Sage followed me to the restroom. It was sudden: she pushed me into the ¨C"


    "I don''t think I want the details of how you had your tongue down her throat, Aliya. " I groan, silencing


    the rest of her words.


    "Will you just fucking listen?" She hisses and I roll my eyes. "Just get to the point. "


    "She showed up. " Her voice is small and the words are almost inaudible.


    "Who?" I ask and Aliya sighs. "Her, Eva. The girl I''ve been searching for showed up when I had my


    mouth on another''s. "


    "Does she want to talk?"


    "I don''t know. " She says, another sigh following her words. "I didn''t stay long enough to find out. I left. "


    "Why? Because you were with Sage?" Iugh and I know Aliya will throw me re at that if she were


    right beside me.


    "I don''t think so. I guess I just kind of panicked. "


    "Are you still interested in her?" I ask her and there are seconds of silence before she speaks again. "I


    am. "


    "Then you should speak to her. " I tell her.


    "What if she isn''t interested in me?" I don''t fail to notice the worry in her voice and I smile. "You''ll never


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    know that until you speak to her. You''ll be lucky if you find her where you left her. " Iugh.


    "Fuck off, but thank you, bitch. I''ll text youter. " Aliya''s annoyed voice booms through the phone and I


    chuckle before moving the phone from my ear.


    My phone beeps again and I frown at the new text notification from an unknown number.


    UNKNOWN: You up for tonight?


    I instantly know it''s Dan and my fingers hover over the keypad as I attempt to type back a reply.


    I just had sex with Ford. Is the next thing I want to do truly hang out with a new guy?


    I turn my head at the sound of footsteps to see Emerson dressed in his infamous ckness, twirling a


    key around his finger.


    "I don''t see your car. " I say when he meets my eyes and he smirks. "And what business could you


    possibly have with my car?"


    "I was hoping you crashed it. " I match his smirk with mine and heughs, moving closer to me. "It''s


    with a friend and I''m going to get it. Are you sure you can stay that long without me?"


    "Go to hell, Ford and never return. " I tell him, throwing him my middle finger and his smirks grows


    wider. "Me and you both, Carson. Me and you both. " With a wink, he walks towards the exit and just


    before he makes it through the door, he retrieves his phone from his back pocket at the sound of the


    buzz.


    "I''m on my way, Paige. " They are thest words I catch before he moves out of my sight and I swallow


    the bitter lump growing in my throat.


    Shifting my gaze back to the phone in hand, I type back a reply.


    ME: Absolutely. Where are we going?

 E I G H T E E N

    E I G H T E E N


    EVA.


    I take onest nce at my body before walking inside the restaurant.


    My gaze moves across the room as I search for a blonde head and it doesn''t take long to find him


    waving at me from his booth.


    "I didn''t think you would show up. " Dan smiles as I slide in the booth, taking the seat across him and I


    give a smallugh. "Why not? I did say I''ll be here. "


    "I know, " he nods. "But I was having doubts. My friend will be here, is that okay with you?"


    "The more, the merrier. " I confirm and Dan cackles before calling for order.


    The woman takes Dan''s order of two beers while I go with a vodka soda.


    "Just soda? You sure you don''t want a beer?" Dan asks as the woman walks away.


    "I am. Why? Does that sabotage your n to get me drunk?" I raise my brows teasingly at him and


    Danughs. "And what could I possibly get from getting you drunk?"


    "A lot of things. " I lower my voice.


    "Darling, " he calls with his lips curved into a smirk. "I don''t need to fuck with your mind to get what I


    want. "


    "So sure of yourself. " I say and he winks, before letting his eyes roam across my body. "You look


    beautiful. "


    "I would say the same about you, but I saw this earlier. "


    "So you won''t?" He pouts.


    "Nice to see you still look the same, Dan. " I joke and Danughs, his dimplesing into view this


    time.


    Thatugh slowly dies down when another figure joins us and takes the seat next to me. He''s the same


    guy I saw with him at campus, and he''s still wearing that scowl from earlier.


    "He''s my friend. You saw him before. He wanted to tag along so¨C" Dan doesn''t finish the rest of the


    words when dark-haired throw him a re.


    "I''m Noel. " His voice is soft and smooth,pared to his harsh gaze and I ce my hand in his for a


    brief handshake.


    "Eva. " I tell him and he nods. "I know. The fucker ditched our ns for you. " He res at his friend


    again and a soft chuckle falls from my mouth.


    "I''m sorry for that, Noel. " I tell him and he detaches his hand from mine before saying, "That''s fine.


    Your beauty makes up for it. "


    Did he just¨C


    "Noel. " Dan calls sharply and we both raise our heads to him. "Don''t fucking flirt with my date. "


    Noel leans forward with a taunting smirk on his face. "And why''s that? Afraid I''ll steal her attention from


    you?"


    The duo re at each other and it almost seem like it''s taking everything for Dan not to move from his


    seat and throw his fist in his friend''s face before they both break into augh and Noel draws back.


    I''m unable to hold back my smile at the silly interaction. Noel is cooler than I thought he would be at


    first nce.


    The woman returns with two beers and a vodka soda. She drops the soda before me while Dan passes


    one of the beers to Noel.


    "So what inspired the colour of your hair, Eva?" Dan asks.


    "What makes you think I wasn''t born this way?" I cock my brows at him, rxing into my seat.


    "I can tell you weren''t. It''s a unique colour. " He says and I hum. "You could say that and I just loved the


    colour. "


    "It suits your eyes. " He whispers, keeping his gaze fixed on me and I take a sip of my drink to ease


    down the tension.


    "What do you think of this?" Dan asks again and I draw my brows together. He answers my silent


    question. "The two of us. "


    "Friends hanging out on a chill night?" I respond and there''s this unbelievable expression that covers


    his face like he expected a different answer.


    "What?" I chuckle when Danughs and he shakes his head. "Just the first time a girl will friendzone


    me in a very long time. I''m impressed. "


    "Were you hoping for more?" I tease him.


    "I don''t think I need to hope to get more, sweetheart. " He speaks confidently and that reminds me of


    someone else. I close my mind before any further thoughts of him can creep in.


    "Trust me, you do. " I assure him and he wears a challenging look. "Was that a challenge?"


    "Do you think it is?" I retort. I stay still and frown at the sound of a familiar voice. I angle my head to the


    exit to see Emerson walk in with his circle of friends.


    Emerson meets my eyes and if he''s surprised to find me here, he sure as hell doesn''t show it because


    his eyes are off me the next second, going to the redhead beside him.


    "Do you know them?" Dan asks me and I turn my attention back to him. With a smile, I say, "Someway.


    "


    He smiles in return and turns to mumble something to his friend, while I take that chance to nce at


    Emerson and his friends. They are in the booth behind us and he''s sitting across from me so our gazes


    are on each other.


    "You know Emerson?" Dan asks and I look away from Emerson.


    "You do?" I ask with lifted brows and he nods with a small chuckle. "I''ve seen him around. He''s in one


    of my sses. "


    "Oh, the same goes for me. " I tell him, leaving out the slight detail of living with him.


    My phone vibrates on the table and I gesture to Dan to give me a minute before grabbing the device.


    It''s from an unknown number and I furrow my brows as I open the text.


    UNKNOWN: You should have gone with red. Would have caught his eyes better, Carson.


    The name at the end is a dead giveaway and I lift my eyes to Emerson, but he isn''t staring at me. He


    has a smile on his face as he speaks to his friends with redhead hugging him by the side.


    How the fuck did he get my number?


    ME: I don''t remember giving you my contact.


    I lift my gaze back to Dan and before I can drop the phone, there''s another beep.


    Dan nods for me to take it and I lift the mobile again. A new text from him.


    UNKNOWN: The tank top from the night in my car would have been nicer. He wouldn''t have been able


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    to take his eyes off your chest. Or his hands if you allow him. You could have done better to seduce a


    man, Carson.


    He''s ying with me and God helps me, I''m falling into his trap. I can feel it building up but I refuse to


    give into it. I refuse to give Emerson Ford exactly what he wants.


    I throw the phone to the side and turn my focus on Dan.


    "Everything good?" He asks with raised brows and I nod. "Perfect. "


    "Can you lean forward? I think there''s something on your mouth. " Dan frowns and I look at his friend


    with a confused expression who doesn''t seem like he''s paying attention to us.


    "Really? Where?" I ask him as I take my hand to my lips.


    "Just lean in, Eva. " He says softly and I nod, leaning forward. Dan surprises me by moving his head


    forward, and pressing his lips to mine. It''s a short kiss and our mouths are hardly touching because of


    the table between us and my body notpletely leaning in.


    Dan''s hand moves to the back of my head to press his lips harder into mine and I try to move my lips


    against his¨C the kiss almost clumsy and ufortable.


    He lets go and inches back into his seat with a soft smile on his face and I raise my brows at him, a


    small smile coating my lips. "I thought you said something?"


    "It was, " he confirms. "And I helped you with it my style. "


    "You stole a kiss. " I argue, giving him a pointed look and Danughs, taking a swig of his beer before


    meeting my eyes again. "Darling, if you think that''s how I''ll kiss you next time, then you''re totally


    mistaken. "


    His voice is small but firm and I blink a few times before looking away from him.


    Danughs. "I''m just joking, Eva but that''s not how I kiss. You would be humping me if I did. "


    "You didst time and I didn''t. " I raise my shoulder dismissively and Dan shakes his head. "That was


    different. "


    I chuckle and part my lips to speak, but before I can, my phone vibrates on the table and I grab the


    device to see a new text from the same unknown number. I shouldn''t open the text again. I should


    ignore him, but my curiosity gets the better of me and I find my eyes moving across the words.


    UNKNOWN: Did you enjoy his mouth on yours, Carson?


    ME: What do you think you''re doing?


    The new textes almost instantly.


    UNKNOWN: I bet he didn''t make you feel like I do. Like I''m snatching your breath from you. Leaving


    you to crave for more. Work for more.


    What the fuck is he ying at?


    "Are you okay?" Dan asks and I lift my head to give him a nod before shifting my gaze back to the


    phone.


    ME: I''m not ying this game with you.


    The reply is just as quick as earlier. How the fuck is he doing it? I don''t see him move an inch.


    UNKNOWN: Why, Carson? Does it make you feel hot? Unable to enjoy your date? Do I distract you,


    Carson? I bet I do judging by the way you''re clenching your legs.


    He isn''t even in the fucking view of my legs!


    "Eva. " Dan calls quietly and I raise my head to him. "Is everything alright? You''ve been staring at your


    phone. "


    "Yeah. Um... Give me a minute? I think I need to use the restroom.


    He nods with a smile. "Can''t exactly be charming if you don''t have me waiting here. "


    "Shut up. " I joke with a small shake and heughs, nodding his head for me to move.


    I don''t miss Emerson''s eyes on me as I move out of my seat and I type back a reply before moving out


    of sight.


    ME: Do not fuck with me, Ford.


    The meaning of his next words makes my heart race and with thates annoyance.


    UNKNOWN: Toote. I already did. Twice.


    I clench my jaw and re at the back of his head before striding towards the restroom. I make my way


    inside the room and put my phone away.


    I stand before the mirror with my hands gripping onto the sink edges as I shut my eyes, and take in


    deep heavy breaths.


    "Do I affect you that badly, Carson?" My eyes fly open at the sound of that voice and I meet Emerson''s


    eyes through the mirror. He''s leaning against the wall with one leg propped to the lower surface and a


    smirk pressed to his lips.


    Twisting my body to his view, I say, "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?"


    Emerson doesn''t say anything. The smirk slowly fades from his face as he pushes himself off the wall


    and takes slow strides towards me. He doesn''t stop till my ass is pressing onto the sink and his face is


    inches away from mine so I can feel each inhale and exhale he takes.


    "What are you¨C" the words catch up in my throat when Emerson lifts his hand to my lower lip, giving


    slow but harsh strokes on it ¨C almost as if he''s brushing something from it.


    He does the same to my upper lip, an irritated expression smearing his face and without a word, he


    closes the gap left between our bodies and mashes his lips against mine.


    His hand slides to my waist and he swallows every single sound that rises from my throat¨C both gasps


    and moans. He presses, sucks and bites on the flesh; his mouth so fucking aggressive against mine


    I''m almost afraid he''ll draw blood.


    I lift my hands to his jacket to push his body off mine, reminding myself I''m out with another man who


    isn''t Emerson Ford, but my hands act on their own ord and fists in his clothing.


    He tastes like wine and the only thought that goes through my mind is for him to hurl me up against the


    sink and fuck me hard, despite the mind-numbing pleasure he gave me just hours ago.


    Before I can dwell further on that thought though, Emerson detaches his lips from mine and moves


    away, putting some distance between us.


    "Enjoy the rest of your date. " He throws me a wink before turning around and walking casually out of


    the room, leaving me standing with a needy body and a confused mind.


    What the fuck just happened?

 N I N E T E E N

    N I N E T E E N


    EVA.


    "Are you okay?" Dan asks as I take my seat and I nod with an assuring smile. "I am. "


    Dan responds with one of his before turning to Noel to continue their conversation, and my eyes move


    behind him to see the booth empty.


    He left. And my lips still tingle from his earlier sudden kiss.


    "What''s on your mind?" Dan''s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I drop my gaze to see him leaning


    forward.


    "Stuff. " I shrug and he hums. "Does that stuff includes how hot Dan is and how you can''t wait to get


    your hands on him?" He lifts his brows with a mischievous smile on his face.


    "So fucking far from it. " I emphasize the words and Dan wears a hurtful expression. "So you mean you


    don''t want to follow me to my ce after this?"


    I lean towards him. "I don''t want toe with you to your ce after this. "


    Dan throws a hand over his chest. "That''s painful, Eva. You''re breaking my heart so soon already. "


    Iugh, sinking back in my seat.


    "What''s the score?" Dan suddenly says and I draw my brows together. "For this night. "


    "Why?" I furrow my brows and he smiles. "That dictates how close I am to winning you over. "


    "Is it a game?" I chuckle and he nods. "A game to win your heart. " We stay silent after those words,


    just gazing into each other''s eyes before I break the contact and lift my chin, tapping a finger to it in a


    contemtion expression.


    When I look back at Dan, his eyes are more curious than expected and I give him a half-smile. "A six. "


    Dan''s eyes widen. "A six?"


    "Too high?" I taunt him and Dan throws me a yful re. "Too fucking low. You''re hard to impress,


    Eva Carson. "


    "So I''ve been told. " I say before we fall back into silence and he stares at me with those watchful eyes


    again.


    ~


    "Can I take you home?" Dan asks with a soft smile as we walk out of the restaurant and I turn to meet


    his gaze, a chuckle slipping through my lips as I say. "I think I''m capable of taking myself home, Dan. "


    He nods. "I know that, but I thought that''s what the guy says to the girl after the date?"


    "You sound like it''s your first time going on a date. " Iugh, and when he keeps his expression


    unfazed¨C I stop.


    "It is?" I ask with wide eyes and he hums. "My dates are usually more hookups than actual dates. We


    both know whates next after the sweet talks is the bed. You''re the first girl I''m not hitting up on the


    first meet up, Eva. Do you have any idea how lucky you are?"


    I shake my head. "It''s not called luck if I''m the one stopping your routine. "


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    "You amuse me a lot. Do you know that?" He raises his brows as he takes a step closer.


    "Your first time saying it and I''ll take it as apliment. "


    Dan''s smile widens and he stays silent for some seconds before saying, "Can we do this again? I don''t


    want you to disappear on me. "


    "We go to the same school. " I remind him.


    "Still, " he raises a shoulder and I smile. Dan is fun and sweet. He is the perfect picture of a bad boy in


    the body of a good man.


    "Sure, we can," I tell him and he beams. "Not friends hanging out on a chilly night. An actual date. " He


    demands and I tease him by frowning, taking a step back.


    When Dan''s face falls as he stares down at the movement, Iugh. "An actual date it is. "


    That gorgeous smile covers his face again and he opens his mouth to speak, but before he can, he''s


    interrupted by the presence of Noel¨C who I didn''t notice next to us.


    "Are you done, dude?" Noel scowls at him.


    "Obviously not if she''s standing right in front of me, Noel. " Dan hisses, dismissing him with a wave


    when Noel tries to speak again, before turning his attention back to me.


    "Give me a call when you get home, please?" He requests and I bob my head. Dan closes the gap


    between us to press his lips to my cheek before he moves away with Noel.


    With a sigh, I look back to the restaurant and to the spot where Emerson and his friends previously


    upied. Then that moment from the restroomes to mind¨C I shake it off before I can dwell much


    on it.


    ~


    I close the door behind me and walk to the couch. I let out a breath as I fall on the couch and lift my


    phone at the vibration of a new text.


    ALIYA: Tell me everything!


    I shake my head and sink back into the seat as my fingers move across the keypad.


    ME: I''m not telling you about Dan until you tell me what happened with your girls.


    The text is quick to change from delivered to read, and the three dots appear at the corner of the


    screen.


    A pouting face res at me from across the screen before a new textes in.


    ALIYA: Her name is Chloe.


    ME: Give me the details, bitch!


    Iugh at my text, knowing Aliya will curse me for it.


    "Surprised to see you here. " I lift my eyes from the screen to see Emerson standing by the door with a


    smug smile pressed to his lips.


    "Where else would I be? I live here. " I frown and Emerson moves from the door. "I didn''t think you


    would end your date so soon. "


    A mocking smirk climbs on my face as I throw one hand over the couch. "Why do you sound concerned


    about my date?"


    Emerson scoffs, moving from his spot. "Concern is an impossible word, Carson. " I watch as he moves


    towards the kitchen and I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as Emerson gets himself a ss of


    water.


    I turn away before he can meet my eyes, adjusting in my seat and I hear the sound of a m, followed


    by footsteps.


    "You might want to try harder next time. " I snap my head to the sound of Emerson''s voice and he nods


    to my chest. "That is in no way a turn on. "


    "I wasn''t trying to fuck him, " I chuckle. "Though I''ll beg to differ if this had you follow me to the restroom


    and keep your mouth on mine."


    He wasn''t expecting those words, and I can tell that by the way he takes a gulp and remains tight-


    lipped. Slowly, that smirk appears again, "You can do better, Carson. "


    "Fuck you, " I seethe and heughs before turning away. Before he disappears out of sightpletely,


    I don''t fail to catch his words. "I''m starting to think you have a kink for that word, Carson. " And he''s


    gone.


    Fucking bastard.


    My phone vibrates again and I smile at Aliya''s text as I type back a reply.


    Moving from her messages, and scrolling through others; my eyes move across mom''s message from


    earlier. And the words keep a frown on my face.


    ~


    My phone vibrates again as I pour the water into the ss and I don''t bother to check, knowing it''ll be


    the same person again.


    I lift the ss to take arge gulp, the liquid doing nothing to calm the race in my chest and I return the


    ss before twisting my body and colliding into Emerson''s chest.


    "Won''t get me one?" He raises a teasing brow that I merely ignore. I try to take a step to his side but


    Emerson blocks my path. "That''s cold, Carson. "


    "Fuck off. " It''s the only response I give him before turning away but, of course, Emerson trails behind


    me.


    "You''re fond of using that word, aren''t you?"


    "Don''t talk to me, Ford. " I warn him and he''s quick to step in front of me, his arms folded to his chest


    and a smile resting on his lips. I internally curse at myself for deciding to stay here when I knew


    Emerson Ford would be around, taking every chance that''s thrown at him to provoke me. Unfortunately,


    out of all days¨C today isn''t the day where I y cat and mouse with him.


    "Afraid you''ll lose? Always known you to be a coward, Carson. " On usual days, there will be that spark


    of fire. That spark of annoyance. That spark of retaliation. But not today. Not four days after mom''s text.


    I don''t say anything as I twist my body in the other direction and walk out of the room. Emerson doesn''t


    follow me and I''m grateful for that as I make my way towards my room.


    Shutting the door behind me, I lean my body against the frame to take a few breaths before striding


    towards my bed. I copse on it, feeling the softness around me, but even that isn''t enough to take


    away the thoughts and the images. Nothing is ever enough to stop me from falling into that pit.


    I sit up on the bed and stare at the wall in front of me. My head is pounding and it matches the


    thundering in my chest and the ache in every other part of my body as I wait for the tears toe.


    It doesn''t. Everywhere hurts but the tears won''te. It''s a different kind of pain. The kind of pain


    where you can no longer bring yourself to cry when you want to¨C it''s the worst kind of pain.


    I shake my head and bring my legs to my chest; my head dropping on my bent knees.


    "Hey, your phone keeps¨C" I lift my head slowly to see Emerson standing by my door with a confused


    expression and I''m quick to straighten my legs, my hands spreadingmely by the side. If there''s


    anyone I want to see in my vulnerable state, Emerson Ford will be thest.


    "Are you okay?" He asks softly as he walks himself in and I shake my head, my voice soft as I say,


    "Get out. "


    "Carson¡ª" he starts, but I''m quick to interrupt him. "Just get out, please. I do not have it in me to fuck


    around with you right now. Just leave! Go!"


    I exhale in heavy breaths as I watch Emerson stand still, not moving with my phone hanging in his


    hand. I wait for him to throw the phone at me and cuss at me before turning back and walking out of my


    room, but that time neveres because Emerson doesn''t move in his spot, and my body jerks slightly


    when he shuts the door behind him.


    "Tell me. " He speaks softly as he walks to my side and settles on the edge of my bed. "I can tell


    something is wrong, Eva. What''s it?" My head snaps to him in surprise. Emerson Ford is using my


    name since weid eyes on each other. I''m so used to hearing Carson from him, I never realised how


    natural Eva will sounding from him.


    "Nothing is wrong. I''m fine. " I tell him, looking away from his softened eyes.


    I see Emerson move from the corner of my eyes and I flinch when he lifts his hand to cover mine.


    "I don''t believe you. Something is wrong. That''s why you were acting weird in the kitchen earlier and


    that''s why your phone has been buzzing all day. Talk to me, Carson. " His voice sounds impatient and


    for a second there, I would have thought that''s him worrying about me, but I know better than that.


    Emerson Ford and worry for me don''t go together.


    "Why should I?" I retort, and he presses his lips into a thin line. Twisting my head to meet his eyes, I


    say, "To talk to you? Out of all people, you actually think you''d be the one I''ll talk to if something were


    wrong?"


    Emerson draws closer. "This is not the time to act tough nor the time to express your hatred for me. I


    want you to talk to me, Eva. " He uses the name again, then adds another word I never thought I would


    hear from Emerson Ford. "Please. "


    The silence stretches between us in the space of my room as Emerson waits for me to speak and I


    swallow the bitter lump that''s rising in my throat as I stare down at my hands¨C to hisrge ones


    covering mine.


    My phone vibrates next to us and we both take our gazes to it before meeting each other''s eyes. I no


    longer know the look on Emerson''s face as I stare at him¨C it''s one I haven''t seen before and one I


    didn''t think I would see on him. Directed at me.


    "Please, " he mumbles again and I nod, sniffing before I open my mouth to speak. "Today is a bad day


    for me. The date has always been. "


    Emerson edges closer till his pants brush the side of my thigh. "Why? Did something terrible happen on


    this day?"


    "It did, " I nod in confirmation to his words. "And it always haunts me. I never escape this day, and I


    don''t know what made me think I would this time. " I let out a soft chuckle at that silly confidence. Did I


    actually think I would escape it? That I am strong enough to stop the bad memories?


    "I don''t know what happened, but I''m pretty familiar with a haunting past incident. I know it can be


    terrible. " When I meet his eyes again, there''s something different about them. It''s no longer the


    softness or the odd concern. It''s the sadness that swims through the brown orbs. It''s a new emotion


    from Emerson Ford, but it goes as soon as ites.


    Without saying another word, Emerson moves closer and nudges my head to his shoulder. He keeps


    one hand pressed to my head and the other gives small pats to my back.


    Emerson Ford tries tofort me. As weird as it sounds.


    I don''t know why or how but right there, the tears I wondered about rolls freely down my cheeks.


    It turns from a single roll to a double, till I''m smudging Emerson''s skin with my tears.


    I never thought it would happen, but right there¨C I try to find sce in his warmth.

 T W E N T Y

    T W E N T Y


    EVA.


    Emerson doesn''t leave and he doesn''t pull away. He continues to give gentle pats to my back with my


    head hanging on his shoulder. He doesn''t say anything either, and I''ve never appreciated his silence as


    much as I do now. He lets me feel everything I need to feel with his embrace giving me thefort I


    didn''t know I would find in anyone. Especially not him.


    "I''m done. " I whisper, pulling away from his embrace. Emerson meets my eyes and I give him a small


    smile as I lift my hand to my face, to wipe my tears¨C trying not to make myself more pathetic than I


    already look before him.


    Emerson surprises me by lifting his hand with mine. Each harsh swipe of my fingers across my wet


    cheeks, gives a soothing, slow stroke of his.


    I meet his eyes and they are closed off once more. I can''t detect what he''s thinking¡ª or feeling. He''s


    back to the Emerson Ford I know.


    "Do you need to cry some more, Carson?" And we''re back to the first name. I try to find any hint of


    mockery in his voice¡ª I can''t find any. It was a genuine question.


    Feeling much light-hearted than earlier, I throw a tease at him. "Why? Trying to save how pathetic I


    look so you can taunt me about itter?"


    Emerson smiles. A real smile that tightens his eyelids and not the one he gives when he''s insulting me.


    I would say it''s beautiful if I didn''t know who he is.


    "I''m running out of things to taunt you about, Carson. I would appreciate it if you provide one yourself. "


    He catches onto my game, but there''s softness behind his words. Softness he never gives until now.


    And as much as I appreciate Emerson trying to soften his usual blow, I don''t want him to hold back


    either.


    "Hey, Ford. " I call casually and he lifts his brows. I sp my hands to my thighs before I speak. "Don''t


    go easy on me because of this. Let''s act like this moment never happened and go back to hating each


    other as soon as we leave this room. "


    "I never stopped through the entire moment, " he raises a shoulder. "I''ll just prefer you hating me


    wholeheartedly, then halfheartedly. "


    I shake my head. "You can never stop, can you?"


    Emerson gives me a half-smile. "Believe it or not, Carson. Making you hot is one of my favourite things


    to do. " When he swipes his tongue across his lips along with those words, I can''t decide if he means


    what I''m thinking or what he''s supposed to mean. Either way, I find those words sexier than I should.


    Emerson stands when I give no response and my eyes run along with each movement. He''s bare-


    chested with his mouthwatering skin staring back at me, tempting me to make a move... Take a touch.


    "Is there something else you want to do?" Emerson speaks, distracting me from my uneven thoughts


    and I lift my gaze to him. "What do you mean?"


    "I just thought there might be something you love to do on this day. Other than locking yourself in your


    room to cry. " He chuckles lightly and I throw him a re.


    "And if there is?" I ask him. "How''s it of your concern?"


    "It''s not. " He says. "But I think I can offer a bit morefort before I leave this room, Carson. " Before


    he goes back to throwing my troubles in my face.


    "But if there''s not..." He trails off and turns around, attempting to walk out of the room before my voice


    stops him. "There''s something!" My voicees out sharp and I clear my throat when Emerson turns


    back to me.


    "I usually go somewhere and my parents always find me there. " I have no doubt they must have


    searched for me there.


    "Do you want to go?" He surprises me by asking and I stay silent for some seconds before shaking my


    head. "No. Not this time. "


    Emerson nods and lingers on his feet before he turns around and walks out of the room.


    I sigh as I watch his frame disappear through the door before lifting my phone. Notifications of missed


    calls and unread texts stare back at me, and my hand hovers over the screen. Deciding I want to end


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    this day without the usual security of my parents, I throw the phone to the side and jump when my door


    opens.


    Emerson''s head peeks through the door and he offers a smile. "You want toe watch some movies


    with me?"


    I drop my shoulders. "I thought you were going to¨C"


    Emerson walks through the door and strides towards me. "This is not me holding back, Carson. " He


    assures me before holding out his hand for me.


    I stare at his face to his hand then back to his face, before swatting his hand away and moving from the


    bed. "I would rather die than hold your hand. "


    He smirks. "Careful what you wish for, Carson. " It''s the only response he gives before he leads me out


    of the room.


    We walk into the living room and I fall on the couch with Emerson settling beside me, leaving a


    reasonable space¡ªthat I appreciate¡ªbetween our bodies.


    "Action?" Emerson asks as he grabs the remote and switches through the channels.


    "Fuck no. "


    "Horror?"


    I throw him a look. "That''s thest thing I want to watch right now. "


    "Drama?"


    "Don''t think so. "


    "Tragedy?"


    "I think I''ve done enough crying for today. "


    "Do you want me to say romance, Carson?" He lifts his head to me and a tiny smirk climbs on my lips.


    "With you? Probably the worst decision ever. "


    Emerson snickers. "You lie, Carson. You lie badly. "


    I don''t think about the way he lowers his voice at the second part nor the way my heart skips a beat at


    those words.


    "If you don''t want any of those, then what do you want? I don''t see anything else other than kid''s


    shows. " Emerson grumbles and I give him a nod.


    He stares at me dumbly. "Are you serious? A fucking kid show? What are you, five?"


    "They are better than the shit you watch where the women''s tits are out in the open. " I snap, snatching


    the remote from me and Emersonughs lowly. I flinch when he pushes his face forward.


    My heart is racing in my chest at the sudden closeness and it only worsens when Emerson''s gaze


    drops to my chest before he meets my eyes again. "And tell me why the fuck I would want to watch


    some tits that I''m unable to touch on the screen when I have one right here... One I could touch. Pinch.


    Pull. Suck. Any way I want. "


    He says the words slowly, almost like he''s digging at something and I wet my lips unintentionally in


    response.


    Emerson''s eyes fall to the sensual move before he drops back and I exhale in fast breathes.


    "Let''s go with this. "


    "You''re serious? The panda?" Emerson''s lips twitch as he stares at the screen and I shrug. "You can


    leave, Ford. Your ass isn''t glued to that spot. "


    I see him re at me from the corners of my eyes and a smile presses to my lips as the theme song


    Emerson mumbles something under his breath before moving to his feet and my eyes follow him as he


    walks to the kitchen.


    I''m quick to turn back to the screen before he catches me staring and I groan when there''s a knock at


    the door.


    I drop the remote to the side before rising from my seat and striding towards the door.


    Pulling it open, I''m met with the sight of a furious blue-haired.


    "Hey, I''ve been trying your contact all day long. Why the fuck did you not return my calls?" Aliya


    smile. "Sorry, I wasn''t with my phone. "


    "That''s the excuse you''ll go with again?" She frowns, folding her arms against her chest.


    "It''s not an excuse. I honestly wasn''t with my phone, though that might have been a bit purposefully. " I


    pinch my fingers together in front of her and she scoffs, the frown remaining on her lips for a moment,


    before it fades into softened eyes and a worried expression.


    "Eva¨C" she starts, and I interrupt her, knowing what will follow the rest of her words. "I''m fine, Aliya. I


    promise I didn''t do anything stupid. " I give her a soft smile.


    Aliya narrows her eyes at me. "Are you sure about that? I mean it''s alright if you¨C"


    "I''m sure. I''mpletely fine. " And I mean those words. The ache in my chest doesn''t hurt as it used


    to and I can still feel his arms around me. I can still feel his warmth around my body. Emerson Ford


    managed to lessen my pain and I''m not sure how I feel about that.


    "I''m happy to hear that, though you''re about to hear lots moreints. " A tiny smile crosses her


    lips and I draw my brows together. Aliya answers my unasked question by moving to the side, bringing


    them into my view instead.


    My mouth parts in surprise and I''m sure it''s reflected on my face too as I stare at the worried face of my


    mother and an equally worried plus annoyed face of my father.


    Oh fuck.

 T W E N T Y - O N E

    T W E N T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    I don''t think before I do it. I panic and m the door shut in their faces.


    I exhale in harsh breaths and my heart is racing wildly in my chest as I take steps back, my mind all


    over the ce.


    "Hey, who is¨C" my eyes fly wide as I turn back to see Emerson standing in the middle of the living room


    with a bowl in hand.


    "What''s wrong?" He asks as he meets my wide eyes and I press a finger to my lips. When Emerson


    draws his brows together in confusion, I takerge strides towards him and sp my hand over his


    mouth.


    He tries to speak, but the sounds are muffled against my palm and I press the finger harder to my lips


    as they bang the door.


    "Eva! Eva, open this door. Talk to me, baby. " It''s the sound of my mom and I shake my head to


    Emerson, who seems to be smiling against my palm now.


    I slowly remove my hand from his mouth and true to my words, a smile is pressed to his lips.


    "Your mom?" He wiggles his brows and I nod. "They can''t know you''re here. "


    Emerson raises a brow. "And why is that?" Did he just ask me that question?


    "What the fuck do you mean by why is that? My dad''s at the fucking door. " I snap and Emerson takes


    his eyes in that direction before looking back at me. "So, what do you want me to do?"


    "Hide. " The wordes out sharp and firm and Emerson smirks. It''s not a good one and I know the


    words he will say next will be ones I won''t like.


    He confirms my thoughts by saying. "What do I get by ying along with your game?"


    "Nothing. I''m doing this for your fucking sake! You''ll be dead if my dad sees you here. " He wouldn''t. I


    will be the one to be dragged out of here like a fucking child and that''s thest thing I want.


    "I''ll just sit here and wait for that to happen then. " Emerson raises a shoulder and falls to the couch. He


    drops the bowl beside him, and crosses a leg over his thigh as he grabs the remote.


    I shouldn''t give into the demand, but I''m getting damn desperate with the loud knocks at the door.


    "What do you want?" I sigh and Emerson lifts his head to me, a smile climbing on his face. He drops


    the remote and rises to my height. He doesn''t speak a word as he takes a step forward and I take one


    backward. Emerson takes a step forward again and I take another backward. He repeats the process


    till I trip and fall on the couch; Emerson''s body falling after me.


    Emerson smiles and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before moving closer. He whispers, "You


    owe me, Carson. " The words are slow and deliberate and I shudder when his tongue swipes across


    my earlobe.


    Pulling back, he gives me a wink before walking out of the room.


    When I''m sure he''spletely out of sight, I take a breath to calm myself before striding back to the


    door. I pull it open and smile at my parents.


    "Hey, what are you doing here?" I say as I step to the side and mom pulls me into her embrace. "Oh,


    you poor thing. You have no idea how worried you made us. "


    I look over her shoulder to see dad frowning down at me and I drop my gaze, wrapping my arm around


    mom to return the hug.


    "Why were you? I''m fine. " I mumble into her shoulder and she pulls back. As she cups my cheek with


    her hand, she says, "You didn''t pick up your calls, neither did you respond to your messages.


    Considering how it''s always been¨C"


    "You thought I''d do the same this year. " Iplete her words with a chuckle and she nods.


    "I told you I''d be fine, mom. I''vee to ept it and I''m not the same girl I was a year ago. " A


    pulled me out of it. Though I knew they would be worried, I didn''t expect them toe all the way here.


    "So you came here to make sure I''m alright?" I chuckle and mom nods, angling her head back to dad.


    "He was worried and wouldn''t listen to anyone until he makes sure you''re fine. "


    "I am. " I repeat the words to assure my family. "It''s not like I was going tomit suicide. " I joke and


    when I meet dad''s eyes, his face is hardened as he says, "You came close to that once. "


    The atmosphere in the room changes at Matt''s words and I stare down at the floor, taking a step back.


    "I''m happy to see you''re alright, Eva. I''m proud of you. " Mom speaks, her attempt to lessen the tension


    that''s suddenly taken over the room quite obvious and I throw her a small smile before urging them in.


    Before Aliya can go after them, I grab her wrist and pull her back. "Why the fuck didn''t you tell me they


    wereing?"


    She throws me a re. "I didn''t know they were. We met at the door and if you had answered your


    fucking phone, you would have got my warning. "


    "You could have tried to distract them, at least. " I whisper and sheughs lowly. "Distract Matt? Come


    on, Evie. You know your father better than that. Nothing goes in or out when ites to your safety. "


    Knowing she''s right, I nod and release her wrist from my hold.


    "Where did he go?" Aliya asks. "I''m guessing you hid him when you tantly shut the door on your


    parents'' faces. " A smirk climbs on her face and I nudge her.


    Aliya walks in while I shut the door, and pray Emerson remains still.


    "Where''s your roommate? Matt told me you have one. " Mom asks as I take the seat across them and I


    exchange looks with Aliya before looking back at her. "She is asleep. "


    "Is she nice? Giving you any troubles?"


    "Giving troubles is one thing through. " Aliya mumbles from her seat and I re at her, giving her my


    middle finger.


    "She isn''t, " I say to mom. "And yes, she''s nice. You don''t have anything to worry about, mom. I love it


    here. "


    "I know. " She smiles.


    "And you should head back home now that you''ve confirmed I''m fine? I told you I didn''t want you guys


    to show up here. " I frown.


    "We wouldn''t havee if you had responded to the texts and calls, Princess. " Dad finally speaks, his


    voice calm, and not the harsh one he gave at the door.


    "I was watching TV, so I didn''t get any of those. " I tell him and he nods, rising to his feet.


    "Come here. " He says and I look at mom who gives me an assuring nod. I move to my feet and stride


    towards my father, letting him wrap his arms around me; covering me with hisrge body.


    "You got me, dad. " I whisper and he presses his hand tighter around me. I know the scar from what


    happened years ago left on him. Left on me. Left on us and as much as I tend to think I have the


    biggest scar, I know they had it worse even when they pretend to be strong for me.


    I pull away from dad and give mom another hug.


    "You weren''t there today. " She whispers into my hair and I nod. "I want to find peace within myself


    before going again. "


    Mom pulls back and holds my face in his hands. Unshed tears shine through her eyes as she says, "I


    couldn''t be any prouder. " And she presses her lips to my forehead.


    "We should be on our way. Is there anything you need? " Dad asks and I shake my head. "You already


    gave me everything I need and more. "


    He presses his hand to my cheek before he pulls back and I walk them to the door.


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    I watch them get into the car after filling my ears with how much they love me before they drive out,


    disappearing out of sight.


    "Want me to stay for a while?" I drop my gaze to Aliya''s at the sound of her voice and say, "No, I don''t


    think so. "


    She pouts. "I thought you would want me to keep youpany with him around. "


    At Aliya''s words, I remember Emerson is still in hiding and a smile crawls to my face that he kept to the


    n.


    "I''m fine, Aliya. I have some works to catch up with. I''ll text youter. " I tell her and she narrows her


    eyes at me. "Why does it feel like you''re trying to drive me out of here? "


    "I''m not. " I assure her. "But we both know you''ll get bored if you stay here, then you''ll try to take me out


    for some fun and you know I can''t today. "


    She seems to be in thought for some seconds before she nods. "You know me too well, bitch. " She


    gives a yful hit to my shoulder and Iugh.


    "Call me if you need me, yeah? Anything and I''lle running at your door. " She says in a serious


    tone and I smile. "I know you''re here. "


    She leans forward to ruffle my hair, to which I re at her, causing her tough before she moves away


    and I wave at her till she moves out of sight before I walk back inside.


    "I''ve always known you''re a daddy''s pet, Carson. " I turn around to see Emerson''s eyes on me with


    arms folded to his chest, and a smirk pressed to his lips.


    "I have a good rtionship with my father. There''s a difference. " I tell him as I close the door, and


    freeze at the crazy thought that runs through my mind.


    "You didn''t hear anything, did you?" I ask slowly, and Emersonughs. "Do I look like I eavesdrop on


    people''s conservation? Though I think I should have done that, judging by that look on your face. Must


    be something interesting if you don''t want me to learn about it. "


    My heart calms at his words, and I move forward. "Not your biggest win. " I taunt him as I stride to the


    kitchen at the rumble of my tummy.


    I grab a bowl and put out the eggs.


    "What are you making?" I jump at the sound of Emerson''s voice behind me and nudge him from my


    shoulder.


    "Omelet. " I tell him as I crag the eggs into the bowl.


    "Those look too much for you alone, don''t you think?" He says and I roll my eyes, knowing where he''s


    digging at.


    "It''s for the both of us. " I tell him and Emerson fakes a surprise face. "Eva Carson making me food.


    That''s something I never thought would happen in this life or the next. "


    "If you run that mouth too much, I might consider poisoning it and getting rid of you permanently. " I


    retort as I grab a pan and Emerson chuckles. "We both know you won''t get rid of me that easily,


    Carson. "


    I ignore his words as I begin to fry the vegetables in a considerate amount of oil and Emerson props on


    the counter. I feel his eyes on me from the corners of mine and I shift awkwardly on my feet.


    "Why would you think I want omelet, though?" He says, and I raise my eyes to him. "You should be


    happy I''m making you something. "


    "More amazed than excited. Why are you making me food, Carson? Is this some sort of bribe?" He


    knows what he''s doing. He just always want me say the words. Fucking bastard.


    "I''m not surprised you''re that dumb to not realize this is a repayment. " I taunt him with a smirk on my


    face and Emerson gives a smallugh. "For what? The cry or the hide?" A blush reddens my cheeks at


    the reminder of Emerson Ford seeing me in displeasing situations... Twice.


    "And if I say it''s for both?" The egg sizzle as I add it to the vegetables and I cover the pan before


    turning to him.


    "That''s a cheat, Carson. You have to repay one with one. Not two. " He lowers his voice as he jumps


    off the counter and I raise my brows. "Who made that rule?"


    Emerson takes a step forward. "Me, and considering the fact that you''re repaying me, you have to go


    by my rules. " My eyes fall to the movement when he takes another step. "Which means you still owe


    me after this, Carson. "


    The pounding of my heart against my ribs is loud in my ears as Emerson takes the final step that


    closes the distance between us and brushes his nose against mine; the contact sending a shock


    through my body.


    "Since when have I ever gone with your rules, Ford?" I try to keep my voice steady and not give out the


    way my heart threatens to pump out of my chest or the way my breathing seems to quicken at having


    him this close or the way I''m aware of how he rubs his thigh against mine.


    "Since you brought up repaying me. " His voicees out in a baritone and God helps me¨C I''m unable


    to control the rub of my thighs when he drops his head.


    "You might want to check out on the omelet, Carson. " I turn my head quicker than necessary to hide


    the heat that rises to my cheeks as I peek at the omelet, and gulp when my ass presses against the


    front of Emerson''s pants in the process.


    "You know¨C" I swallow at the fan of Emerson''s breath near my ear. "I can think of a second way you


    could repay me right here. "


    I don''t try to move because it''ll only worsen the situation we''re in, and that includes the way he grows


    against my ass.


    "And what could that possibly be, Ford?" I give myself a mental pat to the back when my voicees


    out as I intended. Harsh and steady.


    "I could fuck you right now. " His lips brush against my neck as he speaks the words and my body


    shudders in response¨C one I hope he doesn''t notice. "Right here. " His hand moves over mine as he


    ps the counter and the image of me bent over the counter with Emerson pounding into me from


    behind goes through my mind¨C it''s hot and dirty and it emanates a familiar ache between my legs.


    "You''re thinking of it, Carson?" Emerson whispers near my ear when I take long to respond and I shake


    my head. "I''m too disgusted by the words to have a thought on it. "


    He chuckles. "Could have fooled me if your breathing didn''t quicken along with those words. " Before I


    can think of something else to say, Emerson moves away, taking every reaction with him, and I let out a


    deep breath.


    "But that was just me messing with you. I''ll be in the living room. " And when the sound of his receding


    footsteps echoes around me, I check the omelet before dropping my head.


    Emerson Ford is turning out to be a bigger distraction than I reckoned.


    After putting the omelet on two tes, I walk into the living room to see Emerson huddled on the couch


    with the Panda on the screen.


    "Here, " I say and he lifts his head to grab his te from me.


    "I''m surprised you can cook, Carson. This looks good. " He says as I take a seat beside him.


    "I''m surprised you think everyone is as bad at cooking as you are. " I retort and Emersonughs. He


    gives a small shake of his head before he cuts the omelet with his fork and I steal a nce to watch the


    way he licks his lips before taking another. The sightes with satisfaction and I turn back to the


    screen.


    Emerson gives me his te when I move from my seat to return mine to the kitchen and I throw him a


    re, but take it from him nheless. I drop the tes into the sink and get a ss of water for him


    after downing mine.


    "Here you go. " Emerson takes the ss from me with a smile. "You''re better at this than I expected. "


    "Consider this the first andst time you get to have it from me. " I respond before dropping on the


    couch in a crouched stance.


    Minutes into the movie and we''ve somehow moved from being apart to being extremely close.


    I''m aware of his one hand around me and the other ying with my hair. I''m aware of his heavy


    breaths against my neck and I''m aware of the way his skin is pressed to mine. I''m aware of the spot


    we''re in: legs tangled and bodies flushed.


    I''m aware I''m cuddling Emerson Ford on the couch whilst watching TV, but I don''t give room to think


    back on our actions as I push back against him and Emerson''s throat hums with a groan as he tightens


    his hold on me.


    "You feel good. " I hear Emerson whisper behind me and I don''t let myself think much into his words,


    but enjoy that moment, because I know as soon as I start to think on it¨C I''ll ruin this moment where


    there''s nothing, but the sounds of our breaths and the one from the TV.

 T W E N T Y - T W O

    T W E N T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    "So she goes here?" I ask Aliya, giving her a side look and she nods, pulling on the strap of her bag.


    "I was right when I said I saw her blur at the dorm. She rarely attends sses though. " She sighs and I


    raise a teasing brow at her, "And how could you possibly know that?"


    "We talked. For a while. "


    "Does that talk includes you ending up somewhere between the top and the bottom?" My lips spread


    into a wide smile and Aliya ps my arm at the not so innocent question, her flushed cheekbones


    coated with redness as she says, "We didn''t do anything. "


    "And why''s that?" I ask with curiosity.


    "It didn''t feel right. " She raises a shoulder, staring ahead of us.


    "What do you mean, it didn''t feel right?" I ask, confused, and Aliya sighs. She stops on her steps to turn


    to me. "I was with Sage. It felt stupid hanging out with Chloe when I was there with her. "


    "Since when have you ever cared about ying two girls at the same time?" I ask in a t tone, and


    Aliya chuckles with a small shake of her head.


    "Tell me. " I insist, throwing her a frown.


    "Since it''s about Sage?" She says the words like she''s so unsure of herself and I furrow my brows.


    "Sage? I thought you said Chloe is your better option. "


    "She is. " My best friend is the right definition of confused right now and I can tell that, judging by the


    way creases form over her forehead and she presses her lips into a thin line. She seems like she''s


    having an internal battle, and thates as a surprise. "It''s different with the two of them. " She finally


    speaks, her voice lower with uncertainty dripping from it.


    "How different?" I ask her, moving closer to her side, and Aliya says, "With Sage, there''s this calmness.


    She makes me feel safe and around her, I want to be the better version of myself, but with Chloe: I feel


    reckless. I''m usually in the high spirits with her. I feel hot and I''m unable to control myself. She makes


    everything wild. " A smile climbs on her face at thest words and I sigh, throwing a hand over her


    shoulder.


    Aliya turns to me and I give her a tiny smile. "Two personalities. One makes you feel safe, and one


    makes you feel wild. You, my friend, are in terrible trouble. "


    Aliya frowns and pulls away from me. "I know that. " She hisses, before walking away and Iugh as I


    quicken my steps to catch up with her.


    "You''ll figure it out. " I assure her, giving small pats to her shoulder.


    "I know. " Her shoulders sink in a sigh and I gnaw at my lips before I let the words slip through my


    mouth. "But you do know you''ll have to give up one in the end? If you don''t want to lose both? "


    Aliya stays still for a moment before she picks up her pace again. "You said that as though I''m in love


    with them. " A soft chuckle falls from her lips.


    When I give no response, she snaps her gaze at me. "You honestly think I am?"


    I shrug. "That''s what it sounds like. "


    She scrunches her nose. "No. I don''t fucking love them. "


    "The first stage is always denial, babe. " I wink at her and she throws me a re. "Don''t fuck around


    with me, Evie. I''m not in love with them. You don''t fall in love with two people. "


    "But you like both?" I lift my brows and she nods slowly.


    Augh falls from my parted lips. "If you can like them both equally, what makes you think you can''t fall


    in love with both?"


    "I won''t. " She frowns and I nod. "I''ll wait by the side to tell you I told you so when you have a hard time


    letting one go. "


    "Fuck off. " She flips and Iugh before pulling her along.


    "I''m still mad for what you did, bitch. Control your damn tongue. " I tell her in a stern voice and she


    "When ites to the son of his rival? He''ll do till the end of the world. " I sigh.


    "And if you fall in love with him?" My head snaps to her at those words and my breathing quickens. My


    voice is small and I try to keep itposed as I say, "Have you seen us?"


    "It can happen, babe. What will your father do when ites to that?" She lifts her brows and I shake


    my head. "I don''t have to think about that, because falling in love with Emerson Ford is the most


    impossible thing for me. I''m good with hating him. "


    Aliya chuckles before she twists her head and freezes. I lift my head to see Sage standing in front of us


    with a tiny smile on her face.


    "Hey, Eva. " She greets me and I give her a wave with a smile.


    She turns her attention to Aliya and I nudge her shoulder before taking a step away.


    "I''ll be in ss. Take your time, Lia. " I wink at her, and I don''t miss the re she throws at me before I


    walk away from them.


    "And I assume you''re in a good mood if you''re smiling like that?" I angle my head to the side at the


    sound of that voice to see Dan striding towards me.


    "Hey, you. " I smile at him and he returns it with one of his. "Hey, are you okay?" He asks with a worried


    expression.


    "Of course, I am. " I let out a lowugh. "Why wouldn''t I be?"


    "You never returned my calls nor did you respond to any of my messages so I thought something


    happened, but I guess I read that wrong. It was me? I didn''t think you were purposely ignoring me. "


    Annoyance creeps into his voice and a frown covers his lips.


    "Oh, that. I wasn''t ignoring you. " I tell him and he lifts his brows in silent questioning. I proceed to say,


    "I was busy, and didn''t have time to check my phone. "


    "And this morning?" He persists.


    "I haven''t checked my phone, Dan and I wasn''t ignoring you, I promise. Why would I do that?"


    "Maybe you regretted that date. " He raises a shoulder and I shake my head. "I told you I had fun. "


    Dan nods and steps to my side. "With you, I can never be sure, Eva. It''s as exciting as it''s frustrating. "


    "Weird, isn''t it?" I tease him and Dan nods again.


    There are seconds of silence before he speaks again. "So tonight?"


    I repeat his word. "Tonight?"


    Dan smiles. "Can I have you for tonight, Eva Carson?"


    A smile creeps to my face, but I clear my throat and tip my chin. "That depends on how nicely you ask,


    Daniel. "


    There''s this look that appears on his face after my words and I can''t seem to decipher it because it


    disappears as soon as he opens his mouth to speak. "Please go on a date with me tonight, Princess.


    I''ll make it worth your time, I promise. "


    A lowugh falls from my mouth. "You know how to beg, Dan. And yes, I''ll go with you tonight. "


    Dan shakes his head, his smile not leaving his lips as he says, "You make me do a lot of silly things,


    Eva. "


    "Isn''t that the fun part? Experiencing things you''ve never before?" I lift my brows and he stares at me


    with that deeper look of his before he nods. "I presume. "


    I nod and look behind him. As if catching on to what I''m doing, Dan says. "He isn''t here. I''m hurt, Eva.


    You''re looking out for Noel when I''m right in front of you. "


    "Stop it. " Iugh through my words. "Just surprised he isn''t here. You always seem to be together. "


    Dan gives a small bob of his head. "We are, and you? Where''s your pretty blue-haired?"


    I fake a gasp and repeat his words. "I''m hurt, Dan. You''re looking out for my friend when I''m right in


    front of you. "


    Dan breaks into augh and I follow before we walk away.


    "Where''s your ss? I''ll walk you there. " Dan asks as we take the path that leads through the hallways


    and I shake my head in refusal. "That, you cannot do, Mister. We part ways here and we meet tonight. "


    When he parts his lips to argue, I say, "Don''t try to insist. "


    Dan''s lips curves and he nods, giving my shoulder a tight squeeze before he walks away. I watch as his


    frame disappears before I twist my body to see Aliya walking towards me with Sage by her side.


    The smile on my face wavers at the sight of Emerson driving into the campus and I turn away to walk to


    ss.


    ~


    My phone beeps as I walk through the door and I drop my bag on the couch before retrieving my


    phone.


    Dan''s text stares back at me.


    DAN: A reminder that you got a date tonight.


    I make my way to the kitchen as I type back a reply.


    ME: I have an extremely good memory, Dan.


    I hurl the phone into my back pocket as I pour myself a ss of water.


    I down the liquid and with the tip of the ss attached to my lips, I turn around and jump at Emerson in


    front of me; the ss slipping from my hold with the water running down my chest.


    "Oh fuck, you scared me!" I snap at Emerson, staring down at my wet top before lifting my head back


    to his face with a re. "The fuck you looking at?"


    "You''re in my way. " His tone is t, which is unlike him and my frown deepens as I study his features.


    No smirk, no smile and no taunt despite what just happened: something is wrong.


    "Hey, are you okay?" I ask him and he gives one nod. "You''re in my way. " He repeats his earlier words


    and I move to the side.


    I watch as Emerson opens the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water before turning around and walking


    right past me.


    Hissing, I drop the ss on the counter and proceed to move towards my room.


    I shut the door behind me and strip out of my clothes before heading to the bathroom.


    I stand under the shower and let the water run down my body, soothing my skin and calming my nerves


    before walking back into my room with a towel wrapped around my body.


    Grabbing my earlier Jean to retrieve my phone, I smile at the new text from Dan.


    DAN: Making sure you remember you got a guy waiting and you don''t get busy unintentionally.


    I shake my head as I type out a reply.


    ME: The second time you''re reminding me now? I won''t stand you up, Dan.


    I click the send button and throw the phone on the bed before walking to my closet to get dressed.


    After settling with high waisted pants and an ash top toplement my hair, I grab my phone and


    make my way out of the room.


    Emerson is on the couch when I get to the living room and I grab my bag beside him; my eyes not


    escaping the way he''s focused on the screen in front of him.


    I have no reason to tell him, and I doubt Emerson Ford actually cares, but the words slip through my


    parted lips. "I''m heading out. "


    Emerson gives a small nod and I give him onest nce before striding to the door.


    My phone beeps with a new text from Dan. He sent a smiley and a bus emoji. I wrap my hand around


    the doorknob, ready to walk through the door but I find myself turning back to the jerkass who''s


    currently ignoring me.


    I should leave. I shouldn''t care about him. He would be back to himself before I get back, but the urge


    to return the favour he did for me that day overpowers the need to not care about Emerson Ford and I


    find myself shutting the door to walk back to him.


    "Talk to me. " I tell him, repeating his words from that day as I stand in front of him, blocking his view


    and Emerson lifts his head to me. "I thought you were heading out?"


    "I was, " I agree. "But you''re acting weird, and it''s no fun when you are this way. "


    "When am I fun?" He lifts his brows and I shake my head. "That''s not the point. I just want to know


    what happened. "


    "I didn''t think you care that much about me, Carson. " A smug smile appears on his face and I roll my


    eyes. "I don''t. This is me returning your favour. "


    Emerson seems to catch onto my words, and his smile drops. He looks away from me as he says, "I


    don''t need you to. "


    "But I do want to. You''re thest person I want to owe anything. " It''s a white lie. More than that, I want


    to know what went wrong with him.


    "It''s not something you can help with. " Is the response he gives and I nod. "But there must be


    something I can do to make it better?"


    Emerson remains silent as he watches me before his eyes fall to my body, roaming across the skin and


    I suddenly feel hot under his gaze.


    "Where?" He asks when he meets my eyes again.


    "Out with a friend. " I tell him and he nods. "The guy from that night?"


    I hum and Emerson gives another nod.


    "Nothing?" I ask him thest time and when he gives no response, I sigh and make my way towards


    the door. His fucking problem, not mine. I tried to¡ª


    "Actually¨C" Emerson''s voice stops my thoughts from moving further and I turn to him. There''s a tiny


    smile on his face as he says, "There''s something you can do to make it better. "


    I raise my brows and he answers my silent question. "Come here. " With the tone he uses to speak


    those words and the way he gestures so gracefully¨C my heart thumps in my chest and something tells


    me I know what he''s hinting at.


    "You asked if there''s something you could do. " Emerson says and I look at the door, knowing Dan is


    waiting for me to make an appearance, yet I can''t seem to move. Choosing between a guy I''ve been


    enjoying my time with and an enemy I should give no shit about: I must be stupid because I go with the


    When I''m within his arm''s length, he slides his arm around my waist to pull me to his chest. He pushes


    the bag off my shoulder and keeps my phone to the side before gliding a hand to the back of my head.


    Emerson meets my eyes when our faces are inches away from each other and something about the


    moment tugs at my heart before he closes his lips to mine.


    He guides me to straddle hisp and my hands lie t against his naked chest as Emerson''s hands


    move to my ass and rock me against his growing cock; all the while we fight for dominance and


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    surprisingly, Emerson let me take the lead this time. Moving along with the guide of my mouth.


    I groan against his lips and slide my hands up his chest before wrapping one around his neck while the


    other remains on his chest. Emerson lifts me in his arms as he rises to his feet and starts to move us in


    a direction I''m too upied with his lips to care about.


    I finally pull away when he shut a door and I''m only able to take one nce to realize we''re in his room


    before Emerson mashes his lips to mine again.


    Unlike his usual game of push and pull in this intimate moment, Emerson says nothing as he brings me


    to his bed. And he says nothing as he strips me out of my clothes. He says nothing as I do the same to


    his clothes until we''re naked to each other gazes and he says nothing as he pushes me to the bed to


    meet my lips.


    The words are at the tip of my tongue, the urge to push Emerson over his weird form pulls at my chest


    but I shove it off to give him what I feel he needs.


    Emerson says nothing as he retrieves a condom from the bedside and rolls it down his hardened cock


    and he says nothing as he slowly rocks inside my wet pussy.


    Emerson''s insulting words doesn''t follow as my whimpers and moans fill the space of the room. Grunts


    only leave his lips as he reels me to my pleasure and he says nothing as we both move down from the


    high.


    He''s silent as he pulls out of me to toss the rubber to the trash can beside the bed and I watch him with


    rapid rise and fall of my chest.


    The sex is as good as it''s always been, but I find myself amazed at the thought that I actually missed


    Emerson''s taunt during it.


    Emerson smiles as he moves back over me. "Thank you. "


    "You''re going softer, Ford. " I joke and he chuckles before pressing his lips to the middle of my chest.


    "Thank you, Eva. " He repeats, the sincerity in his voice and in his words too thick to ignore. My throat


    is dry and I''m at a loss of what to say so I go with a hum and a nod.


    Emerson smiles again before he falls on me.


    Heys his head on my chest and I let him.


    He wraps his arm around my waist to bring me closer to his body, and I let him.


    I give him the warmth I hope would soothe whatever he''s going through and I let my hand fall to his


    head, coiling my fingers through his curls.


    I tilt my head back to have a better view and I smile at the peaceful look on his face.


    And as I lift my hand from his head to his face, trailing a finger across his brows, I know this is another


    side to Emerson Ford that he''s showing me.


    He has always been so guarded, the only expression I''ve always gotten off him is one of hate, and


    now¨C I realize there''s more to him than he seems and the more I peel eachyer of his deeper self; the


    more I seem to drown in the unweed storm that''s Emerson Ford.

 T W E N T Y - T H R E E

    T W E N T Y - T H R E E


    EVA.


    I stare down at Emerson''s rxed drowsing face and let out a weak sigh before moving my hand from


    his curls. I''m careful to not wake him as I roll his head from my chest to the bed to sit up.


    I stare around his room and it looks better than I expected¨C a bit bigger than mine if I want to be petty.


    Every corner is in ck except the bed sheets and it makes the atmosphere appear gloomy and moody


    in an Emerson Ford style.


    There are shelves of books on one side and a desk next to the shelves. A smile climbs on my face as I


    look back to Emerson before looking back at the shelves ¨C Ford never strikes me as a guy who enjoys


    reading and ites as a surprise that he has books with him.


    I gnaw on my lips as I move from the bed and take quiet steps to the other side. I pick up a book and


    my eyes widen barely at the cover and thebel. Looking through the shelves, the rest are novels too¡ª


    both old and new. Who could have thought Emerson Ford read novels? Romance ones to be exact.


    When Emerson groans from the bed, I''m quick to return the book and stroll back to the edge of the


    bed.


    I pick my clothes from the floor and raise my head, my eyes spotting the painting on the wall above the


    bed. It''s a painting of an eye with somewhat darkness surrounding it.


    I drop my gaze to Emerson''s sleeping form, wondering what the painting could mean to him and when


    he rolls to his side, I take onest look at the odd painting before making my way out of his room.


    I walk through my door and close it behind me. Dropping my clothes to the side, I fall on the bed with a


    sigh and shut my eyes, but I''m quick to open them at the reminder of a certain guy.


    "Dan, fuck. " I mumble under my breath as I search through my pant pockets for my phone.


    I toss the pants to the side and guilt flows through my veins as I stare at the series of messages Dan


    left me.


    DAN: I''m here. Are you on your way?


    The first message is about two hours ago. Two hours while I was busy with someone else.


    DAN: You aren''t picking up your calls, Eva. Is everything alright?


    The second reads, then there are more of him asking about my whereabouts and some random sad


    emojis.


    With my eyes moving across the screen and my fingers floating over the keypad, I try to think of a


    reply.


    After much contemtion, I begin to type out a response.


    ME: Hey, I''m sorry I made you wait. Something came up.


    A sigh leaves my lips as I read the message continually in my head before clicking send. The more I


    stare at the words, the more they be annoying. Something came up? That''s the best you could


    do, Eva?


    I''m about to toss the phone to the side when there''s a beep of a new text notification.


    DAN: You''re fine? You got me worried, Eva. You should have called or texted to let me know you


    wouldn''t make it, you know?


    ME: I know. I got caught up with it.


    I stare at my message and angle my head to the side as I debate whether or not to type out the next


    words.


    I drop my gaze at Dan''s new text and a smile crosses my lips at the words across the screen.


    DAN: You have to make it up to me.


    ME: Of course, you would say that.


    I fall back on my mattress with a breath.


    ME: What do you want?


    I turn to my side and coil my finger around a strand of my hair as I wait for Dan''s text. There are a


    couple of minutes with me just rolling from one side to the other before my phone beeps with his new


    text.


    DAN: Two dates? You can''t say no, Eva Carson.


    ME: Maybe.


    I smile at my text before throwing the phone to the side and burying my head in the pillow.


    ~


    "Hey, you. " I smile at an approaching Dan with Noel by his side and his signature scowl pressed to his


    face.


    "Hey, " Dan responds with that gorgeous smile of his, triggering his dimples. His eyes run down my


    body before they settle on my face again and I clear my throat when he says nothing with his lips


    slightly parted.


    Dan''s lips curves in a chuckle before he turns to Aliya and they exchange greetings. I watch in


    amusement as Dan nudges Noel by the side and the man res at him before he finally takes notice of


    us.


    "Hey, Eva. " He says warmly and I shake my head. "You''re so addicted to that thing. " I gesture to the


    phone he has in hand and Noel''s face splits into a grin.


    "You know how the world would be without one. " He throws me a wink, which earns him a yful hit to


    the shoulder from Dan before he turns to Aliya.


    "So remember your promise?" Dan steps closer to me as he leaves his friend with mine and I nod,


    folding my arms against my chest. "You make it sound like I''m dumb most times, Daniel. My pride is


    hurt. "


    Dan let out a lowugh. "Just felt the need to remind you. I feel like you wouldn''t give me your time if I


    don''t put in the effort. "


    I hum and there''s just staring into each other''s eyes before I break the contact and look around us.


    When my eyes settle on him again, I say, "I have an idea. " Dan nods for me to continue. "How about


    you let me decide this time? That way it''ll be all on me and I''ll know it''s my n. "


    He seems to think about it before he gives another bob of his head. "That sounds better. "


    "I know. " I chuckle and Dan steps to my side as I walk in the direction of the ss.


    "Your ss is that way. " I halt my steps when Dan continues to follow my path and he smiles. "I know


    that. "


    "So why are you following me?" I arch my brows and he shakes his head. "Wrong choice of words,


    sweetheart. I''m not following you, I''m walking you to ss. "


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    "No, you''re not. You''re heading to your ss. " I nod behind him and Dan chuckles before moving


    ahead of me.


    "Just go with the flow, bitch. He''s hot. " Aliya whispers near my ear and I twist my head to re at her.


    Sheughs and ruffles my hair before stepping away.


    "You''re insane. " I tell her as I smooth my hands down my hair before moving to catch up with Dan. I


    stop when there''s no sound of Aliya''s footsteps behind me and when I turn around, she''s standing in


    her previous spot.


    "Why are you noting?" I ask her.


    "I need to meet up with Sage. She said she want to see me before ss. " She mumbles with


    reddened cheeks and a smirk climbs on my face as I cross my arms against my chest. "To have you


    against the wall?"


    "Fuck you. It''s not like that. " She''s quick to defend and Iugh. "If that were so, you wouldn''t be so red,


    Lia. You''re terrible at hiding your emotions from me. " I call her out and she gives me the middle finger.


    "Don''t bete. " I tell her and she nods with a smile before turning around. Before she takes the first


    step, she turns to me again, "Take notes for me. "


    "No promises, bitch. You''re the one choosing your sexual desires over your ss. " I don''t wait to see


    the scowl she''ll give me before I turn around to catch up with Dan.


    "Do you enjoy your sses?" Dan asks as we draw closer to the entrance and I hum. "You could say


    it''s exciting. "


    "Why does that sound like you don''t enjoy it?" Heughs as he stops in front of the ss, slipping his


    hands into his pant pockets.


    "I do. " I giggle and he nods.


    He releases a heavy sigh before he takes his gaze to the ss and I angle my head in the direction of


    his eyes. The ss is almost full with the students discussing in groups and my gazends on a dark-


    haired with a gorgeous face.


    One of Emerson''s friends is standing next to him, mumbling some words but his eyes are on me¡ª


    deliberately and intensely even with the distance between us.


    His gaze turns from me to the figure beside me and I watch Emerson study Dan for a few minutes


    before he takes his eyes back to me and throws me a smile. A smile I find taunting.


    "Go on in. " Dan''s voice pulls me out of my staringpetition with Ford and I twist my head to meet


    his eyes, a smile gliding on my face at the sight of his. "Thank you for walking me to ss. "


    "I wanted to do it. " Dan responds as he steps closer to me. The space left between our bodies is


    almost invisible as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and leans over my shoulder.


    "Enjoy your ss, Princess. " He whispers, his breath fanning the skin of my neck before he pulls back


    with a soft smile on his face.


    "You too, Dan. " I tell him and he hums, giving a rub to my arm before he turns around and walks away.


    When his frame disappears out of sight, I make my way inside the ss¡ªpletely aware of


    Emerson Ford''s focused gaze on me. I meet his eyes with a scowl that matches the smirk on his face


    before I slide into my seat.


    "Looks like it''s going well, Carson. " Emerson says as he pushes his face forward, pressing his cheek


    next to mine.


    Drawing back to get a better view of his face, I show him my middle finger and Emerson chuckles


    before inching closer. My blue eyes meet his dark ones and my eyes fall lower, concentrating not on his


    voice but the movement of his lips as he says, "We could do it once the lecture is over. I''ll fuck you on


    that desk before you. "


    "Too bad that''s only a scenario that happens in your head, don''t you think?" I match his smirking form,


    blocking the image that begins to form in my mind.


    "Watch me, Carson. " Emerson responds with a wink before moving back with a satisfied smile and


    when I adjust in my seat to the wetness that''s suddenly pooled between my legs, I know the rest of the


    ss will be hell with Emerson Ford right behind me.


    ~


    I drop the highlighter to the middle of the book and shut it, tossing it to the other side of the bed before


    climbing off to make my way out of my room at the grumble of my tummy.


    I let go of the doorknob and take a nce at Emerson''s door before walking down the hallway. The


    voices that echo around me with each step that brings me closer to the living room tell me Emerson


    has a guest.


    Emerson is on the couch with Jaxon by his side as I walk inside the room, and both heads turn to me at


    the sound of my footsteps.


    "Hey, Eva. Emerson didn''t tell me you were in. " Jaxon greets me with a bright smile and I throw him


    one of mine.


    "It isn''t much of a surprise. " I mumble as I take a glimpse at the dark-haired beside him before finding


    my way to the kitchen.


    I grab a bowl of ice cream from the refrigerator and ce it on the counter before grabbing a spoon.


    "What did you do to Paige by the way?" Jaxon''s voice echoes in the kitchen and I gulp, shifting closer


    to the stool as I take a bite of the ice cream.


    "Nothing. What did she tell you?" Comes Emerson''s response and I duck my head as I take another


    bite. I have no idea what the fuck I''m doing and I convince myself this is just me doing my thing and


    coincidentally overhearing their conversation¨C the way I push forward at the sound of Jaxon''s next


    words tells me otherwise.


    "That you refuse to touch her?"


    The echo of Emerson''sugh after Jaxon''s words is loud before he speaks. "She told you that? I''m not


    surprised. That''s just something she would do. "


    "You do know she likes you, don''t you?"


    There''s silence before Emerson speaks again. "She knows she isn''t allowed to. I told her what we were


    doing from the start and she was alright with it. Rules are made for a reason, dude. "


    "They are, " Jaxon responds. "But they are also meant to be broken. It''s unavoidable. " Something


    about those words and the silence that follows sends a shiver through my body.


    "Not with me, " Emerson''s voice brings me back to the moment and I ce a hand t before me as I


    listen to the words that follow. "If my rules are broken, then it''s game over. Paige knows¡ª " the


    vibration of my phone silences the rest of Emerson''s words and I lift the mobile to my gaze to a new


    text notification from Aliya.


    ALIYA: Hey, bitch. What are you doing?


    I snuffle as I type out a reply with my spoon between my lips.


    ME: Munching on ice cream? Something up?


    I don''t remove my gaze from the screen as the three dots appear at the edge.


    ALIYA: I''m in a tight spot and I need help.


    I shake my head as I type out my reply.


    ME: Let me guess? Chloe and Sage?


    Aliya sends an emoji that indicates she rolled her eyes and Iugh at the impression before another


    textes in.


    ALIYA: You can be too smart sometimes, Evie. I swear it gets annoying, but yes. What do you do when


    you find yourself between a rock and a hard ce?


    I know my next reply would have earned me a smack to the back of my head if that woman was here


    and a smirk remains on my face as I click on the send button.


    ME: Damn. I didn''t think I''d be saying I told you so this soon, Aliya.


    I break into augh at the image of Aliya''s middle finger.


    "And I thought I was the loud one?" I lift my head from the screen to the sight of Emerson leaning


    against the door at the entrance of the kitchen with a small, almost unnoticeable smile pressed to his


    lips.


    "Why are you here?" I ask him and he raises a shoulder. "Why do you ask? This is my ce and I can


    be wherever I want. "


    "Your friend is out there. You shouldn''t be here. " I remind him and he pushes his body from the wall.


    "He''s gone. " He says as he slips his hands inside his pant pockets and paces toward me. I stare at


    him as he steps to my side and leans his elbows on the counter, a smirk pulled to his lips.


    He lifts his hand and takes the spoon between my lips.


    "What are you doing?" I ask in a low voice and Emerson nods to the bowl of ice cream sitting before


    me. "Having everything all by yourself is no fun, Carson. " I watch as he scoops the ice cream and


    takes it to his lips.


    He keeps his eyes on me with his lips curved as his tongue darts out, just barely touching the ice


    cream¡ª almost like he''s having a taste of something he isn''t allowed to. I swallow down my throat as


    Emerson repeats the action before he licks the entire content with smudges on his lips. Emerson''s


    tongue peeks out and runs over his bottom lip: The movement is slow and screams everything but


    righteous and I find myself adjusting in my seat.


    "Want a bite?" Emerson whispers as he takes another scoop and brings the spoon to my mouth. I keep


    my eyes on him as Emerson waits for me to part my lips and without a word, I close my hand over his


    and turn the spoon to his way, shoving it in his mouth with enough force to make Emerson push away


    from me.


    A chuckle falls from my lips and I drop my phone on the counter before moving from my seat to a


    coughing Emerson.


    "Are you okay?" I speak the words with mockery evident in my tone and Emerson lifts his head to me;


    eyes red with anger shining through the brown orbs.


    "You''ll fucking pay for that, Carson. " He seethes and I hum before twisting my body.


    "I''ll get you a ss. " I tell him and move to the other side.


    "Hey, Carson. " Emerson calls behind me and I look over my shoulder. "What?"


    "Your ass. " He says and I jerk my body to him, my words threatening as I say, "Do you want me to


    shove another spoon down your throat?"


    Emerson shakes his head and tips his head towards me. "I think you''re bleeding, Carson. "


    It takes a few seconds before Emerson''s words register and my eyes fly wide, my hands going to my


    back.


    "I see red. " Oh. Fuck.

 T W E N T Y - F O U R

    T W E N T Y - F O U R


    EMERSON.


    "Stay away. " Carson''s cheeks are flushed with redness and augh falls from my mouth as I watch her


    walk out of the room with quick strides and a hand pressed to her back.


    I shake my head and grab the spoon to take another bite of the ice cream.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    After finishing the ice cream, I drop the bowl into the sink, and begin to make my way out of the kitchen


    but stop at the notice of a phone on the counter.


    Carson''s phone.


    I stare at the device before I give in to the urge and take it off the counter, making my way to her room.


    I turn the knob of her door before peeping my head through the small space¨C Eva lies on the bed with


    her body curled into a ball and her hands clutched to her belly.


    I tilt my head and stay still for a while, wondering if I should go ahead or just turn around and pretend I


    never saw this. It''s not exactly like I''ll be of any help either way, because I know absolutely shit about


    women and their menstruation cycles.


    With a slow shake of my head, I slowly pull the door towards me, but it hangs at the sound of Carson''s


    groan. It''s a loud and painful one and it disturbs me.


    Without thinking much about it, I make my way inside the room and shut the door behind me.


    I mumble under my breath as I walk to Carson''s side of the room, and her head remains hidden though


    I know she heard the footsteps.


    "Hey, Carson. Are you okay?" Obviously, she''s fucking not, but I have no idea what else to ask.


    "Yeah, " her responsees. Her voice sounds so weak, and not so her. A frown pulls at my face as I


    bend towards the bed and settle at the edge of it, careful not to press against her.


    "You don''t sound okay. " I start, lifting my hand to her face, but Carson shifts away from me.


    "Go away, Emerson. " She mumbles, burying her head in the sheets and I should do exactly what she


    requested, but my humanity takes over and I find myself shifting closer to Carson.


    "You might want to leave your pride behind if you don''t want to bleed to death, Carson. " The words slip


    through my lips rashly and Carson finally lifts her head to meet my eyes ¨C gaze hard and full with hate.


    Something tells me it would a different situation if she weren''t clutching her belly.


    "Isn''t that what you want?" She raises her brows slowly. "You''ll take pleasure in my death, Ford so this


    is a good opportunity for you. "


    A smile climbs on my face, and Carson throws me a revolted look as I speak, "Death? yes, but


    bleeding to death? No, I don''t want that. "


    "Leave me. " She groans, turning her head to the other side and I chuckle, staring at her back before I


    speak again. "What do you want me to do?"


    Carson turns to me again and her expression remains unfazed, but her lips are parted just barely. I''m


    aware those words have been exchanged between the both of us too many times now, but it''s


    something that can''t be controlled. As much as I hate Carson and despise the thought of me being


    worried about her¡ª it grows with each difort she faces.


    "You can''t do anything. " Carson''s voice snaps me out of my thoughts and I arch my brows, "Are you


    sure about that? There should be something you always do when you''re like this. "


    Carson studies me for a few minutes before she speaks again, pulling her bottom lip between her


    teeth. "There is. "


    I nod, edging closer to her. "Tell me then. "


    "I hate owing you, Ford. " She whines in annoyance, and I let out augh before I say. "You don''t have


    a choice. "


    "I couldy here for the pain to leave. " She says in a t tone and I hum, saying, "You couldy there


    and bleed to death. By the way, I hope you''re using your tampon? I may be open to everything else,


    but I''m not touching your blood, Carson. "


    Carson sneers at me. A full-on sneer where she wears an expression that tells me she wants her


    hands wrapped around my neck, cutting my breath and killing me slowly, instead of where she has


    them right now.


    "Fuck you, Ford. " She seethes and I shake my head, a teasing smile pressing on my lips. "I just told


    you I''m not touching your blood, Carson. "


    There''s this feeling thates with watching Carson''s face when I throw an insult at her, it''s a feeling


    I''ve tried and failed to exin, but it''s sure as hell a pleasurable one.


    "You make epting your help so fucking hard, do you know that?" She frowns, trying to move upward


    and I raise a shoulder as I watch her struggle. "That''s the exciting part about my help, Carson. "


    "What should I do?" I ask, returning to my earlier suggestion and Carson nods towards her belly.


    "What?" I repeat in confusion and she stares at me dumbly before nodding to her belly again, saying, "I


    want you to caress it. "


    "You''re obsessed with my touch, aren''t you?" I throw her a smirk as I move over her body, shifting my


    legs to either side of her.


    EVA.


    I watch as Emerson moves over me with my breathing quickening.


    He fists the hem of my top in his hands before raising it to reveal my belly, and I don''t miss the way he


    stills for a millisecond¡ª just staring at the skin.


    I''m quick to remove my gaze when Emerson starts to lift his head and I shift it back to him when he


    speaks. "How am I to do it?"


    "Massage it. Just gentle strokes. " I must be crazy to let Emerson Ford do this for me, but there''s only a


    fraction of resistance you can hold onto when ites to pain.


    "Like this?" He whispers lowly as he trails his fingers across my bare skin and my body shivers slightly


    at the touch.


    When Emerson meets my eyes, I clear my throat and nod, hiding the way my cheeks heat up at the


    innocent touch.


    "More?" He asks as he repeats the process, his hands giving faint rubs and strokes to my belly.


    "Lower. " I tell him in a tiny voice and he moves his hand lower. My head falls against the pillow and my


    eyelids shut on their own as Emerson''s strokes get softer¨C calming and soothing the pain that shoots


    through my lower abdomen.


    "Hmmm, " a moan slips through my parted lips before I can stop it. "Just like that. "


    "I guess I don''t need my cock to make you moan now, Carson?" At the sound of Emerson''s mocking


    sound, I open my eyes and throw him a re. "I can still think of pretty effective ways to make you shut


    your mouth, Ford. "


    A teasing smirk stretches over his lips and Emerson inches closer, throwing his fave close to mine.


    "Like what? Closing those lips on mine?"


    A snort leaves my lips as I say. "Like throwing my feet in your face. "


    "You''re a good liar, Carson. " His lips brush against mine with each word he speaks and the flesh


    tingles in delight.


    Emerson stays in that stance for a while and my breathing hardens with each second that grows


    between us with our gazes fixed on each other.


    "What are you doing?" I ask as he slides beside me, and gets under the sheets with one hand moving


    around me.


    "Close your eyes. " Emerson whispers as he turns on his side to meet my eyes and I raise my brows,


    "And why should I do that? You n on murdering me in my sleep, Ford?"


    Emerson chuckles and snuggles closer to me. I feel each intake of his breath as he speaks with his


    face so close to mine. "That''s a little low for me, don''t you think?"


    "You''re as shameless as theye, Ford. It wouldn''te as a surprise if you do it just to get me out


    of the way. " A smirk crosses my face and Emerson shakes his head before adjusting on his side to


    slide an arm around my neck.


    The action is sudden and stunninging from Emerson Ford. The surprise in my eyes is apparent as


    Emerson meets my eyes, and the expression on his face is the same one from that night and my heart


    skips at the sight.


    Emerson remains silent as he presses the side of his thigh to mine, and my eyes unconsciously fall to


    his lips. Full, bright and tempting me to take a touch. To move my head just for a tiny taste.


    "Carson. " Emerson calls, pulling me out of my unwanted thoughts and I shift my eyes to meet his


    gaze. "Close your eyes. " He repeats his words from earlier and this time, I listen to him.


    I breathe as I shut my eyes with a rapid fall of my chest. Emerson hums and shifts closer, pressing his


    body against mine and my head falls against his chest as I let Emerson Ford give mefort for the


    second time.


    He gives gentle pats on my arm and easy strokes to my belly as relief flushes over me and sleep draws


    nearer with each second that passes in his arms.


    ~


    When I open my eyes, Emerson Ford isn''t beside me.


    A groan falls from my mouth as I sit up on the bed and frown at the feeling of something warm and wet


    against my skin.


    Lifting my hand to my forehead, I bring down a wet towel folded in halves. I stare at the towel before


    taking my eyes to the spot beside me to see a bowl of water sitting at my bedside with Emerson Ford


    nowhere in sight.


    I put the towel to the side and get out of bed to walk out of the room.


    "Hey, you. " Emerson is standing in the middle of the living room as I stride inside and I jerk my head to


    him in response, my eyes moving down his body. He''s clothed in his usual attire with his key dangling


    off his fingers.


    "I''m heading out. " He says and I shift my eyes back to his face. "I didn''t ask. " I respond as I walk past


    him to the kitchen and Emerson''sugh echoes behind me.


    "You didn''t, " he chuckles. "But your eyes did the talking, Carson. "


    "Funny of you to think you can interpret what my eyes speak, Ford. " I retort and there''s a silence as I


    grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator.


    I gulp down a considerable amount of the liquid before turning around to Emerson''s view, swiping a


    hand over my lips. I lift my brows when he doesn''t speak, but keeps his eyes on me. "What?"


    He nods towards my belly. "Are you feeling better?"


    "I am. " I nod as I drop the bottle on the counter next to me and fold my hands against my chest. The


    confident stance drops slowly and easily as Emerson makes his way toward me, taking gracious


    strides that seems to match the beats in my chest.


    He stops when he''s inches away from me and without a word, he ces his hand against my belly. He


    gives gentle rubs at first before it turns fast and aggressive, and I p his hand away, a frown crossing


    my lips.


    Emersonughs at my reaction and takes a step back. "Just making sure you are. "


    "Fuck off. " I scowl at him and his shoulders shake as heughs before he turns around, walking


    towards the door.


    I watch as he wraps a hand around the doorknob, and just before he walks through the door, he turns


    to me and says, "You''re wee, Carson. "


    "I never thanked you for anything. " I tell him and he bobs his head. "Your eyes did. You''re wee. "


    And as I part my lips to speak, Emerson slips through the door and disappears out of sight.


    I stay on the spot, staring at the door before my lips slowly spread in a smile.


    "Thank you, Emerson. "

 T W E N T Y - F I V E

    T W E N T Y - F I V E


    EVA.


    "So what happened?" I ask Aliya, taking a seat next to her on her bed and she finally looks up from her


    phone, a sigh slipping through her parted lips.


    "That doesn''t sound good. " I furrow my brows and she gives a small nod.


    "I couldn''t choose. " She says in a low voice and I ce a hand on her shoulder, giving a tight squeeze


    before letting my hand fall from the skin.


    "You''ll be fine. " I assure her and she shakes her head. "Not for long. Maybe I''ll need to try another


    pussy. Getting caught up with confused emotions isn''t my thing, Evie. "


    "I know, " I let out a smallugh, snuggling closer to her. "But life can be weird, and trust me the more


    you try to avoid them; the stronger your desires get. "


    Aliya snaps her gaze at me at my words and lifts her brows. "And how could you possibly know that,


    Miss Carson? "


    I give a raise of my shoulder as I fall back on her bed, lifting my hands to the back of my head. "Books.


    "


    Aliya chuckles next to me before she falls beside me, turning on her side so her eyes are fixed on


    mine. "You know everything about human emotions through books?"


    "Exactly, " I beam. "You should try to read more. It helps a lot. " I tell her in a teasing voice and Aliya


    gives a yful p to the side of my thigh, causing me tough.


    I stare at her as she turns her eyes to the ceiling and remains silent. I watch the heavy rise and fall of


    her chest before she speaks again, intruding the peaceful air. "It''s scary. "


    "You wanting the both of them?" I ask her and she hums. "In such a short time. It scares me. "


    I sigh and raise my head, supporting it with my elbow pressed against the soft mattress. "I''ve heard that


    love can be a strange thing. "


    "You''re amplifying it, bitch. It isn''t love. " Her lips turn in a frown and I chuckle. "Yet. Let''s see how long


    you can hold off, Miss. "


    "I hate you. " She groans and I chuckle again before I say, "Those words are meant for Emerson Ford,


    Aliya. "


    "About him¡ª" a grin appears on my best friend''s face as she turns her gaze back to me and I cuss


    under my breath, immediately regretting bringing up that man''s name. "How''s your n going?"


    "What n?" I ask in confusion and Aliya rolls her eyes before she says, "The n to drive him out of


    the house. "


    At Aliya''s words, the words I uttered when I saw Emerson for the first time in that house crosses my


    mind and it astounds me how I''ve never given a thought to it. I''ve somehow gone from wanting


    Emerson out of there to enjoying the nasty taunts between us.


    "Oh that, " I mumble, avoiding Aliya''s gaze but I feel her eyes on me from the corners of mine. "I don''t


    know. He''s quite reluctant. "


    When I lift my eyes to Aliya again, a smirk is pressed to her lips. "Is that so? Or have things changed


    between the two of you now that you''re under the same roof? Did he tempt you with that pretty orgasm


    maker?"


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    I''m impressed with how easily I mask my body''s reaction to Aliya''sst words as I speak. "Nothing can


    change the way we feel about each other, Aliya. We''re too deep in it to draw back. " I''m too deep in it to


    the extent it escted into something else: A side of me I never thought would feel something other


    than hate for Emerson Ford. That part of me is small and it''s almost non-existent but I can tell it''s there.


    "That sounds like a double meaning. " The tease attached to Aliya''s words pulls me out of my thoughts


    and I give her my middle finger, earning augh from her.


    My phone vibrates next to me and I extend my hand to grab the device: a new text notification stares


    back at me.


    DAN: I''m here.


    "He''s here. " I tell Aliya as I type out my reply.


    ME: On my way.


    I climb off her bed and Aliya trails behind me as I walk to her door.


    "I wanted to ask. Are you keeping this one?" She questions as I ce my hand on the knob and I twist


    my body to her as I say, "I don''t know, but he''s fun and I''m finding my time with him enjoyable for now. "


    "He wants you though. " She says and Iugh. "I thought that was obvious. "


    "No, bitch. Not that way; The other way. " She exins and I shift on my feet, turning my gaze to the


    door in front of me. "I can tell by the way he looks at you. " She continues.


    I turn my body in her direction and let go of the doorknob, "And how could you possibly know that?


    You''ve only met him twice. "


    She gives a raise of her shoulder. "He makes it quite easy. I''m sure he wants you to know that too. "


    I nod. "I just want to enjoy this time with him. That might change soon, and it might not. Either way, Dan


    is a good guy. "


    "And you aren''t a fan of them, are you? You love the ones who make you scream all night¡ª"


    "Fuck you. " I scowl, silencing the rest of her naughty words and Aliyaughs before she nods to the


    door. "Have fun. Let me know if anythinges up. "


    "You too, " I tell her, throwing her a wink. "I want to know what your two girls got in stock for you next. "


    Aliya tries to keep the frown on her face but it easily slips and I catch the small smile threatening to


    break into a grin as she says, "I truly hate you, Eva Carson. "


    "You love me, bitch. " I smile, giving her a wave before I walk through the door, and shut it on her


    smiling face.


    "Hey you, " I raise my head to see Maria approaching just as I make it through the hallway of the dorm


    and I smile at her as she reaches my side.


    "Hey. " I respond to her greeting.


    "Leaving after a long conservation with your friend?" She jokes and Iugh. Maria is Aliya''s roommate,


    and conceivably the nicest girl I''ve ever met. She''s friendly and fun and she always has this expression


    that tells you she''s far too innocent for the world.


    "You know it. " I wink at her and Maria''s smile widens.


    "I''ll see you around. " I tell her and she nods, stepping past me to continue her walk to her room while I


    take the direction that leads me out of it.


    Taking fast strides across the field, I easily spot Dan on the other side. He''s dressed in jeans and a


    white tee that look gorgeous on him with the light shadows from the surging moon cast on his figure.


    Dan''s gaze turns to me when I''m only steps away and a smile slips to his face as he waves at me.


    "To whom do I own this honor? Eva Carson actually making an appearance?" He fake gasps and I p


    his arm. "Don''t start today. "


    He chuckles and gives me a warm hug before pulling away to say, "You look gorgeous. "


    "You saw me earlier, " I tell him with lifted brows and Dan raises a shoulder dismissively. "You look


    prettier than you looked hours ago. "


    "Don''t you think that''s a bit overboard, Daniel?" I smile and he shakes his head, the yful look fading


    from his face to be reced with the serious one that''s supported by his intense gaze. "Nothing is ever


    too much when ites to you, sweetheart. "


    "Okay, enough with the sweet talks. " I speak through augh.


    "I read the talks earns you some more points. " He reveals and I furrow my brows. "Read? You''re


    reading to go out with me, Dan?"


    "You''ll be surprised with the things I do for you, Eva. It''s crazy. " He sighs and I nod, agreeing with his


    words. "It is. You don''t need to do that, Dan. Just be yourself. It wouldn''t change my opinion about you


    either way. "


    "I am, but when ites to girls like you¨C a bit of help is always needed. Plus I told you I don''t do


    things like this, and if I will, then I need to make sure I''m doing it right. "


    "The guy from that night at the frat party?" I pause to peek at him and Dan bobs his head for me to


    continue. "And the one at the restaurant the other day? Was that you? Or you had help?"


    "That was all me. " He answers and I smile. "I had fun with that guy. "


    Dan''s expression changes and he steps closer. He lowers his voice as he speaks. "That guy would


    probably have you around his waist by now, savouring the sound of your moans and the feel of you


    against his body. " His gaze drops to my lips and he swipes his tongue over his lips before he meets


    my eyes and continues, "I''m trying to be a good guy here, Eva. Don''t tempt me. "


    "A little temptation never hurts, Daniel. " I''m aware of the way Dan''s eyes darken at my choice of words


    including the way he licks his lips again and it brings a smile to my face.


    He lifts his hand to my face and presses his thumb over my bottom lip; the force enough to make the


    skin tingle. "You''re something else, Eva Carson and you amaze me. "


    "So I''ve been told. " I wink and Dan chuckles, applying more pressure to my lips before he drops his


    hand and steps back.


    "So where do you have in mind?" He clears his throat.


    "Nowhere. I thought you were going to make that decision. " I say and Dan seems to think about it for a


    while before he says, "How about a walk? The weather is cool and looks decent for a walk. "


    "I see no reason why not. " I respond and Dan smiles before sliding a hand around my waist to bring


    me to his side.


    "Do you stay at the dorms?" Dan asks as he turns his head to me and I shake my head. "My friend


    stays here. I stay at my apartment. "


    "That sounds fun. " He remarks and I nod with a soft smile. "It does. "


    "You said you love reading the other time, " I nod to his words before he continues. "Are you reading


    anything right now?"


    "Yes, " I hum and keep the hair that flies to my face from the blowing wind behind my ear. "I''m reading


    a brother''s best friend. It''s one of my favourite tropes. "


    "Why? What interests you about fucking your brother''s best friend?" He asks with genuine curiosity


    clear in his voice and I say, "The tension interests me the most. I think it rtes a bit to the forbidden


    trope and that just makes everything so f¨´cking better: the thought that you shouldn''t want something,


    but you just can''t help it. It''s exciting. "


    When I lift my gaze to Dan''s face, he''s staring down at me with a soft gaze.


    "What?" I chuckle and he shakes his head, taking his eyes ahead of us. "I just love that look on your


    face when you talk about things you like. I can see why you enjoy them and I guess I should watch out


    for your brother''s best friend?"


    "I don''t have a brother so you''re safe. " I assure him before staring ahead of us. We''re striding down


    the sidewalk with our shoulders pressed to each other.


    "Do you want ice cream?" Dan queries as he spots an ice cream shop ahead of us, and I lift my hand


    to my belly¡ª pressing against the skin to feel any sharp pains.


    "Absolutely. " I respond, dropping my hand.


    "Wait here. " He says as he starts to move ahead of me, but I''m quick to grab his wrist. Dan turns back


    to me with raised brows and I slip my hand inside my pant pockets to bring out a few notes. "You didn''t


    take this. "


    Danughs at the worthy papers between our bodies. "I think I can handle a few dors, Eva. "


    "No, I don''t¡ª"


    "You are not forcing me to take it. I want to do this. Please let me. " He frowns and I sigh before


    dropping my hand and slipping the money back into the space.


    "Good girl. " He praises and ruffles my hair before he walks away. I take slow strides after him and


    watch as he slips inside the shop.


    I slide my hands into my back pockets and halt my steps at the sight in front of me: a woman is pressed


    against a car and her eyes are screwed shut in what I won''t consider pleasure.


    I watch as the man before her, nuzzles his head in her neck and the longer I watch, the faster my heart


    beats in my chest.


    Thedy opens her eyes and snaps her gaze at me. I gasp and take a step back at the horrified look


    on her face, and she struggles to speak as the man''s hand wraps around her throat. Her eyes scream


    for help, and I want to. I want to fucking reach her, to bring her out of the situation she''s found herself


    yet I can''t seem to take a damn move.


    Cold shivers run through my veins and my visions blur with tears the longer I stand and watch the sight


    before me.


    "Eva!" I jump at the loud sound to see Dan standing in front of me with worried eyes. "Are you okay?


    Did something happen?"


    I part my lips to speak, but no words slip through and I lift my hand, pointing behind him. When I look at


    the scene again, a woman is pressed against the car with her dress hitched up and her hands buried in


    the guy''s hair.


    "I don''t think they care about us, Eva. " Daniel chuckles and brings his attention back to me.


    I breathe and shake my head, knowing the previous image was just my fucked up mind messing with


    me.


    "Do you know them? You don''t look so good. " Dan notes and I wiggle my head, giving him a forced


    smile. "I don''t. "


    I clear my throat before I continue. "A bit amazed with that. "


    Dan chuckles and pushes the cup of ice cream to me, and I take it from him, mumbling thanks as he


    steps beside me.


    "Maybe they couldn''t control it, I''m sure you''ve had a tongue down your throat in the open. " He says


    and I cackle. "Maybe, but not to that extent. "


    "It gets wilder, Carson. " He winks before focusing on the cup in his hand and I nod, staring down at


    mine. I take onest nce at the couple still pressed to the car and tell myself that what I saw was all


    in my head¡ª nothing more.

 T W E N T Y - S I X

    T W E N T Y - S I X


    EVA.


    "Do you want me to take you home?" Dan asks and I''m quick to shake my head in protest. "No, you


    don''t have to. I''ll be fine. " After an hour of walking and exchanging words, we end up in front of a


    restaurant that seems close to my ce.


    "Are you sure? It''s prettyte, and I just want to make sure you''re¡ª"


    "Dan, " I call with a smile, silencing the rest of his words. "I can get home on my own. " I assure him.


    Dan frowns, stepping closer to me. "Why do I have this feeling that you don''t want me to go to your


    ce, Eva? Are you hiding something there?" I gulp at his words and Danughs as I part my lips to


    speak.


    "Just fucking with you, sweetheart. I know you don''t want me there because you''re afraid you won''t be


    able to resist this temptation in thefort of your room. " He says cockily, gesturing to his body and


    my shoulders shake in augh. "Far from that, but sure; let''s go with your words. "


    "You hurt my pride, Princess. " He mumbles lowly as lifts his hand and crosses it over his chest.


    I smile at him and say. "The truth is always bitter. "


    Dan fake gasps at my words before we both break into augh. As the sound slowly dies down, he


    closes the gap left between our bodies and brings me into his embrace.


    "I had fun, Eva. Thank you for showing up. " He whispers near my ear and I close my arms around his


    back, giving soft rubs to it. "The feeling is mutual. "


    Dan pulls away and covers my cheeks with his hands. He pushes his face closer to mine with his gaze


    fixed on me before he closes his lips over mine.


    I let out a moan as I slide my hands from his back to his neck and coil my fingers through his curls as I


    open my mouth, giving him ess and he takes it instantly, slipping his tongue inside my mouth to


    tangle with mine in a fight for the pleasure.


    The kiss starts to turn from gentle to heated when Dan''s hand moves to my ass and he gives it a hard


    squeeze before he pulls away, pressing his forehead to mine; his wordsing out in harsh breathes


    as he speaks. "You''re so fucking lucky we''re here, Princess. You have no idea what I would have done


    if it were otherwise. "


    "Something other than fucking me?" I lift my brows and Dan chuckles. He moves his face to the side,


    and gives my earlobe a long swipe of his tongue before he says, "I would turn that sweet spot between


    your legs into my personal heaven, sweetheart. "


    His words send a shiver through me and Danughs at the look on my face as he pulls back to meet


    my eyes.


    "I''lle back to it. " He assures and presses his lips to mine for a sweet, short kiss before he draws


    back.


    "It''s gettingte. We should end this here for tonight. " Dan says as he drops his hands to my waist.


    "You should leave first. My ce is closer. " I tell him and he shakes his head. "Ladies first, Eva. "


    "You first. " I argue.


    "No, Eva. Go on. " Dan jerks his head forward and I sigh before eventuallyplying with his words¨C


    knowing we wouldn''t move from the spot if I don''t.


    I stop a cab walk towards it and just before I get in, I turn to give Dan a wave.


    He waves back with a bright smile on his face before I walk into the car and his frame disappears.


    ~


    When I walk through the door, Emerson is on the couch with his eyes on the screen before him and he


    turns to me when I shut the door.


    "A nice day, Carson?" He ces a hand over the edge of the couch to twist his body towards me and I


    roll my eyes as I move from my spot. "Not tonight, Ford. "


    "Why? Did your date use up your entire energy?" His voice echoes behind me and I stop on my walk to


    the kitchen, turning back to him with narrowed eyes. "How do you know it was a date?"


    Emerson chuckles. "Where else would you being from sote? sses ended hours ago. "


    I fold my hands against my chest and a smirk climbs on my face as I say, "Are you stalking me, Ford?"


    Emerson scoffs and says, "You''re thest person I would want to keep an eye on, Carson. I''d be bored


    to death. "


    "I thought you wanted to watch out for me to make sure you can sleep with me? You lie, Ford. You lie


    badly. "Emerson''s expression changes when I use his words on him, and I throw him a wink before


    turning back to walk into the kitchen.


    I get myself a ss of water and empty the content before walking out of the room. Emerson''s focus is


    turned back to the screen when I get to the living room and I nce at his naked chest¨C an action I


    regret when Emerson speaks.


    "Tempted to touch, Carson?" He doesn''t remove his gaze from the screen as he says the words.


    "I have better use for my hands, Ford. " I throw the words back at him and he shifts his eyes to me.


    "Right. They are of a better use when they are wrapped around my cock. " And those words are


    enough to make me tremble right on the spot and nt wild pictures that shouldn''t be there in my head.


    "Fuck you, " I tell him, keeping myposure and Emerson shakes his head. "I told you, Carson.


    When you''re not bleeding between your legs, I''ll give you what you want. "


    "Sounds like a failed n. " I retort before turning on my heels to walk away, only to stop at Emerson''s


    call of my name. When I turn back to him, he has a serious look on his face as he says, "Rule Number


    Two. " No double fucking.


    "I smell jealousy. " I tease him, purposely taking a sniff of the air and Emerson''s face hardens as he


    draws my name. "Carson. "


    With a roll of my eyes, I say, "I know the rules, Ford and I abide by them. You''re the only one I''m


    fucking; no one else. "


    "I guess you can be obedient, Carson. " His lips curves and I shove him my middle finger before


    twisting my body from his view to walk to my room.


    I shut the door behind me and kick my shoes off my legs before strolling to my bed. I fall on the


    mattress with a sigh, the softness of the material weing me as I bury my face in my pillow with


    different thoughts running through my mind.


    At the beep of my phone, I raise my head to grab the device and smile weakly at Dan''s message.


    DAN: A reminder that I loved today''s date, Princess. Are you home yet?


    I turn with my back to the bed as I type out a reply.


    ME: I am, and I did too.


    His responsees in almost instantly and I let out a sigh as I read the words across the screen.


    DAN: I wanted to ask again: Are you sure something didn''t happen earlier? You acted differently after


    that moment, and I''m kind of worried.


    ME: You don''t have to be. Nothing went wrong, I promise.


    As I click the send button, I toss the phone to the side and fall back on the bed¡ª that image shing


    through my mind again. I know it was all in my head, but it was fucking horrifying to watch.


    Shaking my mind off the thoughts, I stand from the bed to strip out of my clothes, leaving me with my


    undergarments. I get on the bed and grab the book by the side, flipping through the pages to distract


    myself¡ª I''m only able to read the first line before a yawn slips through my parted lips and I drop the


    book to its spot to give in to the sleepiness.


    ~


    "No!" The sound of my scream echoes back to me and my eyelids flutter. I''m met with the sight of a


    white ceiling and I''m quick to sit up on my bed; my breathing out in sharp breathes.


    I flinch at the scrape of my door; only to rx when Emerson Ford walks through the door with slightly


    wide eyes.


    He stands by the door and stares down at me¡ª my body covered in sweats and breathing heavily.


    "Eva, " he calls as he takes long strides to get to my side, and not caring about the fact that I''m in only


    a bra with my panties nor the consequences of the action I''m about to take¨C I drag Emerson towards


    me when he''s at arm''s length, and bury my face in his neck.


    EMERSON.


    "Hey, you''re fine. You''re fine. It was just a dream; nothing more. " I coo into the side of her neck as I


    press my hand harder to her head.


    Her thick breath is loud in my ears as she wraps her hands tighter around me.


    "You''re fine, Eva. " I speak again, giving gentle strokes to her back and she pulls away to look into my


    eyes.


    "How did you¡ª" her voice is small and I cut her off before she can speak the rest of her words. "I heard


    you. " I tell her and she nods.


    I stay silent as I watch her stare down at her sheets, sweats covering her brows. With indecision


    running through me, I lift my hand to her face to wipe her sweats and ask, "Do you want to talk about


    it?"


    Carson turns her gaze to me and stares at me with no words before she shakes her head.


    "Want to go back to sleep?" She shakes her head again and wraps her arms around her body, giving a


    slight shudder.


    "I don''t think I can. " The tremor in her voice worries me. I don''t think I''ve ever seen her this way¡ª not


    even from that night. She looks shaken and it troubles me.


    Without a second thought, I move across the bed to her side and Eva switches her gaze to me at the


    sound of my movement. "What are you doing?"


    "Come here. " I whisper, spreading my hand to the side to give space for her.


    "I can take care of myself, Ford. You''ve done more than enough favors. " She speaks in a fierce tone


    and I shake my head. "This isn''t a favor, Carson. Come here. " I repeat my earlier request and Carson


    says nothing as she moves closer to my side.


    "More like it. " I smile as she settles in my arms and she scowls at me. "Don''t try anything funny. "


    "I won''t. " I chuckle, my gaze dropping to her chest at those words. She''s only d in her ck bra with


    her breasts spilling over the top. The sight is so damn tempting and I know I would have my cock in her


    pussy if this was a different situation, but the desire tofort Carson overpowers my desire to hear


    her screams¡ª in a delightful way¡ª and I move my hand from her shoulder to her hair.


    "Want me to sing you a luby?" I duck my head to Carson''s face and she res at me, but doesn''t


    give a response as her head falls back against my chest and I chuckle.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    I breathe and give gentle brushes to her hair with my hand, giving her the quietness I can feel she


    needs and soon enough, when I nce back at Carson¡ª her eyes are shut.


    My eyes move over her brows which are raised in worry even in her sleep, and the image of Carson''s


    scared face crosses my mind.


    When I look back at her face, my chest tightens at the sight and the reaction worries me.


    She''s turning out to be something else.


    Eva Carson isn''t just an enemy. She''s a dangerous one¨C one who makes my cock throb so damn hard


    with her not so innocent gaze and arouses in me things I didn''t think I was capable of feeling for her,


    with each closeness to her.


    Who could have thought I''d beying in Eva Carson''s bed with my arms around her as I watch her


    sleep?

 T W E N T Y - S E V E N

    T W E N T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    My eyelids flutter, and my chest rises and falls steadily. Warmness surrounds me and I know there''s


    another presence in the room by the feel of something heavy on my tummy.


    Twisting my head to the side, I''m met with the sight of Emerson Ford''s sleeping face with some of his


    fallen curls covering one side of his face.


    Staring down, our legs are tangled in each other and I sigh as I dart my eyes back to Emerson''s face.


    He slept here with me¨C he stayed. He came here to give mefort¡ªwhen he didn''t need to¡ªand he


    didn''t leave.


    I press my lips into a thin line as I slowly lift my hand to his face. I barely ce a touch against his skin


    as I push the curls from his face and let my eyes roam across it. Unlike that other time, there''s no


    crease over his forehead and there''s no frown on his lips as he gives soft snores.


    The urge to press my hand against him suddenly burns through me and I give into it without much


    thought, but I''m quick to catch myself when my fingertips graze his face and I pull away.


    I''m caught off guard when Emerson''s eyelids flutter and he opens his brown eyes to meet mine. I flinch


    a bit in surprise and my heart thumps at staring into his eyes up this close, right from sleep with bodies


    pressed and legs tangled.


    Emerson doesn''t move. He doesn''t speak. He just lies there and stares at me with a nk face, and I


    start to sit up when I feel my cheeks heat up from his gaze.


    I clear my throat. "Are you trying to pass some of your ugliness to me, Ford?"


    Emerson chuckles and stands after me, his body incredibly close to mine for my liking. "You mean to


    ask if I''m trying to bless you with some of my hotness?"


    "Don''t get over your head, Ford. You don''t have enough to spare. " I throw back and he murmurs.


    "Must be hard living your life, Carson. You''ve got to have none if I don''t have enough. "


    I re at him. "Fuck you. "


    "I know. You''re addicted to my cock. " He winks and I scoff before letting my gaze fall to his body to


    note the fact that he''s only in his boxers.


    "I don''t sleepfortably with pants on. " Emerson answers my unasked question and I lift my eyes to


    him to say, "Or you did something while I was sleeping?"


    Emerson lets out a lowugh. "If I fuck you while you''re asleep, you''ll scream your way to the moment,


    Carson. Not sleep peacefully. Plus, that isn''t my thing; no matter how tempted I was. " His eyes fall to


    my chest at thest words and I stare down at my naked chest¡ªonly d in a bra that reveals a lot


    more than appropriate.


    "You should leave. " I tell him as I climb off the bed and grab his pants from the floor.


    "Are you chasing me out after using me for my body, Carson?" Emerson fakes a hurtful expression as I


    throw him his pants and I snort in response. "That''d be low of me, don''t you think?"


    Emerson bobs his head as he rises from the bed, his annoying expression reced with a serious one


    and I know the words that''ll leave his mouth even before he says, "Is everything okay now?"


    I swallow before I nod. "Yeah. " A lie. You can only escape your troubles when you shut your eyes; as


    soon as you open them, they''re back and you''re forced to face them.


    Emerson hums and stands still. I expect his taunt toe after, but it doesn''t and after a few seconds,


    he heads to the door.


    "Emerson. " I call just before he makes it through the door and he turns back to me. "Thank you, Ford. "


    A tiny smile presses to the corner of his lips before he nods and disappears out of sight.


    I let out a weak sigh as he shuts the door before I fall on my bed and grab my phone.


    There are new text notifications¡ª both from Aliya and Dan.


    I open Aliya''s first.


    ALIYA: I need to change my wardrobe. I''m getting annoyed with my clothes, Evie.


    ME: Didn''t you change it before we came down to college?


    I hit the send button before opening Dan''sst messages fromst night.


    DAN: I''m happy to hear that, sweetheart.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    DAN: What are you doing?


    DAN: You slept on me, Eva?


    I chortle at thest message and type out a reply.


    ME: I did. Sorry.


    ME: Morning Dan.


    My eyes catch sight of the previous night''s message as I send the text, and I shake my head before the


    thoughts can make their way through. No. Not this time.


    I toss my phone to the side, and pull my hair into a tight bun before climbing off the bed to walk to my


    closet.


    I bring out my sports bra and yoga pants, and d my body in the attire before making my way out of


    the room.


    When I walk into the living room, Emerson is in Nike sweatpants and a ck V-Neck.


    "Going out?" I ask the obvious and he turns his eyes to me, a smile on his face as he gives a nod and


    says, "Work out. You look like that''s where you''re headed too. " His eyes roam across my body, and I


    bob my head.


    "You don''t look too good, Carson. " Emerson says as he grabs his headphones from the couch and


    walks towards me.


    "That''s pretty noticeable. " I gulp down my throat as Emerson stands in front of me with weary eyes. I


    feel his gaze on every inch of my face and I raise my eyes to meet his.


    "What?" I ask with a frown and he shakes his head. "You kind of look ugly right now. "


    "Fuck off. " I scowl at him and Emerson chuckles before taking a step back. "I''ll see youter, Carson. "


    He twists his body in the other direction and walks towards the exit; with each step that brings him


    close to the door, my heart thumps in my chest and I gnaw at my lips as I struggle to get the words out.


    As Emerson wraps his hand around the doorknob, I let out a call of his name and he turns back to meet


    my gaze.


    "Um¡ª" I start, and clear my throat. "Do you think you could do it here? With me?" As the words leave


    my mouth, heat rises to my cheeks and I bite on the insides as Emerson turns his path back in my


    direction.


    "What do you mean?" He takes a step forward and I clear my throat again, straightening my shoulders


    to show the confidence I''m not exactly feeling at the moment as I speak. "Help me with my workout.


    Right here. " I angle my head to the middle of the room and when I look back at Emerson¨C he looks


    amazed.


    "Let me get this right¡ª" he pauses and takes another step forward till what''s left between our bodies is


    nothing but a small space that can be closed with thest step. "You, Eva Carson, are asking for my


    help?"


    As weird as it sounds. I''ve known it for a long time¨C with Emerson Ford, it''s easy to pretend and not


    think about the things that are threatening to drag me down that unfortunate hole. But recently, it''s more


    than that. I don''t understand how it''s so easy with him, neither am I sure of how he''s able to do that


    without attempting to, but it''s so easy to lose myself in the moment with Emerson Ford. With him,


    there''s nothing but our snarky remarks and gazes filled with emotions we''re used to between the two of


    us. With him, there are no dark thoughts and bad memories. Emerson Ford takes away my troubles


    without even trying.


    "I am, " I confirm my earlier request and Emerson looks shocked by my response for a millisecond, but


    he''s quick to mask it with that upsetting look¡ª one where his infamous smirk is pulled to his face.


    "What?" I snap angrily when he doesn''t speak, but just stares at me and Emerson chuckles. "What


    makes you think I''ll offer my help willingly to you, Carson?"


    I don''t think before I respond to his question. The words just fall to the tip of my tongue and I let them


    out. "Because you''ve been doing so. "


    "In unpleasant situations, " he corrects irritably. "Why will I want to help you when I hate you?"


    "You don''t seem like you do when you fuck me. " I throw back at him with a grin on my face, folding my


    arms against my chest and Emerson shakes his head. "That''s not a correct answer, Carson. You hate


    me too and you let me fuck you. Hate and desire can coexist without one hindering the other. "


    "You sound so confident of yourself. " I tell him and he raises a shoulder in a shrug before he says, "I


    am. "


    I take a breath before I speak. "Because you love it when I owe you, Ford. "


    That must be the answer he wants because Emerson''s lips curve into a grin and he nods. "I sure as


    hell do. "


    I roll my eyes. "Unfortunately. "


    Emerson cracks up before he takes the final step that closes the gap between us. He ducks his face


    from mine to bring his to the side and his hot breath fans my neck as he speaks near my ear, his lips


    brushing barely against my ear with each word. "Let''s get started, Carson. "


    He pulls back and that smile remains on his face as he tosses his headphones to the couch and


    motions for me toe with him.


    I pull my lower lip between my teeth as I follow Emerson to the middle of the living room and stand


    before him.


    "Do you do sit-ups?" He asks as he gets on his knees and I nod. "Most of the time. "


    As I go down with him, Emerson''s gaze falls on my body and I don''t need to take a look to know he''s


    staring at my chest.


    "Sit-ups don''t help with breasts. " I tell him and he raises his head to me.


    "Says who?" Heughs as I move to a crouched stance and I stare at him dumbly as I say, "Everyone.


    "


    "Exin why you''ve got those then? I don''t see it on your mom. "


    "You were checking out my mom?" I throw him a disgusted look and Emerson says, "I''m sure that


    feature is pretty apparent when a woman stands in front of you, Carson. I don''t need to check her out


    to know you''ve got bigger tits than her. "


    "You do, " I argue as Emerson wraps his hands around my ankles and pulls me towards him. "When a


    person stands in front of you; you stare at their face, not their chest. "


    "Not if you see them from a distance, " He exins. "I don''t do older women, Carson. I have no reason


    to check out your daddy''s wife. "


    "I''m sure you don''t. Other than being an asshole. " I scowl at him as he bends my knees to his sides


    and I ce my palms against the carpet.


    "If it makes you feel wrong about your opinion, yours is the only one I stare at for too long. " I''m grateful


    when Emerson snaps his head to the side and fails to witness the embarrassing blush that reddens my


    cheeks at the somewhat praise from him.


    "Start, " he says when he looks back at me and I move my entwined hands to support the back of my


    head, plopping my upper body t enough before pushing to meet Emerson''s face.


    "Why do you work out though?" Emerson asks as I repeat the action, my faceing close to his with


    each sit up I take.


    "Why do people work out?" I ask him tly and he meets my eyes. "Different reasons. My reasons


    might not apply to yours, Carson. I bet yours is to keep in shape. "


    My lips turn in a frown. "I''m already in shape. "


    When Emerson stares down at me with his brows raised, I stop in the middle of the sit up and re at


    him. "You think I''m fucking fat?"


    "I didn''t say that, Carson. That''s your self-consciousness speaking to you. " He teases.


    "Fuck you. " I tell him and he nods before dragging me close to him by my knees. My eyes widen as he


    throws his hand to the side of my legs. "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?"


    "Giving you what you want. " He responds and my hands hang in the air as I watch Emerson spread


    my legs with his eyes not leaving mine.


    He smirks as he slips his hand up my thighs and I gulp down my throat as my body remains in the air


    before Emerson breaks the tensed silence with augh and pulls me back to the initial position.


    "You truly do want me to fuck you, uh?" He wiggles his brows as he leans in and I shake my head. "I


    was waiting to throw my feet in your face. "


    "It''s hard to believe your words when your body gives a different reaction, Carson. " He taps my inner


    thighs, close to the centre where I''m throbbing painfully, before he holds my knees and gestures for me


    to continue.


    With a discreet bite of my lips, I fall back into position with the atmosphere around us changed once


    again; a sniff of the air and one can tell how badly we want to jump each other.


    ~


    "You were pretty good at that. " I tell Emerson as we move to our feet and he hums in response. I


    furrow my brows at his somewhatck ofeback before my gaze falls to his sweatpants where his


    cock strains painfully against the material¡ª begging to be let out.


    My mouth waters at the sight before I force my gaze away and instinctively take a step back.


    "I need to get to my room. " I say in a low voice as I gesture in the direction and Emerson bobs his


    head in a second silent response.


    Without another word, I take quick steps in the direction with Emerson''s steps echoing after me.


    I shut the door as I walk inside my room and stride toward my bed to grab my phone.


    When I see no notification across the screen, I drop the phone back on the bed and strip out of my


    workout attire. I loosen and retighten my bun before I walk to the bathroom with a towel wrapped


    around my body.


    Emerson emerges from the other door at the same time I shut my door and his eyes meet mine; a


    smile slowly spreading to his face as he closes the door from his side and steps fully inside.


    He''s still in his Nike sweatpants with his chest now bare to my eyes and I shamelessly let my gaze fall


    to the skin, tracing each contour and muscle with my gaze, down to the belly button and to his hips


    where a Calvin Kleinbel slips out of the sweatpants.


    "What are you doing?" I mumble when my eyes settle on his again and Emerson takes a step from his


    spot. "Sometimes you ask questions you already have answers to, Carson and I often wonder why you


    do. "


    "I''m taking a bath first. " I tell him, ignoring his words and Emerson protests, "No, you''re not. "


    "Yes, I am. " I persist, pinning him with a re and he shakes his head, standing his ground. "You''re


    not, Carson. We came in together. "


    "Isn''t it courtesy for men to let the women have the spot first?" I raise my brows and Emerson smiles. A


    wide smile that tells me he finds my words amusing. "I never go with the world''s rules, Carson. You


    know that. But I''ll do one thing: I know you won''t step back for me, and you know I won''t do that either;


    let''s have the spot together. "


    I grimace at him. "Are you fucking with me?"


    "Do I sound like I am?" He retorts.


    "I''m not taking a fucking bath with you, Ford. " My wordse out harsh and firm, but Emerson Ford


    being himself, throws other words at me. "And why''s that? I''ve seen everything, Carson. More than


    once, so what are you hiding? "


    "Just because I''ve slept with you doesn''t mean I''ll take a shower with you. " I tell him and Emerson


    arches his brows, "Why? Right now, you''re standing naked in front of me, Carson and you aren''t feeling


    self-conscious. " He takes a step forward and my gaze falls to the movement before I meet his eyes


    again.


    "You aren''t covering for me, Carson, " something about his look and the way he lowers his voice as he


    speaks those words give a change to the air and I can feel it¡ª I know Emerson can feel it.


    He closes the space left between our bodies entirely till there''s nothing but the brush of my bare chest


    against his. The feel of skin against skin with our harsh breaths loud in the air and the echoes of my


    heart pumping in my chest thundering in my ears. Emerson holds my gaze so fiercely, and I feel it in


    every part of my body when he whispers, "Take the spot with me, Carson. "

 T W E N T Y - E I G H T

    T W E N T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    I remove my gaze from Emerson''s and stare down at his pants. Without a word, I bend my knees and


    hook my fingers around the waistband of his sweatpants before pulling it down to his ankles.


    When I lift my head to Emerson again, he has a smirk on his face as he gets out of the pants and


    tosses it to the side.


    Taking a breath, I move to my knees in front of him and Emerson''s hand moves to my head to coil his


    fingers through my hair as I grip his cock in my hand.


    "Tell me what you want. " I mumble as I lift my head to meet his eyes and Emerson shakes his head.


    "You aren''t ying that game with me, Carson. "


    I tilt my head to the side as I grip his cock tighter and a hiss falls from his mouth in response; an


    irritated look creeping into his face.


    "What do you want me to do with this, Ford?" I whisper as I push my face closer and give faint rubs to


    the crown of his hardened cock. "I won''t do anything if you don''t tell me. "


    I gasp when Emerson''s hand moves to the back of my neck and he presses hard into the skin as he


    lifts my eyes from between his legs to meet his gaze.


    "Suck. " The one word from him is powerful enough to send shivers through my body at that spot and


    incites a familiar agonizing ache between my thighs.


    ying Emerson''s favourites game, I lick my lips and tick my tongue as I increase the pressure of my


    grip. "You can do better than that, Ford. "


    "I can help myself, you know. " He sneers and I nod. "You could¡ª" I pause to slide my hand down the


    length before moving it to the base again. "But we both know that''s no better job than having you in my


    mouth. Tell me, Ford. Tell me you want my mouth on you. Tell me how badly you want me to suck you.


    " Emerson''s cock twitches in my hand as a response to my words and I stare at Emerson with awaiting


    eyes.


    "I fucking hate you. Do you know that?" The emotion in Emerson''s voice is adequate to deliver the


    message and I smile up at him. An innocuous smile where I blink my eyes up at him, knowing it drives


    him crazy with each other second that passes. "I know, and I hate you right back, Ford. "


    Emerson doesn''t say a word as he shifts his hand to the back of my head and lowers my head with


    enough force to make my lips touch the tip of his cock.


    "I want that pretty, running and filthy mouth of yours on me, Carson. I want it wrapped around my cock,


    so suck. " The contentment thates with his words is enough to give rise to the excitement that


    swims through my body with scorching fire. His words are a mixture of insulting, praising and


    "That''s what I thought. " I keep my eyes fixed on him as I close my mouth around his length, taking it


    slow and easing it gently into my mouth.


    The first satisfying sound that falls from Emerson''s mouth makes pride swell in my chest and I take the


    rest of his length down my throat, my eyes wide as I try to blink back the tears at the corners of my


    eyes.


    "Oh, fuck Carson. You have no idea how fucking beautiful you look right now. " If it isn''t the oddest way


    for Emerson Ford topliment me in his unusual way when I''m on my knees before him with a mouth


    full of his cock, and if it isn''t even weirder that I feel a surge of satisfaction with his words.


    I pull half of his length from my mouth and rub my hand down the flesh before lowering it back into my


    mouth; my teeth scraping along with each slide and my hand supporting where my mouth doesn''t


    cover.


    "Yes, just like that. Your mouth feels so fucking good wrapped around me, Carson. " Emerson''s dirty


    praises encourage me to bob my head faster and twirl my tongue across his crown¡ª to which he


    grunts.


    With each pleasurable sound and dirty word that falls from Emerson''s lips, I go faster and give him the


    way I know he wants.


    When his breathing bes harboured and he thrusts his hips forward along with the movement of


    my head¡ª I know he''s close.


    "I''m about to explode. If you don''t want my mess in your mouth, you might want to pull away. "


    Emerson notifies me as a warning but I don''t say anything as I open my mouth wide for me and he


    goes ahead¡ª shooting load after load of his cum inside my mouth.


    "That feels so damn good. " Emerson throws his head back as he steps away and rubs his hand down


    his length, shooting the bits that''s left across my chest while I swallow him down my throat and drag my


    tongue across my lips to the trails that escaped.


    "How many times have you done that?" Emerson''s brows raise as I move to my feet. My eyes drop to


    his semi-hard cock, still pointing straight at me and I look away to his face. "Why do you ask?"


    "How many cocks have you sucked behind your daddy''s back, Carson?" He repeats his question in a


    more irksome way and I re at him. "Keep that word out of your mouth, Ford. " As weird as it sounds,


    Emerson Ford will be the first man to have my mouth on his cock. When ites to having sex, it''s


    them giving me pleasure¡ª not me giving them one.


    Emerson''s shoulder shakes in augh as he stares down at my chest, the sound slowly dying down.


    "Do you want me to scrub that off you?"


    "No. I need to brush your terrible taste from my mouth. " I say as I move away from his view and


    Emerson chuckles behind me. "It sure as hell didn''t seem terrible when you shoved me down your


    throat, Carson. "


    "You''ll be surprised at the aftertaste of your mess, Ford. " I retort as I turn to the ss and I hear


    Emerson''s footsteps behind me before there''s the sound of the water running.


    Emersones out minutester like the perfectly created sculpture he is with beads of water moving


    down his gorgeous face, to his naked chest and his muscled thighs with his cock dangling between his


    legs.


    "Want to go once more, Carson?" His voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I shove him my middle


    finger before walking past him into the shower.


    I hear Emerson''s smallughs before it fades and I ce my hands on the wall as a small smile


    touches my lips.


    ~


    With a rumble of my stomach, I d my naked body in Jean shorts and a cropped tank, letting my hair


    fall down my shoulders before walking out of my room.


    I walk into the living room and furrow my brows at the sounds thate from the kitchen.


    Turning my direction from the couch, I stride inside the room to see Emerson''s body turned to the


    counter.


    Emerson Ford is in the kitchen. Cooking and shirtless. He''s always shirtless around the house, but holy


    fuck, the fact that he''s shirtless in this way is so f¨´cking hot.


    I watch his back muscles flex as Emerson stretches his hand to grab the pan and ce it on the stove¨C


    the movement is random but I find it sexy when the sunlight from the window glides down the skin of


    his back in a brilliant glow and it turns dirty when I imagine my nails scraping down that skin.


    I shake the sinful thoughts off my mind before I lose it and tantly ask Ford to fuck me, judging by the


    wetness that''s gathered between my legs¨C I''ll need new panties.


    "What are you doing?" He stills and twists his body towards me at the sound of my voice, and I''m


    amazed by the sight of Emerson with wet curls. The hair is tousled over his head and the curls fall to


    his face in a nice, messy way. If I thought Emerson''s sweaty back was hot, then I had another thing


    thoughts.


    "What else would I be doing in the kitchen, Carson?" He hisses as he turns his back to me and I begin


    to move toward him as I say, "I don''t know? Setting fire to the whole house so you could burn me?"


    Emerson shakes his head as I reach his side, and he meets my eyes as he speaks; a mischievous look


    on his face. "I wouldn''t endanger my life just to get rid of you, Carson. "


    "You can be stupid, Ford. " I hum as I look past his face to the pan he has on the stove. "What are you


    making?"


    "Pancakes. " He responds, gesturing to the bowl and other necessary ingredients for the said food at


    his other side.


    "Do you need help with it?" I ask him and Emerson lifts his head, his brows raised as he turns his body


    to me. "And to whom do I own this honour?"


    I roll my eyes and step closer to him. "I want some too. "


    "I was going to make it for the both of us. " He surprises me by saying, and there''s no look of teasing in


    his eyes when I drop my gaze to him. A short silence settles between us as I stand in front of Emerson


    before I break it and move to the other side.


    "Why?" I clear my throat as I pull the bowl closer. "Were you nning on murdering me with food,


    Ford?"


    "How disrespectful of you to think I would do such a bad thing to the poor food. " His tone is yful,


    and I shake my head, my lips stretched in a small smile as I pour the flour into the bowl.


    "Get the pan heated and I''ll get this mixed. " I tell Emerson with one nce directed at him before I look


    back to the bowl before me.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Do you want much?" I ask Emerson as I add the salt and the baking powder.


    "That''s enough for both of us. " His responsees and I nod before I add the milk and the melted


    butter.


    "You look like you know what you''re doing. " Emerson''s breath fans the side of my face as he leans his


    head over my shoulder and I angle my head to the side to get a better view of his face. "What do you


    think you''re doing?"


    "Watching you cook, Carson. " He responds dumbly as he ces his hands on the edge of the counter


    to sandwich me between the counter and hisrge body. His body heat surrounds me and I take a peek


    at the other side to where the pan lies.


    "You are to heat that. " I tell Emerson when I look back at him and he doesn''t respond as he lifts his


    hand to my hair and brush it to my side, exposing the skin of my neck¨C something he''s done once.


    "I have. " He answers in a whisper as he presses his lower body against mine and I gulp down the


    sound that threatens to leave my throat at the feel of his body against mine with his lips brushing the


    side of my neck.


    "Did you grease it?" My voicees out steady and firm despite the distraction that Emerson Ford is


    turning out to be as he nuzzles his nose in my neck and moves it across the skin¨C almost like he''s


    sniffing it.


    "I did, Carson. " He responds to my question and I hum before turning back to the front to crack the


    eggs into the bowl.


    "Want me to turn the words from the other day with the omelet to reality, Carson?" Emerson gives a


    long swipe of his tongue to my earlobe as he speaks his words and I don''t need him to say more to


    know he means bending me over the counter.


    "Fuck off. " I scowl at him, nudging him with my shoulder and Emerson chuckles before stepping away


    while I grab the mixer.


    I bite down on my lower lip as I spoon the pancake batter into the pan while Emerson watches me from


    the side.


    "Give it here. " Emerson stretches his hand as I drop the bowl and grab the spat, and I shake my


    head in refusal. "I''m almost done. "


    "Give it, Carson. You can watch me do the rest, though I''ll advise you not to fall for me along the line. "


    A proud smile climbs on his face and I snort out augh. "That wouldn''t happen in your next life, Ford. "


    "Never be too sure, Carson. " He winks as he grabs the spat from me and begins to turn the


    pancakes¨C the movement and the gratification of him flexing his wrists a sight for amusement.


    Emerson''s head suddenly snaps to me as he flips thest pancake and I don''t have enough time to


    turn my head before he meets my eyes.


    "Enjoyed it?" He beams as he raises the spat to his shoulder and stride toward me.


    "It was painful to watch. " I lie and Emersonughs with a shake of his head, as though he can see


    right through my words to uncover the hidden truth.


    "Could have fooled me. " He drops his tone as he steps closer to me, his gaze dropping to my lower


    face.


    I press my palms behind me to the counter and my heart picks race at the silence that descends in the


    air as I lick my lips while staring at his.


    I want to touch it. Press it against mine. I want to take it between my lips and sink my teeth into it¡ª Too


    many wants. Too many desires and not enough resistance to hold back.


    I feel Emerson inch his face closer to me: bit by bit, agonizing slowly, with the desire clear in his eyes


    and the moment suddenly feels intimate¡ª too intimate than I can handle.


    Reliefes with a knock at the front door and Emerson steps away from me, angling his head in the


    direction of the sound.


    When he looks back at me to meet my eyes, I say, "Get it. "


    He takes onest nce at me and surprisingly heeds to my words. I watch as he turns on his heels


    and walks to the door, taking breaths to calm my racing heart when he''s out of sight.


    This thing. Him. It''s turning out to be worse than it''s meant to me.


    I''m stupidly getting more addicted to Emerson Ford than I would like to admit.

 T W E N T Y - N I N E

    T W E N T Y - N I N E


    EVA.


    "What are you doing with a spat, dude?" The familiar voice echoes into the kitchen and I turn off the


    stove at the brown rings over the pancakes.


    "What else would I be doing with it?" Comes Emerson''s response then the sound ofughter and it isn''t


    just from one person.


    "I never saw you as one who cooks, babe. You just turned the whole thing around. " I grimace at the


    pitch of Paige''s voice and there''s silence before there''s the sound of the m of a door.


    "It smells nice in here, Em. Can we have whatever it is you''re making? Oh wait¡ª what about that hot


    roommate of yours?" Another voice that I don''t recognize speaks.


    "She isn''t hot. " I roll my eyes at Paige''s voice.


    "Well, she''s certainly hotter than you and that''s fine by me. "


    "Fuck you, Leo. " Leo. Leo from the frat party.


    "What are you guys doing here?" Emerson''s voice asks this time.


    "Don''t you miss us, babe?" A shudder rolls off my shoulders at the sound of Paige''s whiny voice.


    "Can you stop with the pet name? It isn''t cute, red. " Someoneins and I move from my spot,


    edging towards the end of the kitchen.


    "It isn''t my fault all your bitches call you such boring names, fucker. "


    "And they are clearly better than you are. " I turn my head to the side to get a clear view of them. There


    are four standing and about two of them on the couch.


    Sage and Jaxon are standing at one side with Emerson and Paige standing at the other side¨C Paige


    perched to his side like she always does.


    "Can you two stop with the back and forth? You''ve been at it on our way here. " Jaxon hisses before he


    turns his head to his friend. "Hey dude, go get dressed. We''re heading out. "


    "So you all came here to hang out?" Emerson asks.


    "These fuckers crashed at my ce after a wild night, " Jaxon nods to the two on the couch, ones I


    can''t get a good view of. "Seems like Leo is on a hunt for a new chick, Paige wanted you to tag along


    and Sage got dragged here. "


    "So we should be on our way unless there''s something more important you''re doing here?" Leo


    suggests and just as Emerson starts to twist his head in my direction, I''m quick to move back with a


    racing heart.


    "Nothing more important than spending time with his friends. "


    "Do you guys want some pancakes?"


    "Are you sure you cooked it all by yourself? The Emerson Ford I know doesn''t cook. "


    "I don''t cook doesn''t mean I don''t know how to. " Emerson responds.


    "I don''t think we should. We should get going. "


    "I want to have a taste. "


    "Of course you do. "


    "Keep your mouth to yourself, Leo. " There''s the sound of Paige''s snappy voice before the sound of


    footsteps draws nearer.


    I move from my spot to the edge of the counter and Emerson appears in the kitchen with Paige beside


    him.


    "You were cooking with her?" She says the words in disgust at the sight of me and Emerson gives no


    response as he strolls toward me.


    "Is it done?" He asks and I hum.


    "I''m heading out with my friends. " He informs me as he passes me the spat and I move it to the


    side.


    "I couldn''t care less, Ford. " I tell him and his lips curves. "I know, Carson. Keep mine? I''ll deal with it


    when I get back. "


    "I can eat this on my own. " I say and he frowns. "We made it together, Carson. It''s only fair you let me


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    have something, at least. "


    "Fine. " I give in and he smiles before he turns away, leaving me with a scowling Paige. I cock my


    brows at her and wait for her to say something, but she merely gives me another look of disgust before


    turning away.


    There are minutes of whispers and chatters before they all move out of the house, and I stare down at


    the pancakes before me.


    "N*****x it is, then. "


    ~


    I swipe my hand across my face to wipe my tears at the overly emotional movie I honestly should have


    stayed away from as I exit N*****x, and the time res at me from across the screen.


    It''s almost ten and more than six hours since Emerson has been gone¨C something I noticed against my


    better judgement.


    I move myptop to the side and grab my phone to reply to Aliya''s text.


    ME: Sage was here earlier.


    I click on the send button and Aliya''s responsees instantly.


    ALIYA: For what? Did she speak about me?


    ME: She was here with Paige and the rest of her friends. Why would she speak about you?


    ALIYA: Nothing, I just thought she might.


    ME: Did something happen between the two of you?


    My wait for Aliya''s text is cut short at the creak of my door and I lift my face from the screen¨C Emerson


    Ford.


    "What are you doing?" I question as Emerson shut the door behind him and saunters toward me.


    "Sleeping. " He mumbles as he climbs on the bed from the other side, and I stare at him dumbly. "Your


    room is next door, Ford. Are you drunk?" How did I not notice hime in?


    "No, " his responsees muffled as he struggles to get under the sheets. "My room is too hot so I


    need to sleep here tonight. "


    "There''s the living room. " I tell him and Emerson shakes his head. "Too cold. "


    "And how am I to give a fuck about that? It''s your problem so you should solve it on your¡ª" the rest of


    my wordses out as a yelp when Emerson wraps a hand around me and pulls me closer to his side,


    the phone falling from my grip in the process.


    "Be quiet, Carson, " he whispers as he ducks his head to meet my eyes. His chest falls in a sigh as he


    softens his gaze, "I need it, please. "


    Realising the meaning behind those words, I nod and gently slide closer to his side. "Did something


    happen out there?"


    Emersons gives one nod as he shuts his eyes, and I question further. "Do you want to talk about it?"


    "Nuh-uh. " He responds and there''s silence before he speaks again. "I just want to close my eyes, and


    sleep. With you. " He opens his eyes after thest words and the air between us shifts yet again.


    I have no response to his words, nor am I able to form one so I look away from him, but that doesn''t


    with his hand.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" My question hangs in the air of the night as I try to take a glimpse of


    Emerson''s hand from the corner of my eyes.


    His lips stretch in a tiny smile as he strokes my face with his thumb¨C the touch just barely but I feel


    every swipe of it. Slow and soft. It feels good, and I find myself resting more of my face in his hand.


    "Carson, " Emerson calls and I hum in response. "Sleep with me?" He requests and I stare down at our


    bodies.


    "We''re sleeping right now. " I tell him, staring into his brown orbs and trying to uncover the truth behind


    them; I end up with nothing. Reading Emerson Ford when he closes off is probably one of the most¨C if


    not the most¨C difficult job to do in the entire world. If he isn''t willing to pull down his walls, then there''s


    no way for you to climb through.


    "Not this¡ª" Emerson starts, distracting me from my thoughts and my brows raises to my hairline at the


    double meaning of his words.


    Emerson chuckles and shakes his head, as if catching up on my thoughts. "Not that either, Carson. You


    should have your mind cleansed. "


    "You aren''t any better than me. " I throw back and he gives another stroke to my cheek¨C lighter than


    the previous.


    "Move closer. Wrap your arms around me and let me do the same to you. Give me some of your


    warmth, Carson. " He exins and I swallow down my throat. He needs it¨C I was able to tell the


    moment Emerson Ford climbed into my bed with his soft gaze and the lowered voice.


    "That''s too much intimacy. " I tell Emerson and he nods. "I know. "


    "There shouldn''t be too much intimacy between us. "


    "I know that too. "


    "I hate intimacy with you. "


    "I''m aware of that. "


    "Don''t go soft on me after this, Ford, because I won''t. I''ll go right back to kicking you in the face after


    this. " I raise a warning gaze to him and Emerson lets out a tiny chuckle. "I hate you too much to do


    that. "


    After his words, I pull the palm resting on my face away and climb off the bed.


    "What are you doing?" Emerson asks, but I give no response as I hook my fingers around the


    waistband of my shorts and drag it down to my ankles before moving out of it. I pull my cropped tank


    over my head and toss it alongside the shorts, then take my hands behind me and unhook the clip of


    my bra, leaving me bare to his gaze with the exception of my panties.


    "I sleep better this way. " I tell him when Emerson''s eyes roam across my body and his infamous smirk


    climbs on his face when he meets my eyes. "This means I have your tits for the¡ª"


    "Fuck you. " I scowl at him. "I use a shirt. " I turn away from him to grab my thin shirt. I d my chest in


    it before turning back to Emerson.


    I walk to the edge of the bed and climb on it while Emerson climbs off. I watch as he gets rid of his


    pants and shirt before gliding next to me.


    He throws a leg over mine and let his head fall to my chest with one hand encircling my waist to bring


    my body flush against his and I lift one hand to his curls, coiling my fingers through it while my other


    hand falls to his waist.


    "That feels good. " Emerson speaks against my chest when I begin to massage his scalp.


    "Go to sleep. " I shush him and he nods against my chest before trying hard to adjust.


    The silence floats in the air and I stare up at the ceiling as I give slow strokes to his hair.


    "I hate myself. " Emerson whispers, disrupting the air once again and my heart tugs at his words.


    Dropping my hand to his back, I give gentle pats on the skin as a response to his words and Emerson


    sinks deeper into my body, his hold tightening around me.


    I continue to give gentle pats until I hear his soft snores against my chest and I lift my head to his hair


    again, threading my finger through a strand and wondering how we went from using our troubles


    against each other to relieving the other of them.


    I don''t get my answer I shut my eyes and give into drowsiness.


    ~


    My eyelids flutter at the sound of a groan¨C and it doesn''t belong to me.


    I stare up at the ceiling, a sigh falling from my mouth before I drop my gaze to the space beside me, to


    find it upied by the body of Emerson Ford. More than that, he''s staring at me with his face so


    fucking close to mine and when I say fucking close¨C I mean fucking close to where our noses are


    brushing and I feel every breath he takes.


    "d to see you¡ª" Emerson doesn''t get to finish his words before I panic and shift to the other side to


    kick him off my bed. Emerson falls to the floor with a loud thud and I stare wide-eyed.


    When Emerson rises and turns to me, his eyes are red in anger. "Carson! The fuck is wrong with you?"


    "You were staring too close; it felt creepy. " I tell him and he loosens up his re. "Or you couldn''t


    handle the hotness being so close to you? I can''t truly me you now, can I, Carson?"


    I shove him my middle finger before climbing out of bed.


    "You should leave. " I tell him and Emerson''s lips twitch but he doesn''t say a word as he gathers his


    clothes from the floor.


    I stand still as I watch him walk to the door, and just before he makes it out of my room, he twists his


    body back in my direction to say, "Workout today, Carson?"


    "No, " I say as I lean against my table. "I''m good. "


    Emerson hums and throws me a small smile before he walks through the door, and at the sound of the


    door''s m¨C a smile tugs at my lips.


    ~


    Ever since that night, he''s beening back and we''ve been switching rooms. Sleeping on each


    other''s bed, andforting the other person in ways we never knew we could.


    At first, we tried to make up more excuses like having too much heat on the other side, being unable to


    sleep that leads to being in each other''s arms and other silly ones we tend not to call out, but recently


    we got tired of that. Now, we just crawl into each other''s beds without a single word of protest.


    It''s strange and it''s too much intimacy than we should have, but thefort thates with it is


    undeniable, and I must be crazy because now¨C every single night, I look forward to Emerson walking


    through my door and hugging me to sleep or me crawling into his bed without aint from his


    side.


    I turn my hair into a bun and fix my sses as Iy back in my bed, and softly press into the mattress


    with a book in hand. A smile crawls to my face as my gaze runs across the cover and the excitement


    thates with resuming a reading that you''ve enjoyed so much, blows through me as I flip to my


    previous page.


    ''Love is a strange thing, and it happens in the most unexpected way. Love is indescribable and it''s


    often mistaken. Lust. Infatuation. Adoration. Likeness. So many of these are mistaken for love, and the


    greatest of all is an obsession. These emotions are¡ª''


    "Hey, Carson. " Emerson calls, barging through my door, halting my reading and I lift my face from my


    book with a scowl directed at him. "Why the fuck didn''t you knock?"


    "Why didn''t you lock it from the inside?" He answers as he walks through the door with a bottle and two


    sses in hand.


    "That''s on you. You knock when you want to enter a room, Ford; especially mine. What if I was naked?"


    I remove my sses and ce it on my side as Emerson walks toward me, and a smile spreads on his


    face as he stops on the spot and looks down at my body, before meeting my eyes again.


    Knowing the meaning behind the gesture, I give him my middle finger and Emerson cracks up before


    settling on the floor with the bottle beside him.


    "Want to y? I''m bored. " He says when he looks back at me and I stare at the bottle of whiskey for a


    long time before shifting my gaze back to Emerson to say, "And you thought I was the next option to


    bring you out of that boredom?" The amusement in my words is apparent.


    Emerson raises a shoulder. "You''re the closest. "


    "You can head out with your friends. " I tell him and he shakes his head. "I''m not in the mood for that,


    and it''s not exactly like I would be able to do anything when the only one I can fuck is right here. "


    "You go out with your friends to fuck?" I ask and Emersonughs at the barely surprised tone of my


    voice before he says, "Most of the time. "


    "Too bad, " I tsk and ce my book gently to the side as I start to move off the bed. "You could end it.


    Have your freedom again, Ford. " Something tugs at my heart at those words and I shake it off as I


    approach Emerson.


    He doesn''t say anything in response to my words until I settle in front of him. "I''m not done with you yet,


    Carson. " The way he keeps those hooded eyes on me as he speaks the words in a lower tone makes


    my heart skip a beat and I look away from him to what''s before us with a bite of my bottom lip.


    "What are we ying?" I ask him and Emerson shifts the bottle closer with the two sses by the side.


    "Truth or dare. " He says and a smirk pulls to my lips. "You should just say you want to know about me,


    Ford. "


    Emerson ignores my tease as he pours the drink into the two sses in a rather ssy way and


    pushes them closer to the front before dropping the bottle to the side.


    "You should go first. " He deres and I frown. "Why do I have to go first?"


    "I thought it''s courtesy for men to let the women have the spot?" He mimics my words from that day.


    "And I thought you give no shit about the world''s rule and you refuse to follow them?" I retort with the


    same tone and Emerson chortles before he says, "Go first, Carson. "


    "I don''t want to go first, Ford. You go first. " I suggest, standing my ground.


    "I don''t want to go first either. " He persists and I say, "You don''t have a choice. "


    "I do, actually. We could do this all day; eventually, you''ll get tired and give into my demand. " He tells


    with a mischievous look on his face and I coo, "How cute of you to think of me like that, Ford.


    Unfortunately, you''re wrong like you always are. I''ll return to my book and leave you to be bored to


    death. I honestly don''t give a shit whether I y this or not. "


    Emerson''s face falls at my words and I throw him a victorious smile as he grumbles. "Fine, I''ll go first. "


    "That''s what I thought. " I tease him as he adjusts in his seat.


    "Truth or dare?" Emerson asks and I open my mouth to choose one of those options, but stop to ask


    instead. "Wait, how far does the dare goes?"


    "As far as it could be. Anything and everything, Carson. " I don''t like the way he smiles after that,


    neither do I like the look of excitement on his face.


    "On a scale of one to ten?" I ask.


    "Hundred. " Emerson''s response makes me throw away my original option, though I know I''ll have to


    get back to it.


    "Truth. " I respond to his earlier question and he rubs his palms against each other before he says,


    "Something you hate. "


    "You. " I state the obvious and Emerson scoffs. "I know how far your hatred goes for me, Carson but I


    said something¨C not someone. "


    "Oh, " I stare up at the ceiling as I try to think of something before I meet his eyes to say, "Wrinkled


    book. "


    "Something I don''t know, Carson. " Emerson hisses and I lift my brows, "How do you know I hate


    wrinkled books?"


    "The face you make every time you sight one?" He replies as if I''m dumb.


    "Yes, but how do you know that face? Have you been tailing me, Ford?" I taunt him and he shakes his


    head. "We''ve had plenty of encounters, Carson. We went to the same high school, we used to live right


    next to each other and now we live together. I know a lot of things you probably think I don''t. " And I


    know he''s right on that. Without attempting to, we notice things about each other than normal people


    do.


    "Truth or dare?" I ask him, dismissing the topic.


    "Truth. " Emerson responds, and I try to think of something to ask him. The only questions I have for


    Emerson Ford are ones I''ve always had¨C ones that shouldn''t be asked.


    "Why do you hate me?" The words are out of my mouth before I can think back on the words and when


    the corners of Emerson''s lips start to curve in a tiny smirk¡ª I regret letting them slip through.


    "Never knew you were so bothered by my hatred for you, Carson. " Mockery creeps into his tone as he


    speaks and I snicker before I say, "I''m not bothered, Ford. Merely curious. I''ve always wondered why


    you hate me. "


    "You speak that as though it''s one-sided. You hate me too, Carson. " Emerson points out and I nod.


    "My hatred for you only started after yours. Do you remember what you did during our first meeting?


    You tantly ignored me and yed a joke on me with your friends. After that, you were rude every


    time our paths crossed, so I''ve been curious: what made you hate me?"


    "What''s there not to hate?" He directs the question back to me, and when I re at him; he chuckles


    before lifting his hands from where they are pressed behind him. He pushes his face closer as he


    speaks, "You''re the daughter of my father''s rival. "


    "So you hated me from first sight because of that reason?" I arch my brows and Emerson bobs his


    head. "Isn''t that the whole point of family rivalry?"


    "Maybe it is, " I say. "I just never thought that was the original reason. " When I met Emerson Ford in


    the new office of my father for the very first time, I was interested in making him a friend, but that was


    until he stared at me as if I were dirt; trash that should be disposed of and that made me feel extremely


    shitty about myself. Especially after what happened.


    "But more than that, " Emerson suddenly speaks, drawing my attention back to him. "I hated you from


    first sight because you got everything I''ve always wanted. "


    "What do you mean?" I draw my brows, confused and Emerson seems to think about his words before


    he let them slip through. "The bond you have with your parents, I was jealous of that because I never


    got it with mine. I hated you because you have that so easily without having to fight for it¨C work for it.


    The first time I met you; your father stared at you withplete adoration and love was the most


    noticeable sentiment in your mother''s gaze for you. You brightened the world around you and everyone


    seemed to love something about you. I hated that, and I hated you more because you were a rival. "


    Through the years of insults and death gazes, constant chaos and hurtful remarks¡ª they were all built


    because of theck of affection he got from his parents. All because Emerson Ford was a sad kid.


    "If it makes you feel any better, it isn''t always fun. " I tell him and Emerson smiles. "You have no idea


    how envious I was of what you have, Carson. Even if it was a fraction of it¡ª I wanted it. I couldn''t care


    less whates with having that. " His words make me wonder just how badly he was treated to have


    had thoughts like that.


    "Um¡ª" Emerson clears his throat when the silence stretches for too long. "It''s my turn. "


    "Truth. " My voicees out low, a contrast to what it has been from the beginning and Ford must


    have taken notice of that because his lips turn down in a frown. "You shouldn''t think of my words. "


    "I''m not. " I assure him as I straighten my shoulders and he gives me one long look before he says, "I


    want to know. Why was that day a bad one for you? What happened, Eva?"


    His question catches me off guard and my lips part barely with no words falling from my mouth. I don''t


    have to speak. I could just grab the ss and avoid opening up to Emerson Ford in a way I''ve never


    before, but the words are at the tip of my tongue, and in a twisted, unexinable way; Emerson Ford is


    my unwantedfort so I let the words out.


    "Because that day¡ª" I pause and lift my head to meet Emerson''s eyes. They are focused on me in


    concentration and I take a breath before finishing my words. "I lost my other half, and I''m to me for


    her death. "

 T H I R T Y

    T H I R T Y


    EVA.


    Emerson''s eyes are wide with astonishment and awe as he says, "You''re a fucking twin?"


    "Was. " I correct and his face falls at that one word. "She''s dead. "


    Emerson seems at a loss for what to say, and when he opens his mouth to speak; I can tell he''s being


    cautious of his words. "What happened to her? And why are you to me for her death?"


    I drop my gaze from Emerson at the remembrance. The images of that day are clear and undisrupted


    in my mind, and it drives me crazy with each second I spend thinking back to each detail from that


    night.


    "Carson!" Emerson''s yell of my name snaps me out of my thoughts and I lift my eyes to him. "Are you


    okay?" I can effortlessly sense the worry in his voice and his gaze.


    I give him a small bob of my head as I adjust in my seat. "I don''t want to talk about it. " I''m not ready to.


    Not yet; Not to Emerson Ford.


    "I understand. "Emerson''s responsees and I clear my throat as I ce my palms on myp at the


    big change in the air. "My turn. Truth or dare, Ford?"


    "Truth. " Emerson doesn''t think twice before he says the words and I let out the question I''ve been


    dying to ask him since I was in his room. "That painting above your bed. What''s it for?"


    The moment Emerson''s expression changes, I know he knows exactly what I mean and I can tell the


    meaning behind that painting is either a dark one, or a painful one.


    "It''s an eye. " Emerson whispers and I nod. "I know, but what does the eye stand for?"


    "My mother. " His voice is small as the word falls from his mouth and my chest tightens in response


    when he continues and says, "She''s dead. "


    "Dead?" I repeat his words out of surprise. "But Mrs Ford¡ª"


    Emerson interrupts me before I can finish the rest of my words. "That''s my stepmom. "


    "Oh, " it''s the first word to slip through my parted lips. "I didn''t realize she was¨C" the rest of the words


    catch in my throat and Emerson chuckles.


    "I know, Carson. You didn''t know. I guess we''ve both lost someone important to us. "


    "Come here. " He gestures to me with his fingers and I crinkle my brows as I ask, "Why?"


    "Don''t ask me the questions, Carson. Juste here. " He urges and I jerk my head. "No. "


    "Carson¨C" he drawls, the annoyance dripping from his voice, but I stand my ground and stay rooted to


    my seat with a smile to frustrate Ford even more. "It''s your turn. "


    Emerson mumbles some inaudible words before he says, "Truth or Dare. "


    Deciding we''ve had enough hidden and sad truths for the day, I go with the other option. "Dare. "


    Emerson''s lips lift in a tiny smirk as he stares down at his body before heaving his head towards mine.


    "I dare you toe here, Carson. "


    "You have an obsession with me, don''t you?" I taunt him as I begin to move from my seat and walk


    toward him. Emerson doesn''t give a response to my words as he wraps his hands around my body and


    pulls me to hisp.


    "It isn''tfortable. " I lie as Emerson twists my body so my chest is pressed to his and his hand stays


    at the small of my back.


    "It is more thanfortable. " Comes Emerson''s answer and I draw back to stare at his face. Shining


    brown orbs that seem to carry more burden than they''ll love to reveal to the rest of the world stares


    back at me and I lift my hand to his face, stroking his jaw with my thumb.


    I feel it when Emerson takes a sharp inhale of his breath as I stroke his lips with my forefinger, pressing


    hard into the flesh before slipping a finger into his mouth.


    "Suck. " I tell him the words he seems to be fond of and Emerson res at me before moving his


    mouth off my finger.


    "You''re getting bolder, Carson. " He whispers as he lowers his touch to my waist, his fingers digging


    into the flesh and kindling a reaction that he''s capable of.


    "I''ve always been bold, Ford. " I inform him and Emerson''s lips tug up in a tiny smile as he pushes his


    face forward to whisper, "I know, Carson, but you''re getting bolder. " With each word that falls from his


    mouth, his lips brush against mine and I crave to take them in mine, but I don''t. Not yet. Not so soon.


    "Why?" The wordse out in a thick breath as Emerson''s tongue swipes over my lips. "Not the


    Daddy''s pet you expected me to be?"


    Emerson wiggles his head as his eyes trace every inch of my face. "No, you''re not. You''re more


    annoying¨C" his hands move from my waist to my thighs and he pushes it forward, inching my skirt


    along the way and exposing more of my skin to his gaze. "You''re less innocent and I find that sexy. " As


    soon as those somehow insulting yet praising words leave his lips, I push my head forward and close


    my lips over his, obliterating what''s left of the space between us.


    Emerson''s hand moves to my back again as he slowly lowers me to the floor with the game of truth or


    dare long forgotten.


    When he tries to snake his hand around me, the sound of a ss shattering brings us out of the


    moment and we stare down at the pieces of the broken ss by our side with the content in it smeared


    across the floor before we look back at each other then close the distance between us again, not giving


    a shit about what just happened.


    Emerson Ford''s touch is addicting¨C there''s something about it that seems to provoke a reaction from


    me, even in the tiniest way, but more than his touch; Emerson Ford''s taste is fucking heaven. He tastes


    like something I shouldn''t have, yet I can''t keep my hands or my mouth off, and that''s one of the


    greatest tastes that''s ever known to mankind¨C the forbidden one.


    "You wanted to y a game out of boredom. " I press my palms to Emerson''s chest and pull back to


    mock him.


    He coils his fingers through my hair and keeps his eye fixed on me as he parts my thighs with one of


    his legs and settles between them. "Having you is more effective, Carson. "


    And with those words, we go from a yful moment to a serious one and finally to the one where we''re


    the most open to each other; the one where every skin, corner and inch of our bodies is worshipped by


    the mouth of the other.


    ~


    "Hey, you. " Dan walks up to me as I walk out of my ss and I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously.


    "Were you following me?"


    Dan cracks up at my words. "I''m not that obsessed with you, sweetheart. Not just yet. " He winks and I


    let out a smallugh before he falls into steps with me.


    "Feels like it''s been long since I saw you. " He says as we take the corner that leads us to the fields.


    "I''m pretty sure we saw yesterday, Dan. " I tell him and he chuckles. "I didn''t mean to see you in that


    way, Eva. I mean spend some alone time with you. It''s been a long since ourst date. " At hisst


    words, Dan steps in front of me and stops my steps.


    "When are we going on a second one? I''ve missed being around you; only you and I. " His tongue


    peeks out of his mouth and swipes along his bottom lip and I snort at the movement. "Seems like you


    missed something else more than you missed spending time with me?" I call him out and Dan lowers


    his gaze.


    "I think I did. Don''t you?" His wordse out in a whisper as he takes a step forward, which closes the


    gap between our bodies.


    "Dan¨C" I call him as I take a look around us to see students moving out and in¨C none of them paying


    attention to us. "You do realise we''re on the campus?"


    "I know, " he responds as he presses his forehead to mine. "I just wanted to do this. " He turns his face


    to the side just before his lips meet mine, and hangs his head over my shoulder with his hands


    wrapping around me in an embrace.


    "Are you trying to eat each other faces in the middle of the field?" Dan raises his head and takes a step


    back at the sound of the voice, and I twist my body to see the blue-haired approaching us.


    "You left me in the ss to do this, Evie? I feel betrayed. " She raises a hand over her chest as she


    edges beside me and I roll my eyes before I say, " I left you in the ss because you were too


    enthralled by the presence of Sage to take notice of me. "


    Redness coats my best friend''s cheeks as she res at me and says, "I wasn''t. We were just talking


    about stuff. "


    "Of course you were. " I continue to tease her with a mischievous look on my face, knowing it infuriates


    her as much as it thrills me.


    "Where are you guys headed?" Iugh at Aliya''s miserable attempt to distract me from her topic, but I


    go along with it anyway, knowing if I should annoy her any further¨C she''ll lose it.


    "I was asking Eva to take me on a date. " Dan says as he stares down at me and Aliya grins, nudging


    me with her shoulder. "Looks like you''re having a better day than I am, don''t you think?"


    "You still owe me a well-detailed exnation of what happened with the three of youst time, bitch. " I


    throw her a frown and she raises her brows, "A well detailed?"


    "I don''t need to know about how your tongues were down each other''s throat and on each other clits. " I


    shush her in a whisper and she shakes her head, a taunting smile dancing by the corners of her lips.


    "You asked for it; you''re going to get it, babe. "


    "Can we do this some other time? I need to go with Aliya. " I tell Dan and his face slumps. "Promise?"


    "Promise. " I smile, which triggers one of his gorgeous dimpled smiles. Dan steps closer to press his


    lips to my cheek before he moves back and says goodbye.


    "Poor guy. " Aliya says when he''s out of sight and I turn to her. "He''s fallenpletely, babe. " She


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    pushes her lips forward and I shove her shoulders, causing her tough.


    "Your ce?" I ask as we begin to walk out of the campus.


    "Will you take me to your ce if I ask for it?" Aliya asks the question she has an answer to and when I


    give her no reply, she says, "See? It''s as if you''re hiding something in there, I swear. "


    How ironic it is for me to turn my head and see Emerson Ford climb into his car with Paige after those


    words from Aliya.


    "Are youing?" Aliya''s call snaps me out of my trance and I turn my head away from them.


    ~


    "I''m all ears. " I persist as we walk inside Aliya''s room and she throws herself on her bed. Her chest


    falls in a sigh as she turns her head to my side, "You won''t give up, will you?"


    "You know me more than that, baby. " I beam excitedly and she groans before moving her body to sit


    up. "It''s kind of embarrassing. " Her voice is low as she stares down at her hands and picks at her


    fingers.


    "Then you should remember you''re Aliya Collins and you have no shame. " I swat at her hand to stop


    her from picking her fingers and she lifts her eyes to me, "Fuck you, bitch. "


    "It''s a needful reminder. " I proim and she chuckles before she says, "Chloe was in my room the


    other day. "


    "I can already guess what happened. " I make a disgusted face and she scowls at me. "Do that one


    more time and you won''t hear the end of this. "


    "Fine, fine, " I cackle as I raise my hands in yful surrender. "Go ahead and speak, your highness. "


    Aliya tries to keep the frown on her face at the yful taunt, but fails miserably as the smile climbs on


    her face.


    "Sage might have or might have not caught me naked in Chloe''s arms. " She finally drops the bomb


    and my mouth hangs open in utmost shock.


    "You''ve got to be fucking kidding me. " I exim and she shakes her head. "Not kidding, babe. "


    "Why didn''t you lock the door?"


    "We were too caught up in each other to take notice of that. " She says. "But you shouldn''t be stunned


    with that, because I''m yet to tell you the real detail: what Sage did after she caught us. "


    "Storm out of here?" I lift my brows.


    "You think I''d speak to her earlier in ss if she stormed out of here?" She wouldn''t, but she couldn''t


    have done the other option that''s on my mind. No fucking way they had a threesome.


    "No, fuck, we didn''t. And I thought I was the one with the dirtiest mind. " At the sight of Aliya''s face, I


    realize the words slipped through my lips.


    "What did she do then?" I query, dismissing the thought and Aliya says, "She threw her fist in Chloe''s


    face then drove her out of here. "


    "Aww, that''s so cute. She fought for you. " I coo and Aliya pins me down with a re. "It isn''t cute. "


    "Why? Because you don''t love her?"


    "Because I don''t like how I felt after. " She confesses. "It felt good to watch her get violent because of


    me. I felt good, and I don''t like that feeling, Evie. "


    As I part my lips to speak, the vibration of my phone interrupts me and Aliya nods for me to get it.


    I fish the phone out of my bag and crease my brows at the sight of Mike''s name across the screen.


    "Dad?" I call out as I press the phone to my ear and Aliya raises her brows at me from her seat at the


    mention of the man''s name. I raise my shoulder in a shrug as a response to her unasked question as I


    wait for an answer from the other line.


    "Princess¨C" Mike''s voice sounds tired as it echoes through the phone and the realization that I haven''t


    checked on the man in a very long time stings my heart.


    "Hey, dad. Is everything alright? You don''t sound so good. " I say and there''s some shuffling in the


    background before he speaks again. "It''s your mother. "


    "Mom?" I repeat in a sudden disturbance. "What''s wrong with mom?" At my words, Aliya is by my side


    and staring down at me with worried eyes.


    "She copsed earlier and I have no idea why. She was fine this morning, but now she doesn''t look so


    good. I''ve phoned Mr Holmes and he said he can''t make it, so we''ll have to wait till tomorrow. I just


    wanted to fill you in on it. " He exins and my heart races in my chest at his words as unsettlement


    flows through me. She copsed. Mom has never copsed before¨C at least none that I know of, so


    what the fuck could have happened?


    "I''ll be there tomorrow. " I inform dad.


    "Alright, Princess. I have to get back to her. " I hum before the line disconnects and I throw my phone


    on the bed.


    "Did something happen to Delh?" Aliya asks as she ces a hand on my shoulder and I give a nod.


    "Dad said she copsed. "


    "Is she fine? Did he take her to the hospital? What did they say is the reason?" Aliya questions at once


    and I say, "He''s looking after her, but Mr Holmes couldn''t make it. "


    "Then he should take her to see another doctor?" Aliya suggests and I sniffle augh. "You don''t mean


    that. You know how Mike is; he wouldn''t even if she''s on the brink of death. He''s been like that since


    She sighs and stretches her hand over my shoulder. "You shouldn''t think about it. I''m sure it''s nothing


    serious. " Aliya assures me and I nod as she lifts her hand to the side of my face and presses my head


    to her shoulder.


    ~


    I shut the door to the apartment and throw my bag to the side as I stare around the house. When


    there''s no sign of Emerson Ford, I make my way towards my room and close the door behind me.


    I kick my boots off my feet before striding to the bathroom; stripping out of my clothes, I get under the


    shower with my hands pressed to the wall as the water rolls down my body, soothing the skin and


    calming my nerves.


    When I get back into the room, Emerson is in my bed and without a word, I d my body in my usual


    night attire of panties and a thin shirt before crawling into the bed next to him.


    "Hey. " I whisper when Emerson drapes a hand around me to bring my body flush against his and he


    smiles before he responds with, "Hey. Ready to sleep?"


    "I am. " I tell him and Emerson brushes my hair with his hand before wrapping it around the back of my


    head while the other stays on my waist. I drop a leg over his and keep my arms secured around his


    waist with my head pressed to his chest as I listen to the soft beats of his heart and the fluffy breaths


    over my head, knowing this will be thest night I get to have that.


    I don''t know why I tell him about it, but the words handily slip through my parted lips. "I have to head


    home tomorrow. "


    The silence that takes over the space of the room after my words stretches for a long, and I begin to


    think he fell asleep and didn''t catch my words until Emerson speaks. "Why?"


    "My mom. Something happened so I have to make sure she''s alright. " I tell him and there''s that silence


    again.


    "Close your eyes, Carson. " It''s the only response Emerson gives before he presses me tighter to his


    body, and I do exactly like he said; letting the sleep take away my worries for a short time in his


    warmth.


    EMERSON.


    When her breath fans against my throat, I know she''s asleep and I pull away to stare at her face. The


    annoyingly beautiful face of Eva Carson.


    I lift my hand and carefully tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear to not wake her up before pressing a


    feathery kiss near her eye.


    Ever since that night, I feel a closeness to her in a way I have never felt before, but I have no idea how


    she feels from that night. Eva Carson is the most difficult woman I''ve ever met; she knows how to close


    off her emotions, and it gets hard to tell what''s going on in her head. She knows how to give a little


    detail on how she feels without giving too much, and she knows how to easily slip into how it''s always


    been from the very beginning. I''ve always seen women as easy creatures¨C they either feel or they


    don''t. But it''s different with this woman because it''s hard to tell if she''s feeling, feels too little, feels too


    much or doesn''t feel at all unless she lets you in and that''s something I find interesting about her.


    The previous night, I was in her bed. This morning, she fell right back to degrading me and just now,


    she crawled into her bed with me and expressed her thoughts. A thought that tugs at my heart. A


    thought that makes me want to take her hand and hold it as a promise to assure she''s fine; A thought


    that makes me want to take her face in my palms and kiss away her concerns; A thought that makes


    me feel things I shouldn''t.


    And now, as I watch her chest rise and fall in her sleep¨C I know I might be hating Eva Carson a lot


    more than I should and that shit fucking scares me.

 T H I R T Y - O N E

    T H I R T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    "Do you want me to take you?" Emerson asks as he emerges from his room and I shake my head in


    refusal to his offer. "No, I don''t. Do you have a death wish? I''m heading home, Ford. "


    "So?" He raises his brows in questioning and I give him a dumb look. "So I''m going to meet my father,


    who hates the very sight of you. "


    "I know that, Carson. I''m not stupid; I was going to drop you a few blocks away. " He suggests and I


    narrow my eyes at him, "And why would you do that?"


    "Because I want to?" He says in more of a question than an answer. We stand still after Emerson''s


    words, just staring into each other''s eyes before I break the gaze and look away from him as I say, "No,


    Ford. I don''t need your help. "


    Emerson doesn''t say a word as I twist my body in the other direction and begin to make my way out of


    the room.


    "I was generous enough to ask for your opinion. " I hear Emerson whisper behind me before there''s the


    sound of his footsteps trailing after me. When I make it through the door, Emerson is right behind me


    and I halt my steps to turn to him.


    "What?" I snap in annoyance when I turn back to him.


    "I''m taking you home, Carson. " It isn''t a question. It''s a deration¨C one that Emerson Ford doesn''t


    get to use on me, but I''m running out of time and I know the more I stay here, trying to get Emerson off


    my back; the more he''ll continue to persist till I eventually give into his demand.


    "Fine. " I grumble and a smile of satisfaction creeps into his face. "That''s what I thought. "


    "Don''t overdo it, or I''ll take back my word. " I warn him but Emerson ignores me as he strides towards


    his car. I watch as he walks around the car to get to the driver''s seat and I stare at the passenger''s


    door.


    "Aren''t you supposed to open the door for me, Ford? " I call out to him and Emerson raises his head


    from his other side to say, "Funny of you to think I''d do something like that for you, Carson. Get in. " He


    motions to the door and I shake my head, the corners of my lips curving in a tiny smile as I open the


    door and climb inside the car.


    I fish my phone from my pocket as Emerson starts the engine and drives out of his spot.


    ALIYA: Hey, are you on your way? Do you want me toe with you?


    My fingers hover over the keypad as Emerson moves over my body, and I stare down at him as he


    fastens my seatbelt before moving back to his seat.


    Original content from N?velDrama.Org.


    When I look to his seat, he meets my eyes and says, "You''re wee. "


    "I never thanked you for anything, Ford. " I mutter as I bring my attention back to my best friend''s text to


    type out a reply.


    ME: On my way, and no, you don''t have toe with me. I don''t want you to mess up your sses.


    Aliya''s new textes instantly.


    ALIYA: The sses aren''t that important, Evie. It''ll do no damage, I promise.


    ME: No, Lia. I''ll be fine. You don''t have to worry about me.


    I stare at the series of messages and let out a sigh as I drop the phone.


    "Hey, Carson. " Emerson calls next to me and I angle my head to his view. "She''ll be fine. " He says


    and I nod before letting my head fall against the window as he drives farther away from our apartment


    and closer to my home.


    ~


    "Stop here. " I tell Emerson when he''s only a few houses away from mine. He parks to the side and I


    unfasten the belt across my chest before turning to grab my backpack from the backseat.


    When I settle back in my seat, Emerson''s eyes are on me with fingers drumming against the steering


    wheel.


    "You do know you won''t get a thank you from me, right?" I arch my brows and he cackles. "You''re the


    rudest woman I''ve ever met, Carson. "


    "I could say the same about you, Ford. " I throw back and there''s a silence after that. He stares into my


    eyes for too long till I''m afraid he''s peeling eachyer of my form and I clear my throat, taking my gaze


    from his.


    "I should leave. " I tell him and Emerson hums. After a few seconds of lingering in my seat and gnawing


    at my lips at the awkward goodbye, I make my way out of the car. Before I can step away, Emerson


    calls my name and I bend over the window to meet his eyes.


    "When will you being back?" He asks and a smirk pulls to my lips as I say, "Are you missing me


    already, Ford?"


    Emerson''s response catches me off guard when he says, "Maybe. "


    My lips part in surprise until he adds. "There''s no one else to hate, Carson. "


    I shake my head as I take a step back. "No one else to fuck either. How will you hold up, Ford?" I tease


    him.


    "You don''t have to be back at the apartment for me to fuck you. " He answers and I furrow my brows,


    "What''s that supposed to mean? "


    Emerson doesn''t give a response and I wonder what he means by those words before I say, "I don''t


    know. "


    "Don''t know?" Emerson repeats and I give a bob of my head. "Depends on how big the damage is.


    Might be days or weeks. "


    "I''ll see you around then, Carson. " Something is convincing about those words as Emerson starts the


    engine and drives off, and I stand still as I watch his car move out of sight.


    "I''ll see you around, Ford. " The words that fall from my mouth float in the air as I walk down to my


    house.


    I barge through the door to see Dad walking down the stairs towards the exit with a man by his side.


    His eyes light up when his gaze settles on me and I give him a small smile as I walk toward him,


    throwing myself in his embrace.


    "Hey, Princess. " He whispers near my ear as he caresses my hair before pulling back to say, "You


    were worried, weren''t you?"


    "How''s she? "I ask him as I take a peek behind him and he gestures in the direction of the rooms. "Go


    ahead and wait for me. I need to see Mr Holmes out. " At the mention of the family''s doctor, I turn to


    one of the kindest men I''ve grown to know, and bow my head slightly.


    "Good morning, Mrs Holmes. " The average height man with a friendly smile nods his head at me.


    "Eva. It feels like it''s been a while since Ist saw you. You''ve grown so beautiful. "


    "Thank you. " I give him one of my smiles as a response to thepliment before looking back at Mike


    who squeezes my shoulder as he steps to the side to walk the man out of the house.


    As I watch their frames disappear through the door, I twist my body in the direction of my father''s room


    and walk down the path. Standing in front of the door, I turn the knob and walk inside, stopping at the


    sight of my mother''s body on the bed.


    My heart tugs at the sight and I shrug my backpack from my body, tossing it to one side of the room


    before strolling to her side. I sit on the edge of the bed and grab her hand, stirring her awake in the


    process.


    "Eva¨C" she calls my name weakly and attempts to sit up on the bed but I press a hand to her shoulder


    to keep her in her lying form as I say, "Please, don''t try to. Just stay still. "


    Mom nods and settles back as I adjust the pillow before she snaps her head to my side, a worried


    expression on her face. "Why did youe home, Eva?"


    "How couldn''t I? You have no idea how worried I was when dad called me. " I tell her and she sighs. "I


    told him not to trouble you. I''m fine, it was just a small incident. "


    "A small incident?" I''m unable to hide the worry in my voice and I''m unable to keep it down at how


    rxed she is about this. "You copsed, mom. You fucking copsed. What if dad wasn''t there? What


    if you were all alone? You would have¨C" the rest of my words are silenced when mom ces a hand


    over the one that is holding hers and softens her gaze.


    "I know what you''re thinking, and it''s nothing like that. " She assures in a small voice and I swallow


    down my throat before I open my mouth to speak again. "I know it isn''t, but I was scared. I can''t bear


    the thought of something bad happening to you, mom. It''ll kill me. "


    "I know, " a weak smile makes its way to her face as she shifts closer to my side. "And nothing is ever


    going to happen to me. Not with your father here. "


    "And that you can be sure of. " We both turn our heads to the sound of dad''s voice and he''s leaning


    against the wall next to the door.


    "What did Mr Holmes say?" The question leaves my mouth as dad strides toward us with his hands in


    his pockets.


    He takes a nce at his wife and climbs on the bed before he looks back at me to say, "She''s stressed.


    He said her body is weak and she needs rest. Nothing more. "


    "Have you been doing some extra worktely, mom?" I avert my gaze to mom, who seems to blush at


    the mention of my words.


    "I haven''t..." She says and looks to her side where her husband is clinging to her. "But your father has


    been extra activetely. "


    When I realize the meaning behind those words, I scrunch my nose and look at dad who''s staring at his


    wife with surprise masking his face. "Could you keep it in your pants for a while, Mike Carson? "


    Dad turns his gaze to me and his next words give a change to the atmosphere in the room. "I''m just


    trying to get you a sister, Princess. "


    Silence stretches between the three of us as I stare down at the sheets and I hear mom whisper some


    words to dad.


    "Will you be heading back to school now that you''re assured I''m fine and your father just overreacted?"


    Mom questions in a yful tone, her attempt to lighten the tension that''s suddenly taken over, working


    quite well.


    "No, " I shake my head as I move off the bed. "I''ll be staying until I''m sure you''re a hundred percent


    fine. "


    "But your studies¨C" mom tries to argue, but I''m quick to silence the rest of her words. "I''ll be fine. I''ll


    take notes from my friends once I go back, it''s nothing to be worried about. "


    My parents turn to look at each other and their worried expression slowly dissolves to be reced by


    their bright smiles as mother turns to me and says, "You''re more than wee to stay, Eva. I''ve


    missed waking up to having you around. "


    I let out a chuckle. "I know. You tell me that on phone every time. "


    "Nothing feels like home?" She raises her brows and I have no fucking idea why the image of Emerson


    cuddling me on the couch crosses my mind at that moment. I shake it off before I can dwell too much


    on it and turn my attention back to my mother to repeat her words. "Nothing feels like home. "


    "Your room is just as you left it. " Mike informs me and I nod with a smile, strutting towards mom to


    press my lips to her forehead before I turn back, and grab my backpack to walk out of the room.


    I take the path to my room with only a few steps, and true to dad''s words; it''s just like I left it. The only


    thing that''s missing in a room I''ve had for years is my shelf of books. I was in a hurry to get down here,


    I didn''t even bring my favourite stuff with me.


    "My days here will surely be long ones. "


    I mumble under my breath as I throw myself on the familiar soft mattress.


    ~


    I carefully close the door to my mother''s room and stare at the frame for a while before finding my way


    down the hallway that leads to mine.


    It''s been three days since I''ve been home and they said she''s getting better with each day that passes¨C


    something I hope is nothing but the truth.


    My phone buzzes in my pant pockets just as I step in front of my door, and I fish it out; the name across


    the screen is one I didn''t think I would see in a very long time.


    ANNOYING FORD: Mine is too hot and the living room is too cold.


    I furrow my brows in confusion at the text and I begin to type out a reply as I open my door and walk


    inside my room.


    ME: What are you on, Ford?


    As I click on the send button, I raise my head and my lips part in shock at the sight before me.


    "I''ll be sleeping here tonight, Carson. My room is too hot. " Emerson Ford. Emerson fucking Ford is on


    my bed.

 T H I R T Y - T W O

    T H I R T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    I take a peek at the door behind me to make sure it''s closed before I turn back to Emerson who moves


    off my bed and strides towards me with a grin on his face.


    "What the fuck do you think you''re doing here?" I question in a whisper and Emerson''s grin fades into a


    frown as he ces a hand on his chest and says, "Ouch, Carson. "


    "I''m not messing around, Ford. Why are you here? How did you even get up to my room? What the


    fuck was going through your head when you made this decision?"


    Emerson heaves a sigh as his hands fall to his side and he slips them into his pockets. "That I needed


    toe provoke you?"


    "It isn''t funny, Ford. " I say in a serious tone and he chuckles, "You take everything damn too serious,


    Carson. There was adder out there, " he jerks his head to the direction of my window. "And I already


    texted you the reason; my room is too hot. "


    I fold my arms against my chest and cock my brows at him as I say, "So you drove from Washington


    university, down here and climbed through a window to sleep in my bed because yours is too hot?"


    He bobs his head and a scoff falls from my mouth. "I don''t believe you. "


    "Okay fine. Every other was right except me driving down from school. I''ve been here since yesterday. "


    He confesses and I say, "By here, you mean you''ve been home?"


    Emerson hums and takes another step forward, securing his arms around my waist and bringing me


    into his chest. "You look alright; I''m guessing nothing big happened?"


    "Can we talk about how stupid you were to climb up to my room? I could just throw you off, you know. "


    I tell him in a grim voice and Emerson shakes his head, a daring smile covering his lips. "I don''t think


    you''ll do that, Carson. "


    "Are you daring¡ª" I start to speak, but Emerson moves one hand from my waist to press a finger to my


    lips, silencing the rest of my words. "Less talk about the move I just made and more talk about what''s


    happening. "


    When he withdraws his finger from my lips, I scowl at him before I soften my gaze and let the words


    slip through my parted lips. "She''s fine. Just minor stress, nothing more. "


    "Then why didn''t you return to the apartment?" He questions as he trails one hand to the small of my


    back, before letting it fall to the hem of my top and slipping it under the clothing, caressing and soothing


    the skin under.


    I angle my head to the side as a tiny smirk climbs on my face. "Why do you ask? Did you miss me that


    much?"


    Emerson''s lips twitch, but he doesn''t say a word as his hand stops its movement underneath my top


    before he abruptly presses a hand to the back of my head, pushing my head against his chest.


    "Ford¨C" I call as I struggle to get out of his hold, but it only gets tighter, and the more I try to resist; the


    harder he holds onto me.


    "Just stay still, Carson. Don''t move. " His wordse out in a whisper and I groan against his chest,


    "You''re fondling me, Ford and you smell awful. Whenst did you take a bath? God, you reek so


    fucking much. " At my words, Emerson is quick to pull away from me, putting some distance between


    us as he checks across his body and tries to sniff his underarm, and augh breaks from my throat at


    the silly movement from him.


    "You honestly didn''t take a bath? I was fucking with you, Ford. " I tell him and he lifts his gaze in


    realization, his hands falling to the sides as his shoulders sink in a sigh. "I hate you. "


    "I know. " I beam before walking past him to my window. I gaze down to thedder with which Emerson


    climbed into my room before looking back to the said man. "This looks unsteady. What if you had


    fallen?"


    Emerson twists his entire body in my direction to say, "I''m more skilful at that than you think, but cute of


    you to get worried about me, Carson. "


    I snort out augh. "Worrying for you is thest thing on my mind. I was worried your father might react


    differently to his son climbing through the window of his rival''s daughter. " At the mention of his father''s


    name, Emerson''s expression changes to a sourful one and my smile drops.


    I walk to my bed and settle on the soft mattress before calling out to Emerson and patting the space


    next to me. "Come here. "


    He looks between me and the bed before moving from his spot to my side and taking the seat beside


    me. The irritated expression doesn''t leave his face and I clear my throat as I shift closer to him till our


    shoulders are pressed to each other.


    "Why are you home?" I ask and duck my head to get a good view of his face. Emerson stares down at


    me and uncertainty seems to cloud his features before he opens his mouth to give a response to my


    query. "Just some family shit; nothing serious. "


    When I don''t remove my gaze from his, Emerson continues, "And I was serious about my room being


    too hot. "


    I shake my head as I begin to pull back from his face, but his hand moves to my shoulder to keep me


    on the spot and his gaze softens as he says, "I''m not messing around, Carson. "


    "I''m sure there are plenty of rooms in your house, Ford. " I remind him of that fact, but Emerson doesn''t


    seem to agree with my words as he argues, "They are all hot. "


    "Now that''s just a ludicrous lie. " I cackle and he pushes his face closer till his hot breath blows over my


    face and I close my eyes at the warmth thates with it before opening them to the brown orbs


    surrounded by specks of gold. Emerson''s voice bes an echo that resonates deep at the back of


    my mind as I get lost in those gorgeous eyes of his.


    "Carson, " Emerson calls, pulling me out of my trance and I blink once before lifting my brows and he


    says, "They are all hot because you aren''t on the other side. " Emerson dares to speak those words to


    me, then he has a bigger audacity to lean over my shoulder, close to my ear to whisper, "I''m sleeping


    here tonight. " It''s not a request; it''s a deration. The kind that doesn''t get to be questioned.


    "And if I say no?" I raise my brows and confidence oozes from his words as he says, "You won''t say


    that. "


    "You sound so sure of yourself, Ford. And you shouldn''t be. " I say and he smiles before wrapping his


    arms around me, dragging me along with him as he falls on the bed.


    "I sleep better with you around, Carson. " He confesses and I press my lips into a thin line at the


    reaction those words elicit from me.


    "I need to change. " I tell Emerson and move his hands from my body before getting off the bed to


    change into my usual attire. Emerson''s gaze shamelessly remains on me after he got out of his


    clothes, and climb back into the bed.


    "You could have had the decency to turn away. " I taunt him as I fall next to him, and Emerson wraps a


    hand around my body, twisting me so my back is pressed to his front. "I''ve seen those movements too


    many times to have decency, Carson. "


    "You wouldn''t if it were to be otherwise. " I say and he chuckles, the sound tingling my face before it


    dies down and peaceful silence settles in the air.


    "Hey, Carson. " Emerson whispers with his lips on my ear and I shudder at the contact before I say,


    "What?"


    He lifts his body slightly from the bed and drops his mouth on my neck as he whispers, "Go out with me


    tomorrow. "


    "What?" The word falls from my mouth in surprise as I twist my body in his direction to stare up at him,


    and Emerson repeats the words; firm and clear. "Go out with me tomorrow. "


    "No. " My response to his suggestiones out sharp and Emerson appears slightly taken aback by


    the word, but he''s quick to catch onto himself as he lifts his brows at me. "Why not?"


    "What do you mean why not? I''m not going to go on a date with you, Ford. " I state the obvious with my


    lips turned in a frown. A date with Emerson Ford is transcending all boundaries; going beyond what


    shouldn''t be; crossing a line that should never be crossed between the two of us.


    "It''s not a date. " Emerson says, pulling me back to the moment. "I don''t want to stay home, and I need


    somepany. "


    "Then you should head back to school. " I tell him with a dismissive raise of my shoulder and Emerson


    shakes his head, "No, I can''t do that. Not yet. "


    "Why not?" I question, narrowing my eyes at him and he shifts his gaze from me, his eyes falling on my


    lower body as he slips his hand underneath the thin shirt I have on and twirls his finger around my belly


    button. I swat his hand away when it begins to tickle and Emerson lifts his head to me again to say, "I''m


    not done with what I came here for. "


    "A day home wouldn''t kill you, Ford. " I point out and he disagrees with my words. "Not physically, but it


    would somehow. "


    "Asking me to go out with you is against the rules of our agreement. " I remind him and Emerson only


    thinks about it for a few seconds before he says, "Rules are meant to be bent to make things easier,


    Carson and if we''re being honest, we''ve been doing things that go against some rules at certain


    moments, but as long as we only bend it for those moments and not break it, then it should be fine.


    Plus it isn''t actual closeness, it''s more of passing away time. "


    I shouldn''t. Do not cross that damn line, Eva. No matter how much you want to be there for him, do not


    fucking cross¨C "I''ll rethink my decision if you beg nicely. " The words leave my mouth against my better


    judgement, pushing away the rational thoughts screaming at me from the back of my head.


    Emerson moves his other hand from around my neck and turns his body over minepletely with his


    hands pressed on either side of me, pinning me to the bed.


    "I have a better idea that could change your mind. " He doesn''t remove his eyes from mine as he lifts


    one hand and caresses the skin of my exposed thighs¨C igniting a reaction from me the second there''s


    contact and leaving a burning ache everywhere his hand glides over.


    My eyes move to the door and the realization that I''m about to fall into Emerson''s game when my


    parents are literally down the hall snaps me out of the enhancement his touch got me into and I p his


    hand away with a scowl directed at him as I say, "You are lucky I''m letting you sleep here, Ford and


    now you want more?"


    "What are you afraid of?" He mumbles as he moves over me again and I push at his chest, causing


    him to lose his bnce and fall next to me.


    "I''m not afraid¨C" I start as I turn to the side to meet his eyes. "But I''m not about to let you fuck me in my


    father''s house. "


    "Will you change your mind if I manage to do that?" He wiggles his brows and I throw him a re,


    which earns augh from him.


    "Fine, " he says through the sound. "Come out tomorrow with me, Carson¨C" when I give him a nk


    face, he adds, "Please. "


    "That''s more like it. Maybe I would after all. " I wink at him and he lets out a tiny chuckle before draping


    a hand over my waist to bring me closer. As I attempt to get into the favourite position with him, there''s


    a knock at my door and what follows is the sound of my father''s voice. Oh fuck¨C


    I lift my eyes to Emerson and press a finger to my lips as a gesture for him to keep quiet before sliding


    out of the bed, and striding towards my door. Pulling the door back, Dad stands in front of me in his


    usual attire which tells me he just finished working.


    "Hey, dad. " I smile at him and he tries to take a peek behind me, but I move along with the movement


    of his eyes and when he looks back at me, I stop. "What''s wrong?"


    "I thought I heard some soundsing from your room. Wanted to check to make sure you''re alright. "


    He says and I nod. "Of course, I am. That was just the sound of my movie. "


    "Are you sure?" He furrows his brows as he repeats his earlier action and I move along again. "I don''t


    know, it sounded like you were speaking to someone, Princess. "


    "Oh, that was the movie. I was too invested in it. " The lie falls smoothly that I pat myself in the back for


    it when Dad gives me a look that tells me he believes those words.


    "Alright, Princess, but you shouldn''t stay awake all night doing that. You need to take a rest, and try not


    to talk too loud. " When he jerks his head in the direction of his room, I give him a thumbs up to tell him


    I understand.


    "Will do. " I assure him and he smiles, moving forward to press his lips to my forehead before pulling


    back to say, "Goodnight, Princess. "


    "Goodnight, Dad. " I give him a wave before shutting the door when I ensure he''s down the hallway.


    The sight of Emerson on the bed with his hands behind his head, flexing his biceps which gives a surge


    to a fantastic view, wees me as I push back against the doorframe.


    "Come to bed. " He says, and goddamn¨C if those are not the sexiest words I''ve heard all day. With the


    lowered voice and the eye contact, I suddenly wish this was a different situation and we weren''t stuck


    in this room so I would crawl to that man and give him a show that''ll undoubtedly be one of the best


    he''s ever gotten in his entire life. But with everything surrounding us, I have no choice but to press my


    thighs together to soothe the ache that has risen because of Emerson Ford and hope I can make it


    through the rest of the night with him on my bed without jumping at him in the middle to swipe my


    tongue down his mouthwatering skin.


    "Carson¨C" the familiar call of my name snaps me out of my perverted, raucous thoughts and I push my


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    body off the wall to walk to bed, climbing on my side and snuggling into his chest without another word.


    "You''re wet, Carson. " Emerson announces as his hand slips between my legs and rubs the sweet spot


    between my thighs; doing absolutely nothing to get those dirty images off my mind and everything to


    intensity them.


    I lift my head from Emerson''s chest to stare down at his boxers and his cock is straining against the


    material, threatening to make a hole if it isn''t let out. "You''re hard. " I tell him as I give faint rubs over his


    bulge and I feel Emerson''s loud sharp inhale.


    "That looks painful, " I say as I continue to give faint rubs that I know only worsen the situation as much


    as he does to the mess between my legs with his fingers.


    "I know. " He sighs as he moves his hand from my thighs. "Eyes shut should get me out of it. "


    When my lips parts to speak, Emerson says, "I can''t handle a touch from you to me or from me to you;


    I''ll end up moving you to your fours and fucking you, Carson and I wouldn''t give a shit whether your


    father catches me in the act or not, and trust me he would¨C because I won''t let you hold back your


    screams. " There''s a thrill that''s attached to dangerous things and that thrill floats through me at those


    words from him, but that thrill doesn''t always turn out to be fun if it goes the wrong way, which is why I


    follow Emerson''s safe advice and close my eyes as I press my head to his chest.


    "Your heart is beating too fast, Ford. " I call him out as a tease and Emerson growls lowly in response.


    "Shut up and close your eyes, Carson. "


    I chortle and let him stroke my hair before I do as he said.


    ~


    When I open my eyes, the first gaze I take is to my right and the space beside me is empty with the


    imprints of Emerson Ford''s body nearly invisible, which means he''s been out of here for a long time.


    I breathe and stretch my hands behind my head before the vibration of my phone interrupts me and I


    grab the mobile; his name staring back at me.


    ANNOYING FORD: Dress sexy and meet me where I dropped youst time.


    His message is straight to the point and I scoff at the first words. Dress sexy?


    ME: I''ve never dressed ugly, Ford and why the fuck are you texting me this so damn early?


    Before I can scroll away from his message, there''s a new text.


    ANNOYING FORD: Aww, cute of you to have such high esteem about your dressing, Carson. It isn''t


    early, it''s past nine.


    I''m about to call out Emerson for his words until my gaze catches the time at the edge of the screen


    and my mouth hangs open. Past nine? Why the fuck did I sleep so much?


    Dismissing the other topic, I type out a reply to his insult.


    ME: That exins why you''re obsessed with my body.


    ANNOYING FORD: I love your pussy and your tits; not your clothes. It''s what''s underneath, Carson. If


    it were to be otherwise, It''d be such a pity.


    ME: Could have fooled me, Ford but expressing your thoughts about yourself to me isn''t the right way


    to deal with it, and one more point: what''s underneath is as pitiful as what''s on the surface.


    With a satisfied grin on my face at my response, the three dots appear at the edge of the screen which


    indicates he''s typing and when a few seconds pass without a text, I cackle and throw my phone to the


    side before getting out of bed.


    I make my way into the bathroom, and strip out of my clothes.


    Walking out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist, I grab my backpack and spread


    the clothes on the bed.


    After a few minutes of indecision, I settle on my light blue short dress with short sleeves. dding my


    body in it, I stare at the mirror in front of me and pull my hair into a tight ponytail before grabbing my


    phone to walk out of the room.


    Making my way into the living room, mom is on the sofa with the remote control in her hand.


    "Good morning, beautiful. " I greet her with a cheerful voice and her gaze drops to me.


    "Morning, baby. Are you heading somewhere?" Mom asks as her eyes roam across my body and I bob


    my head. "Out with a friend. "


    "You didn''t tell me Aliya came back with you, Eva. " She says with a frown.


    "It isn''t Aliya. She''s back at campus. " I inform her and she furrows her brows, "Then what friend do you


    mean? I didn''t think you have any other friend apart from her?"


    "Mom!" I exim, feigning annoyance and sheughs. "What? It''s the truth, baby. I don''t see you


    around anyone else, but her. "


    "Of course, I have other friends. Aliya just happens to be the best out of them. " I tell her and she hums.


    "When do I get to meet this friend of yours?"


    "You don''t have to meet her, and no telling dad about this. " I say and when mom looks me down as a


    silentint about the tone of my words, I add, "Please. "


    A smile climbs on her face, taking over her hard demeanour and she gives a nod. "Alright, I''ll cover for


    you this time, but you don''t get to bete. I don''t want to be the only one in the house. "


    "I''ll be back before Mrs Martins leaves and before dad arrives. " I assure her, striding towards her to


    press a kiss to her forehead before I pull back to say, "Don''t do anything. Let Mrs Martins take care of


    everything. "


    "I won''t. "


    "Promise?" I pin her down with a hard look and she shakes her head, augh slipping through her


    parted lips before she says, "Promise, baby. "


    With another kiss on her cheek, I make my way out of the house and take the path that will lead me to


    Emerson Ford.


    True to his words, Emerson''s car is parked at the same spot he dropped me four days ago, and I take a


    look around out of instinctiveness before striding closer to the car. I make contact with my knuckles to


    the window and when I hear the sound of a click, I pull back the door and climb inside his car.


    Emerson is in his usual attire of ckness when I snap my head to him, except this time; he doesn''t


    bring his jacket along, leaving him in his round neck ck T-shirt that tightens around his upper arms in


    an annoyingly attractive way.


    As I fasten my seatbelt, Emerson says, "I told you to dress sexy, Carson. "


    "Fuck off and start the car. " I scowl at him and the sound of a chuckle swirls in the air before he starts


    the engine and drives out of the spot.


    I take a peek at Emerson when his eyes are on the road, and when he''s about to meet my gaze; I look


    away and stare down at my phone with a fast heartbeat.


    The more Emerson drives further away from our houses; the more I''m reminded that this is a fucking


    disaster, but we''re somehow both getting into it.

 T H I R T Y - T H R E E

    T H I R T Y - T H R E E


    EVA.


    "Where are we going?" I ask Emerson and he spares me only a nce before gazing ahead of him.


    "You''ll know when we get there. "


    Rolling my eyes at his response, I grab my phone from my side and turn on the screen to be met with


    new text notifications¡ª Dan and Aliya.


    I open Aliya''s first and augh falls from my mouth at the words across my screen.


    ALIYA: Hey bitch, just a reminder but did you tell Delh you were the one who told me not toe


    with and check on her beautiful face?


    ME: I didn''t. I told her you were being an ungrateful bitch, and what are you on this morning? You


    sound excited, and that''s saying a lot because I can feel it from here.


    With the click of the send button, I scroll to Dan''s texts, which will be the first ones I have had from him


    since I left school.


    DAN: I''m devastated you didn''t think to check on me, Eva.


    DAN: Busy again?


    DAN: Your blue-haired friend told me you left to take care of some things, so this is me checking up on


    you. Is everything alright?


    ME: I was quite busy with stuff. Sorry, Daniel and thank you for the checkups. Everything is fine.


    As soon as I send my reply to Dan''s text, Aliya''s replyes in.


    ALIYA: I was right to have called you a witch, Evie. What other powers have you got?


    ME: Don''t fuck around with me, bitch. What happened with Sage this time? Or is it Chloe?


    I stare at my sent message before I begin to type out a new one, just to infuriate her.


    ME: Or is it both?


    "I see you''re having a lot of fun over there, Carson. " I lift my head at Emerson''s voice and look around


    us to see the car has stopped moving and we''re in front of a familiar restaurant.


    "A restaurant?" I say when my gaze rests on Emerson again and he hums as he unfastens his seatbelt,


    "I''m famished, Carson. You can stay in the car if you aren''t, that would honestly make things easier for


    me. "


    He walks out of the car, and I don''t exactly feel like taking something, but just to annoy Ford after his


    words; I climb out of the car and follow behind him.


    As I walk through the door, half of the seats are upied and I slide into one at the far end while


    Emerson walks to the front counter. He mumbles some words that certainly don''t sound like an order to


    the woman in front of him, who have too bright of a smile on her face. Emerson''s stance and the easy


    exchange with the woman as she pushes him by the shoulder tell me this is a ce he''s familiar with.


    After a few minutes of watching Emerson''s interaction with her, I drop my gaze back to my phone and


    open the new texts.


    ALIYA: We have something going on doesn''t mean they are the reason behind my excitement. I


    received a call from my mom earlier.


    Aliya''s mother is a busy woman who rarely has time for her family, but when she''s around¨C she lightens


    up everyone''s mood and makes the world around her so easy. Despite her busy schedule, I consider


    her a beautiful mother and thates a lot from her daughter.


    ME: It''s hard to tell when you''re in love, baby. What did Mrs Collins say? Is she back home?


    I lift my head from my phone to take a peek at Emerson, only to meet his eyes and he jerks his head


    with an odd look on his face.


    "What?" I furrow my brows and when my eyes trail the direction; he''s nodding towards the exit.


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    "You want me to leave?" I mouth to him and he nods before he mouths back, "Now. "


    With a frown, I move from my seat and stride toward the exit. I stand by the car and Emerson motions


    for me to get in as he walks out of the restaurant and moves around the car to get into the driver''s seat.


    "Did something happen?" I ask him as he fastens his seatbelt.


    "My sister is in there. " He says as he starts the engine and drives from the spot without taking another


    nce back. Emerson''s sister: Hanna Ford. I''ve seen her only a few times and she looks the nicest out


    of the family with her brilliant eyes and a gorgeous smile that''s always on her face whenever I see her.


    "You''re scared of your sister?" I chuckle as I sink into my seat and Emerson throws me a two-second


    re before he takes his eyes to the front of him and says, "I''m not. She''s annoying, and I don''t want to


    deal with her. "


    "She looks less annoying than you do in my opinion. " I tell him and Emerson snorts out augh before


    he says, "You''re yet to meet her, Carson. I promise you; if you ever do, you''ll wish you never had. "


    "I''m not surprised you feel that way when I''m sure you''re the bad egg. " I let out and Emerson''s hand


    falls to my exposed thigh as a response to my words; giving the flesh a tiny, but effective pinch that


    makes me re at him before he removes his hand with a smug smile on his face.


    "Where are we headed this time? Another restaurant?" I question as I look out the window to see we''re


    moving away from the ces I''m familiar with and edging closer to the parts of the town that are


    unknown to me.


    "You''ll see, Carson. " He responds as he drops his hand to my thigh again, smoothing his touch across


    the skin this time. "I''m not taking you to somewhere I could effortlessly kill you, so you don''t have to


    look so terrified. " He jokes.


    "Certainly will be more terrified with everything else, but you, Ford. " I throw back and Emerson cracks


    up before the sound slowly fades and the rest of the drive is in silence.


    ~


    My head is against the window as I watch him drive pass ces in a blur with his fingers drumming


    against my thigh. Emerson, however, interrupts the moment as the cares to a halt and says,


    "We''re here. "


    I look out the window to see a blue ocean ahead of us. He brought me to a beach?


    "You want to drown me, Ford?" I shut the car door and trail behind Emerson, who opens the car''s trunk


    and brings out a surfing board.


    "I wouldn''t let you pollute the water, Carson. I love it too much to cause it that pain. " He says as he


    steers forward and I stare at the space around us before looking back at Emerson. "Why''s no one


    here?"


    I fall into steps with Emerson as he responds to my question, "People rarelye down to this part of


    the town. It''s the easiest ce to be without having to worry about anyone seeing you or recognizing


    you. "


    "What are you doing?" I ask the obvious as I watch him strip out of his clothes, leaving him in just his


    boxers and he turns back to me to say, "Surfing. Do you want toe with me?"


    I stare between him and the tides before I shake my head. "No, thank you. "


    Emerson presses the surfing board to his side and cock his brows at me. "Are you scared, Carson?


    Never surfed before?"


    "Yes, I''ve never surfed before, but I''m not scared, Ford; I just don''t want to get into the water. " I inform


    him and he nods before turning back and I watch as he gets on the board.


    I settle on the shore and pull my legs up to my chest, cing my head on the bent knees with my arms


    wrapped around the side as I watch Emerson bend his knees with his chin raised high as he ys


    games with the tides.


    He glides over the waves with graceful moves and confidence that surrounds his entire form. He surfs


    like it''s the only thing that matters to him in the entire world; like it''s the only thing that''s keeping him


    sane; the only thing that he gets to do. With delight, gratification and enthusiasm, and that''s unhidden


    from my view.


    Emerson emerges to the shore after giving a satisfying scenery with his board tucked under his arm,


    each step he takes.


    I remove my gaze from the distracting view when Emerson reaches in front of me and pushes the


    board into the sand before taking a seat beside me.


    "Enjoyed the view, Carson?" I take a minute to remind myself he''s talking about the show he just had


    with the waves, and not the distracting, pretty thing between his legs.


    "If you''re looking forpliments, you won''t find them with me. " I tell him and he snickers before


    shifting closer to my side and pressing his hands behind him, a sigh leaving his lips as he stares at the


    ocean.


    "How long have you been doing this?" I ask him after a few minutes of silence between us and


    Emerson snaps his head to my side to meet my eyes before he looks back at the view before him, and


    say, "About three years now. "


    "You look like you enjoy it. " I say and his lips curve into a smile. "It''s one of my favourite things to do;


    preferably the best out of all. It distracts me from a lot of things when I need it to, pulls me away from


    the rest of the world and brings me to the time where there''s only the ocean and I. The feeling is


    amazing. " At the end of his words, Emerson drops his gaze to me before he continues, "Just like you


    are with your books. "


    "How do you know that?" I lift my brows and he raises a shoulder in a shrug. "I know you enjoy reading.


    "


    "Enjoying something is quite different from finding peace in it. " I point out and Emerson agrees, "And


    you enjoy it as much as you find peace in it. You used to sit by your window with your leg to the other


    side and a book in hand. The look you always have on your face? It''s the same look everyone has


    when they find their safe ce; the same feeling I have when Ie down here. "


    His voice is soft and the smile on his face never fades.


    "Never knew you enjoyed watching me, Ford. " I tease as I take my eyes from his and I feel his eyes on


    me from the corners of mine as he says, "It''s hard not to notice when you''re right beside me. "


    "It is. " I hum before a thought crosses my mind and I raise my head to Emerson with narrowed eyes.


    "And that wasn''t the only thing you saw, is it? What other things did you see?"


    Emerson looks confused for a second before realization dawns on him and a tiny smirk climbs on his


    face as he says, "That night in the car wouldn''t be the first time I saw your tits, Carson. "


    An image of me stripping out of my clothes with the windows to my room opened while Emerson Ford


    watches me from his room flows through my mind and I grimace at it.


    "You shouldn''t be ashamed of¨C" Emerson starts, but I interrupt him. "Shut up. " I say as I lift my hand to


    swat at his chest, but he catches my wrist in his grip and angles his head to the side.


    Emerson catches me off guard and wraps his arms around my body, pressing me to his wet skin and


    swivelling us across the sand till they cling to his skin and from his to mine.


    "I''m going to fucking kill you!" I scowl when Emerson finally loosens his grip around me and his head


    falls to the back in augh, his arms spread around him. I remain still, lying over his body with every


    inch of his skin pressed to mine as I watch one of the most beautiful looks I''ve ever seen on Emerson


    Ford.


    I don''t think he realizes what he''s doing, or what he''s showing me because Emerson Ford will never be


    this less guarded with his chest falling and rising rapidly, body trembling from theugh and eyes


    almost closing¨C which I''vee to realize happens when he lets it all out and loses himself in the


    moment.


    I realise this is a newyer out of the manyyers thates with Emerson Ford, and it fascinates me


    so fucking much as a smile makes its way to my face at the sight of this new Emerson I would


    discreetly like to consider striking.

 T H I R T Y - F O U R

    T H I R T Y - F O U R


    EVA.


    After hours of messing around with the ocean, my hair is all wet and Emerson Ford stands in front of


    me with a proud grin on his face.


    "It isn''t funny. " I scowl at him when I raise my head to meet his gaze and he chuckles before stepping


    closer to me.


    "Move your hands. " He says and when I don''tply with his request, he takes my hands in his grip


    and swats them away from my wet hair before he grabs a fistful of the hair and squeezes, letting the


    water drops trail down my face.


    "You should have told me to tilt my head. " I tell him as I angle my head to the side while he gives it


    anotherpression.


    "You should have been smart enough to know what to do. " Emerson responds and I give a p to the


    side of his thigh, which earns me a yank on my hair.


    "Don''t forget I have something more painful in my hold, Carson. " He taunts and I snicker before


    looking down at his wet boxers, taking a gulp at the fact that his cock is literally in my face.


    "There, all done. " Emerson says and moves away from me, and I pull my eyes from his lower body to


    stare up at him. "You''re getting dressed with that?" I jerk my head to his wet boxers and he shakes his


    head.


    "I have new ones in my car. " He informs and I hum before moving to my feet. I watch as Emerson


    raises his head to the sky and squints his eyes at the soaring sun. He looks back at me and says, "We


    should leave. "


    I nod and give ast nce to the ocean, a smile on my face as we make our way back to where the


    car is parked. Emerson moves to the truck to leave his board and change into new fits before he climbs


    into the driver''s seat.


    "Are we headed somewhere else?" I ask him as he starts the engine and he taps on the screen of his


    phone, which disys the time before he says, "I should get you back home. "


    I grab my phone from my side and open the new texts from Aliya.


    ALIYA: She is and she''s staying for long this time, so I guess I''ll be heading home at the end of the


    semester.


    ALIYA: Where the fuck are you, bitch?


    ALIYA: Are youing soon or do I have toe down there and drag you back with me? I miss your


    stupid ass here.


    ME: I know you can''t leave a second of your life without me, bitch. I''ll be back soon, though; she''s all


    better.


    I click on the send button before I drop the phone and twist my body to Emerson''s view. He drums his


    fingers on the steering to the beat of the music that booms from the radio with his gaze focused on the


    road before him, while the other hand rests on the window by his side.


    "You might want to take a picture to stare atter, Carson. " His mocking voice echoes in the space of


    the car and I look away from him with reddened cheeks before I say, "There are better things to use for


    that space, Ford. I''d rather not. "


    Emersonughs and drops his hand to my exposed thigh, squeezing it before he lets it stay there, and I


    bite down on my tongue to keep down the words that threaten to move from my throat¨C words that''ll


    lead to him stopping the car to sate the mess between my thighs.


    ~


    "We''re here. " Emerson announces and I lift my head from the car window to take my eyes to him. He


    meets my gaze and says, "You won''t get a thank you from me, Carson. "


    A chortle falls from my lips as I unfasten my seatbelt and mumble, "I know, Ford. I wasn''t expecting


    one. "


    I take my phone from the side and move out of the car with Emerson climbing out through the other


    door, and I take a look around when he walks around the car to my side.


    "What do you think you''re doing?"


    Emerson follows my eyes before we keep each other''s gazes. "Your father is miles away from here, in


    his office, Carson. You don''t have to worry about¡ª" Emerson doesn''t get to finish his words before


    there''s a call of his name.


    "Emerson?" We both turn our heads to see Hanna Ford approaching us and Emerson grumbles under


    his breath as he turns away from me and steps forward.


    "Why have you not been answering your calls? You got everyone worried. " The pretty girlins


    with a frown on her face as she stops in front of us.


    "What did I tell you about lying to me?" Is Emerson''s response and Hanna opens her mouth to reply,


    but she pauses and peeks behind him, at me. I don''t miss the way her eyes barely widen at the sight of


    me before she turns her gaze back to her brother and whispers some words I can''t make out, but I''ve


    got some hints on.


    There are a few minutes of them exchanging words in low voices before Hanna suddenly steps away


    from Emerson to my side, a huge grin on her face as she grabs my arm.


    "Hey! I''m Hanna. We''ve met a few times, right?" She greets me in a cheerful voice and I nod with a


    small smile. "Yes, we have, Hanna. It''s nice to finally interact with you. "


    "Wow¨C" she exims, slipping her hand out of mine and I lift my brows at her in confusion. "You sound


    nice. That''spletely different from the perception I had of you. "


    Augh slips through my parted lips at her words before I say, "You shouldn''t judge people before you


    get to meet them; don''t you think?"


    Hanna''s smile widens and she turns to her older brother, with a finger pointed at me as she says, "I like


    her. "


    Emerson looks done with her from where he stands and I drop my gaze to Hanna when she turns back


    to me and says, "I thought you both hated each other? Why are you together and on¡ª" Emerson steps


    forward before Hanna gets to finish her words and drags her away from me.


    "You need to head back home. " He says sternly and Hanna frowns, "Why? Am I interrupting


    something?"


    "Hanna¨C" Emerson calls in a warning tone and Hanna sighs before she says, "Fine, I''ll leave, and you


    should probably be more careful. Dad would have your head if he sees this. "


    Emerson loosens his grip on her arm and slips his hand into his pants pockets. "I know. I''m not a child.


    "


    "I''ll see you at home then, brother. There''s a birthday surprise waiting for you¨C" Hanna stops speaking


    when Emerson gives her a look and the girl chuckles awkwardly before stepping away.


    "It was nice to meet you, Eva. " She says, twisting her body away from her brother''s harsh gaze and I


    smile at her as I say, "You too, Hanna. "


    With another nce at the two of us, she walks down the path that leads to the houses and when she''s


    "I told you she''s annoying. " He groans as he trudges closer to me and I shake my head in opposition


    to his words before I say, "She isn''t. She sounds fun. "


    Emerson lets out an amusedugh at my words, "Hanna? Fun? She''s everything, but that, Carson. "


    "That''s conceivably because you''ve got the worst opinions on people. " I point out and Emerson''s


    frustrated look is reced with a mischievous one. "You think I''ve got the worst opinion of you?"


    "There''s noint about that since it applies to both sides. " I give a raise of my shoulder and


    Emerson cackles before the sound dies down and we both fall into silence.


    As his gaze starts to turn intense, I clear my throat and say, "She mentioned something about a


    birthday?"


    Emerson looks away from me after those words and I narrow my eyes at him, "Is it your birthday,


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Ford?"


    "No. " His responsees quick and sharp. When he looks back at me, I fold my arms against my


    chest and furrow my brows at him, and in a fall of his chest, Emerson whispers, "Yes. "


    Though that''s the answer I was expecting, the surprise in my voice doesn''t fade as I say, "Is that why


    you wanted me toe out with you?"


    Emerson nods before he chuckles and says, "Strange, isn''t it?"


    There''s no reason for me to feel this way, but there''s something about Emerson Ford seeking out


    peace on his day that tugs at my heart. Maybe it''s because I''ve been in that situation repeatedly and I


    know how it feels¨C a day that''s supposed to be a happy one turning out to be one of the worst ones,


    and you just want to forget it ever exists. And maybe that''s why I part my lips and tell Emerson, "Hey,


    Ford. "


    "Hmmm. " He answers with lifted brows and I gnaw at my lower lip, taking a nce around us before


    looking back to Emerson to say, "Later tonight. Meet me at the back of my room, yeah?"


    If Emerson is surprised by my words, he definitely doesn''t show it as he asks, "Why?"


    "Quit the questions and do as you''re asked. " Is the response I give him and he stares at me for some


    seconds before he agrees and gives a bob of his head.


    "I''ll see you around then, Ford. " I give a salute with two of my fingers before turning to the other


    direction and walking down to my house, leaving a still perplexed Emerson Ford behind.


    ~


    "You''re back. " My mother is in the same spot I left her as I walk through the door and shut it behind


    me.


    "Have you been there all day?" I ask as I stride toward her.


    "Of course not. " She says as she opens her arms and I move into them for a warm hug. When she


    pulls away from me, she says, "I got tired of sleeping, and Mrs Martins left minutes ago. "


    "I kept to my promise. " I beam at her as I take the seat next to her and she jiggles her head, "Before


    your dad arrives, yes but not the other one. "


    "You said she left only minutes ago. " I point out and she opens her mouth to argue, but lets it go;


    shaking her head instead.


    "Did you have fun with your friend?" She questions and I hum. "I did. More than I thought I would. "


    "I''m happy to hear that. " She says and I smile at her before we both turn our heads to the screen.


    After spending some time with my mother, I excuse myself to my room and take the path that leads to


    it. I kick my boots off my feet before I stride towards my bed and fall on it with a heavy sigh, the


    softness weing me.


    The earlier revtion from Emerson crosses my mind and I sit up on the bed, pressing my back


    against the headboard. I have absolutely no idea why I told him to meet me here when I don''t even


    have a gift for him, but what I do have is time¨C one I know he''s trying to escape from.


    I might not be able to give him something for his day, but I''ll be able to be there for him. I''ll be his


    escape for thest hours of the day.


    ~


    After a text message from Emerson, I stride towards my window and bend over it, staring down to see


    Emerson with his eyes on his phone.


    "Hey. " I call out in a whisper and he raises his head to me. "I have a feeling you didn''t call me here just


    to stand over there and watch me, Carson. " He says and I roll my eyes before looking back to my


    room, making sure the lock is clicked before I drop my eyes to Emerson again.


    "I''ming down so you might want to step back. " I warn him but Emerson being Emerson finds a


    way to get on my nerves as he says, "Why would I want to do that when I could peek under that shirt of


    yours on your way down here?"


    "I have a choice of staying in my room, Ford. " I remind him as I lean away from the window and when I


    lean over it again, Emerson has stepped to the side.


    "Always make the better choice, Ford. " I tease before I ce my legs over my window and down to the


    "Have you done this before?" Emerson asks with amusement clear in his words and I throw him a re


    as I take another step.


    "Ask for my help to make it easier for you, Carson. " I ignore Emerson''s words and take another step till


    I''m away from the window and supported by thedder.


    "You might want to turn the other way. " He advises and I scowl at him. "I fucking can''t. " I honestly


    didn''t think this through when I told him to meet me here.


    "Always known you as a coward. " Emerson teases before he moves forward and extends his arms.


    "Keep moving; I''ll catch you if you fall. " He assures me.


    "Or you''ll step away and let me fall so you could have a goodugh. " I throw back and Emerson cocks


    his head before he says, "That sounds like a good option too, but I won''t do that, Carson¨C" he lowers


    his voice and adds, "Trust me. "


    Taking a breath, I continue down thedder and at thest few steps; Emerson''s hands move around


    my hips as he moves me from thedder and I ce my hands on his shoulder to support the


    movement.


    "So why did you want me out here?" Emerson asks as he carefully lowers me to the ground and I blow


    my hair from my face before motioning to the other side. "Come with me. "


    We walk to the bench that''s stationed under the big tree by my window and settle on it with a small


    space left between our bodies.


    "It sounded like they had a surprise for you; why did you leave home, Ford?" I turn my head to


    Emerson as I ask the question and he lies back, pressing his hands by the sides as he stares up at the


    sky. My words hang in the air for a while before he breaks the silence and says, "This day. My mother


    died. "


    Out of all the things that I thought could be the reason, those words are ones I didn''t expect and my


    mouth opens with no words falling through.


    "She was on a business trip, and it was my birthday. My parents were never present on my birthdays; it


    was just my brother and I, but that year was different. For the first time in my entire life, my mother was


    when her ne crashed. " Heughs. A sad, bitterugh that pierces the soul. "I wondered if things


    would have been different if I wasn''t so adamant about¨C" knowing the rest of the words he''s about to let


    out, I shush him and press a finger to his lips.


    Emerson turns his head to me and his eyes are the saddest I''ve ever seen them. One nce at them


    and you could easily tell the pain they carry¨C the pain he carries.


    "Don''t do that. " I whisper with a shake of my head. "I know you me yourself, but don''t. " My words at


    this moment seem to be a mirror of my thoughts, and the voice at the back of my mind questions if


    those words are just for Emerson Ford, or they might apply to¡ª


    I bury down the tricky growing thought and focus on the hurting man before me. "She wanted to be


    there for you and that''s all that matters. That''s all that should matter. "


    "I killed her. " The power those words weigh, falling from his mouth is heavy. The damage they''ve


    caused and continue to cause to him¨C Hurts my heart in a way I can''t possibly define, and without


    another word, I snuggle closer to Emerson and slide my hand to the back of his head before pressing


    his face to my shoulder.


    "You didn''t¨C" I assure him as I stroke his hair. "You never did. It happened because it was bound to


    happen, so you shouldn''t think otherwise. You shouldn''t let that one incident turn this day into a day for


    you to scorn for the rest of your life, Ford. Mrs Ford would never want that for you. "


    I continue to give gentle strokes to his hair and Emerson raises his head from my shoulder. He lifts his


    hand to my face and I let him caress my cheek as he says, "You''re oneplicated woman, Carson. "


    I let out a chuckle and try to lighten the mood as I say, "Why? Didn''t think I was capable of such


    powerful words?"


    Emerson''s lips curve into a smile; It''s barely noticeable, but it''s there. "I never thought you were


    capable of anything other than being a daddy''s pet. "


    "I''ll let you get away with that just this once, Ford. " I tell him and his smile widens before he drops his


    hand from my face. Moving my hand from the back of his head, I cup his cheeks with my hands and


    say, "Happy birthday, Emerson. "


    Emerson''s mouth opens, but no words slip through and catching me off guard, he slides his hand to my


    neck to aid in the angling of my head before he closes his lips over mine.


    He pulls at my bottom lip and I give him the ess he''s initiating as I part my lips for him. The kiss is


    different from the previous ones we''ve had. It''s neither aggressive nor rough, and neither of us is trying


    to take the lead as we fight for dominance.


    It''s just the mash of his lips against mine as we let it take a flow of its own¨C savouring the taste of each


    other.

 T H I R T Y - F I V E

    T H I R T Y - F I V E


    EVA.


    "Are you ready?" Mom asks as I walk into the living room with my backpack and I nod before taking my


    gaze to Dad who''s standing behind mom with his car key in hand.


    "You don''t have to drive me down there. I can take care of myself. " I tell him, and he shakes his head


    in refusal as he steps forward, and says, "Yes, I have to, Princess. I can manage to take a break for a


    few hours; you don''t have to worry about me. " He assures.


    I part my lips, but before I can speak; mom beats me to it, agreeing to his words. "That''s right. You


    should let him take you. "


    Knowing there''s no stopping them after that, I nod and move forward to hug my mother.


    "Thank you, baby. For showing up. " She says as she strokes my back and I pull away with a smile on


    my face, "Let me know if anything happens, yeah? Don''t hide it from me, mom. Ever. " I narrow my


    eyes and she chuckles before giving a nod.


    "You''ll see me again, soon. " I proim, and she lifts her hand to my face to cup my cheeks with one


    hand before dropping it and wrapping her arms around me again. "Be careful out there, Eva. "


    "I''ll be. " I mumble, feeling her tenderness for thest time before I pull away, and take steps back.


    I turn around and follow behind dad, and just before I walk through the door¨C I give her onest wave.


    Climbing into the seat beside dad, my gaze goes from the house to the side as he drives out of the


    spot, and I fish out my phone; scrolling through my contacts before I stop at his.


    ME: Are you back at the apartment?


    Emerson''s responsees after a few minutes.


    ANNOYING FORD: Not yet.


    ME: Were you waiting for my message, Ford?


    ANNOYING FORD: I have better things to do with my time, Carson.


    I can read the mockery that''s attached to those words even through the phone as I type out a reply.


    ME: Would have believed you, Ford but we both know that''s a lie.


    ANNOYING FORD: Why did you ask?


    Emerson ignores my tease, referring to my earlier message.


    ME: I''m on my way, and my dad is taking me.


    ANNOYING FORD: Still being a daddy''s pet? Scared of your father, Carson?


    ME: Not any more like you are of yours. Don''t start something you can''t finish, Ford.


    ANNOYING FORD: That sounds like a threat.


    ME: It''s supposed to be.


    ANNOYING FORD: You''re lucky I''m not right beside you, Carson.


    ME: Or what would you have done?


    "I''m guessing something good is happening if you have a smile on your face, Princess. " Dad''s voice


    pulls me out of the moment, and I raise my head to him, cheeks flushed with redness at the unnoticed


    smile on my face.


    "Yeah, I''m just texting someone. "


    "A friend?" He raises his brows and I give a small bob of my head, wanting it to end there, but of course


    it''s Mike and it would never end there.


    "Do I know this friend of yours?" He asks as he takes his eyes back to the road before him.


    "You probably wouldn''t believe me if I tell you. " I mumble under my breath with a snicker.


    "What did you say?" Dad questions as he gives me a side nce and I lift my eyes to him again. "No,


    you don''t. Not yet. "


    "You met this friend of yours from school?" I met him years ago.


    "Yes. " I lie right through my teeth, not blinking as the word echoes in the space of the car and dad


    nods before looking away from me. Just before I return my attention to my phone, he says, "I want to


    meet this friend of yours who keep a smile on your face, Princess. " Far from being a friend, and


    definitely doesn''t keep a smile on my face.


    "No, you won''t. " I surprise myself by saying and dad''s eyes fall to me again, a crease formed over his


    forehead as he asks, "Why not?"


    "Freedom, remember?" I remind him of the same words he said to me the day he dropped me for


    school, and I watch his shoulders sink in a sigh before he says, "I''m not disrupting that, Eva. Is meeting


    your friend taking your freedom away?"


    "It certainly is if you feel the need to be cautious of the people I interact with, and you don''t have to


    argue because I know that''s what you''re doing, dad. It''s what you''re always doing. "


    "I''m just watching out for you, Eva. People aren''t always what they seem. They can be dangerous, and


    you should never trust them blindly. " Words that I''ve heard from this man too many times in my life to


    have it at the tip of my tongue.


    "And the world is full of nasty people; they pretend to be your friend, but at the end of the day, they will


    turn out to be your greatest downfall if you''re not wary of the ones you choose to be by your side. " I


    "I know where you''reing from, and I take heed to your warnings, dad. You have nothing to worry


    about¨C I know the kind of people I walk with. They aren''t dangerous. " I drop my gaze to my phone


    before I add, "Especially not this one. "


    Dad smiles at me before he turns his attention to the path in front of him, and I turn mine back to my


    phone, where Emerson''s new text awaits me.


    ANNOYING FORD: Punish you.


    Two words. Two words that are everything, but innocent. Two words that bring heated, dirty images to


    my thoughts at the sight of them. Two filthy powerful words that make me squirm in my seat and press


    my thighs to each other at the crazy hold they seem to have on me.


    I shouldn''t do it. Not when my dad is right beside me, but that doesn''t seem to stop me from sending


    unfiltered raucous words to Emerson Ford.


    ME: I''m yet toe up with how you''ll be able to achieve that, Ford.


    I''m ying a dangerous game. A dangerous game that I''lle to regret, because, by the end of it, I''ll


    undoubtedly be left with soaking panties with nothing to sate the desire that burns through me. What a


    dirty, dirty girl you are, Eva. Right next to your father.


    ANNOYING FORD: Let''s talk about that when the imprints of my palms is left on your ass, and your


    legs are numb from shaking too much at how bad I would wreck you.


    I don''t have to take my hands to the space between my legs to know I''m soaking with the glide of my


    gaze across each word, till I''m at the very end.


    ME: Do girls still fall for this? You''re all talk, Ford but one grip of your cock is enough to have you


    begging.


    Emerson''s next reply pulls a smirk to my face.


    ANNOYING FORD: We''ll y a game when I get back. A game of who can beg better.


    There''s a beat of a second before another textes in.


    ANNOYING FORD: I have to stay back for a day.


    The answer to my initial message stares back at me after the many directions we took the words, and I


    heave a sigh as I turn off my screen, and toss my phone to my side.


    ~


    "Thank you, dad. " I turn back to the man as we step in front of my apartment and he nods with a smile,


    before his gaze shifts from me to the house behind me. "Your roommate doesn''t seem to be in. "


    "She''s probably just sleeping. I''ll find my way. " I tell him and he hums before opening his arms for me.


    "A little too big for that, don''t you think?" I tease him, and when a frown starts to make its way to his


    face; I chuckle and step down to get into his arms.


    "Take care of yourself, baby. " He presses his lips to the side of my hair before he pulls away, and I


    watch him climb back into his car. I wave at him till his car disappears out of sight and I turn back to the


    door.


    I walk through the door and close it behind me before striding to the couch. I drop my backpack to the


    side and fish out my phone.


    I scroll to Aliya''sst message and begin to type out a new one.


    ME: I''m home.


    I scroll away from the series of messages between me and my best friend, and my fingers hover over


    the name that falls below it. Resisting the urge to click on the contact, I throw my phone to the side and


    none of which I''m fond of.


    ~


    After spending my time with movies and texting Aliya, I climb out of my bed to change into my night


    attire.


    I stare at my door as I climb back into bed and pull the duvet over my body, hiding my face behind the


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    material as I try to find my sleep.


    After a few minutes of trying and failing, I turn to the other side and close my eyes again, but they are


    open the next second and I groan in frustration.


    I want to sleep¨C I can feel the drowsiness taking over my body, but it''s like I just can''t snatch it?


    I sit up on my bed, and stare around my room, at the book that lies by my side. Stretching my hand to


    grab it, I fall back against the headboard and flip to the page where I stopped as my gaze moves


    across the tiny readable words.


    After turning and tossing and switching positions, yet unable to take what''s mine; I hiss and drop the


    book to my side before I get off my bed.


    I stride into the bathroom and walk to the sink, trickling water on my face and taking some in my mouth.


    I empty the water into the sink and prepare to walk out of the room, but stop at the sight of the other


    entrance from Emerson''s side.


    I take a nce at my door to his door, before I move towards it, and turn the knob, which is surprisingly


    not locked and leads me to his room. It looks just like thest time I was here, and my gaze


    immediately goes to the painting above his bed. The eye: His mother''s eye. It looks so scary and


    mysterious at the same time, and I wonder what could have prompted him to make this painting. With a


    nce at the structure and the image, it seems to be one with a darker and a deeper meaning¨C


    something that''s far from Emerson''s revtion about his mother. But again, it''s impossible to have


    peeled eachyer thates with Emerson Ford at once.


    My eyes fall to the bed, and I shake my head, knowing I should leave. I only came to take a nce,


    nothing more¨C yet my feet seem to have a mind of their own as they make their way to the shelves of


    books sitting at one side of his room.


    My finger runs through the edges before I settle with his copy of TERMS AND CONDITIONS. He''s got


    a better taste than I thought.


    A smile coats my face at the cover of the book before I find my way toward Emerson''s bed, and slide


    under the sheets.


    I press my head into his pillow, Emerson Ford''s warmth and smell engulfing me as I flip to thest page


    where he stopped.


    As my eyes glide over the words on the paper, the thought of having Emerson here crosses my mind.


    With his arms wrapped around me and his body pressed to mine, his mouth humming annoying words


    that''d get me frustrated as I try to concentrate on reading.


    Only with that thought, do I realize what I''m doing: I''m in his bed, with his book in hand and his


    thoughts on my mind as I seek out the warmth of the enemy that isn''t with me.


    Enemy.


    That word suddenly sounds so bitter. It tastes like a lie¨C a ludicrous lie used to shield the known, but


    unweed truth.


    The truth where I know something else has formed that''s so far apart from what has always been. A


    bond that I have no idea how it started, but it''s just there. A bond that doesn''t form with a man you


    consider your enemy and a bond that strengthens with each learned truth and side to the other person


    we never knew before. A bond where out of the billions of people in the world¨C we preferred each other


    to confide our darkest and deepest secrets with.


    A bond that we both know it''s there, but refuse to acknowledge because it''s everything that shouldn''t


    be between us. But one thing is for sure, I no longer know where hating Emerson Ford begins and


    wanting him ends.

 T H I R T Y - S I X

    T H I R T Y - S I X


    EVA.


    A groan leaves my lips as my eyelids flutter and I open my eyes to the familiar ceiling before I drop my


    eyes to the space next to me, and move back a bit at the sheets that are not mine.


    Sitting up on the bed, I nce around Emerson Ford''s familiar room and down to the book that''s by my


    side before the memories ofst nighte crashing down.


    "What the fuck are you doing, Eva?" I mumble under my breath as I swipe my hands down my face


    before letting them stay on myp.


    With a sigh, I start to climb off his bed and straighten his sheets before I grab his copy of the book to


    return to the shelves.


    With my hands on the edge of the shelf, I stare around his room¨C one which still holds his smell and


    wonder why the fuck I left mine to sleep here? Have I grown so used to having Emerson right next to


    me that I felt something wasn''t right on my first night back in my apartment without him?


    Not being able toe up with an answer, I make my way out of his room through the same path I


    came through and slide into mine.


    Striding towards my bed, I grab my phone for any new notifications and after responding to Aliya''s text,


    I make my way into the bathroom to freshen up for the day.


    ~


    "So what did I miss?" I ask Aliya as we take the corner that leads to our first ss.


    "Just a whole bunch of lectures and a new project. I''ll fill you in on the projectter, but I took your


    notes for you. " She exins and I wrap a hand over her shoulder before I bend her back and ruffle her


    hair. "You did good, babe. "


    Aliya struggles to move out of my grasp before I let her go and she throws me a re as she smoothes


    her hands down her hair. "I''ll kill you for this one day! We''re on campus, you bitch. "


    "Who are you cheating on with Sage and Chloe?" I lift my brows and she gives me her middle finger,


    causing augh to slip through my parted lips.


    "I don''t see why else you would want to look good for sses. " I tell her, earning another middle finger


    before she says, "Come back to talk to me about that when you''re not looking extra good yourself. "


    "It isn''t my fault I''m hot, babe. " I wink and she scrunches her nose. "Whoever told you that wanted you


    for the ruins. "


    "You told me that more than twice, bitch. " I call her out and she shakes her head. "I would have had


    my mouth on you if I considered you hot, Evie. "


    "And the only thing stopping you is what we have. " Aliya opens her mouth to respond, but before she


    can speak, another voice beats her to it.


    "Hey, you. " I lift my head to see Dan standing in front of me with Noel by his side.


    "Hey. " I respond as I fasten the strap of my bag and he says, "It''s nice to see you''re back. "


    "It''s nice to be back. " I retort and a smile covers the corner of his lips. "Does this mean¡ª"


    Knowing the words he''s about to utter next, I interrupt Dan before he finishes his words. "Tonight. The


    second date. "


    "You''re sure?"


    "I won''t bail on you. " I assure him and his tiny smile grows into a wide dimpled one as he speaks, "I''ll


    see you tonight, then?"


    "You will. " I repeat before I step to the side after throwing a greeting to Noel.


    "Another date?" Aliya''s whisper near my ear as their figures disappears makes me turn my head in her


    direction, and I frown at the taunting smile on her face. "Don''t you start with me. "


    "I''m just getting started, bitch. " Sheughs as he drapes a hand over my shoulder and drags me to


    ss.


    ~


    I cross my legs on the couch with a bowl of ice cream in hand and my eyes on the screen before I''m


    interrupted by the vibration of my phone.


    Dropping the bowl by my side, I grab the mobile and there''s a new text from Dan.


    DAN: Should Ie to pick you up?


    ME: No, just give me the location of where you are, and I''lle meet you.


    After a few minutes of staring at the screen, Dan''s message of his locationes through and I turn off


    the TV before moving to my feet with the bowl in hand.


    I stride to the kitchen and drop the ice cream inside the fridge before walking to my room to grab my


    key.


    I slide my feet into my boots and hurl a jacket over my shoulder before closing the door behind me, and


    walking towards the exit.


    ~


    ME: I can''t find you.


    I click on the send button as I stare around where I''m to meet Dan with no sign of the man.


    DAN: Right across you.


    I frown at the words across the screen before twisting my body in the other direction to see him waving


    at me from the other side.


    I give a wave back before I cross to the other side to meet him.


    "So where are we going this time?" I ask Dan as I stand in front of him and he frowns, jerking his head


    to his open arms as he says, "Won''t you give me a hug? It''s been days. "


    "You saw me at school earlier. " I remind him and with a sad face, heins, "But I couldn''t hug


    you. "


    With a shake of my head and a smile, I move into his open arms and let him wrap his arms around me,


    while my arms stay on his back.


    "You smell so good. " He says as he nuzzles his face into my neck, his nose brushing against the skin.


    "Absolutely good. " He mumbles, his lips brushing my neck, and causing a shudder to roll off my body.


    "I know. " I give gentle pats on his back before he draws back, and holds my face in his hands. With


    gentle strokes of his thumbs, he offers one of his gorgeous smiles before he pulls away.


    "So I was thinking something different today? We''ve been to a restaurant and we''ve taken a walk; so


    how about you suggest what to do this time? Is there anywhere you''d love to go?" He asks with a brow


    lifted.


    "I don''t think so. I don''t go out to many ces, so you have to decide on that. "


    "How about a club then?" Dan''s suggestion makes me furrow my brows as I say, "A club as a date?"


    "It should be fun, " he assures with a wide smile. "Just the two of us with the music and the noises. I


    suck at other ces; we could loosen up with a ce we''re both familiar with. " He exins further.


    "I don''t see a reason why not?" I tell him and Dan''s smile widens before he nods for me to follow him.


    With a few steps, we stop in front of a bike and Dan passes me a helmet as he sweeps a leg over the


    bike before twisting his head to the side to pat the seat behind him.


    "Climb on. " He says and I click the helmet under my chin before climbing behind him and dropping my


    phone in the front pocket.


    "Have you ever been on one of these?" Dan asks over his shoulder and I shake my head as I hold onto


    his sides. "No. I don''t have one. "


    "You look like a girl that would, though. " He says before sping his hand over mine and aiding my


    hands to his waist. "You might want to tighten your hold on me. I move fast. "


    I hum and lock my hands around his waist, and with a rev of the engine, Dan starts to move at a speed


    that should be considered extreme¨C no shits about his previous words.


    ~


    I carefully climb off the bike and pass the helmet to Dan before smoothing my hands down my hair.


    "Fast, wasn''t I?" He grins as he hangs the helmet by the arm and turns his head to me.


    "Faster than necessary. You should try slowing down a bit. " I tell him as he gets off the bike and


    removes his helmet.


    "Slow is never fun, sweetheart. Trust me. " He says when he turns back to me, the expression on his


    face telling me he isn''t speaking in rtion to his speed at the moment, but I say nothing about it as he


    leads me inside one of the most prestigious clubs in the town after getting through the security.


    "What do you think?" Dan nudges me by the shoulder as we stand in front of people who look like


    they''re having the best time of their lives, and a smile covers my lips as I say, "I think it''s been a while


    since I''ve treated myself to one of these. "


    When I raise my head to him, he''s staring down at me with a satisfied smile on his face. "I guess it isn''t


    a bad idea after all. "


    "I know, " he beams before he lowers his hand to my side and grips my hand. When I lift my brows at


    him in silent questioning, he says, "To make sure you stay by my side. "


    With a snicker, I slip my hand out of his and say, "I can handle myself, Dan. I''m not an amateur when it


    "Right. I forgot you''re a different kind. " He tells me as he moves forward while I trail behind him. He


    leads us to the other side of the club, away from the dance floor and in front of the bartender.


    "What can I get you?" The man before us directs the question to Dan and he looks back at me to say,


    "Is vodka alright?"


    "There''s no fun without it. " I tell him and his lips curve into a smile before he turns to the bartender and


    says, "Two shots of Vodka Martini. "He slides some notes to his side and the man takes them before he


    turns away.


    "Are you a lightweight?" Dan asks as I settle on the stool next to him and I give a bob of my head.


    "Sometimes. It depends on how heavy it is. I get more intoxicated than drunk though. "


    "Heightens your senses, but doesn''t make you unaware of them?" Amusement is clear in his voice as


    he speaks the words and I nod. "And that''s the best part about it. "


    When Dan shakes his head without a word; I ask, "What?"


    "There''s just so many interesting things about you, Eva. How are you not taken yet?" Before I can


    respond to Dan''s words, the man returns with two sses and ces them in front of us.


    As I watch him walk away, I grab the ss in front of me and take a sip of the liquid; the familiar taste


    burning down my throat before I turn to Dan and say, "I''m not fascinated by the idea. "


    From N?velDrama.Org.


    "Of being taken?" He lifts a brow as he twirls his ss in his hand and I hum. "It sounds more like a


    punishment than an entertainment. "


    Dan cackles before he says, "That''s because you haven''t met someone you''re interested in yet. Trust


    me, when you do¨C he''ll shake your whole belief. "


    "You say that as though you''ve experienced the feeling yourself. " I point out and when there''s no


    response, I lift my gaze to him. Dan''s lips are stretched in a tiny smile and when he speaks, he keeps


    his eyes on me. "She''s standing in front of me. "


    "You want to take me?" I ask the obvious and Dan''s stare hardens as he leans his body towards me. "I


    want to have you. All to myself. "


    "And if I don''t want that?"


    "I''ll make you change your mind. " He answers with an ounce of confidence and Iugh before I say,


    "I''m hard to convince, Daniel. "


    "I know the right things to say, Eva. " He drops his ss before him and my eyes shift to the movement


    before I move my gaze back to meet his. "I know the right ces to touch. The right nerves to poke..."


    He''s breathing down my neck now, his hand sliding down my side. "I know the right things to do, and


    soon enough¨C you''ll give into this. "


    I angle my head to the side to take a view of his face. "I don''t think it''s all about making the right


    choices, or saying the right words, Dan. "


    "Then what''s it about?" He throws back and I look away from him, downing what''s left of the Vodka and


    dropping the ss in front of me before I look back at him and say, "It''s about whether I feel or I don''t. "


    "Then I''ll make you feel. "Dan''s response is sharp and firm. They say there''s nothing sexier than a man


    with confidence and this man''s got it¨C only that with me; I wouldn''t consider a man''s confidence the


    sexiest of all. Sexy, but other things could be sexier.


    "Come on. Let''s dance. " Dan''s voice pulls me out of my five-second trance and before I can respond


    to his request, he''s snatching me out of my seat and leading me to the dance floor.


    We find our stand amidst the rest of the crowd with the melting voice of Pixie echoing around us, and


    Dan steps nigher, his hand moving down my side as he brings my body closer to his.


    "Loosen up. " He mouths as he begins to move us to the beat of the music and I let my hands fall to his


    arms.


    "You look absolutely beautiful tonight. " Dan leans his head towards my ear so I''d catch his words, and


    a smile creeps into my face as I steady my hands on his shoulders before I say, "You tell me that every


    time we meet. "


    "I know, " he chuckles and I feel his hands slide from the small of my back to rest on my hips before he


    lets a hand move past my hips to fall on my ass. "But you''re looking different tonight. I think I might


    have missed you too much, Eva Carson. "


    His gaze turns to one of those intense ones where there''s a sudden silence between us, and I swallow


    down my throat; not sure of a response to his words.


    "You won''t say anything?" Dan questions and I nod. "I don''t have anything to say. "


    "You didn''t miss me?" The look on his face fades to be reced with a frown and I hum, "I didn''t have


    any reason to. " When Dan''s frown deepens, I drop my hands from his shoulders to his chest, feeling


    the muscles through the thin shirt he has on. "Unless you give me one. "


    At myst words, the smile returns to his face and he grips my ass as he urges me closer¨C my chest


    colliding against his.


    "You''re one incredible woman, Eva Carson. " Are the words he says before he closes his lips to mine.


    His other hand moves from my back to the side of my neck as he angles my head to deepen the kiss,


    and I move my hands further down his chest, a moan escaping through my throat as Dan sinks his


    teeth into my lower lip; creating an opportunity for him to lower his tongue into my mouth.


    My hands move to the hem of his shirt and I grab a fistful as Dan''s mouth gets rougher against mine.


    He presses his lips harder on mine and rolls his tongue around mine, feasting on my mouth like it''s his


    "Dan¨C" he swallows my whimper, not giving me a chance to speak as his squeeze on my ass turns


    from a gentle one to a rough one, spreading heat across my body and settling on my core.


    "Dan¨C" I try again, pushing gently at his chest this time, but he doesn''t stop. He keeps going; his mouth


    turning brutal against mine and there''s no doubt that my lips will be swollen after this¨C if he doesn''t


    manage to bite it off.


    "Dan. " I push at his chest harder and he finally staggers a bit from me, his breathing heavy as they


    "I''m sorry¨C" he releases through his thick breath. "I lost control. I''m sorry, Eva. "


    "It''s alright, " I assure him with a tiny smile. "It''s just where we are. " I inform him, motioning to the


    people that surround us. "Not that they''d give a shit but I don''t think it''s proper behaviour to fuck in the


    middle of a¨C" the rest of my words are nothing, but thoughts on my mind as my gaze moves around us


    and settles on certain brown eyes.


    My lips part without a word as I turn my entire body and keep my eyes fixed on him.


    I expected Emerson Ford to be miles away from here, back at home, right next to my family''s house


    ording to what he had told me but Emerson Ford is standing only steps away from me with a red-


    haired hanging on his arm and the look on his face, a contrast to what they normally hold as his gaze


    drops to the man beside me.

 T H I R T Y - S E V E N

    T H I R T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    "Eva. " Dan calls next to me and I look away from Emerson''s gaze to him. He''s staring at me with


    confused eyes. "Is everything alright?"


    With another nce at Emerson, I see the rest of their friend group behind them and I look back at Dan


    with a small smile. "Yeah, sure. Everything is. "


    "Do you want to go back to the seats?" Dan asks again and I nod before he leads us away from the


    crowd. Just as he''s about to take a seat, he presses his hand to the back of his pants and pulls out his


    phone.


    "Give me a minute. I need to take this. " Dan says, and I nod, assuring him I''ll be fine before he walks


    away.


    I adjust in my seat and stare in front of me as I wait for Dan''s return, and just out of curiosity; I twist my


    head to the space where Emerson previously upied with Paige, only to find it empty. I crease my


    brows as my eyes begin to move across the room, only to be stopped by Dan''s voice.


    "We have to leave. " I turn to meet his eyes and a frown covers his face.


    "Is everything alright?" I ask with raised brows and he nods with a sigh, "Yeah, everything is.


    Something urgent came up so I have to leave. I''m so fucking sorry. "


    "You don''t have to be if it''s something urgent. " I tell him and he narrows his eyes, "Are you sure? You


    aren''t mad I''m bailing on you?"


    A chuckle slips through my lips as I say, "Of course not. I already had a lot of fun so you don''t have to


    worry. "


    Dan''s frown turns into a smile as he says, "I''m d for those words. "


    I move from my seat and jerk my head towards the exit. "Come on. "


    Dan nods and presses his hand to the small of my back as he leads us to the exit. We walk out of the


    club, and to where his bike is parked.


    "Climb on. I''ll take you¡ª"


    "I''ll take her home. " Dan''s words are interrupted as Emerson appears beside me and I look at him


    before I avert my gaze to Dan''s, whose eyes move between me and Emerson.


    "I don''t think so, dude. She¡ª" The rest of Dan''s words are once again silenced as Emerson says, "We


    live together so it''s easier if I take her home. "


    The surprise in Dan''s eyes as they look back at me is clear, and disbelief dances through me as he


    waits for me to disagree with Emerson''s words, but I''m only able to agree as I tell him, "We do. "


    His mouth hangs as he stares between the two of us before he drops his helmet on his bike and moves


    to me. He pulls me by my arm to the side and says, "Is this why you never wanted me toe to your


    ce? Because you live with him?"


    "No, " I''m quick to disagree with that thought of his. "It''s not. It''s far from it. "


    "Then why didn''t you tell me you live with him when I met you back then?" He persists and I say, "I


    didn''t think it was necessary? What good would the information have done? And I didn''t think you


    needed to know who I live with. "


    Dan''s shoulders sink in a sigh and he withdraws his hand from my arm as he looks behind me at


    Emerson. I turn in the direction of his eyes, and Emerson is still standing in his spot; his eyes on me


    and Dan.


    "She came out here with me. " Dan says to him and Emerson snickers before he says, "And she''s


    leaving with him. " The tone of his words leaves no room for opposition, and I''m a bit surprised when


    Dan proceeds to argue with him.


    "And who do you think you are to decide that? She''s a woman of her own, and she gets to make her


    own decisions. You don''t get to drag her out of here. "


    "Neither do you. "Emerson responds, and tired of the back and forth that seems to keep going between


    the two; I ce a hand on Dan''s arm and he looks back at me, a determined look on his face.


    "I''ll leave with him. It''s like he said; it''s easier. "Dan''s face falls and his lips twitch but he says no words


    as he looks back to Emerson.


    "I had fun tonight, Daniel. Thank you for bringing me here. " I tell him with a small smile on my face and


    his chest falls in a sigh as he throws me a smile; a smile that appears to be forced.


    "I''m d you did. " He says before opening his arms. "A hug before you leave?"


    "You''re obsessed with that. " I joke and Dan chuckles. "Maybe I am. " And he pulls me into his chest,


    his head leaning on my shoulder for a few seconds before he pulls back and pinches my cheek.


    "Give me a call when you get home, yeah?" He lifts a brow and I shake my head, purposely taunting


    him as I say, "I can''t make any promises, Daniel. "


    When a frown covers his face, I add, "But I''ll try. "


    He nods and presses his lips to my cheeks before he moves to stand by his bike while I twist my body


    in Emerson''s direction.


    "Let''s move. " I tell the man as I stand in front of him and he nces at me before he turns away and


    walks ahead. With a scowl on my face, I follow after him and we reach the spot where his car is parked


    with Emerson sliding inside the driver''s seat while I climb in next to him.


    Emerson is silent as he ces his hands on the steering wheel and I turn my bodypletely in his


    direction. Parting my lips, I say, "I didn''t know you would be¨C"


    It happens in a blur; so fast that I barely have time to take a breath before he moves. One second,


    Emerson''s hands are on the wheel and he''s staring ahead of him, and the other second, the rest of my


    words remain nothing but unspoken ones at the tip of my tongue as Emerson pulls me to him by my


    jacket and closes his lips over mine.


    His lips touch mine for two seconds before he pulls back and stares into my eyes. My breathing has


    quickened up and I swipe my tongue over my upper lip. Emerson''s eyes follow the movement and he''s


    dragging me out of the seat, pulling me over the divider to settle me on hisp. My hands instinctively


    go to the back of his head as Emerson lowers his hand to my hips and mashes his lips against mine


    again. I hum against his mouth as he nudges me closer till I''m almost straddling the bulge poking


    through his pants.


    A moan leaves my mouth as Emerson moves from my lips to my neck, his lips brushing barely against


    the skin as he shrugs my jacket off my shoulder, leaving me in my sleeveless top. He litters kisses


    across my shoulder and down to where it meets my arm before he pulls back with his breathing heavy.


    "Where?" He pants as he grabs my ass, and drags me closer to the edge.


    "Where?" I repeat the word in a breathless moan as Emerson lifts me slightly before he drops me to


    straddle the right spot¨C on his hardened cock.


    "Where was the touch?" He asks, annoyance creeping into his voice and I furrow my brows in


    confusion. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"


    Emerson opens his mouth to speak then closes it again and when seconds pass without a word from


    him, but just stares; I proceed to ask the question that''s been on my mind since I saw him inside the


    club.


    "What are you doing here? I thought you were using one more day at home. "


    "Why do you care?" Emerson''s response is quick, as if he''d been expecting me to ask him that


    question.


    "I don''t. " I tell him, adjusting on hisp so my legs are bent properly.


    "Then you should stop with the questions. " His voice is cold, and doesn''t sound Emerson-like.


    Emerson Ford has been mocking, taunting and insulting, but he''s never spoken to me in a cold voice.


    At least not when I purposely get on his nerves when he''s clearly in a bad mood.


    "Are you sure you''re..." I start to ask, but he cut me off.


    "You don''t get to ask me questions, Carson. You get to take every pound I give into that pussy of yours,


    do you understand?" His words are raw and a scoff falls from my mouth.


    "I fucking hate you. "


    "And I fucking hate you too. So how about you spread those thick thighs of yours and let me show you


    just how much I hate you?" He lifts a brow, one that annoys me and he knows it.


    "Fuck you. "I tell him, my anger surfacing and Emerson chuckles as he says. "I knew you''d beg. "


    The mockery in that tone doesn''t move past me and I start to slide off Emerson''sp but he lifts his


    hand to my face and pulls me back to him, capturing my lips in his. He doesn''t go gentle this time;


    doesn''t give me a chance to follow his lead; doesn''t give me a chance to try to take the lead from him;


    doesn''t give me a chance to breathe. He just takes my lips and takes it the way he wants it, without


    stopping for me to think back on it. His tongue slips through my lips and he easily lowers mine, his


    hands digging into my side andpelling a burning need for him between my legs.


    "You''re crazy, " I pant with a shake of my head as I pull away from him with my hands pressed to his


    chest. "And I must be fucking crazier because I want you inside me now. "


    Those are the only words he needs; the only confirmation he seeks before he crushes his lips against


    mine again. Torturously slowly at first, before it turns dangerously fast. Melting against mine. Pulling at


    the flesh with his teeth, sinking the sharp weapon of his mouth into mine in a way that almost draws


    blood and in a way that drives me insane, till the material of my clothing suddenly itches against my


    skin and I want them gone. I want his and mine gone. I want nakedness; bareness to each other''s


    gazes. I want the m of his naked body against mine. I want so much more that I can''t begin to think


    of where to start¨C so I do everything at once. I take everything in different ways to fulfil the odd urges


    that spurt through me with a powerful force that goes from the tip of my lips to the edge of my toes: I


    pull at his hair, yank at the ends, grab a fistful of his cloth, drag my hands down his chest, and slide


    them underneath his shirt to feel his skin on my fingertips. I pull at everything till it''s no longer enough


    and I want even more.


    "Backseat. " Emerson whispers against my lips when he pulls away and allows me to take a breath.


    "Not enough. " The word that''s been on my mind slips through and Emerson nods before angling my


    head to the side, pressing my face into his neck as he starts the engine.


    "Where are we going?" I ask as I pull forward to brush my lips against his neck.


    "Somewhere that will be enough. " Is his response as I scrape my teeth across his skin, earning a grunt


    from him. I keep going at it while Emerson drives. I pull down his shirt, leaving his corbone bare to


    me and I press my lips to the surface, enjoying the way his body shivers lightly in response to the


    touch.


    "Fuck. I might have to pull up. " Emerson says as I begin to rock slowly against him, feeling him grow


    even harder under me and I almost give in to that proposal of his. For him to pull to the side just so I


    can bring out the cock growing beneath me and take him in my mouth while listening to the dirty words


    I find absolutely sexy, falling from his mouth, but I don''t want that. I don''t want a small space where I''m


    unable to move and switch; sating every inch of my body. I want enough space to quench the fire that


    Emerson Ford has sessfully aroused.


    "Keep moving. Don''t stop. " I tell him and Emerson listens to my words for the first time tonight as I


    continue my game of bite and suck on his skin.


    ~


    We barely make it out of the car before we''re at each other''s faces again. We stagger our way to the


    door and Emerson works his way down my neck, his hands moving to my chest and giving my breasts


    a tight squeeze as I struggle to open the door, but it isn''t any easier when his hands are everywhere.


    When I finally open the door, Emerson twists my body in his direction and hoists me up in his arms, his


    hands moving underneath my ass as he walks through the door and shut it with what I would consider


    his leg before he ms me against the doorframe.


    The pain shoots down my spine but with that paines pleasure as Emerson lowers his head to my


    chest and takes one of my hardened nipples in his mouth, tugging at it through the thin material of my


    top.


    I let out a cry as I drop my hand to his head and coil my fingers through his hair, pulling desperately at


    the ends and earning a muffled moan from him; the sound so hot and dirty that it makes me pull at his


    hair again.


    He drops his hands to my thighs and meets my lips again as he begins to move us in a direction I''m too


    lost in the moment to take a look at. Emerson manages not to miss a step and drop us both as he


    shuts a door and begins to walk.


    My body press into the softness of a bed as he drops me and pulls away, giving me a second to take a


    look around us and realize we''re in his room.


    Emerson''s hands are on the hem of my top now, yanking at it before he pulls it over my head and I do


    the same to his shirt, pressing my palms to his naked chest before twirling a finger around his nipple.


    He grunts before he traces his lips down the middle of my now bare chest before arriving at the


    waistband of my pants and undoing the buttons. With each dismissal of the clothing, there''s a touch till


    we''re both naked on his bed and Emerson is hovering over me with darkened eyes.


    Emerson works his way down my body, his lips dropping dangerously slow across the skin and I know


    I''m at hisplete mercy at this moment. I''m giving silent pleads to the man with each brush of his lips


    against my skin, begging for him to repeat it¨C begging for him to soothe another inch. I''ve never felt so


    turned on in my entire life. Never felt the dire need to have a cock inside my throbbing pussy so badly.


    Whatever Emerson did back inside the car, it''s fucking working and it''s working so fucking well. His


    words have fueled my need for him and now it''s out of control¨C craving and wanting so fucking more.


    "Not enough. Not enough. More, please. " I plead silently as Emerson flips his tongue around my belly


    button, ying with the metal that rests there and doing nothing to calm my yearning.


    Just before Emerson''s lips meet the start of where he''s painfully needed, there''s the sound of a


    ringtone and he lifts his head, his eyes moving across the room in search of the source.


    "Emerson¨C" I call and he looks back at me. "Come back. " I can''t seem to care about how vulnerable I


    am in this state. I just want him to return to his previous position, to finally take what I want him to.


    "It''s your phone. " He says and proceeds to move off the bed. Emerson grabs my pants, which were


    previously thrown to the side and brings out the device. When he returns to the bed and settles back


    between my legs with a smirk covering his lips, I know it can be nothing good and he confirms my


    thoughts when he turns the phone to my gaze¨C Dan''s name across the screen.


    "Pick up the call. " He says as he hands me the phone.


    "No. " I tell him as I drop the phone to the side.


    "Pick it up, Carson. " He repeats the words; firmer this time.


    "No fucking chance. " I stand my ground with a frown and Emerson moves over me "Fine, I''ll pick it for


    you. "


    "Ford, don''t¡ª" Emerson doesn''t listen to me as he grabs the phone and picks up the call before he


    lowers his mouth to my breasts, taking one in his mouth.


    "Eva..." Dan''s voice res through the device and I struggle to swallow down the moan that threatens


    to leave my mouth with each tug and bite that Emerson gives the soft flesh. Fucking bastard. He knows


    exactly what he''s fucking doing.


    When I attempt to grab my phone, Emerson grips my hands in one of his and holds them over my head


    as he continues his pleasurable assault on my breasts.


    "Eva, are you there?" Dan''s voicees again and this time I''m unable to hold back when Emerson


    intentionally presses his lower body to mine, brushing his cock against my wet aching core and forcing


    a moan out of my mouth.


    Another moan leaves when he repeats the action with a suck of my nipple before there''s silence from


    the call and Emerson finally lets go of my hand.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you?" I snap as I grab the phone from the side to see the call has ended.


    Emerson gives no response as he extends his hand to the drawer by the bedside and brings out a


    packet.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    "I need to fuck you. I need to fuck that sweet pussy of yours till you''re clenching around my cock and


    your legs are shaking from your release; that''s what''s wrong with me. " Whatever has spurred this


    angry, yet so fucking filthy side of Emerson Ford is unknown to me, but it''s doing a great job in ruining


    me and I toss the phone away, forgetting about the previous issue as I spread my thighs wider and


    keep my eyes on him as I say, "Then do it. "


    A muscle ticks in his jaw, and he tears the packet and slides the rudder down his hard cock in one fast


    movement before he positions his cock between my legs and slides it down my folds.


    "Oh, fuck. Do that again. " I tell him as I wrap my legs around him to nudge him closer and lock my


    hands around his neck.


    Emerson gives in to my request and presses his cock to my folds again, causing a whimper to slip from


    my mouth before he pushes inside. Slowly. Inch by inch. Jamming every part till all I feel is him.


    A grunt leaves his mouth as I roll my hips once to aid his movement and he yanks my hands from his


    neck, pressing them into the sheets, above my head and keeping his eyes on me as he begins to move


    inside me. He feels so long and so thick, so big like he''s always felt¨C only he''s deeper this time. He


    takes his time to touch the depth of me before he moves back and ms inside me again¨C triggering


    sounds of many sorts from me.


    "Emerson. " I pant and he drops his head at that, closing his lips over mine to give me a taste of pure


    heaven with his cock moving inside me before he snatches it from me and pulls away, quickening his


    pace with his thrusts getting rougher, and sounds between a grunt and a groan falls from his lips with


    each pound he gives. My head is all over the ce and my throat tightens as tears pull at the corners


    of my eyes from how good it feels. From how good he takes me.


    "Please. " The word falls from my mouth as I struggle to get out of the grip he has my hands in. I want


    to run them down his chest, move them to his back and leave them on his ass to aid his movement. I


    want them in his hair, on his face, ying with his lips as he continues to drive inside me. I want them


    on his jaw but Emerson doesn''t give room for any of those as he ms inside me hard and fast.


    Words that sound entirely meaningless fall from my mouth as my legs start to shake around him and


    the sounds blend with Emerson''s grunts¨C filling the space around us and heightening the senses in the


    room.


    "Yes, that''s it, " Emerson finally speaks, his grip loosening on my hands. "Take it. Fucking take it, Eva. "


    The call of my name is all I need for the orgasm I felting to finally explode through me; white-


    zed pleasure coursing through my veins and leaving my entire body¡ªfrom my head to the tip of my


    toe¡ªin a trembling mess.


    "Oh, fuck!" I curse as my eyes roll to the back of my head and my vision bes foggy for a


    millisecond before it melts and my breathes out in short pants as I look at Emerson, who''s staring


    down at where our bodies are joined.


    "That was¡ª" I start to say but my voice is quick to turn into a cry of pleasure when Emerson picks me


    up and m into me; chasing after his high.


    My hair is a tangled mess on my face and my breasts bounce with each m before Emerson finally


    He leaves me to fall on the bed and Iy there with my mouth open, arms spread to the side and legs


    spread, unable to close them.


    When Emerson brings me into his arms again, my eyes are wide and my wordse out in a small


    voice. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    He smirks and closes his hand over my throat, caressing the skin as he says. "Funny of you to think I''m


    done with you, Carson. I''ll fuck you so hard you''d never be able to go out on any more dates with any


    man out there. " I must be too intoxicated by how Emerson''s cock drove me to the pits of numbness


    with his grip on my throat cutting my breathing short¨C taking too much from me altogether because I


    swear, those are the very words Emerson Ford utter as he flips my body around, moves me to my fours


    with the support of the sheets and ms inside my pussy again.

 T H I R T Y - E I G H T

    T H I R T Y - E I G H T


    EMERSON.


    She groans in her sleep and I gently slide my hand from under her head, leaving her to fall against the


    pillow before leaning my head on my hand and supporting it with my elbow as I watch her in her sleep.


    My eyes move across her body which is filtered with barely noticeable red marks¨C marks that are my


    doing and a smile creep into my face at the sight of them. Eva turns in her sleep, lying on her side so


    her face is to me and I reach out to it, stroking her cheek with my thumb before letting it fall to her


    shoulder. I don''t know what urges me to do it, but I reach forward to press my lips to her shoulder


    before I pull back.


    With another nce at her face, I climb off the bed and pull the duvet up to her chest before I grab my


    boxers, pull it up my legs and make my way out of the room.


    I walk down the path that leads to the kitchen and as I bring out my mug to make my morning coffee; a


    frown pulls to my face at the thoughts ofst night. At the image of his hand on her and hers on him. At


    the way she held intimately onto him, and how close they seemed. I can still remember the anger that


    streamed through me at that sight, and right now¨C it doesn''t make any difference as I grip my mug


    tighter.


    How dare she go out with a man? And with the same one that''s been on her tail for a fucking while?


    She was supposed to be here; waiting for me to fuckinge back, not go out with some fucking guy.


    ''You don''t own her. And she can go out with whoever she sees needs to. ''


    My inner self reminds me, but I''m quick to disagree with him.


    She fucking can''t. She can''t just keep going back to some guy because she can. No, I don''t fucking


    want that. I don''t want there to be a situation where she would be so addicted to seeing another guy


    repeatedly and feel it''s time to end the agreement between us.


    And why don''t I want that? God, I don''t fucking know. I just don''t want her to stoping back to me. In


    whatever way it is: For herfort or a fuck. I don''t want her to fucking stop seeking for me. I''m not


    supposed to feel like this, but I can''t help it.


    It''s insane how much she affects me.


    Eva Carson is a ruin. A goddamn infuriating one, and one that I should stay far away from, yet


    everything I see her, and bury myself in her warmth¨C I can''t help but let her be my ruin. Even when it''s


    starting to get out of hand and I don''t know what the fuck to do about it.


    With a heave of a sigh, I prepare my coffee and grab a spoon, throwing it in the mug and using it to stir


    the coffee before I twist my body to the other side with my back pressed to the counter.


    It''s only a few seconds of me standing in the room with the silence surrounding me and blowing on my


    coffee before I make my way in the direction of my room.


    Closing the door behind me, Carson is still on the bed and I can''t me her for that. I might have gone


    a bit extremest night, and it didn''t help that the fucker had to call her when I was in the middle of


    having my tongue on her cunt.


    Carson stirs in her sleep as I slowly settle on the edge of the bed, not far away from her and a beat of a


    heart passes before she opens her eyes, and the charming blue ones meet mine; the object of all my


    insanity.


    EVA.


    My eyelids flutter and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills my nostrils as I turn to the side before I


    open my eyes to the sight of Emerson Ford sitting on the bed with a mug in hand and his eyes on me.


    We stay silent, just staring into each other''s eyes and the gaze he holds doesn''t seem to have much


    difference to the one fromst night before I break the silence and say, "Hey. "


    "Hey, " he responds, scooting closer to me. "Good morning. "


    I start to sit up on the bed, and a wince falls from my mouth at the pain that shoots straight from my


    core as I try to press my thighs together.


    When I lift my head to re at Emerson, a satisfied smirk covers his lips and I want to smack it off his


    face.


    "I don''t see what''s funny, Ford. " I snap as I pull my body against the pillow and Emerson snickers


    before he says, "I definitely see something that is. "


    Fucking b¨¢stard. Proud of his performance, and not that he doesn''t have a reason to be. I''m worn out,


    and I mean each of those two words. My body is aching all over, and the reason for it is sitting right by


    my side. I lost count of the many times I camest night; every single time I thought he was done with


    me, he switches the position and thrusts inside my pussy again, and I can almost swear that I saw the


    stars to the point where I was almost at the point of dropping before Emerson finally lets me take a


    breath.


    "What''s the time?" I ask Emerson as I take my eyes to him again. "I have to get to ss. "


    "I don''t think that''d be possible today, Carson. It''s almost noon. " He tells me and my brows shoot up as


    I exim. "Noon?"


    "Yeah, " he responds as he turns to drop the mug before he turns back to me. "I promised to fuck you


    hard, didn''t I?"


    At those words from Emerson, the words he utteredst night stream through my mind. How he


    promised to fuck me hard enough to keep me from going on any more dates with any other mam.


    Those words still have me disturbed because they''re far from what Emerson Ford would normally say


    to me. What the hell got into his head when he said them? And with the remembrance of Emerson''s


    confusing words,es what I was previously annoyed about.


    "Why did you do that?" The words slip through my parted lips in the form of a question as I turn my


    head to Emerson and he furrows his brows, "Why did I do what?"


    "The call. I told you I didn''t want to pick it, so why the fuck did you do it?"


    "Why do I feel like you already have the answer to that question?" He responds, and I shake my head.


    "You had no right, Ford. "


    "I did, " he says, differing from my words. "And I still have every right, Carson. He needed to know. "


    "That I was fucking you?" I scoff and Emerson''s lips twitch; he takes a second to think back on his


    words, before he let them out and they are theplete opposite of what I expected as he says, "He


    needed to know that you aren''t avable. "


    "And what makes you think that? That''s my decision to make, not yours. " I remind him and he gives a


    shake of his head, "No, Carson. You''re fucking me, and you don''t get to fuck another guy. You''re mine.


    I''m the only one who gets to sleep with you. No other man. " His words are tight, and they make my


    stomach turn in an odd reaction. The rawness of those words as they slip through his lips, the finality


    they hold and the way his gaze hardens at them. It was almost sexy, if Emerson Ford did noty a


    im on me.


    "I''m not yours, " I correct him with a frown. "You''re the only one I can sleep with, yes but I''m not yours.


    You don''t have a im on me outside of this, Emerson. I can do whatever the fuck I want with another


    man as long as it doesn''t go as far as f¨²cking him, and I''m not fucking Dan. "


    "Yet. " He points out with a hiss. "I saw youst night. He had his fucking hand on your ass. "


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    I swallow down my throat at the revtion that Emerson saw that much.


    "If I wanted to fuck Dan, I''d end this. Those were the rules. "


    "No," Emerson says and I lift my brows in silent questioning. He takes a breath before he says, "You


    can''t end this, Carson. You don''t get to want to fuck another man. You don''t get to crave another man. "


    My annoyance is spewing through me now. Slipping out of the control I had on it and when I open my


    mouth to speak, theye out harsh, "You don''t get to tell me what I can or I can''t do, Ford. That''s


    fucking crazy and you don''t get to do it. You don''t see me making your decisions for you, do you?"


    "Do it. " He mumbles calmly and when I stare at him in confusion; he proceeds to say, "Tell me that I


    don''t get to fuck another woman. "


    "Stop. " My voicees out small and I take a breath to steady my racing heart. "Stop this, Ford. "


    "I can''t. "


    "You''re breaking the rules. "


    "I don''t give a shit about the fucking rules right now, Carson! I don''t want you with that fucker. Tell me


    you won''t fuck him. Say the fucking words. " He growls at me, and I''m stunned with this side of


    Emerson. The possessiveness that drips off each word he lets out¨C it amazes me as much as it irks


    me.


    With another nce at him, I move from under the sheets and stand in front of him. Emerson''s eyes


    drop to my naked body before he meets my eyes, and I say, "I don''t know what the fuck got into you,


    but you need to get your shit together before we break off our agreement. "


    Emerson''s mouth opens, but he closes it again and when he utters no words after a few seconds; I nod


    and say, "That''s what I thought. "


    I don''t wait to see Emerson''s expression after that. I gather my clothes littered across the floor and


    snatch my phone from the side before making my way out of his room to walk into mine.


    Throwing the clothes to the side, I fall on my back with a wince and stare up at the ceiling; his words


    running across my mind before I''m interrupted by the vibration of my phone.


    I lift the mobile to my gaze to see a new text notification from Dan and heat spreads to my cheeks at


    the thought of what he must have heardst night as I open his message.


    DAN: Hey, sweetheart. When do you have sses today?


    A chuckle slips through my parted lips at the fact that he didn''t mention the phone call fromst night as


    I start to type out a reply.


    ME: I had morning sses, and I slept in. I''m not so proud of myself.


    DAN: Does that have to do with what you were doingst night, Eva?


    I gnaw on my lips as my fingers hover over the keypad before I begin to type.


    ME: Watching porn?


    Porn, really, Eva? That''s the best you coulde up with?


    Dan''s text is instant and he sent a wide eye emoji before there''s another text.


    DAN: That was porn? It sounded like your moan.


    ME: And how could you possibly recognize the sound of my moan, Daniel?


    DAN: Courtesy of creating them a few times.


    ME: Courtesy of trying to make you feel good about yourself.


    DAN: Ouch, you hurt me, Princess. I''m serious, though; it sounded like you.


    ME: I couldn''t have not touched myself when a man and a woman were fucking across my screen,


    Daniel. Maybe I got horny a bit.


    DAN: You should have given me a call.


    ME: And what would you have done?


    DAN: I''d have helped you recreate the video.


    Augh falls from my mouth at the words across the screen and I slide further up the bed as I type out


    my response.


    ME: I don''t think you''re capable of doing that, Dan.


    DAN: Want to see for yourself? My ce? In a few hours?


    I don''t know why Emerson''s voice echoes through my mind at the words that stare back at me from


    across my screen.


    Tell me you won''t fuck him, Carson.


    And like that, I''m once again distracted. With the astonishment and the unrest, those words from him


    bring. The only reasonable exnation for his words is to keep fucking me, but I''m afraid how they


    affect me is a lot worse. And with Emerson Ford, and the troubles in between is probably why I send


    my new text to Dan.


    ME: I''m pleased with my fingers, for now, Daniel.


    And I throw the phone to the side and raise my head to the ceiling with his words echoing through my


    ears.

 T H I R T Y - N I N E

    T H I R T Y - N I N E


    EVA.


    I make my way inside the bathroom and Emerson walks in through his side at the same time. His gaze


    drops down my body and without a word, he moves out of the room.


    A sigh leaves my mouth as I turn to the sink. It''s been a week since that morning on his bed, and things


    have turned wholly bad for both of us. There have been no snarkyments from him, no looks of


    annoyance and no mocking words just to taunt me; no form of interaction at all and the only time he


    speaks to me is when he''s buried inside me. Whatever came over him from that day, he''s following


    strictly with our arrangement and I''m aggravated to admit that I miss the other side of him. I told him to


    follow the rules, only to discover following the rules rigidly might not be so fun after all.


    Pulling out of Emerson''s thoughts and stripping out of my clothes, I walk through the ss door and


    move under the shower. I turn it on and ce my hands on the wall with my head hanging between the


    space as I let the cold water run down my body, soothing the skin and calming my nerves.


    After spending a longer time than necessary inside the bathroom, I make my way out of the room and it


    isn''t long before I hear the click of the door and the running of the shower¨C which tells me Emerson is


    inside.


    I bite down on my lips as I move from my spot and stride towards my closet for my clothing for the day,


    and I settle with a short skirt and a boxy crop top.


    I d my body in the clothing and pull my hair into a tight bun before I slide my feet into my ts and


    walk out of the room with my bag hanging off my shoulder.


    As I walk inside the living room, Emerson emerges from the kitchen dressed in his usual attire with a


    key dangling off his pinky finger.


    To strike a conversation, I part my lips to speak. "Hey, do you think¨C" Emerson doesn''t let me finish my


    words before he cut me off. "I''m heading out first. See youter, Carson. " And those are the only


    words he utters before he walks past me, and shuts the door behind him as he moves out, leaving me


    on my spot.


    ~


    "She asked you out on a date?" I repeat Aliya''s words as we walk across the field after ss and she


    bobs her head in response to my words before she opens her mouth to speak, "A formal date, or at


    least that''s what she called it. She said I can''t decline either. "


    "And you said Chloe? Not Sage?" I point out for rification and Aliya''s shoulders sink into a sigh as


    she halts her steps and turns to me. "I was just as surprised as you are when she told me. "


    At the indecision that encircles my best friend''s entire form; I open my mouth and say, "I think you


    should go. "


    Aliya''s head snaps to me, and before she can speak; I continue, "To get a chance to see another side


    of Chloe. Maybe that''ll heighten your opinion about her. It''ll give you a clearer view of the kind of person


    she is, and I think that''ll make things easier for the three of you. I mean, you got to meet that side of


    Sage, it only makes sense that you give the other one a chance too. "


    "Eva Carson. " Aliya calls with a grin. "Sometimes, you''re just too smart for yourself. "


    "I know. " I mumble with a proud smile. "Brain is the new sexy, bitch. "


    Aliyaughs and shakes her head before the sound dies down from a voice that doesn''t belong to


    either of us.


    "Heydies. " Dan stands in front of me, and I throw him a smile as I say, "Hey, you. "


    "Evie, I need to leave. " Aliya says, and I turn to meet her eyes. She waves her phone in front of her


    with an apologetic look on her face and I nod in understanding, giving her the gesture to move.


    "Text me, yeah?" She squeezes my shoulder and nods her head as a form of greeting to Dan before


    she skips away from us. And as I watch her go, my eyes catch the sight of Emerson moving out of the


    campus with a new girl I''ve never seen with him. They look close. Ridiculously close with his arm


    across her shoulder and her body perched to his side. Closer than necessary.


    "I guess luck is on my side today. " I tear my gaze away from him at Dan''s words, to settle it on his and


    he says, "I was going to ask you toe to my ce? Hang out a bit?"


    I should decline. I shouldn''t agree with it, knowing what''s bound toe from it, but it''s said that


    people tend to make crazier decisions when they''re not in the right state of mind and that''s the only


    excuse for the answer I give Dan.


    "I don''t see why not. " His lips curve into a wide smile and he ces his hand on the small of my back


    as he leads me to where his bike is parked.


    ~


    "I didn''t know you were in the fraternity. " I tell Dan as I climb off his bike and pass him his helmet, and


    he removes his before he says, "You met me here, remember?"


    "I did. " I agree with his words as he hangs the helmet by the handle and gets off the bike. "I just didn''t


    know you stay here. You never mentioned it either. "


    "We both managed to miss that slight detail of where we live; how couple like, don''t you think?" Dan


    jokes and a chuckle slips through my parted lips before I say, "I don''t think so. "


    "You just hurt me daily, Eva. " A yful hurtful expression climbs on his face as he crosses a hand over


    his chest and we both break into augh.


    "Come on. " He says, motioning for me to follow him and I trail behind him as we walk inside the house,


    and stroll down the hallway before we arrive in front of his room.


    "Bigger than I expected. " I tell Dan as we walk inside the room and he hurries to gather things that are


    littered across the floor.


    "I pulled some strings. You can grab a seat on the bed. " He motions to the single bed in the room and I


    look around for chairs, only to end up with none.


    As I walk to the bed and take a seat, I tease Dan and say, "Do you have no other seats inside this room


    on purpose, Dan?"


    He raises his head to me as he dumps the clothes to the side with a tiny smirk ying by the corners of


    his lips, "Maybe I did. Makes things easier, don''t you think?" He winks and augh falls from my mouth.


    "Do you want anything?" He asks as he strides towards me to settle beside me and I give a shake of


    my head, letting my bag fall off my shoulder.


    "No, I''m good for now. So... What are we doing, Dan?" I blink up at him and a smile crosses his lips as


    he pushes his face closer to mine and says, "You shouldn''t act innocent, Eva. "


    I drop my gaze to the swipe of his tongue across his lips before I lift it to meet his eyes and I raise my


    brows, "Am I supposed to know?"


    Daniel chuckles and shifts closer to me till our faces are only inches away from each other and his


    hand drops to my thigh, pushing forward till he''s tugging my skirt up to leave the skin exposed to his


    gaze.


    He angles his head to the side to press a kiss to my cheek and trails it up to my ear before he pulls my


    earlobe into his mouth. A moan falls from my throat as I close my eyes to the warmth of his mouth on


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    my earlobe before I open them when he draws back.


    "Remember our conservation from that day?" He asks in a small voice, his hand, not stopping its


    manoeuvres on my thighs and I say, "Which one? We''ve had lots of conservations, Dan. "


    "The one where I promised to recreate your porn video for you?" He rifies, his eyes dropping to my


    lower face and it doesn''t take a genius to tell what he''s hinting at.


    "I remember that. " I tell him and he pushes his face forward again, sinking his teeth into my lower lip


    and eliciting a whimper from me before he pulls back with a satisfied smile and says, "I''m about to do


    that, Eva and I''ll make it even better for you. "


    I open my mouth to speak, but before the words can slip through; Dan''s lips are on mine and he''s


    lowering my body into the mattress, his other hand not stopping its movements on my exposed thigh as


    he attacks my mouth and slides his tongue between my lips. I groan in response to the kiss and let my


    hands fall to his shoulder, grabbing onto whatever I can of his clothing as the kiss gets heated and


    wilder, with him not giving me a chance to take a lead.


    "Dan. " I let out a moan of his name when he moves his body fully over mine¨C sandwiching me


    between his body and the bed.


    His other hand moves to my face and he aids it to tilt my head to the side, to move his lips across my


    neck; sucking and scraping his teeth across the skin. When Dan moves back to my lips with his hand


    across my thigh getting dangerously close to my panties, I try to speak against his lips but he swallows


    each sound before it can be formed into anything meaningful.


    He drops his head to my chest and sinks his teeth into my breast through the material of my top with


    his hand gliding underneath my panties.


    "Dan, stop. " I pant, pushing at his chest but he doesn''t listen. He gives another bite to my chest as he


    presses his forefinger to my core and I''m writhing underneath him.


    "Dan, stop. Dan!" My voicees out loud, but Dan doesn''t seem to listen to me as he rubs my clit


    with his thumb and the corners of my eyes burn with tears as the dark memories glimmer before my


    eyes: Forcing his way. Not stopping despite the pleads. Incapable to prevent it. Weak and miserable.


    "Dan!" I raise my knee to the front of his pants just as his finger slides inside my core and a grunt fall


    from his mouth as he staggers back before he raises his head to me with wide eyes.


    I''m quick to climb off the bed and yank my skirt down, grabbing my bag from his bed as guilt masks his


    expression.


    "Eva¨C" he starts, moving to his feet to step closer to me. "I''m so fucking sorry. I have no idea what


    came over me. I just couldn''t¨C"


    "Yeah, you lost control. " Iplete the rest of his words and his face falls as he says, "I''m so sorry,


    Eva. I didn''t mean to force anything on you. I just... I''m sorry? Forgive me, please. "


    With another look at the man in front of me, I shake my head and say, "I''ll see you around, Dan. " And I


    don''t wait to listen to any more of his words before I make my way to the exit and walk out of the room,


    heading to the one ce that I know would take control of the dark thoughts that go through my mind


    from Dan''s unweed action.


    ~


    Emerson is on the couch with his eyes on the screen of his phone as I walk through the door, and his


    head snaps to me at the sound of the door and the drop of my bag to the floor. He takes a drag down


    my body and he''s about to look away until his gaze settles on my face again and a crease forms over


    his forehead as he calls out my name, "Eva?"


    I don''t think about the mess that we''ve got going on between us at the moment; what I think about is


    the fact that I need this man right now as I open my mouth to say, "Emerson. I need you. "


    Emerson doesn''t stay another second before he''s on his feet and striding toward me. He takes in my


    appearance again as he stands in front of me before he lifts his touch to my face; his hands cupping


    my cheeks.


    "Are you alright? Did something happen?" I don''t fail to notice the worry in Emerson''s voice and without


    a word, I angle my head to the side and lean it on his shoulder, sliding a hand around his neck to bring


    his body into mine and Emerson doesn''t say anything as he wraps his arms around my middle and


    presses his body tighter to mine¨C giving me exactly what I need.


    "You''re fine. You''re fine, Carson. " He mumbles into my ear as he gives slow strokes to my back and


    lets me stay in his arms for all the time I need before I pull back to look into his eyes.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" He asks in a soft voice as he rubs his hands down my arms and I give a


    nod before I let Emerson lead me to the couch. He throws his phone to the side and pulls me to his


    side with his shoulder pressing into mine as we settle on the couch.


    I take a few minutes to calm my breathe before I turn my head to Emerson and part my lips, letting the


    words slip through, "I was with Dan. "


    I notice the slight change in Emerson''s expression after those words, but he doesn''t act on it and waits


    for me to continue.


    And I do. "We were at his ce. Making small talks and having fun, then it turned serious. His lips were


    on mine and I¨C" I pause as Emerson adjusts in his seat and I swallow down my throat before I proceed.


    "We were making out but he wanted more. His hand moved past my panties, slipping to my bare


    pussy¨C"


    "Eva. " Emerson calls out and I lift my head to him to say, "Listen, Ford. "


    He gives a nod for me to continue and I start to speak again. "He was about to slide his finger into my


    core, but I wanted him off. I tried pushing him off, but he kept going. He didn''t stop. He moved to my


    breasts and slide a finger into my core. He was¨C"


    "He tried to f¨²cking touch you without your fucking consent?" Emerson growls, annoyance creeping


    into his tone and when I give a bob of my head, he says, "I''m going to f¨²cking kill him. That''s fucking


    assault! " He''s on his feet now, pacing in front of me.


    "He said he lost control¨C"


    "No fucking chance. That''s a fucking shitty excuse. " Emerson fumes and I shake my head, pulling him


    to my side before I speak again. "I led him on, Ford. I let him touch me, and didn''t stop when he wanted


    more. I didn''t think to stop until it was too much. "


    "It wasn''t your fault. He''s f¨²cking crazy for¨C" Emerson starts, but I cut him off. "I don''t have a problem


    with him losing control, but I do have a problem with him not stopping, because it brought memories.


    Dark memories, Emerson. Memories that I''ve been wanting to get past. "


    "Eva¨C" he lets out my name in a tiny voice as he turns his body to my side so my shoulder is pressing


    into his chest, instead of his shoulder.


    "Remember the night when I told you I''m to me for my sister''s death?" I question him and Emerson


    hums in response.


    Turning to meet his eyes, I gnaw my lips before I open my mouth to let out the words that I''ve never


    spoken to anyone else. The words that have been buried deep inside my mind¨C to dig up the memory


    that''s been engraved to my soul. I open my mouth and reveal my darkest secret to Emerson Ford.


    "At fourteen, me and my sister were kidnapped by some men, and they did terrible things to us.


    Horrendous disgusting things that haunt me to this day. "

 F O R T Y

    F O R T Y


    EVA.


    "Eva¨C" Emerson mumbles quietly and when I lift my gaze to his face; an expression that tells me he


    doesn''t need to learn more to know exactly what I mean coats his face, but it isn''t right. He needs to


    learn everything because it''s more than they usually think it is.


    "Listen. And don''t utter a word. " I tell him, and Emerson nods, staying mute.


    With the wet of my lips, I open my mouth to continue. "We went out that night to have fun, but we got


    lost. They were all grown, and we had no idea where they were taking us. At first, we thought it was


    some sort of prank, but the more minutes we spent being huddled up in the truck of the car with no


    sense of movement; the more we learned what was happening and the more our fear grew. " I take a


    pause and think back to the way I had searched for my sister''s hand through the dark, and the way it


    was shaking when Iced my fingers through hers.


    "You don''t have to speak about it if you''re not ready, Eva. I know how¡ª" Emerson starts, but I cut him


    off. "I told you to stay silent, Ford. Not a single word from you till I''m done. "


    His chest falls in a sigh before he presses his lips into a thin line and I take that as my cue to continue.


    "They took us to a ce¨C a house. The room they left us in was small. Too tiny for Lena. We had no


    idea what was happening, but we knew we were in trouble; just not how much trouble we were in. Not


    until they came the second day. They came for me. They wanted to take me, but Lena jumped in. She


    let them take her away so I would be left alone, and they did. I had no idea what they were going to do


    to her; not until I heard her screams. " I shut my eyes as the agonizing screams of my sister fills my


    ears¨C and with each scream that came from her that night, a tear rolled down my face.


    "When they brought her back in, her dress... Her blood. Her dress was drenched in her blood. They


    assaulted her. They took something that wasn''t theirs to take; from a fourteen-year-old girl. They ruined


    her entire life before it could begin. " The pain in her eyes when I ran to her, the way her body gave up


    against mine and the way she tried so fucking hard to hold onto her tears for me. She told me she was


    alright to be strong for me, but she fucking wasn''t. Nothing was alright. They damaged her and there


    was nothing I could do, but sit there and cry about it. Nothing I could do to ameliorate her pain; dry her


    unshed tears; give back what was taken from her.


    "That night, I held onto her and she promised me that we would get out. She said to not give up. She


    said to¡ª" my voice breaks, and I feel his warm touch against my skin as heces his finger through


    mine, keeping to my words of remaining silent, but givingfort in the only way he can.


    "She said dad was going toe for us, and we would be out of there. She told me they''d pay for what


    they did, and I believed her. I''ve never seen my sister act that strong before. She was hurting,


    Emerson. I knew it. I saw it. I felt it. But she never shed a tear. Not a single one. While my face was full


    of tears; Lena, in her weak state, dried them for me. She was a version of herself I never knew of, and


    she managed to give me hope, but it didn''tst long because the next day¨C they were back. " Emerson


    squeezes my hand tightly at those words, and I swallow the bitter lump down my throat.


    "She went again. Every single time they came for me, she stepped in to protect me and her agonizing


    screams pierces my ears every time till they throw her back in. Used and forced against her own will. I


    stayed up several times and wondered why this was happening to us as I watch over my sister''s body. I


    wondered why we were being punished that way, I wondered why no one wasing to our rescue


    and I wondered why it had to be us. It was wrong; to wish that on someone else was wrong but I


    couldn''t care. I just wanted it to not be us. I cried, and I prayed but it wasn''t enough. Nothing was


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    enough, because we were doomed. Lena kept trying to reassure me to not give up, but I already did. I


    knew there was only an amount of times she could manage to protect me before they eventuallye


    for me, and I promised myself to not share a single tear. And it happened. The night they came for us


    again; Lena tried to stop me, but I stepped forward this time. I let them take me and I stopped my sister


    from trying to prevent something unpreventable. "


    Her eyes. The hurt they held when I pushed her back, and the way she shook her head furiously when


    I was dragged out of the room: I remember every single detail.


    "When they went down on me and¡ª" I pause to take a breathe and push back the tears that threaten


    to overwhelm me as I''m dragged into that ce again¨C dragged into that night. I remember spitting on


    his face out of fury when he forced my legs open, and I remember how he struck me across the face. I


    remember how I felt no pain when he did, and I remember throwing my head to the side and biting on


    my lips to hold back the pathetic tears as he forced his way inside me and took something that wasn''t


    his. Something that''s never meant to be taken unwillingly. Even at that, I never shed a tear. All the


    screams from my sister through several nights numbed away mine, and the only thing I felt when he


    stick that disgusting thing inside me was anger. Anger that I should never have had to feel. Anger that


    goes to the extent of wanting to kill and beyond; a wave of anger that almost turned me into a murderer


    and I didn''t give a shit about it.


    Emerson is holding onto both of my hands now, squeezing them tight in his and I refuse to lift my head


    to him because I know I''d break at that. Then I''ll stop speaking, and then I''ll cry. And I don''t want to do


    that. Not yet. Not until I''m done.


    "They were two. Another stood by the side, and jerked himself to the sight of his friends forcing their


    way with me. They spoke words. Words that sounded like nothing, butplete trash to my ears. They


    didn''t stop at one, and they didn''t stop at two. The more I remained silent, the more they went but I kept


    to my promise to not give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry, and they finally let me go. When they


    threw me back inside the room, Lena was there waiting and all it took was a look into my sister''s eyes


    for the tears to flow down my cheeks. She took me into her arms, and mumbled soothing words into my


    ears, and at that moment; the pain I felt wasn''t mine. It was my sister''s. " Lena''s trembling body as she


    held me and tried to relieve me of the pain crosses my mind.


    I take a few minutes before I continue. "We were kept in there for a long, and we had no idea how


    much time passed. Night by night, they came and night by night; they took each piece of our soul and


    tainted it. " Night by night, we fell and there was no sight of hope for us.


    "Then the day of our saviour came. Perhaps it was toote, and perhaps it was not, but our father


    found us at the veryst stage of giving up life and seized the men. It was months, Emerson. They kept


    us in there and used us for months. "


    The relief that covered dad''s face when he realized he managed to find us, but that relief was quick to


    turn into a look of horror and a fit of burning anger when he saw the state we were in. I recall him


    almost beating one of them to his death and he would have, if the cops weren''t there to stop him.


    "Did they fucking kill them?" He growls, bitterness creeping into his voice and a sad chuckle falls from


    my mouth as I say, "They didn''t. They were taken to jail, and the punishment was to serve the rest of


    their lives there. Nothing less. Nothing more. "


    "That''s fucking stupid! They are to be killed. They don''t deserve to f¨²cking live another day after¡ª"


    "You know how thew works. " I cut him off, silencing the rest of his words and Emerson shakes his


    head. "Fuck thew, Carson. "


    "The same words I muttered. " I smile as I finally lift my head to look into his eyes, and they hold


    enough pain for me to feel. Not pity. Not sympathy, but the rawness of pain. And I feel it through me.


    "Dad took us to therapy, " I mumble, and Emerson lifts one of his hands to my face. He cups my cheek


    in his hand and uses his thumb to knead the skin, and it''s surprisingly more than he could offer.


    "He med himself for what happened. He considered himself a failure as a parent and as a man. He


    hurt as we all did, and he promised to never let anything bad happen to us. After several medical


    treatments, my sister and I were fine. Or at least I thought we were. I was. I scorned what happened,


    but I handled my pain by channelling it into something else; distracting myself with new habits and


    that''s how I got into reading. It worked for me¨C my nightmares got better, but not for Lena. She handled


    her pain another way, or should I say she couldn''t. She suffered the most from the two of us, and she


    was the weakest at heart so it wasn''t a surprise that she struggled with it. She had nightmares of those


    days every single night, and her screams were worse than the ones I heard when we were there. They


    were a different kind. They were screams of a girl who was destroyed and could never be fixed again. "


    "Eva. " Emerson calls beside me and tears burn at the corners of my eyes at the memories of my twin


    sister.


    "Dad took her to treatment again when her nightmares kept getting worse. I was alright, but she wasn''t


    and that built a different kind of pain within me. Every single night, I''d walk into her room and stay by


    her side, and every time she screamed from her sleep, I''d calm her back to it. I wanted to be there for


    her. I tried to be there for her, but it wasn''t enough. She was too damaged, Emerson. She was too


    broken, and there was nothing I could do other than watch her life fall apart. " Tears roll down my


    cheeks and Emerson brings me into his arms, his arm going around my waist as he pulls me to


    straddle hisp.


    "No. Don''t say that, Eva. You tried. " He soothes me as he strokes my cheeks to wipe my tears.


    "I didn''t try enough. " I shake my head. "I should have tried more. I should have tried harder, Emerson. I


    should have fucking done everything, and maybe my sister wouldn''t have fucking killed herself!"


    Emerson''s hand on my cheek stills and his jaw drops as he repeats my words, "Killed herself?"


    "She hung herself. We thought she was doing better, but she wasn''t. She gave up. She ended her life


    because she could no longer go on. "


    That detail is engraved into my soul the most out of all. I was heading to her room to check up on her,


    but what I met was the body of my sister hanging from the ceiling with her head dropped. I couldn''t


    move at first. I couldn''t open my mouth. I stood there and watched¨C watched my sister give up life. And


    when I finally opened my mouth, it was a scream. A scream that alerted my parents and rushed them


    to my side. They were frozen when they came in at first too, before they struggled to get her down. I


    didn''t need to look into my father''s eyes and I didn''t need to hear my mother''s agonizing cries before


    my legs gave out and I realized she left.


    To realize that I killed my sister.


    "No," Emerson utters and when I lift my head to him; my vision blurry from my tears, he presses a hand


    to my head and brings it to his chest. "No, Eva. Please no. "


    "I shouldn''t have let her step in for me, Emerson. Maybe if I had protected her instead of letting her¡ª


    maybe it would have been different. Maybe she would be alive. Maybe I would¡ª" my words break into


    sobs and I fist my hands into the side of his shirt as my body shakes against his.


    "You didn''t kill her, Eva. They killed her. Those men did. You didn''t kill Lena. You were there for her in


    the only way you could be. You tried. " He urges, his hand moving to the small of my back to give soft


    pats.


    "But if I¨C" I open my mouth to argue and Emerson holds my face in his hands as he lifts my gaze to


    meet his and in a firm tone, he says, "You didn''t kill Lena. Do you understand me, Eva? you didn''t kill


    your sister and you should never think otherwise. Lena would never want that for you. She would never


    want you to take the me for her death, so do not. You''re not to me for what happened. "


    "You''re not to me. " He whispers as he pushes my head back to his chest. "I can''t begin to imagine


    your pain after, Eva. You''re so strong for holding on. You''re so fucking brave for moving on and growing


    into this beautiful version of yourself. I know it must not have been easy, and I have no right to say this,


    but I''m d you didn''t let what happened to take you with it. I''m proud of you, Eva and your sister


    would be prouder. "


    I lose it at those words from him. I hold onto him as I let it all go till the sounds of my cries fill the space


    around us, and my tears soak his shirt.


    "That''s it. " He says as he continues to stroke my hair and back. "Let it all out. Don''t hold back. Let


    yourself feel as you should. "


    And I keep going. Tears after tears till there''s nothing left to cry and I justy there in his arms, letting


    the silence and his embrace soothe what''s left of my pains.


    "I''m about to move. " He says after a while and I raise my head from his chest, attempting to move to


    the side; only for Emerson to drag me back to hisp.


    "I was just notifying you. I didn''t say to move. " He mumbles, pressing a hand to the side of my face to


    press to his chest, and I hum as I wrap my legs around his waist after he moves from the couch and


    walks us in the direction of the rooms.


    He walks through the door of his room and shuts it with his leg before striding towards his bed. He


    gently lowers me on the bed before he strolls to the other side andes back with one of his shirts in


    hand.


    "You can sleep in mine. You said you don''t sleep well with your regr clothes on. " He exins as he


    holds out the ck shirt to me and I sit up on the bed before I take the shirt from him.


    "Do you want me to help you with it?" He offers as I throw a leg over the edge and I raise my head to


    him with a tiny smirk on my face as I say, "I have hands, Ford. "


    "I''m aware of that, but I thought¡ª never mind. Help yourself, Carson. " He walks away from me and a


    small chuckle leaves my lips before I stand up and strip out of my clothes. I throw the shirt over my


    head, and it swallows me whole, going past my midthighs as the familiar soothing scent of Emerson


    Ford surrounds me.


    "Come here. " Emerson pats the space next to him when I turn back and I crawl into bed, shifting closer


    to his side till I''m pressed to his body.


    "There. " He nudges my head to his chest and I rx into him, crossing my leg over his as Emerson''s


    hand moves to my back and give smooth taps while the other stays on my hair and massages my


    head.


    "Emerson¨C" I call, raising my head to his jaw and he says, "Close your eyes, Eva. I''m right here with


    you. "


    "I know, " he''s here. He''s always here. Even when he doesn''t need to be. "Thank you for listening to


    me. "


    "Thank you for speaking to me about it. " He retorts. "Now close your eyes. You need sleep. " He


    orders, and I hum, adjusting my head on his chest before I shut my eyes and let the drowsiness take


    me.


    ~


    I heave out a sigh as I turn to my side, and open my eyes to meet brown eyes staring down at me.


    "Good morning. " He smiles as he nudges me closer with his hand over my middle and I throw him one


    of mine before I say, "Hey. "


    "Slept well?" He raises a worried brow, and when I take a while to respond; he proceeds to say. "You


    kept turning in your sleep. "


    "Maybe I did, but I slept well. No nightmares so you don''t have to look worried. " I joke and Emerson


    chuckles. "I''m far from being worried about you, Carson. "


    "It isn''t good to start the day with a lie, Ford. " I call him out before moving to sit up on the bed, letting


    Emerson''s hand fall from my stomach in the process.


    "I''m going to go freshen up for the day. " I tell him and when I look back at Emerson, he''s propped an


    elbow on the bed and he pushes his face forward as he mutters, "Do you want me to help you with it?"


    "Fuck off. " I scowl as I climb off the bed, and the echo of Emerson''sugh is thest thing I hear before


    I step out of his room with a smile on my face.


    ~


    "So how was it?" I ask Aliya as we meet in the middle and a frown climbs on her face before she says,


    "You tell me what happened to you first. Your eyes look puffy. "


    I lift my hand to my face and caress the skin before I drop it and say, "I criedst night. "


    "I can tell; what happened?" She lifts a brow in concern and I give a raise of my shoulder in a shrug.


    "The usual. "


    Aliya''s face falls and she parts her lips to speak, but I beat her to it. "You don''t have to worry. I''m fine


    now. "


    "Are you sure? You don''t want to talk about it?" She presses and I assure her with a smile. "I''m sure.


    Now tell me about your date. "


    "I think it''s safe to say¡ª" the rest of Aliya''s wordse out as a gasp as she stares in a direction


    behind me. "My fucking God. Isn''t that Dan?"


    I swallow down my throat at the call of that name, before turning my body in the direction of Aliya''s


    gaze and my mouth drops at the sight of Dan limping his way across the field.


    He looks like he got hit with a truck. No¡ª he looks so much fucking worse than that. His right eye is


    swollen,pletely sealed with a huge bruise over it and there''s a cut on his lips. It''s a miracle he can


    find his way with his other eye without stumbling on something.


    "Hey, Eva. " He says as he stops in front of me, and I open and close my mouth like a goldfish, not sure


    of what to say to him so I settle with, "Hi. "


    "I just wanted you to know that¡ª" God, up this close¨C he looks even worse.


    "I don''t want to talk about that, Dan. " I tell him, knowing what the rest of his words would be, and


    sadness clouds his damaged face before he gives a nod and strides away from me. With each step of


    his that gives rise to a limp, I ache for him.


    "Did something happen between you two?" Aliya asks beside me, nudging me with her shoulder and I


    hum, about to turn to meet her eyes when my eyes catch the sight of Emerson standing across from


    me with Jaxon by his side. His arms are folded against his chest as he looks from me to the path where


    Dan took before he looks back at me, passes me a smile then looks away and I don''t need another hint


    to know what Emerson Ford did.


    "Evie. " Aliya calls, turning my attention back to her. "Did something happen between you and Dan?"


    "Yeah, I''ll tell you after ss. " I proim before throwing a hand over her shoulder and leading us


    down the path that leads to ss.


    As we walk inside the ss, my eyes move across the room and settle on Emerson, who''s in his usual


    seat¨C behind me.


    He gives me a wave and I adjust the strap of my bag before I stride toward my seat. Shrugging the bag


    off my shoulder to the side, I take deep breaths before I make a move.


    "Why did you do it?" I turn in my seat to him, and he looks around him before he meets my eyes and


    points a finger at himself as he says, "Are you talking to me?"


    "Don''t act like you don''t know what I''m talking about, Ford. " I say and a ghost of a smile covers the


    corners of his lips as he pushes his face closer to mine and lowers his voice, "Am I supposed to?"


    "It was you, wasn''t it? Dan?" I move straight to the question and Emerson stays still for a second


    before he says, "Am I supposed to know a guy that goes by that name?"


    "Emerson. " I drawl and he angles his head to the side. "I didn''t do anything, Carson but if you''re talking


    about me beating up a fucker that deserved it, then you might be right on that. "


    "I told you not to do anything. " I frown.


    "But I never promised you I was going to go by your words. Why would you expect me to listen when


    I''ve never gone by your words, Carson?" The smile appears on his face now, and I shake my head at


    how amused he seems to be about this.


    "What if he reports you? You went too far, Ford. Have you seen him?"


    Emerson drops his hands on the desk before him and rests his head on them as he says, "I don''t give


    a shit about that, Carson. If he does, then I''ll answer to it. "


    When I part my lips to speak; he interrupts me and says, "And I don''t regret what I did. He''s lucky


    Jaxon was there to stop me, or I would have taken his life, and I wouldn''t care less if I go to jail for that.


    "


    A smirk creeps into my face as I open my mouth to tease him. "For someone who ims to not give a


    shit about me, you sure as hell went out of your way for me, Ford. "


    He chuckles before he says, "I didn''t do it for you, Carson. I did it for me. " He pauses and pushes


    forward till his face is only inches away from mine and we''re sharing the same breath. The air around


    us shifts as Emerson holds my gaze intensely and says, "I would have never been able to move past it,


    Carson. It would haunt me daily, and I''ll me myself in the end for not doing anything about it. "


    I take a breath before I part my lips, my tone dropping as I say, "Thank you, Emerson. I mean that. "


    "I know. " He boasts with a proud smile on his face and augh falls from my mouth. Emerson stares at


    me with this weird look in his eyes and I bite down on my lips as my eyes fall to his lower face, and I''m


    leaning in¨C close to taking his lips in mine until we''re interrupted by the sound in the room, and I''m


    quick to adjust properly in my seat as the realization that we''re in ss, surrounded by people and


    almost eating each other faces.


    Heat spreads to my cheeks, possibly reddening the skin and I stare down at myp before there''s a


    clear of a throat beside me.


    I twist my head to meet Aliya''s gaze, and a smirk covers her face as she jerks her head in the direction


    of Emerson, then to me. Oh, fuck. I can''t believe that happened with Aliya right beside me.


    "No. " I mouth and my best friend snickers as she edges closer to me and lowers her head to speak.


    "You''ve got a whole lot of exining to do, Evie and I''m not joking about that. "


    "Alright! Wee to today''s hell. About ourst project¡ª" at the voice of the professor, Aliya throws


    me a wink before she pulls away from me, and a groan slips through my parted lips at the trap I got


    myself into. More than that, it''s concerning that my heart is racing fast in my chest.

 F O R T Y - O N E

    F O R T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    "You leave first. I need to get a book from the library. " I tell Aliya as we walk out of ss and she twists


    her body to me to say, "Meet me back at my dorm, yeah?"


    "You got it. " I throw her a wink and pat her back before I turn in the other direction that takes me to the


    school library.


    Stepping inside the room, there are a few students scattered across, and I make my way towards my


    favourite spot at the very end to drop my bag before I head to the row of shelves and look through for


    the book I need.


    Not finding it in the first sections, I move to the one at the very end and start looking through the books.


    A smile covers my face when I catch the sight of the cover and I lift my hand to fish it out but startle


    when there''s a breath down my neck.


    "They are not for stealing, Carson. " I turn around to see Emerson standing in front of me.


    "What are you doing?" I ask with wide eyes as he sandwiches me between the shelves and his body;


    his hand moving near my face.


    "What do you think I''m doing, Carson?" He questions as he inches his face closer, and presses his lips


    to mine just barely. Not enough for me to open my mouth, but enough to spark a reaction from me.


    "Annoying me?" I say in a breath and Emerson chuckles lightly. "We''re in the library. "


    "That''s what makes this more fun. " He says with a grin and I shake my head, "I''m not f¨²cking you in


    the library, Ford. " Even when my body disagrees greatly with that.


    The corner of his lips lifts in a tiny smirk. "Who said anything about fucking you, Carson? I have other


    ways to make you moan, you know. "


    I swallow down my throat when I feel his hand on the hem of my skirt, slipping underneath the clothing


    before he starts caressing the skin that''s covered with it.


    "Want me to show you?" He whispers as he pushes his face forward and closes his lips to mine before


    I could give him a response. I moan at the familiar taste of him, and Emerson swallows the sound like


    the greedy bastard he is as he thrusts his tongue into my mouth and caresses it with mine.


    My hands are on his chest, grabbing a fistful of the shirt to press his body closer to mine, and the


    image of us tumbling down with the shelf of books because of our weight, crosses my mind for a


    millisecond before that thought dissolves when I feel Emerson''s touch edges closer to where it


    suddenly aches for him.


    One minute, Emerson Ford is swallowing every breath and gasp that leaves my throat, and teasing me


    with his touches, then the second minute he''s pulling away from me with worried eyes, and I know that


    look. Oh, I know it too much. And I know why he has that look, which annoys me.


    "We shouldn''t. " He says in a thick breath and I frown, "This is because of what I told youst night,


    isn''t it?"


    Emerson opens his mouth to argue, but I''m quick to say. "Don''t lie to me, Ford. "


    With a sigh, he confesses. "It is. "


    "You don''t want to touch me because you suddenly find me disgusting?" The words taste bittering


    from my mouth, and Emerson''s eyes are wide as he shifts closer and says, "What? No. Fucking no.


    Why the fuck would you say that?" Something tells me he would be yelling those words if it weren''t for


    where we are.


    "Because that''s how you''re supposed to feel? I mean I''ve been touched by¡ª" he closes his palm over


    my mouth, silencing the rest of my words with a re on his face. "Don''t. Just don''t. Please. I don''t


    think what you think I do, Carson. I thought you might need some time before you ease back into this.


    You dug up a past that you haven''t talked about in years, and I know that might have taken a toll on


    you. I don''t want you to be ufortable, Eva. "


    "I''m not. It doesn''t matter because it''s different with you. " Only when the words leave my mouth do I


    realize what I said and Emerson raises a brow, "How''s it different with me?" Because with you, it''s just


    you and I. Because I love the way you make me feel when you touch me.


    I don''t say those words. Instead, I say, "Because you have my consent. "


    Emerson''s lips stretch into a small smile before his lips are back on mine again. Soft and teasing.


    Warm and safe.


    "Oh, fuck. " I groan when he rubs me through thece of my panties.


    "Shh, keep it down. You don''t want us to get caught now, do you?" He shushes me as he pulls away


    from my mouth and moves his lips to my neck, littering kisses across the skin till he takes my earlobe in


    his mouth.


    My body shudders at that hidden spot before Emerson pulls back to meet my eyes, and says, "You''re


    so wet, Eva. "


    "Mmm. " I whimper when he shifts my panties to the side and expertly slides his finger inside my core.


    Emerson''s palm is back over my mouth. "I told you to keep quiet. "


    My moans and gasps are muffled with his hand as I start to roll my hips against his finger and Emerson


    double it¨C pumping in and out till I''m a mess in his hands, and I ride his fingers faster, trying


    desperately to snatch that relief.


    My chest falls in a sigh when my relief washes over me, and he pulls his fingers out of me; the digits


    coated with my juices.


    He brings it close to my mouth and says, "Suck. "


    The willfulness to go through with hismand trickles through me, and I part my lips, letting him slide


    his fingers through before I suck on them.


    "That''s my good girl. " He praises before slipping his fingers out of my mouth with a smile on his face,


    and my lips remain parted. My good girl?


    "You should get back to your searches. I''ll see you around, Carson. " He skids his hand underneath my


    skirt to fix my panties, then he turns around and my eyes follow him till he disappears out of sight.


    I snap out of my daze and yank at my skirt, looking around me to make sure no one is around this


    section before I move from the spot with Emerson''s words ringing in my ears.


    ~


    "Okay, I''m all prepared for everything you have to say. " Aliya says as she walks me to her bed and we


    settle on the mattress.


    "So I might or might not have something going on with Emerson. " I tell Aliya, not meeting her eyes


    because I know a smirk rests on her face at the moment.


    "Might or might not? Bitch, make it clear. " She hisses and I roll my eyes before I do exactly what I


    didn''t want to, and meet her gaze. True to my earlier words, there''s a tiny smirk on her face.


    "We might or might not be fucking. " I watch as my best friend passes through three different emotions


    at once. First, there''s shock written all over her face; then there''s amusement clear in her eyes, and


    there''s finally annoyance. One that creeps into her voice as she says, "You fucking took to my advice of


    fucking him and you didn''t think to f¨²cking tell me?"


    "It was meant to remain a secret. " I give a raise of my shoulder and Aliya''s frown deepens. " A secret?


    Since when do you keep things from me?"


    "Not like that, " I assure her as I attempt to snuggle closer to her side, but she raises a hand, motioning


    for me to remain in my spot. "We agreed to keep it a secret between the two of us. It was a deal, babe.


    "


    "That shouldn''t include me, bitch. That''s the whole concept of the best friends thing; you don''t keep


    secrets from them. " She exins and I hum. "I know. "


    "You wouldn''t have told me if you didn''t lose it back in ss, would you?" She narrows her eyes at me,


    and I gnaw at my lips, knowing my response is one that she wouldn''t like too much.


    "Evie. " Aliya drawls when I take too long to answer and I heave a sigh before I nod. "I wouldn''t have. "


    "I can''t fucking believe you!" She snaps and I throw her a smile as I say, "You can''t be mad at me. I


    know you can''t. "


    "I am!" She counters. "But that won''t stop me from asking more questions. How was it? When was the


    first time? Was he good? How many times have you fucked? Is he your permanent hook up now? Wait,


    if you''re fucking Emerson, then what do you want with Dan? Bitch, you better start exining. "


    "Slow down. " I let out a chuckle, gesturing with my hands for her to take a breath before I start to


    speak. "It was ourst night at the club back home. We were arguing like always, and it somehow


    turned to me sitting on his dick in his car. We didn''t speak about it until we found out we''re housemates,


    and now we''re just fucking and I''m not telling you how he did, so don''t ask me about that. " I raise a


    warning finger at her.


    "So you guys are friends now? No death res?" Friends will be a strong word, because we still annoy


    each other just as much as we''ve always done, but a friend would be an understatement for the way


    we confide in each other. I have no term to describe my rtionship with Emerson Ford, other than


    there''s a bond between us.


    "We aren''t exactly friends. " I tell her and she furrows her brows, "So you''re having hate sex?"


    "Maybe. It''s kind ofplicated, but sleeping with him feels good. "


    "Good enough to make you do it repeatedly? Yeah, I get that. " She taunts and I throw her a re.


    "Shut up. "


    Aliya chuckles with a shake of her head before she says, "I can''t believe you''re fucking Emerson Ford.


    "


    "I know. " I say with a fall of my chest. "It''s unexinable. "


    "You took the first step, and the second wille soon. " She winks, and I don''t need her to say more


    to know the meaning behind her words.


    "That''s never going to happen. " I snort out augh and Aliya clicks her tongue, "Never say never,


    baby. You went from detesting the very presence of him, to wanting to fuck him every other second¡ª"


    "I didn''t say that. " I frown and she cackles. "The point is, it might happen. You never know. "


    "It won''t. " I stand my ground and Aliya shrugs without a word. "It fucking won''t. " I repeat and she


    breaks into augh.


    "I heard you the first time, bitch. Back to my questions; what happened to Dan?"


    "Tried to force himself on me. " I tell her in a small voice and her eyes widen as she raises her voice.


    "You''re fucking joking? He tried to fucking what?"


    "I was at his cest night, and things got heated. Tried to stop him, but he didn''t stop. Not until I


    made a move. " I exin and she shifts closer to my side, grabbing me by my side. "To what extent did


    he go? I''m going to fucking kill him. "


    "Only up to his fingers, and I don''t think he deserves to be destroyed further than he already is. "


    "He deserves more. I thought he was someone decent. " She spats and I nod, "Control can be a


    disgusting thing. "


    "Doesn''t excuse his actions, babe. You''re not seeing him again after this?" She ducks her head to meet


    my eyes.


    "You know me enough to know what I''d do, Lia. " I tell her and a small smile crosses her lips before she


    pulls me closer to her side and squeezes my shoulder.


    "That''s why you cried?" She mumbles silently and I hum. "More or less. "


    Aliya squeezes my shoulder tighter before there''s a creak of the door, and I pull away from Aliya to see


    Maria standing at the door with a perplexed expression on her face.


    "Um... Am I interrupting something?" She asks, looking between me and Aliya.


    "Yeah, I got her under my spell and was about to have my mouth on her. What a time to ruin my effort,


    Maria. " Aliya jokes beside me and I p her shoulder before I raise my head to Maria and say, "You''re


    not interrupting anything. She''s just being naughty. "


    "I could get naughty for you, baby. " Aliya murmurs, leaning over my shoulder and I nudge her off.


    "Don''t fuck with me, Aliya. "


    She lets out augh before turning her attention to Maria and I fall back on her bed as I watch them


    exchange words.


    EMERSON.


    As I walk through the door, my eyes move to the sight of Eva on the couch with her eyes on one of her


    childish movies across the screen. Childish, but somehow adorable.


    I stand still for a moment, just to watch the little sparkle of her eyes when there''s a joyous moment


    across the screen, and I find myself smiling at the sight of it. Seeing that she didn''t allow her step into


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    her past again to keep her down truly amazes me¨C Eva Carson amazes me in every way there is.


    I''ve always thought of her as a child that hid under her parents'' wings, and though I call her that just to


    annoy her at times ¨C I know she''s so fucking far from it. Before her revtion fromst night, I''ve


    known that Carson is a brave woman from the bits and bits she lets me in about her life, and that


    impression about her grows with each little moment spent with her, butst night... Last night is a


    Eva Carson isn''t just brave. She''s strong¨C one of the strongest women that I''ve evere across. To


    have suffered that way¡ªboth physically and emotionally¡ª yet manage to keep to her feet. To keep


    going. To keep surviving. It''s something that takes the strongest to do.


    I wasn''t there, but I felt her pain through her words and for a woman like her to have managed to make


    it through, and grow into the person she is right now; I don''t think I''ve ever been more amazed by


    anyone, or anything. And Eva''s revtion about her past didn''t just show me a bit more about the kind


    of person she is¨C it also scour wider into the part of me that''s consumed by her. It''s deeper, stronger


    and I can feel it every single time I watch her.


    "You''re back. " Carson''s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and back to the reality before me. "How long


    have you been standing there?"


    "Long enough for you to turn back and see me. " I respond as a tease and a look of annoyance crosses


    her face, causing me to chuckle as I move from my spot.


    "That thing again?" I groan, jerking my head towards the TV and Carson throws me a re as she


    says, "Say a word against my choice in movies and you''ll regret it. "


    "Are you threatening me, Carson?" I speak in an amused voice as I stand behind the couch so her


    head is turned my way to meet my eyes.


    A tiny smirk climbs on her face, one that brings another one of the many sides thates with Eva


    Carson. "Does it feel like a threat? Cause it should. "


    "I think sometimes you forget who''s got the advantage over who here, Carson. " I tell her, folding my


    arms against my chest and her smirk grows. "In every aspect, that would be me. "


    I push my face forward so it''s only inches away from hers, and purposely brush my lips against hers as


    I speak in a low voice, "Yeah, and you say that until I have you writhing underneath me. "


    I watch as her pupils dte, and the bob in her throat shifts as she gulps before she says, "It''d be


    terrible without those sounds because your performance is that bad, Carson. "


    Iugh at her response and pull back. "I''d pretend I didn''t see you limp your way to the door just days


    ago, Carson. "


    When she opens her mouth to argue, I beat her to it and change the subject. "I''m famished. Do you


    want something?"


    "Offering to cook for me after this?" I don''t fail to catch onto the tease in her words and I say, "Don''t test


    my patience, Carson. "


    "Fine, " she chuckles before she moves from her seat. "I''lle help. "


    "You don''t have to. You can sit and concentrate on your¡ª" the vibration of a phone interrupts my words


    and I nod my head to Eva''s phone. She walks to the table and grabs the device, and the yful


    expression on her face is masked by an annoyed one.


    Without a word, she ends the call and hurls it in the back pocket of her shorts before she turns to me.


    "Who was it?" I ask with a raised brow and she says, "Why should I tell you?"


    There she goes. Being the most difficult woman that anyone has ever had to deal with.


    "You have a frown on your face so I thought something might be up. " I tell her and she hums, "It''s no


    one serious. "


    "It''s him, isn''t it?" Eva''s lips twitch at my words before she gives a small bob of her head and anger


    swells in my chest. He still has the fucking audacity to reach out to her? The fucker must be fucking


    sick.


    "I should have broken his fingers. " I mumble under my breath and Carson cackles before she says,


    "Doesn''t go that far, Ford. I''m smart enough to choose my friends, and the ones that should never be


    seen with me. "


    "Only if that were true. " I say with a clear of my throat and she scowls, throwing me her middle finger.


    "Fuck you, Emerson. "


    "You''re always so needy, Carson. I thought back in the library would be enough for you?" Redness


    coats her flushed cheekbones after my words, and she tries hard to hide her face from me, but fails


    miserably.


    "I mean, I don''t mind¡ª" I continue and she snaps her gaze to me. "Shut up. "


    Augh falls from my mouth and though she tries to keep the scowl on her face, I don''t fail to notice the


    way the corners of her lips start to curve and then, there she goes¨C with a smile that makes me


    question my entire fucking self.

 F O R T Y - T W O

    F O R T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    "What are you reading?" I drop my gaze from my book to look at Emerson who''s sitting right where my


    bent legs end on the couch.


    "A novel. " I state the obvious and Emerson throws me an annoyed look. "Obviously I know it''s a novel,


    Carson. "


    With a chuckle, I lift the book I have in hand for him to read the title across the cover before dropping it


    back to my belly.


    "You have a bad taste in books, don''t you think?" He teases and a smirk climbs on my face as I lift my


    body from the couch so I''m sitting close to Emerson. "You do realize you have a copy of this?"


    "You looked through my shelves, Carson?" He furrows his brows and I bob my head. "I''ve been in your


    room several times. What did you expect?"


    Emerson looks away from me and says, "It isn''t mine though. It was a gift. "


    "But you still have it, and you read it. Maybe my taste isn''t as bad as you love to say it is. " I chuckle


    and he snaps his head to me, the corners of his lips curving into a tiny smirk as he says, "No. Your


    taste is fucking sweet. " He lifts his hand to my shoulder and slides a finger underneath the strap of my


    top before he shrugs it to the side.


    My eyes fall to his lips, and I wet my lips with my tongue at the sight of his. More tempting than they


    should be.


    "I wanted to ask you something. " Emerson speaks, cutting through the tension that''s stimted


    between us and I shift my gaze to meet his eyes as I say, "Yeah?"


    "Will you leave for home for the semester break?" He questions as he ys with the strap of my top


    and I lift a teasing brow, "Why, Ford? You don''t want me to leave here?"


    "That doesn''t answer my question, Carson. " He frowns and I let out a chuckle before I say, "Yes, I will.


    They want me home. "


    "Are you saying you would have preferred to stay here if they didn''t, Eva?" There the sound goes.


    There''s an obsession thates with Emerson calling my name. Maybe it''s the way it rolls off his


    tongue in a graceful way, or maybe it''s because he never uses it often, but when he does¨C there''s a


    touch to his voice that ignites something in me.


    "I answered your question, Ford. " I tell him and his lips tug up in a small smile before he leans forward,


    and he''s about to meet my lips when there''s a knock at the door.


    Emerson turns to look at the door before he turns back to me and says, "Are you expecting someone?"


    "I should be asking you that; I rarely have someonee over. " I say and shrug his hand off my


    shoulder, letting it fall from the strap of my top before I move to my feet.


    "I don''t have anyoneing over," Emerson calls behind me as I stride towards the door.


    Pulling it open, I''m met with the least expected face standing in front of me and my mouth opens.


    "Eva?" Hanna utters in confusion. She takes a step back and looks around her before she moves back


    before me. "I''m in the right ce. How are you here?"


    "Um¨C" I start, struggling to find my words. "Hey, Hanna. What are you doing here?"


    "I came for my brother. Howe you are¡ª" she pauses and her eyes widen. "Oh, shoot! Don''t tell


    me you live together? You''re the roommate?"


    "Who''s it?" Emerson''s voice queries behind me before I could speak, and the man appears in front of


    us¨C surprise masking his face at the sight of his little sister.


    "Hanna? What the fuck are you doing here?"


    Hanna throws him a smile. "Hello brother. Aren''t you going to invite me in?"


    Emerson looks at me before he looks back at his sister, and when it seems he isn''t going to make a


    move; I take a step back and gesture for Hanna to move inside. "Come in, please. "


    She throws me a flying kiss before she strides inside and I shut the door, nudging Emerson by his


    shoulder before I jerk my head for him to follow after his sister.


    "I''ll be back. " He says before he paces forward, grabs Hanna by her arm and drags her to the direction


    of his room.


    EMERSON.


    "Why are you here?" I ask Hanna as she stands in the middle of my room and she raises a shoulder, "I


    got bored at home. "


    "Hanna. " I drawl, pinning her with a re. "Don''t lie to me. Tell me what truly happened. Do dad and


    mom know you left home?"


    "No. " She responds. "They wouldn''t let me if I told them. "


    "As they shouldn''t. Why the fuck would you think it''s alright to leave home and travel miles toe


    here?" I snap, and she snickers. "I''m not a kid, Emery. I''m sixteen, not five. "


    "I should have never brought you here that day. How did you even know your way? You were here


    once and it''s been months. " I say with a groan and she lets out a chuckle. "You seem to forget I have a


    pretty good memory. "


    "Why are you here? The truth, Hanna. " I repeat my earlier question in a warning tone and she heaves


    a sigh before she turns around and strides to my bed.


    "I didn''t say you could sit on that. " I tell her and Hanna lifts her gaze to me with her lips pushed


    forward, "Your little sister is hurt. Can you not show a bit more care?"


    "This is why being the good big brother sucks. " I mumble under my breath, taking my gaze to the door


    before I look back to my sulking sister. My shoulders sink in a sigh as I stroll towards her and take a


    seat next to her.


    "You know I''m not good at this, so I''ll need you to open up to me without me having to pet you. " I say


    softly and she raises her head to me, a tiny smile resting on her lips. "I knew you love me. "


    "Don''t push it. " I inform her and she chuckles before pressing her hands into the mattress behind her.


    "I fought with Micheal. "


    "Micheal?" I repeat and she nods. "Micheal, your best friend?"


    "Yes. It was a big fight and I felt bad after it. You know how much I hate being on bad terms with him. "


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    She says before she drops her head again, and I shift closer to her side, gliding a hand over her


    shoulder.


    "I don''t know why you fought with him, but you''ll be fine. I''m sure he feels just as bad as you do, and


    you both just need to sit down and talk about your troubles. " I drop my hand to her back and give soft


    strokes to it.


    "You''re pretty good at this than I thought. Maybe I woulde to you when I have issues like this. "


    She beams cheerfully and I retract my hand with a frown, "No fucking way. This is a one-time thing.


    Never repeating itself. "


    "But¡ª" she opens her mouth to argue and I throw her a re, silencing the rest of her words.


    "Fine. " She mutters and I move from her side, standing in front of her as I say, "You should head back


    home now. "


    Hanna''s head snaps to me at my words. "Right now? I didn''t journey miles just to leave the second I


    get there, Emery. "


    "And I didn''t ask of you toe here, did I? Do you know how much trouble you''d be in if any of them


    figures out you came down here?" I raise my brows and she scoffs. "They won''t. "


    "Not if I tell them. " I say with a straight face and she cackles. "You won''t. You hate it when I''m in


    trouble. "


    "That''s what you like to think. " I retort and she grins before she looks away from my face to behind me.


    When she looks back at me, she says, "You didn''t tell me you were roommates. "


    "You probably don''t know a lot of things about me, Hanna. " Her face falls, but she''s quick to keep a


    smile on her face again as she says, "Is there something going on between you two? You like her?"


    "You''re overstepping your boundaries. " I proim and she rolls her eyes, mumbling some words under


    her breath that I''m unable to catch before she raises to her feet. "Fine, I''ll leave, but I''ll spend some


    time with that beautiful girl first. "


    "No, you¡ª" Hanna doesn''t wait to hear the rest of my words before she''s out of my sight and I hiss in


    frustration as I watch her walk out of my room.


    Little sisters can be annoying for silly things, but Hanna Ford is a different kind of sister. You''d think


    pushing her away and being nonchnt would do the trick, but it doesn''t. It only pulls her closer, with


    her always so bright and cheerful personality. She''s a ray of sunshine, always wanting to brighten up


    everywhere around her with each step she takes, and though I tend not to show it to her¨C I love Hanna


    a lot more than she knows, and I''d do anything to keep that smile on her face, because as much as she


    likes to appear tough, she''s just actually a softie inside.


    I slip my hands into my pant pockets before moving from my spot, and walking in the direction of the


    living room.


    I halt my steps and lean against the wall as I catch the sight of Hanna and Carson.


    And a smile climbs on my face as I watch them interact on the couch and argue about the characters


    that appear on the screen before them.


    Eva speaks to her like she''s someone she has known for a long; like she''s her little sister and she,


    once again, astonishes me.


    With each side of her, there''s always something I didn''t expect.


    Eva Carson does a lot of things to me¨C things I find maddening, but goddamn interesting. She makes


    me lose my fucking control. She makes me want to overlook the things that there are, to make the ones


    that there shouldn''t, but most of all¨C she makes me want to break every rule that''s set between us.


    Eva Carson makes me want to cross the line that should never be crossed between us.

 F O R T Y - T H R E E

    F O R T Y - T H R E E


    EVA.


    "You need to start leaving, Hanna. " Hanna groans next to me at the voice of her brother, and I chuckle,


    throwing her a smile as she meets my eyes with a small pout.


    "He''s chasing me away. " She purrs and I look at Emerson behind us before looking back at her to say,


    "I''m sure he has good intentions. "


    "You''re defending him?" She narrows her eyes and I shake my head. "I''m not. Just pointing that out. "


    "Fine, " she rolls her eyes before moving to her feet then a smile covers her face. "I look forward to


    spending more time with you, Eva. "


    "Me too. " I utter sincerely and her smile widens before she turns to her brother, "I''m leaving now. Are


    you satisfied?"


    "Do you want me to take you back?" Emerson asks her and she says, "No, I don''t think so. I''ll be fine "


    "I''ll take you. " Emerson persists now and Hanna shakes her head again as an opposition to his words,


    "I''ll honestly be¡ª"


    "I want to make sure you head directly home, and not some other ces. I''m taking you, and there''s no


    ce for an argument. " He states, the finality in his voice quite obvious and Hanna''s shoulders sink in


    a sigh before she bobs her head in agreement.


    "Good. Stay here, I''ll be back. " With those words, Emerson turns away and Hanna falls back beside


    me. "He''s annoying, isn''t he?"


    "At times. " I chuckle and she smiles, shifting closer. "I''m kind of curious. How did you guys go from


    hating each other to hanging out and being housemates? "


    "It''splicated. " I tell her and she says, "Go ahead. I''m all in forplications. "


    When I do not answer, she proceeds to ask, "Do you like him? You know, like like him?"


    "What? No! " I''m quick to deny and Hannaughs. "That was a quick answer. It''s usually termed a


    contradiction when you give a quick answer like that. " She teases and I finally see a resemnce


    between her and her brother.


    "I should let you know, though. Emery is a¡ª" Hanna doesn''t get to finish the rest of her words at


    Emerson''s reappearance, and she groans before moving from the couch. "We will have this discussion


    another day, Eva. You''ll need it. " She winks and throws me a flying kiss before she strides towards the


    door.


    "Are you sure you can handle yourself without me?" Emerson taunts and I snicker. "I love it more


    without you. "


    "Careful what you say, Carson. I can easily tell when it''s a lie. " He chuckles before he turns in the other


    direction and goes after his sister. Just before he walks through the door, he turns around and throws


    me a salute with a tiny smile before he moves out of sight.


    I shake my head, and grab the remote with a smile ying by the corners of my lips¨C a smile that''s


    triggered by the sight of his.


    ~


    "Semester is almost over, and I just can''t wait to fucking get back home. I''ve missed my mom''s meals. "


    Aliyains as we slide into a booth after a tiring walk from the campus, and I snort. "You''re only


    saying that because you can''t take care of your damn food. "


    "You didn''t have to call me out, bitch. " She frowns and I throw her a wink.


    "So what did you guys dost night?" She ces her hands on the banquette separating our seats and


    pushes her face closer with a small glint.


    "What do you mean?" I ask, confused and when a tiny smirk appears on her lips, I figure out her words


    just before she says, "Emerson. I''m pretty sure he gives it to you every night. I can''t believe I didn''t


    notice sooner. That exins why you neverin about fucking these days. I''m so fucking mad I


    didn''t pay enough attention. " She lets out in a breath.


    "Maybe I''m not as bad at lying as you think I am. " I say with a proud smile and Aliya grimaces,


    "Please, you''re so fucking bad at it. I would have figured it out if I weren''t too busy with myplicated


    life. "


    "You mean your two girls?" I point out just to tease her and she throws me her middle finger, causing


    me tough.


    "Speaking of your two girls ¨C" I speak when I caught sight of a certain blonde behind her. "One might


    just be right behind you. " Aliya furrows her brows before she turns her head to the side, and I watch as


    she freezes for a second before she turns her attention back to me.


    "Who is that?" I ask her, jerking my head towards the guy who stands beside Sage with an arm


    wrapped around her waist as they speak to thedy at the front counter.


    "I don''t know¨C" Aliya mumbles, pulling my gaze back to her. "But they look super close. "


    "Are you bothered?" I ask her and she snaps her gaze to me. "Why the hell would I be?"


    I let out a smallugh at her attempt to appear tough. "You don''t have to hide it. I can tell you are; it''s


    practically written all over your face, babe. "


    "I''m not. " She persists and I lift my brows, "Are you sure? So you don''t mind the way he''s holding onto


    her? The arm looks very close, and she doesn''t seem to have a¨C"


    "Stop. " She hisses, and I cackle. "You''re so fucking bad at hiding it. I can tell you are, but you shouldn''t


    be. I''m sure he''s just a friend. She''s got eyes for you only, babe. "


    "I lost my appetite. We should leave. " She suddenly says, grabbing onto her bag by the side, and


    attempting to move from her seat, but I stop her as I say, "Toote. They areing towards us now. "


    Aliya''s eyes widen. "You can''t be fucking serious. "


    "Oh, I am. " I respond and throw a smile at Sage when she steps to our side. "Hey, you. "


    "Hey, pretty. Where the fuck have you been? It feels like I keep missing you. " She says and I nod to


    Aliya who has her eyes on Sage, "She''s the one keeping me away. Wants you all to herself. " Sage''s


    cheeks redden at my words, and Aliya kicks my leg under the table, throwing me a re when my gaze


    settles on hers.


    "It''s more like Emerson has been keeping you away from us. " Sage responds, and I let out an


    awkwardugh as Aliya rests back in her seat with a proud face.


    "Fuck you. " I mouth to her and her smile widens as she presses her middle finger to the side of her


    face.


    "Um, guys. This is my friend from high school, Josh. And Josh, this is Eva. She''s a super nice girl. "


    "Don''t tter me. " I say to her before I look to Josh who extends his hand to me and I take it in mine.


    "Have anyone ever told you, you''re an angel?" Josh tells me as he lowers his head towards my palm


    and presses his lips to the skin.


    "Not in that way, but thank you, Josh. " I match the smile on his face with a small one of mine and Sage


    clears her throat when it takes too long for him to let go of my hand.


    "And Josh, this is Aliya. My um¨C" she pauses and I look between the two of them as they exchange


    heated gazes. God, one look at these girls and you''ll realize they''re too fucking deep in it.


    "She''s my um¨C my gir¨C" Sage doesn''t get to finish the rest of her words before Aliya interrupts, saying,


    "Friend. Her friend. " I watch Sage''s face falls and I mentally facepalm myself at my best friend''s dumb


    intervention as I watch her exchange greetings with Josh.


    "So you''re the Aliya, uh?" Josh says and Aliya exchanges confused gazes with me. When I raise my


    shoulder in a shrug, she looks back at him and says, "The Aliya?"


    "Yeah, Sage here just happens to talk a lot about¨C"


    "Okay, guys! I think that''s enough discussion. We have to get going. " Sage pulls Josh by his arm and


    an amused smile rests on my lips as I watch her re at the guy discreetly.


    "I''ll see you around, Eva?" Josh meets my eyes and I give a nod with a small wave before he''s dragged


    out of our sight.


    "What the fuck just happened?" Aliya speaks from her seat when they''re out of sight and I turn to her


    with a grin on my face. "Seems like you mean more than just a friend to your precious Sage, idiot. "


    When she gives no response, I say, "You might want to make up your mind, Aliya. She likes you. Like a


    lot. "


    "I know that. " She responds with a groan and I lean forward. "Then why are you hurting her? If you ask


    me, I think it''s better with her than with Chloe. "


    "You don''t get it. " She mumbles with a small shake of her head. "It isn''t just about how Sage feels


    towards me and how I feel for her. It''s about Chloe being in the middle. She just¨C I can''t exin it, Evie.


    I wish I could, but I truly can''t. I can''t resist her, but I can''t lose Sage either. "


    "Well, you will have to do something, because if you don''t¨C you''ll end up losing someone who loves you


    more than you think. Maybe the semester break will help with your decision. " I tell her and she nods,


    before sinking into her seat with a fall of her chest.


    ~


    The moment I step through the door, I know there''s something different about the room. It''s the phone


    on the couch¨C one that doesn''t belong to Emerson and the purse next to it.


    I shut the door behind me, before I still in my spot, my gaze moving across the room and a few


    seconds slip away before there are sounds, and it isn''t just one which means Emerson has someone


    in. A woman to be exact.


    Just as those thoughts flow through, they appear in the living room and Emerson''s gaze meets mine


    before I break it and look to the redhead by his side. Paige. Of course, it''s her.


    My eyes roam down her body and I don''t fail to notice the small details¨C like the way the strap of her


    top is shifted from its original position, the fact that she''s without a bra, her nipples poking through her


    top and the fact that the first two buttons of her pants are out of their holes, revealing an almost


    insignificant view of the redce she has underneath.


    "You''re back. " Emerson speaks, his voice cutting through the silence and I look away from Paige to


    him¨C also noting that he''s chest naked with the buttons of his jeans loosened.


    "I am. " I utter as a response, nodding my head towards Paige as a form of greeting, which she dly


    ignores.


    "I''ll see you around, babe. Keep your mind to what I told you. " I cringe inwardly at the tone of her voice


    and the nickname she uses as she steps on her toes to press her lips to his cheek before she walks to


    the couch, grabs her stuff and walks out of the room¨C purposely bumping her shoulder into mine, might


    I add.


    "Seems like you had fun. " The words slip through my parted lips as I move from my spot and drop my


    bag to the couch before I stride in the direction of the kitchen.


    "We didn''t do anything. " Emerson voices behind me, trailing after me as I open the refrigerator and


    grab a bottle of water.


    "Eva. " He calls when I give no response to his words, and I keep my concentration on pouring the


    water into a ss. I drop the bottle to the side and lift the ss, and just before it touches my lips¨C


    Emerson''s hand covers mine as he turns me to meet his eyes, almost knocking the ss over.


    "We didn''t do anything, Carson. " He repeats his words.


    "I didn''t ask, did I?" I lift my brows and he says, "You didn''t, but you have that look in your eyes. "


    "What look?"


    "The one that says you think I fucked her. " He lets out and I cackle. "I honestly don''t give a fuck


    whether you did, or you did not, Emerson. It''s your body, and it''s your choice. "


    "You do. You should. "


    "Why?"


    "Because it''s our rule. " He utters in a small voice and I take a breath as Emerson slowly lowers his


    touch from mine.


    "I didn''t fuck her. I couldn''t. " He says and I swallow down my throat before I open my mouth, "Why?


    You could have if you wanted, then end the agreement between us. "


    He shakes his head. "I couldn''t because I didn''t want to. I won''t deny the fact that she tried to, but I


    couldn''t follow through, Eva. "


    "Why not? She''s hot. And you''ve done it before. " I tell him and he pushes forward, then lets out in a


    dangerously low and so fucking attractive voice. "Because it wasn''t you. I''ve gotten used to having you,


    and you only, Eva. I felt no willfulness to touch her even when she had her hands on me¨C not like I feel


    the need to touch you right now with you just standing in front of me. "


    His somewhat of confession makes my heart beat faster in my chest and ignites that familiar rush


    between my legs.


    I turn around and drop the ss on the counter before I turn back to him and say, "Then do it. "


    Emerson''s eyes dart to my lips before he steps closer, taking the space around me till we''re surviving


    on the same breath.


    His hand falls to my waist, lowering to the back before resting on my ass and he squeezes my ass¨C


    one that produces enough jolts to have me drip more between my thighs, my panties getting


    unbearably drenched.


    "More. " I moan out a plead, and Emerson gives into my request. He gives another squeeze to my ass


    while his other hand moves to the hem of my skirt and slips underneath the clothing to find the mess


    that he and he only has caused.


    "Wet and waiting. Just like always. " He whispers as he gives faint rubs over my d pussy and a


    powerful surge of desire streams through me, leaving me wanting more and more of his touch. The


    more, I want; the more he gives and the more he gives; the more I want more.


    "Oh, yes, yes. Yes, Emerson. " I chant like a prayer as he applies pressure to his rub. He''s barely


    touching my bare pussy yet, and I''m so fucking down for him. So fucking badly.


    "Come here. " He hoists me up in his arms, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he drops me on the


    counter before he spreads my legs wider.


    "Look at me, Eva. Look into my eyes. " The irresistible tone of hismand has me doing exactly as


    he asks, and I meet his eyes. Dark and heated¨C no doubt that they are a reflection of mine.


    "Yes, that''s it. " He encourages, not looking away from my eyes as he brings my body to the edge of


    the counter before he slips his hands between my legs; his one hand resting on my thigh while the


    other brushes against my wetness before he expertly shifts my panties to the side, and pinches my clit.


    "Yes, God. That feels so f¨´cking good. " I moan as he ys with my clit before he slips two fingers


    inside me at once, and my head falls against his shoulder.


    "My eyes, Eva. " He tells me and I wiggle against his shoulder as I pant, "I can''t help it. "


    "I love the face you make when I''m driving you closer to the edge, Eva. Let me see that face; look at


    me. " I raise my head from his shoulder, pressing my hands on the skin instead and he gives me a tiny


    smile as he fastens the pace of his fingers inside me while he presses his thumb to my clit.


    Intimacy with Emerson Fordes in different shades: he could be gentle¨C giving you what you want


    the way you want it, he could be aggressive¨C taking you the way he wants it until you can barely feel


    anything but him and he could be wicked¨C giving you what you want after dragging you through all


    forms of torture before he lets you have that slice of heaven.


    This is him being wicked, and as much as this side annoys me¨C I can''t deny the fact that I love it the


    most out of all.


    Emerson''s fingers inside me are bringing me to the point of insanity and I can no longer keep my eyes


    on him. I can no longer control it.


    "Hey, Carson. " Emerson calls and I hum in response, my mind all over the ce with the way his


    fingers feel inside me; pumping and driving me to pleasure.


    I''m barely paying attention to what''s around me¨C I''m barely in the right state of mind to do that, but


    that''s until Emerson speaks again, "I''m afraid I''ll have to break one rule between us. "


    I manage to grasp the meaning of his words and open my eyes to meet his brown ones; they are


    staring back at me with a soft glow to them. No, not just a glow. It''s more of an expression¨C one that I''m


    unable to apprehend.


    "What are you talking about?" I finally find my words amidst Emerson''s spoken ones, and his fingers do


    not stop their torture between my legs.


    His tongue peeks out and swipes over his bottom lip, wetting it before he looks down to where he''s


    working his way inside me.


    "Ah, fuck!" I let out a cry when Emerson crooks his finger inside me, my hands gripping his shoulder


    tighter as my legs on his waist start to lose their hold.


    "You like that?" He coos as he looks up at me and I struggle to keep my eyes on him. "You like that,


    Eva?" He repeats and I hum at the use of my name along with those words.


    "You know I do. " My responsees, and Emerson moves his other hand from my inner thighs to the


    back of my head, using it as a measure to lower my lips on his. It''s just the press of his against mine


    before he pulls back and says, "You want more?"


    "Stop. " I pant in a thick breath, knowing the direction he''s taking this. "Don''t y games with me,


    Emerson. Please. Just..." A sound of pleasure breaks out between my words when he adds another


    finger inside me, stretching my walls and bringing me into another level of pure bliss.


    "I''m not. I''m not, Eva. I''m fucking not. " He chants and with a few more strokes of his fingers, my


    pleasure washes over me in a rather intense way.


    I was wrong when I thought he would stop there. Emerson moves back so my legs fallpletely from


    his waist before he drops to his knees and raises my legs to his shoulders.


    "I want my mouth on you. " It''s the only permission he seeks and a nod is the only approval I''m able to


    give before he yanks the previously shifted panties down my straightened legs. When it reaches his


    face, he takes a sniff and throws his head back before he meets my eyes, and the way they gaze at me


    is enough to have me dripping between my thighs; enough to have my body rumble with impatience.


    Needy and begging for him to make a move.


    "Please. " I know the power that one word from me holds over him when Emerson lifts my legs from his


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    shoulder to get rid of the panties before he drops them back, and pushes his face forward.


    I drop back on my elbows and move my hand to the back of his head to press him closer when he


    gives one hard swipe of his tongue across my pussy.


    "So fucking sweet. " He purrs before his mouth is on me again, brushing against my pussy, licking and


    sucking before he thrusts his tongue instead.


    "Just like fucking that. " I whimper and throw my head to the back, my fingers coiling through his hair


    and gripping tight as Emerson fucks me with his tongue like it''s the thick length of his cock and it isn''t


    long before another orgasm ripples through me with Emerson Ford sucking at my juices till the veryst


    drop.


    "Fuck, yes! Your mouth feels so good, Emerson. So. Fucking. Good. "


    After licking me clean, he draws back; his lips coated with my juices and his hands stroking my


    trembling legs as he drops the words that leave my mouth open, and an entire wave of a strange


    emotion washing over me along with the intensity of the pleasure he just gave. "I think it''s starting to


    mean more than just sex with you. You''re making me feel a lot more, Eva. "

 F O R T Y - F O U R

    F O R T Y - F O U R


    EVA.


    It feels like my heart is about to jump out of my chest with how fast it''s thumping, like the sound of


    galloping horses as I watch Emerson between my legs.


    I close my parted lips, swallowing down my dry throat before I open my mouth to speak. "What do you


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    mean with those words?"


    Emerson drops my legs and moves to his feet before he says, "You heard what I said, Carson. "


    "I heard words that shouldn''t be. " I retort and he takes a step closer. "You heard exactly how I feel. I


    feel more than just sex with you. "


    "We already hate each other. " I point out and Emerson shakes his head with a smallugh. "More than


    that, Carson. I feel more with you. I feel so fucking more that it''s starting to annoy me and I just can''t


    keep it to myself. " He ends his words with a groan as he drops his hand to my waist.


    "What''s your definition of more?" I take the chance to ask, and he lifts his other hand to my mouth;


    parting my lips and slipping a finger inside as he says, "I want you to give me more of you. I want to


    know you more than this, and I want us to be more, Eva without having to worry about going over the


    line, or breaking the rules. " His eyes don''t leave mine with each word he utters, and they''re staring


    deep into my soul¨C threatening me to make a move.


    "The rules were made so we wouldn''t want more than we agreed to in the beginning, Emerson. " I slip


    my mouth from his finger so I could talk, and Emerson nods. "We made the rules, and we can break


    them. "


    "What if more doesn''t work?" I lift my brows at him and he presses his hands behind me as he says,


    "You never know until you try it. "


    "Emerson, I don''t think¡ª" I start to say, but he''s quick to silence the rest of my words as he opens his


    mouth. "Give us a month. A month to have more, then you can think of what to do after that. "


    "The semester break is in days. We can''t have a month together. " I remind him of the fact that we have


    to part ways in a few days, and we might not see each other until it''s over.


    "Itsts for only weeks before we would be back and our houses are beside each other for the break. "


    Emerson suddenly says and I arch my brows in confusion as I ask, "You''re going home?"


    When Emerson nods, I proceed to say, "Why? I thought you said you hate it there. "


    "I do, but I can''t avoid it either, and I''m not joking about more with you, Eva. I''ll take any chances that


    and I''m fucking amazed. He''s blunt and something about him being this way pulls at the strings of my


    heart.


    When I don''t give a response quick enough, he cups my cheeks in his hands and presses his lips to


    mine, giving me a taste of him before he pulls back with a tiny smile on his face. "More, Eva. "


    "I''ll think about it. " The words slip through my parted lips, and Emerson stays mute for a beat of a heart


    before he hums and pulls away.


    "What are you doing?" I ask as I watch him move to the other side and grab my panties from the floor.


    He turns around, and lifts it to his nose¨C taking a sniff before he hurls it inside his pants pockets.


    "You can think about it. " It''s the only response he gives before he walks out of the room, and leaves


    me standing with my mouth opened.


    I twist my body to the other direction when he''s out of the room, and drop my hands on the counter,


    lowering my head as Emerson''s words ring in my ears.


    More with Emerson Ford. How far does that more go? More than relishing in each other''sfort?


    More than having two of the forms of intimacy? And how willing am I to push into that more with him?


    Along with all its consequences?


    I shake my head and extend my hand to grab the ss of water I left previously, downing the entire


    content before I drop the ss.


    I want you to give me more of you, Eva. Why did he have to make it sound like that? Enough to have


    me questioning my decisions and what would be at stake.


    I heave a sigh before I follow in the path Emerson took, grabbing my bag from the couch as I stride in


    the direction of my room. I stop at the sight of Emerson''s room beside mine, and seconds pass before I


    gnaw at my lips and proceed to move inside my room, shutting the door behind me with my racing


    heart never calming.


    I throw my bag to the bed, and strip out of my clothes as I stride inside the bathroom, careful with the


    close of the door behind me before I walk into the shower with the newyer of Emerson Ford never


    leaving my mind.


    ~


    I shut myptop and move it back to its spot by the bedside before I slide under the duvet. A frown


    makes its way to my face as I glide my hand across the space beside me with its upant out of sight.


    I turn toy my back against the mattress as I stare at the door for some seconds before I drop back to


    my side and force my eyes closed.


    After trying and failing to snatch my sleep without Emerson Ford beside me, I let out a groan of


    annoyance and sit up on my bed, yanking the duvet from my body.


    Without giving it another thought, I''m out of my bed, out of my room and strolling in the direction of the


    room next to mine.


    I lift my hand to the frame to make contact of my knuckles with it, but I drop it to grab the knob instead.


    When I turn the knob, and push the door¨C it wees me and I walk through it, flinching a bit at the


    sight of Emerson on his bed in only his boxers and his hands behind his head; the view making it seem


    like he knew I wasing.


    "Hey, " he says as I close his door. "Can''t sleep?"


    I hum and Emerson moves one hand from behind to make a gesture with his finger as he says, "Come


    here. "


    I follow through with themand and stride toward him. When I''m within arm''s length, he lifts his


    body slightly from the bed to wrap his arms around my middle before falling back on the mattress with


    me on top of him.


    "I couldn''t sleep either. " He confesses and my lips curve into a smile at his words before I adjust my


    head on his chest, trying to find that ce that''s be a favourite spot of mine, one where the


    echoes of his heartbeats be music to my ears. When I do, I drop my hands on his shoulder and


    shut my eyes, letting the peaceful silence take over.


    Emerson shifts underneath me, slipping his right leg between my thighs and the scrape of his boxers


    against the skin brings me back to our earlier conservation, and my eyelids flutter as I lift my head to


    stare at Emerson.


    "What made you feel that way?" My voice echoes across the room, breaking the silence between us


    and Emerson drops his gaze to me with his chin pressing into his cor.


    "What made me feel what way?" He repeats my words and I say, "What you said in the kitchen earlier.


    Why do you feel that way?"


    "Do I have to have a reason to feel for you?" He throws back, and my heart jumps at his words; the


    ringing loud in my ears.


    "You do. You might be too obsessed with having sex with me and think of it as something else,


    Emerson. Maybe you don''t want more with¡ª"


    Emerson doesn''t allow me to finish my words before he cut me off with a rough voice. "You think I


    wouldn''t know the difference between wanting to fuck you more and wanting more of you? If I wanted


    more fuck, I wouldn''t need to ask, Eva, because our whole agreement was based on that. "


    "Was?" I note his use of the past tense, as if that agreement no longer exists between us and


    Emerson''s smile appears as he tightens his hold around my body, and says, "You said you would think


    about it. "


    "But that doesn''t mean yes, Ford. " I tell him and his smile turns into a smirk, "Yes, it does. "


    "You should never be too confident with me, Emerson. "


    "I am. " He chuckles before turning around and bringing me with him, so we''reying on our sides with


    our chests pressed to each other. "I''m the most confident when ites to you, because I know your


    body, and I know the way it reacts to me. "


    "You feel with your heart, not your body. You should do your research properly, Ford. " I taunt him and


    he lets out a chuckle before he says, "You feel with your body before you feel with your heart. The two


    corrte with each other, and I know the way your body feels. "


    "How?" I take the risk to ask him in the silence of the night and Emerson''s hand lifts from my waist to


    my arm, giving slow strokes that I feel through the thin material I have on.


    "Responsive, " he says as he moves his hand higher. "Highly responsive. " He adds as he drops it to


    my shoulder. "A desire for more. " He slides his hand past my shoulder to the side of my neck and I


    close my eyes briefly to the warmth of his touch, before I open them to sh against his brown orbs,


    and they pull me in. "And extremely needy. " He stops at my face and taps my cheek.


    I clear my throat, cutting through the tension that''s grown between us and hoping he doesn''t notice the


    way my heart is racing wildly against his chest¨C triggered by his words, and his gaze. "You never know,


    Ford. "


    Emerson snickers before he drops one hand to the small of my back, and pulls my face to his chest


    while the free hand brushes my hair.


    "I know you want the same as I do, Carson. I''m just waiting for you to realize it. " He whispers, and


    when I attempt to lift my head from his chest; he presses harder and says, "Close your eyes, Eva.


    Before I snatch what you need from you. "


    Knowing the hidden meaning behind those words, my core throbs in response to them and feeling the


    need to defy Emerson; I don''t close my eyes. Instead, I sneak my hands down the space between our


    lower bodies, and grip him through the front of his boxers.


    "Carson¡ª" he groans when he feels the touch, his grip loosening on me and I raise my head to the


    side of his face, whispering to his ear. "Shush. Keep your eyes closed, Ford. "


    I trace the outline of his cock with my finger before squeezing through his boxers and Emerson


    breathes down my neck as he lets out a grunt. "You''re starting something you won''t finish, Carson. "


    "I''m not starting anything, you horny asshole. I''m trying to find a better sleeping position. " I tell him and


    Emerson''s amused voice echoes in my ears as he asks, "With my cock?"


    "Yeah, " I respond and slip my hand past the waistband of his boxers to hold his bare cock in my hand.


    He''s so fucking hard, and I take a second to tease him by pressing the tip of my finger into the crown of


    his cock.


    "Eva¡ª" Emerson drawls this time, and a smirk climbs on my face at the sound thates from his¨C


    deprived. So fucking deprived. I repeat the action to hear the sound again, but Emerson yanks me back


    instead; his heated gaze resting on mine.


    "Stop. " He repeats the words that he''s been saying, in a warning tone and I push my face forward.


    "Why? Does it make you want more?"


    Emerson cackles and slides a hand to the back of my head, using it as an aim to guide my mouth into


    his. His lips are wet and soft against mine, and I whimper against his mouth when he sinks his teeth


    into my lips¨C harsh enough to almost draw blood.


    "Fuck you. " I seethe when I pull back, bringing my hand to my lips to soothe the ache. Emerson


    chortles before he says, "Don''t tease me if you don''t want me to give you more than just bruised lips. "


    "Just like that. " He hums as he brings me back to his chest and I drop my leg over his, leaving them


    tangled in a mess with my arms wrapped around him.


    "You honestly can''t me me for wanting more when we''re like this. " He mumbles into the air, and I


    pretend I didn''t catch onto his words as I close my eyes and give in to the somnolence in his safe


    embrace.

 F O R T Y - F I V E

    F O R T Y - F I V E


    EVA.


    "Are we leaving togetherter?" I ask Aliya as we walk towards the exit of the campus and she shakes


    her head, "No, I don''t think so. I have to take care of something first. Text me once you''re on your way.


    "


    "Does that something have to do with¡ª"


    "Yes. " She interrupts the rest of my words, and I drape a hand over her shoulder. "Good-luck. Don''t


    give in to the temptation of sex, babe. "


    "Fuck off. " She groans, lowering her head to drop my hand from her shoulder and I let out a chuckle as


    I adjust the strap on my shoulder.


    "And you might just want to take care of something. " I furrow my brows in confusion as I meet her


    eyes, and she nods in a direction. I follow the trail of her eyes and instantly freeze on my spot as I see


    Dan approaching. He''s appearing before me for the first time since that day, and he looks much better


    than thest time, with his bruise almost faded.


    "Hey. " He smiles as he stops in front of us, before he nods his head to Aliya as a form of greeting, and


    instead of her usual response¨C she scowls at him. "What do you want?"


    "Do you think I could steal Eva for a second? I need to speak to her. " He says, directing a gaze at me.


    "You can speak to her right here. Though I doubt you have the luck to do that any longer. " She spats,


    and Dan must have noticed the tone of her voice because he looks back at her, then to me and back to


    her again before he says, "You told her?"


    "Why does thate as a surprise to you?" Aliya is quick to respond to him, and I ce a hand on her


    shoulder to calm her down before she jumps on the poor guy in the middle of the field.


    "What do you want, Dan?" I ask as I turn my attention back to Dan and his chest falls in a sigh before


    he starts to speak, "I know you hate me for what happened, and since it''s the semester break, I want to


    apologize again and earn your forgiveness. We were heading somewhere, Eva. You felt it, and I felt it


    before I ruined the¡ª"


    "Before you ruined it. " Iplete his words and he nods slowly. "Not once, Dan. " He creases his


    brows at my words and I drop my hand from Aliya''s shoulder. "Back at the club? You lost your control.


    Back at your house? You lost control. How many times do you have to lose your control before I realize


    you''re capable of forcefully taking me?"


    "I''m not. I promise I¡ª" he tries to take a step forward, but a re from me stops him. "It''ll never repeat


    itself, Eva. I know you don''t believe me, but you should sweetheart. I like you, and I was serious with


    you. I still am. I want to make you mine, Eva. You have to give me a chance. You have to forget the


    past for us to move forward; I know you feel something for me. "


    "Hey, guys. " A familiar voice echoes in the air as I part my lips to speak and Dan steps to the side for


    Sage and her friend toe into view. "Um¨C are we interrupting something?" Sage asks awkwardly as


    she looks between the three of us.


    "Not at all. Dan was just leaving. " I throw her a smile before I look back at Dan, who looks like he''s


    about to say something but thinks back on it and walks away after a sigh.


    "Hey, angel. We meet again. " A smile appears on Josh''s face as he takes my hand and presses his


    lips to the back of my palm, just likest time.


    "Nice to see you again, Josh. " I match his smile with one of mine before I look at Sage, who''s staring


    at Aliya.


    "Do you want us to excuse you?" I break the silence and both girls'' heads snap to me, as if they didn''t


    realize they were lost in each other''s eyes.


    "No, why would you¡ª" Aliya starts to say, but I interrupt her words. "You got it. We''ll just take a step


    away. " I throw her a wink before I drag Josh with me, not waiting for her expression.


    "They are so in love, aren''t they?" Josh speaks once we''re steps away from them and I grin. "You see it


    too? I swear everyone sees it but those two. "


    "I think they know it, but just try hard to deny it. Your friend, specifically. " He points out and I smile.


    "She''s just scared, nothing more. It''s alright to be scared of love. "


    "But love is nothing to be scared of. " He says as he looks away from the girls to meet my eyes.


    "It isn''t, but it could be. It depends on the person. Love could be the best thing that''s ever happened to


    one person, and the worst that''s ever happened to another. We all have different perspectives and


    experiences when ites to it. "


    "And you? Have you ever been in love, Eva?" He asks as he ducks his head and I say, "Not in love, but


    I''ve known what it''s like to love another. "


    "So are you scared of being in love?"


    I press my lips into a thin line at that question. Am I scared of being in love? Could I possibly be afraid


    of love?


    "You don''t have an answer to that?" Josh pulls me out of my thoughts and I lift my gaze to him. "It''s like


    I said; it depends on the person. "


    "That''s oneplicated answer. " He chuckles and I follow with. "I know, but what''s the world without


    "Aliya is lucky. " Josh suddenly says, changing the topic and I lift a brow in confusion until he says, "To


    have you as a friend. You look and sound amazing. "? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "You can''t decide that on a few words, Josh. " I tell him and he shakes his head, "I can, and I just did. "


    "Thank you. Sage is lucky too. " I say and he cocks a brow, "To have a guy as handsome as me as a


    friend?"


    "No, " Iugh and his fall falls. "To have you as a friend in general. "


    "So you don''t think I''m handsome?" His lips turn in a frown, and I teasingly take a step back to check


    him out.


    "I''m not sure about that. " I tilt my head and he breaks into augh, revealing his perfect set of white


    teeth.


    "I have a feeling that we''d make a crazy duo, Eva. "


    "Aliya took that title. " I inform him and he lifts his shoulder in a shrug. "A fine duo, then. "


    "Yeah?" I raise a brow and he blinks once as a response. "Yeah. " And we both smile before we look


    back at the girls.


    ~


    I take onest nce at my door, before I shut the door and look to Emerson''s room. The thought that


    he hasn''t been around since early this morning crosses my mind and I fish out my phone as I stroll to


    the living room.


    ME: I''m heading home. You won''t meet me when you arrive.


    I click on the send button to deliver the text to Emerson before I throw my phone in my Jeans pocket


    and take my backpack from the couch before striding out of the house.


    I stroll towards the Uber parked at Emerson''s spot before I climb inside, and say a greeting to the man


    behind the wheel as he starts the engine and begins to drive.


    ~


    "You''re back!" Mom is the first to sight me as I walk through the door and I smile as she walks towards


    me with open arms.


    "Hello, beautiful. " I beam excitedly at the sight of my mother as I move into her arms and let her wrap


    hers around my body; almost lifting me from my feet.


    "God, mom. Am I that easy to lift?" I joke as she pulls away from me and holds my face in her hands


    with teary eyes.


    "I''ve just missed you so much! You have no idea. " She mutters and I smile, moving into her arms again


    and I give gentle strokes to her back as I say. "I know, and I''ve missed you too. "


    When I pull away, I look behind her in search of my father and mom must have caught onto my search


    because she says, "He isn''t home yet. Busy day at work today. "


    "I forgot howte that manes home sometimes. " I say as I look back at her and she nods, "So you


    understand why I miss you being around? "


    "Mrs Martins is here and you have friends you go to. " I point out and she frowns, "I mean family time,


    Eva. My friends are different from my family. "


    "I thought you told me to consider my friends my family?" I counter just to tease her and she throws me


    a look before she says, "You are back with your argument?"


    "No, " I say through cackles. "I''m back for some family time. "


    She smiles and moves to my side, throwing a hand around my waist as she leads me forward. "How


    was school?"


    "Better than I thought it would be. " She halts our steps at my response, and press her hand to my


    cheek; her eyes full of adoration meeting mine.


    "I''m d you didn''t feel left out. " She says and my lips lift into a tiny smile. "I''m better than that. Plus,


    Aliya was there for me. "


    "I was just about to ask of her. Why isn''t she here with you? Is she staying back at campus?" She


    raises a brow and I jiggle my head, "No, she had to sort out some things first. She should be home


    "Oh, good. I can''t wait to see her again. I''ve missed her positive attitude. "


    "More than you missed me?" I push my lips forward in a pout and a smallugh leaves her mouth. "Of


    course not! I missed you more, but I''ve missed her too. "


    "She''ll be here. " I assure her and she hums before nodding towards the direction of the rooms. "You


    should get settled in, and we''d resume this conservation. " I bob my head and press a kiss to her


    cheek, earning me a giggle from her before I step away and stride in the direction of the rooms.


    The familiarity of my room wees me as I walk through the door, and I throw my backpack to the


    side before I fall on my bed with a thud, my body bouncing off before it settles back on it.


    I spread my arms as I stare up at the ceiling before I sit up at the remembrance of my earlier text.


    Fishing my phone out of my pocket, I scroll through my messages, and stop at Emerson''s to see there


    is no new text from him.


    "And why the fuck are you checking on him?" I mutter under my breath before I throw my phone to the


    side, and slump back on the bed¨C resuming my stare at the ceiling.


    ~


    My phone beeps next to me and I drop the book in hand to grab it, unlocking the screen to see a new


    text notification from Emerson. The first one from him in the entire day.


    ANNOYING FORD: Come to your window.


    ME: Why?


    His replyes immediately after mine.


    ANNOYING FORD: Just do as I asked, Carson.


    I roll my eyes at his demanding tone before I toss my phone to the side, and move from the bed,


    striding towards my window. I push it open and bend over it to see Emerson standing in the yard


    behind my room.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" I question, lowering my voice to not alert anyone in the house.


    "Standing in your yard to get some rest since I don''t have a house to sleep in. " He utters sarcastically


    and I throw him a re, "This isn''t the time to be funny, Ford. You could get caught. "


    "Only if you want me to. " He raises a shoulder in a shrug and I shake my head before letting my eyes


    roam down his body to note that he''s still in his attire from this morning.


    "Are you going to let me in, or are you going to stand over there and admire me, Eva?" Emerson''s


    mocking voice pulls me out of my check out and I snicker, "I wasn''t admiring you. "


    "Sure, you weren''t. " The amusement in his tone is easily detestable and I sigh, looking away from him


    to my door to make sure I have it locked before I look down at him and say, "Climb up. "


    Emerson nods and makes his way towards thedder and I watch as he traces up the steps till he''s in


    front of my face.


    "Hey, " he says in a heavy breath as he ces his hand over mine on the edge of the window. "I


    thought we were going to leave together?"


    "We never made that n, " I tell him. "We couldn''t have. " I look away from him to his lower body


    before I try to take a step back for him to climb through, but Emerson grabs hold of my hands as he


    pushes through, causing my body to incline back and a loud gasp slips through my parted lips as we


    both fall backwards, but before my head could hit the cold floor; Emerson slides his hand to the back of


    my head, protecting that part as I fall to the ground with his body falling over me.


    We stay in that position for a few seconds before Emerson pulls back with a proud smile on his face as


    he says, "I could have made you hit your head, and bleed to death, Carson. "


    "You''re too obsessed with me to do that, Emerson. " I retort and his smile drops, his voice lowered as


    he speaks. "You''re right. I am. "


    When Emerson remains still with no sort of movement, I groan and try to move his body from mine. He


    catches onto my attempt and eases back, moving to his feet before extending his hand to me.


    A scoff falls from my mouth at the gesture and I ignore his hand as I move to my feet, and stand in front


    of him.


    "Since when did you turn into a gentleman, Ford?" I lift my brows as I smooth my hands down my shirt


    and he smiles, "You''re right. I should have remained on you for a while just to watch you struggle, but


    since I''m trying to get on your good side for now¨C you should get used to me doing these things,


    Carson. "


    "So what next are you going to do? Open the car door for me?" I taunt him and the sound of hisugh


    echoes around us. "The door? That''s setting your expectations too high, Carson. You shouldn''t do that,


    because you''ll get disappointed. "


    "So much for getting on my good side. " I mumble under my breath before moving towards my bed


    while Emerson follows behind me.


    "When did you get back?" I ask him as I take my previous spot while he settles at the edge of the bed,


    leaving a reasonable space between us.


    "Hours ago. " He responds as he leans forward to catch the sight of the book I was reading. "Another


    naughty book, Carson?" He lifts his head to meet my eyes.


    "They are the best kind, aren''t they?" I beam and Emerson stretches his hand across the bed to grab


    the book, flipping it to the back to scan the cover. "I can''t decide if your naughtiness came from these


    books or something else?"


    "I''ll leave you to your imagination. " I tell him, and attempt to take the book from him, but Emerson


    snatches his hand back; moving it out of my reach.


    "What are you trying to hide?" He lifts a brow and I try to reach for it again, but fail. "Nothing. I just don''t


    want your hands on my stuff. "


    "That''s funny because these hands have been on every single inch of your body, and you enjoy them


    way more than you''re willing to admit. " He calls out, and heat spreads to my cheeks at the bitter truth


    from him.


    "Just give it back?" I hold out my hand, ignoring his words and Emerson twists his head sideways as a


    form of refusal.


    "Emerson. Don''t make me get it from you. " I warn him and his smile appears, adding a soft glow to his


    gorgeous face as he says, "That''s exactly what I''m trying to do, Carson. "


    "Give it. " I insist with a frown and Emerson pushes his face forward with the hand holding the book


    pulled back as he says, "Make me. "


    With a gaze that matches the challenging one on his face, I move to my fours and crawl towards him,


    relishing in the way Emerson''s gaze darts to my movement¨C his teasing stance quick to be reced


    with something naughtier.


    I stop at the side of his legs and lift my body before I throw one leg to the other side as I straddle his


    Emerson lowers his hand and I glide my hands up his shoulders as I adjust on hisp and drag my legs


    to the sides, wrapping them around his waist.


    A victorious smile covers my lips as I easily grab the book from Emerson''s lowered hand and drop it to


    the side before I look back at the man. As I open my mouth to speak, Emerson''s hands move to my


    sides and he drags me down with him as he falls on the bed¨C my wordsing out in a yelp.


    "I won. " He says as I tten my palms on his chest to lift my head. "You didn''t. I got the book. "


    "That was the n. The book was to get you closer to me. " He informs me with his hold tightening


    around my middle to prove his point and I say, "That''s not a win if I didn''t know your intention. "


    "You''ve always got to be smarter than your opponent, Carson. That''s how you win in life. " He throws


    me a wink and I cackle as I say, "How cute of you to speak smartly, Ford. "


    "I''ve been waiting on you to realize that. " He counters as he lifts his head from the bed to press his lips


    to my chin before he falls back to it.


    The ghost of a smile appears on his face as he stares at me with eyes that conceal more than they


    reveal and I wet my lips under his intense gaze, feeling the beats of his heart against my palms.


    Once upon a time, I detested the very sight of Emerson Ford, and any interaction with him always lead


    to something nasty between the two of us. Months ago, our usual interaction of bite and back exploded


    into something else¨C something none of us could control and I had my first intimacy with a man I


    considered my enemy in the small space of his car. Months ago, I thought that was the end of it, but I


    had something elseing when he turned out to be my housemate. Months ago, we realized there


    was no controlling the fire that burned between us. Sure, we couldn''t stand each other, but we also


    couldn''t keep our hands off each other and the more we gave into that fire; the intenser it grows.


    Through the times that I''ve spent with him, no matter how intimate they may seem¨C there was always


    that line drawn between us. A line that kept us back when we realize it gets too much, and a line that


    sets the boundaries, keeping us to the rules that we made for each other.


    Days ago, this man asked for us to take the step that crosses that line. The step that brings everything


    that shouldn''t be between us, and the step that gives us more of each other. I have never confided in


    someone outside my close circle the way I confide in Emerson Ford, and I''ve never wanted a man the


    way I want Emerson Ford. It''s so fucking easy with me and I adored myself for that¨C I fuck, and I leave.


    I don''t get attached and I easily get bored with being with the same guy repeatedly, but it''s so different


    with Emerson. With him, I just crave more: more of his touch, more of his gaze, more of his body...


    Just. More. Of. Him. It''s always so easy to lose myself in the man that I consider the most infuriating


    person on the, and that intrigues me as much as it terrifies me, but one thing has always been


    sure¨C I never figured out the line between hating Emerson Ford and wanting him since that bond grew


    between us.


    And now as Iy in his arms yet again with his eyes on me, I wonder if I should give in to that urge and


    find out just what MORE with Emerson Ford would bring. And just where MORE with each other would


    lead us.


    And that''s the only reasonable exnation for why I open my mouth and say, "A month. More of each


    other; let''s try it. "

 F O R T Y - S I X

    F O R T Y - S I X


    EVA.


    Emerson is staring at me, with his arms still around me with no wordsing from him, as if he didn''t


    hear the words I just let out.


    "Are you not going to say anything?" I speak in annoyance and he surprisingly shakes his head,


    bringing his face closer to say, "Repeat those words. " His voice is soft, and his gaze drifts to my lower


    face.


    "No. Let go of me. " I tell him, instead ofplying with his demand, suddenly aware of how he''s


    everywhere around me.


    "Repeat the words, Carson. I want to hear them again. " He insists and I raise a brow, "Why?"


    "Because I''m not sure I heard them right. " He confesses and I let out augh, "Smartly yed, Ford


    but I''m not dumb. You wouldn''t be asking me to repeat them if you didn''t hear them right. "


    "Carson¡ª" he drawls with his lips turned in a frown. "Just repeat the damn words. "


    "Just ept you heard them, or let''s pretend I never said that. " I counter and several heartbeats pass


    before he heaves a sigh and shakes his head, "You just have to be f¨²cking difficult always. "


    "Isn''t that why you''re obsessed? You love the game. " I call him out, looking down to the hands that are


    pressed to his chest and lowering down to his stomach before raising my head to meet his gaze, and


    brown eyes stare deep into mine, threatening to unravel every shield that epasses my soul as he


    says, "That''s right. I love the game. " I feel his hand move from my middle to my ass, giving the flesh a


    hard squeeze and I suck in a harsh breath at the sensation that spurts through me from that contact.


    "Should I stay over tonight?" He proposes, looking down to my chest with a lick of his lips before he


    meets my eyes, and continues, "We could make good use of it. " The request is tempting. Both


    tempting and rxing, but it''s also risky which is why I say, "No. "


    "Why not?" He arches his brows and I throw him a dumb look before I say, "Because you could get


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    caught? And I wouldn''t even try to defend you when that timees. I''ll say you came in through my


    window. "


    "That''s harsh, Carson. " His lips tug up in a small smile and a smirk climbs on my face as I lean forward


    to brush my lips against his before I draw back to say, "Harsh is the new fun. "


    The smile on his face doesn''t fade as he lifts one of his hands from my back to my face, and pushes


    back a strand of hair that escaped from the rest behind my ear before he lets his hand rests on the side


    of my face and I hum, rxing into the warmth thates with his touch.


    "I''m used to having you beside me, Carson. " He whispers, and I want to tell him the same goes for me,


    but instead I take a breath and say, "I won''t always be beside you, Ford. "


    Emerson''s face falls for a millisecond, and I''m not quick enough to catch onto the emotion that masks


    his face before he puts on a neutral look. "Why do you say that?"


    "Because it''s the truth? Time changes things, Emerson and soon, all of these will¡ª" I don''t get to finish


    my word before Emerson shifts his hand from the side of my face to press a finger to my lips,


    interrupting me.


    "More. " He reminds me of our previous agreement, and I give a small nod. "More. "


    "No thoughts of the future. Think about now. " He says again, letting his hand fall to my chin. "Think


    about what we''re doing right now, Carson. Not what we''ll do after. "


    "You still have to leave. " I tell him and when he purses his lips, I proceed to say, "You can''t; we can''t.


    We''ll get caught. "


    "A few more minutes? Then I''ll leave. " He promises, and I nod, letting my hands fall to his sides as he


    slides his hand to the back of my neck and presses my head to his chest while the other slips


    underneath my shirt to knead my ass through my panties.


    Comforting silence surrounds us and I press my body into his before Emerson breaks the peaceful


    atmosphere when he asks, "Where do you want to go?"


    I move my head from the side and press my chin to his chest to lift my gaze to meet his. "What do you


    mean?"


    "Where''s your favourite ce to go right now?" He exins, and as I open my mouth to speak;


    Emerson beats me to it and says, "Not a bookstore, Carson. I want something else that intrigues you


    other than books. "


    I take a second to think about his words before I say, "Flowers. "


    "Flowers?" Emerson repeats with furrowed brows and I hum, "I love flowers. Something is attractive


    about it that brings me happiness when I''m surrounded by it. " I let out.


    "So gardens?" He says and I give a bob of my head. "It''s been so long since I visited one. "


    "Meet me at our spot tomorrow. " Emerson speaks, bringing my attention back to him and I say, "Why?


    Where are you taking me this time?"


    He throws me a small smile as he shifts underneath me so I fall to the side with himying on his. "To


    be surrounded by flowers. I told you; I want more of you, Carson. "


    My heart flutters at his words, and I can''t hold back the grin that spreads to my face. This side of


    Emerson Ford is adorable, and enticing and I''m afraid it''ll do a lot more damage than good with the way


    he pulls at the strings of my heart with words I never knew coulde from him.


    Clearing my throat, I speak to break the tension that arises between us. "Are you sure you''ll make it?


    Flowers are pure, and I don''t think they would want them to be tainted by someone like¡ª" I jerk my


    head towards him as a reference to thest of my words, which earns me a re from him and causes


    me tough.


    "Wake early, and dress cute. " He says, dismissing my trial to taunt him and I hiss, "Stop giving me


    dress references to meet up with you, Ford. I know how to dress. "


    "Everyone else doesn''t think so; there''s a difference. " He says with a mocking smile and I lift my hand


    to show him my middle finger, earning augh from him before he brings me to his chest again.


    "You said a few minutes earlier. " I remind him of his previous promise and Emerson hums above my


    head, "I did, but I changed my mind. I''ll leave after you sleep. "


    When I attempt to push my head back to speak, Emerson presses harder. "The earlier you close your


    eyes; the easier it''ll be. "


    With a sigh, I close my eyes and wrap my hands around him as I drift into tiredness.


    ~


    My eyelids flutter and I open my eyes to meet my white ceiling as a yawn escapes from my mouth.


    Turning to my side, Emerson is out of my room true to his words and I avert my gaze to my window


    which is closed¨C by him no doubt.


    My lips stretch into a small smile and I sit up on the bed to smooth my sore muscles before I grab my


    phone from the side to see it''s almost nine.


    Looking past the time across the screen, there''s a new text from Aliya.


    ALIYA: First morning back at home and I already regret it here. The only thing holding me back right


    now is seeing that woman again. Good morning, bitch. Want to go out today? I''m afraid I''ll be forced to


    my death if I stay here any longer, and I have something to tell you.


    I lift my brows at thest words before I begin to type out a reply.


    ME: Why am I not surprised? You''re being adorable this morning with your greeting, and no, I don''t


    think I can make it; I have ns. Can we switch it to tomorrow or I''lleter tonight?


    Did I just reject a hangout with my best friend because I have a n with Emerson Ford? Yes. Am I


    questioning myself about it? Also yes. Will I allow myself to dwell too much on the thought and


    identally do something I would regret? Absolutely not.


    I click on the send button to deliver the message to Aliya before tossing my phone to the side to climb


    out of my bed.


    I slip into my flip-flops by the side of the bed and tie my hair into a tight bun as I make my way into the


    bathroom to freshen up for the day.


    Making my way out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around me, my gaze drifts to my window and


    slips through the sses to a certain window on the other side. Emerson''s curtains are closed, and the


    urge to stride closer to my window to take a better look surges through me, but I ignore it and walk to


    the other side of the room.


    I grab my backpack by the side of my old closet, and bring out a short-sleeved white dress with a belt-


    like stripe around the waist. I drop the clothing on my bed, and stare at it for long minutes before I


    decide to match it with a sun hat from the closet.


    I d my body in the attire minus the hat before I stand in front of the full-length mirror; I smooth my


    hands down the dress and let my hair fall down my shoulders before I turn around to grab my phone to


    reply to Aliya''s new text.


    ALIYA: Don''t push it. Why are we switching? Do you have somece to be?


    I gnaw at my lips and my fingers hover over the keypad as I contemte on telling the truth or not.


    There''s no doubt Aliya will find a way to make a big deal out of this, and possibly try to lecture me


    about one of those annoying talks of her.


    And that''s the only reason for the response I give her.


    ME: Yes. And I might stay longer.


    A truth without revealing the details.


    I smile at my words across the screen before turning the phone away to grab my bag. I throw my hat


    over the bag and slide my feet into my boots before I stroll out of my room.


    Dad and mom''s voices echo around the room as I take thest step that leads me into the living room. I


    drop my bag on the couch before I stride into the dining, and wrap my arms around dad''s neck from


    behind.


    "Hey, Princess. You''re up. " He strokes my hand as a form of greeting and I tilt my head to the side to


    get a view of his face. "I am. Good morning, dad. "


    "And you certainly have ns if you''re dressed like that?" Mom notes from her seat and I lose my


    hands around dad''s neck to step to the side, taking a swirl in my dress before I meet mom''s smiling


    face.


    "I''m heading out with a friend. " I inform them and when I look back to dad, his eyebrows shoot up in


    curiosity as he says, "A friend? And who''s this friend of yours?"


    "From college. " I raise my shoulder in a shrug and avoid his gaze as I extend my hand to grab an


    apple from the bowl of fruits that sits in the middle of the table.


    "And she''s taking you out so early?" I don''t fail to notice the sly move of my mother and I mentally roll


    my eyes before I say, "He''s a guy. "


    "Exins why you have a smile on your face. Is he your boyfriend?" Mom questions bluntly and I


    nearly choke on my bite from the apple I have in hand. "Mother!"


    "What? It''s a question, and I wouldn''t be surprised if you have one, Eva. You''re neen, and you''re


    beautiful. " She says with a dismissive shrug and I shake my head, "I could, but I don''t. He''s just a


    friend. " At the end of those words, I look back to dad whose eyes are on me, and haven''t uttered a


    single word since my announcement.


    When I meet his eyes, he opens his mouth to speak, "Are youfortable with him? That''s all I ask for.


    "


    Knowing the meaning behind those words, I throw him a smile and say, "I wouldn''t be going out with


    him if I weren''tfortable, dad. I''m fine. "


    "And you trust him?" He raises his brows, and I hum. "He''s done nothing to make me think otherwise. I


    know what your thoughts are, and I don''t want you to think that way. I''ve learned enough to know when


    to stay away, and when to grow close. "


    At my words, dad''s chest falls in a sigh before he gives a bob of his head. "I can''t stop you from


    hanging out with boys because of what happened in the past, Eva, but I just want you to be careful. "


    "I am. " I assure him before I stride towards him to press my lips to his cheek. "You''ve taught me more


    than I need, dad and I have you still. "


    "You do. " His face splits into a smile that matches the one on my face before we''re interrupted by the


    clear of the throat from mom.


    "Could you take a step back? That''s my man you have your hands on, youngdy. " She throws me a


    yful scowl and my lips curve into a smirk as I press my lips to dad''s cheek again, which earns me a


    pointed look from mom and augh from dad.


    "I have to leave now. " I tell them as I take a step back.


    "Do you want me to drop you off? I''m on my way to the office. " Dad offers and I''m quick to refuse. "No!


    " When he gives me an odd look, I proceed to bring up an excuse. "He isn''t far from here, so you don''t


    have to worry about me. "


    "Are you sure? I could¡ª" he tries to insist but I cut him off. "I got this, dad. "


    He gives a nod of approval and I stride to mom''s seat to press a kiss to her cheeks, and just as I''m


    about to pull back, she holds me down by my shoulder and whisper, "You don''t give in to the sexual


    urges on the first dates, Eva. "


    "Mom. " I drawl with a frown and she gives me a nk stare. "That''s the way you keep them. "


    "I honestly don''t think I need first dates rules from you, mother. " Because this is everything, but my first


    date with Emerson Ford and if only she has any idea the number of times he''s been in and out of me.


    I shake off that thought before I get turned on by the image of Emerson mming into me, in the


    presence of my parents.


    "But you''ll take them anyway. I can tell you like him. " She says with a satisfied smile and I groan before


    I give a nod, and she squeezes my shoulder before she lets go of me.


    "I''ll be on my way. " I notify them and they both pass me their smiles before I stride out of the room with


    a bite of my apple; I grab my bag from the couch, turning around in time to catch the sight of mom''s


    thumps up and I shake my head with a tiny chuckle before I move out of the house.


    ~


    It isn''t long before I reach the spot where Emerson''s car is parked and I take a nce around before I


    climb inside the car.


    "What happened to your phone?" They are the first words Emerson utters as I settle on my seat and I


    arch my brows as I drop my bag beside me, "What''s wrong with it?"


    "You tell me. I sent texts, but got no reply. " He says and realization dawns on me. "Oh, It''s inside my


    bag. "


    "You got me worried, Carson. " He mumbles as he ces a hand on the steering wheel and looks away


    from me.


    "Why? I was going to show up either way. " I tell him and he turns his gaze back to me. His lips


    twitches and I can tell he wants to say something, but decides against it and let his eyes roam down my


    body instead.


    "You don''t know the difference between cute and beautiful, Eva?" He says as he lifts his gaze and I


    throw him a smirk at his indirectpliment. "It wouldn''t kill you to admit I look beautiful, Ford. "


    Emerson matches my smirk. "It wouldn''t, but it''d suffocate me. " He winks and I shove him my middle


    finger, earning augh from him; the echoes of the sound fill the space of the car before Emerson turns


    his head away.


    "Let''s move. " He says as he fastens his seatbelt while I do the same to mine. Emerson starts the


    engine, and pushes the brake, about to drive from the spot when he suddenly says, "Isn''t that your


    dad?"

 F O R T Y - S E V E N

    F O R T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    My eyes go wide as I look around us in a frantic state. "Where?" I crease my brows when I find the man


    nowhere in sight and Emersonughs from his seat.


    Realising the prank he just pulled on me, I frown as I look back at him. "You''re fucking insane. "


    "I was hoping you would dodge your head to hide so you would end up with your face in my pants. " He


    confesses as he starts to drive and I say, "You could have said you want me to suck your dick, Ford. "


    "Never going to be straightforward with you, Carson. " He responds as he drops his other hand to the


    radio and tunes up the volume of the music ring through the speaker.


    "I could do that. Only if you can control your hold. " I tell him and Emerson looks away from the road to


    take one nce at me before looking back to his front and I watch the bob in his throat shift from a


    gulp.


    "Would rather have that forter. " He says, dismissing the idea and I let out a chuckle. "Coward. " I


    mumble under my breath.


    "So what do you know about flowers?" Emerson asks, changing the topic.


    "Do I have to know something about them to love them?" I throw back and he gives a small shake of


    his head. "No, but I know you know something. "


    "How do you know that?" I challenge him and he says, "Because you''re the type of girl who tries to


    learn everything about something she''s intrigued with. " His words are the opposite of what I was


    expecting and I look away from him shyly at how detailed his theories about me seem to be at times.


    "I know average. " I say with a clear of my throat. "I didn''t study much on it, but I do know different


    types when I see them. "


    "And which type is your favourite?" He asks, giving me another side nce and I smile as the memory


    of me standing in the garden flows through my mind. "Butterfly bush. They can be in different colours


    and they attract butterflies the most, which I find astonishing. "


    "Butterflies are pretty. " Emerson says from his side and I lift my gaze to him before I nod in


    confirmation. "They are. "


    "I love cdiums. " He says, surprising me and I stare at him with amused eyes. "And that''s a lot


    read?"


    "How do you know I know shit about them?" He scoffs and I say, "I can easily tell, Ford. "


    "My mom loved flowers. " He says, the words giving a rise to the change in the air between us and I


    swallow down my throat before I say, "I didn''t realize that. "


    "I''m sure there are a lot of things you didn''t realize, Carson. It''s only fair because I never mentioned


    them. " He mutters in a small voice and I hum, "So you love cdiums because they''re her favourites?"


    "No, actually. Allium is her favourite. She said she loved them better because they bloom into a bulb. " I


    take notice of the small smile that tugs at the corners of his lips as he speaks about her.


    "She has good sight. Allium is one of those I love. " I tell him, and I pause for a second before I


    continue, "Why do you love cdium?"


    "The shape. " He says. "It''s heart-shaped and I find that cute. " He exins and I stare at his side,


    fascinated by the simrities I never knew we have.


    When Emerson notices my stare on him, he turns his head to smile at me before he returns his


    attention to the path in front of him and I twist my head to the side, leaning it against the window before


    I lift my hand to my chest to feel how wild it''s banging.


    More damage than good, Eva.


    We say no word to each other as Emerson drives further away, leaving us in the presence of each


    other with the soft music ring from the radio echoing around us.


    ~


    When Emerson stops the car, I turn my face to the side to catch the sight of the botanical garden a few


    steps away from where we''re parked.


    "So I thought you would want toe to the general one since it''srger?" Emerson says, bringing my


    attention back to him.


    "I love this ce! I''ve only ever been here once. " I beam excitedly and Emerson unfastens his


    seatbelt, nodding his head as a gesture for me to move out of the car as he climbs out from his side.


    I lose the belt and drape my bag over my shoulder after hurling my hat inside before I move out,


    standing beside Emerson as I shut the car door.


    "Lead the way. " He says, and I meet his eyes with a bright smile before moving ahead towards the


    sshouse that''s filled and surrounded with beautiful, attractive flowers while Emerson trails behind


    me.


    Emerson walks us past the security and the smell of fresh flowers refreshes the air around us as we


    step inside where I consider the home of beauty.


    "Look at how theyplement each other so fucking well. " I tell Emerson as my gaze moves across


    the colours of purple, pink, white and red before I move away from his side to take a closer look.


    When I hear a click, I lean away from the flower and turn back to see Emerson standing behind me with


    a camera in hand¨C one I didn''t notice until now.


    "You brought a camera?" I raise a brow at him and he blinks as he steps closer to me. "I heard it''s


    important for the remembrance of a good ce. "


    His words trigger a smile from me and I say, "It is. "


    Emerson stays silent and watches me for some seconds before he angles his head, "Go ahead and do


    your thing; I''ll take the pictures. "


    I''m unable to contain my excitement as I jump forward and brush my fingers across the flowers while


    Emerson takes the images.


    EMERSON.


    "It''s beautiful, don''t you think?" She speaks in an excited voice as she turns away from the flowers,


    staring around us with eyes full of fondness and the words fall from my mouth before I could control


    them, snapping Eva''s gaze back to me. "You''re beautiful. "


    Her smile slowly drops as she meets my eyes before she looks away awkwardly. I mentally facepalm


    myself for ruining the mood before Eva clears her throat and takes a step forward. "Can I see the


    pictures you took?"


    "No. " I refuse, turning the camera to the other side and a frown appears on her face. "Why not? They


    are my pictures. "


    "I took them. " I tell her with a chuckle and she folds her arms against her chest. "I''m the model. "


    "And I''m the owner? You can''t take a look unless I want you to, and maybe I would if you beg nicely. " I


    tease her, knowing her response to my words before she opens her mouth¨C Eva Carson would never


    beg when I have no tough hold on her.


    "I''m not doing that. " She hisses and I give her a shrug, "Then I''m not letting you see, either. "


    "You''re such a kid. " She scowls and I snort augh. "That''s degrading; don''t you think, Carson?"


    She rolls her eyes before she turns away from me, back to her flowers and I smile at the sight before I


    lift the camera when she bends over to ce her hand under a flower, taking a shot before she notices.


    I bring down the device when Eva suddenly turns to me and says, "Hey. Why don''t I take a picture of


    you? "


    "I don''t do pictures. " I tell her and she furrows her brows. "Why?"


    "I just don''t think an image could be any better than the original. " I say with a proud smile and Eva


    grimaces, "Or you realized you aren''t all that. "


    "People will kill to take a picture of me, Carson. " Once again, she grimaces at my words before she


    says, "Only the blind ones. "


    "You just offered to take one. " I call her out, and she seems to realize her mistake but she''s quick to


    cover it up. "I was doing you a favour. "


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Your lies are gettingmer, Eva. " I mock her and she shows me her middle finger before she turns


    back to the flowers; the smile returning to her face as she skids away to the other side while I follow


    behind her.


    With each step she takes, she stops to adore the view longer than anyone else would, and I dly


    enjoy the sight of an extremely bright Eva Carson.


    While she strolls ahead of me, I drop my gaze to the camera in hand and scrolls through her pictures,


    stopping at a particr one¨C she has one hand to brush her hair to the side as she reaches out to the


    butterfly that stays on a flower with the other hand, showing her almost dimpled smile.


    Gorgeous. Eva Carson is fucking gorgeous and the more time I seem to spend with her; the more she


    grows beautiful in my eyes.


    I lift my head to see bent over another one and I carefully turn around to take a picture of us. I''m able to


    take the snap just before Eva stands straight and looks back at me.


    "Are youing?" She asks, and I nod as I stride toward her.


    ~


    After hours of taking a tour around the garden, Eva finally requests for us to leave and we begin to walk


    out of it.


    "You were serious about not taking a picture. " Eva mumbles as we saunter down the walkway and I


    say, "I brought it to take pictures of you, Carson. Not of me. "


    "Pictures you won''t let me see. " She grumbles under her breath and I chortle, "Maybe I will pity you.


    But not now, maybeter. "


    She throws me a re before she says, "Where are we heading next? Another garden?"


    "Didn''t you just explore the whole ce?" The amusement is clear in my voice and Eva hums, "I


    wouldn''t mind taking another. It''s fun, don''t you think?"


    "Not as well as you make it seem like. I''m famished; let''s head to eat next. " I say and she tilts her head


    before she responds, "That doesn''t sound so bad either. "


    And as I watch her stride away to where we parked like a happy child that got the taste of choctes


    for the first time in her life while I trail behind her; I know this is one of the moments where Eva makes it


    so fucking easy to fall deeper into the trap she has me in. One of the moments where she makes me


    want to love her with every damned piece of me.

 F O R T Y - E I G H T

    F O R T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    "Let me take a look now?" I try persuading Emerson about the pictures he took of me again, and he


    hums in objection as he opens the carpartment and throws the camera inside.


    "You''re such a pussy. " I cuss when he turns back to me and his famous signature look masks his face


    as he says, "Yeah, right. Your pussy. Want me to check on my pussy to see if it''s doing alright down


    here? Possibly need some attention?" He lifts a teasing brow as he bends over the divider to my thighs


    and I shift back, pressing my body into the car''s door as I push at Emerson''s shoulder.


    "Stop!" I say through a giggle and Emerson lifts his head with a satisfied smile gracing his lips before


    he nods behind me. "Come on, we should eat. "


    He waits for me to get out of the car before he follows behind me and we make our way inside the


    ce.


    "Ie here often; a woman here is a friend of my mom but she isn''t around today. " Emerson exins


    as he leads me to take a seat in the same restaurant he brought me tost time.


    "You must have been close with her. " I tell him as he takes the seat across from me, and he responds


    with a sad smile on his face, "Probably would have been the closest if she had enough time for me. "


    "She did. You know a lot about her. " I assure him and he says, "I don''t. I know those things because I


    trailed after her every time she was around; not because she spent enough time with me. "


    "Emerson¡ª" I start to say, but he cut me off before I could finish the rest of my words. "I should get us


    something. What do you want?"


    "A coke is fine by me. " I tell him and a frown pulls to his lips as he says, "A coke? That isn''t food. "


    "I don''t feel hungry. " I proim with a gentle smile and Emerson snorts out augh, "After how you


    were back there? I don''t think so. I''ll get you some fries. With more ketchup, right?"


    "How do you know I enjoy my fries with enough ketchup?" I question in amazement and Emerson''s lips


    remain parted for a while before he says, "I just guessed. "


    I narrow my eyes at him, letting him know I don''t believe a word from those.


    "Everyone loves their fries with enough ketchup, Carson. Stop overthinking it. " He says in one breath


    before he''s out of his seat without waiting for my reaction and a cackle leaves my lips as I watch him


    make his way to the front counter.


    After a few minutes of standing at the counter, Emersones back with the fries and ces them in


    front of me as he says, "There you go. "


    "This is part of you trying to get on my good side, isn''t it?" I drop my gaze on him and he smiles as he


    takes his previous seat, "It might be, and it might not. Maybe I''m turning out to be a natural gentleman.


    "


    "I''ll believe everything, but that, Ford. " I tell him before I look down to my fries to try one. With a nod of


    my head to the taste of one of my favourite fast foods, I take another fry and dip it in the ketchup, about


    to throw it in my mouth when I hear the sound of a click and I lift my head to see Emerson holding his


    phone in hand.


    "Did you just take a picture of me?" I ask him, looking down at his phone and Emerson turns the screen


    to the table before he responds, "You think so of yourself so highly, Carson. I was taking a picture of


    that cute girl behind you. "


    "Let me see. " I request and he trembles his head, "No. Finish your fries. "


    "Emerson¡ª"


    "No, Carson. "


    "Emerson. "


    "Emerson. "


    The sound of my voice and another''s blend to the call of his name and I angle my head to the side in


    the direction of the sound. A girl in a mini skirt and a cropped tank stand a few steps away from us with


    her gaze on Emerson.


    "Oh, fuck. Not her. " I turn my attention back to Emerson at the whine from him. "Do you know her?"


    "Yeah. We used to fuck; took a while for me to get her off my back. " He grimaces at the sight behind


    me before he looks back at me with a pleading look on his face.


    "It''s your mess, and you should deal with it. I''m not helping you with shit, Ford. " I ignore the convincing


    look on his face and turn back to my fries just as the tall girl appears in front of us with a wide smile on


    her face.


    "Oh my God, Emerson! It''s you! I can''t believe I''m seeing you again. " She paces to him and I watch as


    he slides further to the side while she takes the previous seat.


    She locks arms with him and pushes her red lips forward as she says, "Why didn''t you pick up any of


    my calls? Or respond to any of my messages? You have no idea how much I''ve missed having you


    inside me. " I scrunch my nose at the way she voiced that out, not caring about the fact that there''s a


    third presence in the room.


    "I told you I was done with you, Maya. Why''s it so hard to ept that?" Emerson finally speaks in a


    harsh tone and you would think that''s enough to keep Maya off, but it isn''t. It doesn''t evene as


    close as the girl opens her mouth again, "And I told you I love it when they y hard to get. I know you


    miss me more than you''re willing to admit. You''ve probably missed these two¡ª" my eyes widen as she


    snatches his hand to take to her chest and I clear my throat, interrupting her movement and catching


    her attention.


    "Don''t you think it''s disrespectful to do that to him in front of me?" I lift my brows and Maya looks to


    Emerson before she looks back to me and says, "Do I know you?"


    "More like do I know you? You''re touching someone that''s mine. " Maya looks dumbfounded for a split


    second before she breaks into augh; augh that grabs the attention of a few around us.


    "Yours?" She repeats my im. "Did you just call Emerson Ford yours? The Emerson Ford? Bitch, you


    better be joking because Emerson Ford isn''t a one-girl guy. " She looks back to him to ce a hand on


    his chest and Emerson swats it off before I have the chance to speak.


    "She isn''t wrong. " He tells her in a calm voice and Maya moves back a bit, "What do you mean by


    those words?"


    "It means I belong to only one person and she''s sitting in front of you. " Maya gazes back at me after


    his words and I quirk my brows, giving a wave with my fingers. Her eyes roam down my body and a


    scoff leaves her lips as she turns back to Emerson to say, "Her? You left me to be with that?"


    "The name is Eva, bitch; not that. You shouldn''t be rude to someone you''re meeting for the first time. " I


    interrupt before Emerson could respond and Maya snaps her gaze to me, "What the fuck did you just


    call me?"


    "What did you hear?" I counter and she rises from her seat to storm toward me. "Lay a hand on me and


    I won''t hesitate to break your fingers. " I warn her, halting her steps just before she takes thest one. "I


    don''t know what you did with him in the past, but you need to get a life now, girl. He''s done with you. "


    "It fascinates me how bold you are. Whatever trap he''s got you in, you''ll snap out of it once he''s done


    with you. " She deres and I arch my brows as I tilt my head to the side, waiting for her to continue.


    "We should leave, Maya. We don''t want to draw attention. " Her friend appears by her side, pulling her


    by her arm and she jerks her hold away. "I''ll be back to mock you when he drops your ass. "


    "You''ll be breathless by the time he does that, Maya. " I throw her a smile that only pisses her further


    before I turn back to my fries. "Oh, and just so you know¡ª" I drop my gaze to her chest. "Those aren''t


    as seducing as you think they are; you shouldn''t go around throwing them in men''s faces. " She loses it


    then, and she''s about to charge towards me but her friend pulls her back and drags her away. I wave at


    her as she disappears out of sight before I turn back to a smiling Emerson.


    "What?"


    "That was sexy. " He says with a proud face and I roll my eyes, "Why do you fuck them when you know


    they''re clingy?"


    "It isn''t written across their forehead, Carson and you can''t honestly me her; I''m just too good at


    what I do. "


    "You mean being stupid?" I taunt him and he throws me a re, which causes me tough before I turn


    back to my fries.


    "Take that as payback for these fries. " I say and Emerson sinks back into his seat, his eyes clouded


    with a new emotion as he says, "I tend to repay you with something else, Eva. " I''m yet to understand


    why and how he effortlessly sounds so f¨´cking sexy when he speaks that way.


    "Stop. " I groan out in frustration and Emerson throws me an innocent look, "I''m not doing anything. "


    "You are, and it''s working, so stop. "


    "Beg me. "


    "No fucking chance. " I grit out and Emerson lets out a chuckle as he turns to his fries, "I''ll have you


    doing that by the end of the day, Eva. " It isn''t just a word; it''s a promise. It''s a deration.


    ~


    "Want me to stop here or drive you into your house?" Emerson jokes as he stops the car at the usual


    spot and I unfasten my seatbelt to turn to him before I say, "You wouldn''t do that if you were smart. "


    He removes his hand from the steering wheel to twist his head to me and a sincere smile touches his


    lips as he says, "Do you want me to thank you for showing up, Carson?"


    "No, " I say as I shift in my seat. "I want you to know that I had fun, Emerson. " Emerson''s smile drops


    and the look on his face tells me those weren''t the ones he was expecting.


    "I''m not always ungrateful, Ford. " I say yfully to cut through the tension that swirls around us and he


    shakes his head before he says, "It''d be a lie to say I''m not surprised. " Then he adds, "But I''m d


    you had fun. Because I did too. "


    He keeps his eyes fixed on me before I drop my gaze from his to the front of his pants and when I look


    back to Emerson, he''s looking down to where my gaze was previously at before he lifts his head to me.


    "Want to give me a parting gift, Eva?"


    "Not exactly. " I say and we stay silent before I move over the divider to climb onto hisp. Emerson


    presses a button by the side of his seat to incline it, giving me more room.


    I lift my hand to his face and caress the skin, before I begin to rock against the bulge protruding through


    his pants and Emerson''s grunt floats in the air as he drops his hand to my hips to fasten my movement.


    I remove my eyes from his and drop my mouth to the side, trailing kissing down his neck as satisfying


    sounds fall from his mouth while he controls my movements on his d cock.


    "You will have mee in my boxers, Eva. " He mumbles as I drop my mouth down his face to press


    my lips to his jaw. "Fuck, do that again. " He demands when I make a circr movement and I give him


    what he wants, earning another starved sound from him.


    "We should stop. " He whispers as he attempts to still the movement of my hips. "Before I lose it and


    risk everything by fucking you in here, Eva. Before I have you scream your way down home. I won''t


    stop once I begin; I promise you. " I don''t listen to him. I give another roll of my hips, and another, and


    another till I feel him grow painfully hard against my wet panties, threatening to tear a hole through the


    thin soaked material so he could m his way inside my throbbing core to have me clenched around


    him. Emerson''s grunts turn painful and his hold on my sides gets tighter¨C his fingers digging through


    the dress before I stop the movement with a swipe of my tongue across his earlobe.


    When I pull back to look into his eyes, the brown orbs reveal that it''s taking everything in him to hold


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    back and I throw him an innocuous smile as I move from hisp back to my seat.


    "I''ll see you around, Emerson. " I say to a silent Emerson, whose thick breathing takes the entire space


    of the car as I grab my bag from the side and climb out of the car.


    And just before I shut the door, he calls back to say, "Keep your windows open tonight, Eva. " It isn''t a


    request. It''s a damn order. A fucking finality that leaves no room for assertions and one that holds vows


    of what''sing to me tonight; of what Emerson Ford will bring to me and how he''ll take me with my


    parents down the hall.

 F O R T Y - N I N E

    F O R T Y - N I N E


    EVA.


    "I''m back. " I say as I walk through the door with a grin on my face, halting my steps at the sight of Aliya


    with my mom. Both heads snap to me and they both carry a smile on their face.


    "Hey, honey. How was the date?" Mom questions and I look away from her to the blue-haired beside


    her, who''s staring at me with a smirk on her face. Oh fuck.


    "Yes, Evie. Did you have a nice time?" She speaks, and I can easily sense the mockery and annoyance


    that lies underneath those words.


    "When did you get here?" I ask her, ignoring their previous questions as I stride closer to them and


    Aliya says, "Hours ago. I had a nice time with mom. " She jerks her head to my mother.


    "Was it good?" Mom queries, sping a hand to the side of my head as I press a kiss to her cheek and


    I hum. "It was. I''ll take Aliya with me now. "


    She nods with a smile before I lean away from her and walk toward my best friend, whose eyes haven''t


    left me.


    "We''ll be in my room. " I announce to mom as I drag Aliya out of the couch and walk us down the way


    that leads to my room. As we walk through the door, Aliya moves forward and jumps on my bed while I


    shut the door behind me before I stand in front of her judgemental eyes.


    "What?" I furrow my brows when she keeps her eyes on me, but says no words and a scoff leaves her


    parted lips. "What do you mean what, bitch? Why did you lie to me?"


    "I didn''t lie to you. " I tell her as I kick my boots off my feet before I stroll towards my bed, throwing the


    bag to the side.


    "You cancelled our ns to hang out with Emerson and you didn''t think to tell me the truth?" She


    scowls as I settle beside her and I say, "How did you know it''s Emerson?"


    "Your mom said you went out with a boy. " She points out the obvious and I raise my shoulder in a


    shrug, "So? Are you trying to say Emerson is the only guy that I could go out with?"


    "At the moment, yes. You don''t have any other to go out with. I would have known. " She lets out and I


    chuckle as I fall back on my bed, using the pillow to support my head.


    "I can''t believe you ditched me to go on a date with Emerson fucking Ford?" She exims and I pull my


    finger to my lips to silence her before I say, "Keep it fucking down. She could hear you, and I didn''t


    ditch you. I told you I had ns, and we''d talk once I''m back. "


    "So you''re choosing him over me now? I thought the agreement between you two wasn''t that deep?"


    She uses, pinning me with a re and I let out a sigh. "I didn''t choose him over you. I made a n


    with him first, and it felt rude to cancel it. Don''t be such a baby about it. " I tell her, purposely ignoring


    her query on the agreement between Emerson and I.


    Aliya sits before me with the death re not leaving her face before her face splits into a wide smile


    and she jumps to my side as she says, "Tell me, how was it? And you don''t get to fucking lie to me this


    time, Eva. "


    "It was alright. " I respond nonchntly and she snickers, "Bitch, please. I know something good


    happened because you walked through that door earlier with a huge ass grin on your face, so you


    better give me the details. Don''t make me force them out of you, Evie. " She threatens with a pointed


    look.


    "Okay, fine, " I give in as I turn my head to the ceiling. "We went to the state''s garden, and it was fun. "


    "How did he know you love gardens?" She questions and I say, "Because I told him. "


    Aliya whistles after my answer and I throw her a re as she says, "You do know this is getting out of


    hand? I don''t think you take people you want to fuck on dates, Eva. "


    "I know that, but we aren''t what you think we are either. We''re just getting to know each other; nothing


    more. "


    "Yeah, and I''ll stand by the sidelines to watch you go from getting to know each other to being unable


    to live without each other. " She teases and I shove her my middle finger, which causes her tough.


    "Where else did you go?" She asks, narrowing her eyes at me when I say, "A restaurant then the rest


    was spent in his car. "


    "What did you do in his car?"


    "Fuck off with your dirty mind, Aliya. " I hiss and sheughs, "It was a genuine question; you''re the one


    with the dirty mind if you instantly think I meant you fucked him in his car. "


    "I didn''t. " I say and several minutes pass before Aliya lifts a hand to my waist to turn me to the side.


    "I''ve got to admit, Evie. You''re bold to go out with him around your parents. "


    "Tell me about it. " I cackle and her lips curve into a smile. When she opens her mouth to speak, I


    interrupt her and say, "Enough of me and Emerson. What were you going to tell me? You said you had


    something important to say. "


    "You realized it was important but choose Emerson anyway?" She raises a taunting brow and I groan in


    annoyance, "Don''t test my patience, Lia. "


    "It''s what you get for the decision you took, bitch. You''re lucky I''m still lying beside you after what you


    did. " She grumbles and I throw her a smile, "You can''t be mad at me. You won''t be able to. "


    Aliya holds onto her frown for some seconds before it slips and it fades into a smile. "Bitch. "


    "You''re a sucker for me. " I imitate her and she ps my arm as we both break into augh.


    "I broke things off with Chloe. " She announces and my eyes widen in surprise, "You fucking did that?"


    A shy smile appears on Aliya''s face as she nods. "I had a talk with Sage before that, and she


    confessed. A real confession this time. I admitted to liking her, and I went to Chloe to break things off¨C


    or at least tried to, but I caught her beneath a girl. Made the job easier for me. "


    "I told you Sage is your better choice. " I tell her with an excited smile before I proceed to ask, "So you


    girls are dating now?"


    "No, " she stuns me by saying, and I furrow my brows. Aliya answers my unasked question as she


    says, "We are taking it slow. She said to hang out some more before we jump into the rtionship stuff.


    ording to her, we need to understand each other first or we''ll end up breaking things off before it


    gets to start¨C and me not knowing shit about the stuff, agreed with her. "


    "That''s so cute!" I coo and pull her closer to me. "I''m so excited for you, bitch. "


    "So am I. " She winks and when I lift a brow, she says, "You and Emerson are¡ª" Aliya doesn''t get to


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    finish her words before I jump on her and hit her with the pillow¨C the sounds of ourughs echoing


    across the room as she struggles to get out of my hold.


    ~


    "Were you waiting for me?" Emerson asks as he climbs inside and I chortle, "Why would I be?"


    "Always finding it hard to admit the truth, Carson. " He mumbles behind me as I move on the bed to


    create space for him.


    "Is everything alright?" I ask him as he lies next to me, noticing the slight dull expression that covers his


    face and he twists his head to me to say, "Why did you ask?"


    "You don''t look so good. " I tell him and he pushes his face forward, "So you know when I look good


    and don''t look good now, Carson?"


    "I''m serious, Emerson. " I say and he pulls back, moving one hand under his head as he turns on his


    side, "It''s just family shit; it''s nothing to be worried about. " He lifts his hand to my face and traces the


    outline of my jaw, "But I do need you to make me feel good. "


    "I will if you beg nicely. " I use his favourite words on him and Emerson chuckles before he attempts to


    turn away from my view. I don''t let him as I grab onto the front of his shirt and push my body off the bed


    to straddle hisp. His tongue peeks out to wet his lips as he watches me and awaits my next move;


    the look of anticipation clear in his eyes.


    I yank at his shirt harder and Emerson catches onto my gesture as he moves to sit on the bed, his


    hand sliding to my side as he nudges me forward and I close my lips over his. I''m only able to make


    one movement of my lips against his before Emerson''s hand slides to the side of my neck and he takes


    the lead, easing gently into the sh of our mouths and guiding me through his mouth. He bites down


    on my lower lip, stirring a wash of both pleasure and pain over me and his other hand moves


    underneath my thin shirt, going to the waistband of my panties before I break the kiss.


    "I''ll be back, " I tell him in a harsh breath as I pull back, ttening my palms on his chest and he frowns


    as he says, "Why? Where are you going?"


    I smile and press my lips to the small pout that''s visible on his mouth before I say, "To the bathroom.


    Give me a second; I''ll be here. "


    He hums and lets go of me, and as I climb out of bed; Emerson doesn''t miss the chance to p my


    ass, which earns him a middle finger from me and a mocking smirk from him before I disappear into the


    small room by the side.


    After spending a few minutes inside, I walk back to the room to see Emersonid back on the bed with


    my phone in his hand, and his eyes focused in concentration.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" The sound of my voice distracts him from whatever he''s doing on my


    phone and he raises his head to me¨C his gaze intense and darkened; the kind of darkened that turns a


    knot in my stomach and creates a mess between my thighs.


    "Emerson?" I call in confusion when he doesn''t give a response and when he opens his mouth, his


    voice is thick with lust andced with something else that makes my mouth water as he says, "Fuck,


    Carson. "


    I have no idea what got Emerson in this state... Until he turns the screen of my phone to me.


    "No!" I shout, not caring about the fact that I could alert my family as I speed over to him and jump on


    the bed in an attempt to snatch the phone from him, but he turns it away from my reach and lifts it to


    the other side.


    "Give it!" I snap, with a racing heart and he jiggles his head as he presses a finger to his lips. "Keep it


    down; you''ll wake your parents. " At Emerson''s words, I look to my door for a second before I look back


    to him, lower my voice and repeat my request. "Give it here, Ford. "


    "No. " He refuses, wrapping his free hand around my waist to bring me closer to his chest while his


    other hand holds the phone up high; away from my arm''s length. "You tell me what the fuck I just saw. "


    My cheeks redden in embarrassment as I try to adjust to his tight grip. "What did you see?"


    "You tell me, Eva. Is this one of your favourite things to do?" His voice is small, and I can feel him


    growing between my thighs¨C which excites me more than the hold he has on me.


    "Eva¡ª" he drawls when I say nothing and I lift my head slightly to meet his eyes. I can feel it burning


    through those gorgeous orbs and it drips from each word he utters to me¨C the desire. A strong sexual


    desire. An uncontroble hunger. An irresistible urge.


    With the way he''s gazing down at me, it''s a miracle he isn''t ripping my clothes off me... Yet.


    "I used to, but not anymore. " I confess and he lifts a questioning brow. "Why did you stop?"


    "It felt stupid. I didn''t have an audience. " I speak in a small voice, dropping my gaze from his and


    Emerson''s hand moves from around my middle to my chin, using it as a measure to tilt my head to his


    gaze as he says, "You mean to tell me no one has ever seen you in these? No one has ever seen you


    move this way?" He lowers the screen to my gaze, and I swallow down my throat at the image of me in


    heels and lingerie with my body wrapped around the pole.


    With a nod, I look back to Emerson and say, "No one. "


    My eyes move to his throat to watch the bob shift as he gulps before he says, "Show me. " I snap my


    gaze back to meet his eyes and he continues in that damn seducing tone of his that messes with my


    head. "Let me see you, Eva. Let me be your first audience. "

 F I F T Y

    F I F T Y


    EMERSON.


    I stare into her eyes as I wait for her response, and she shakes her head, "I can''t show you here. "


    "Why not?" My voice sounds impatient and miserable, and I don''t give a fuck at this moment. That


    image of her has messed with my head and provoked every sentiment in me.


    I''ve always known Eva Carson is far less innocent than she might appear to be, but goddamn; her in


    heels and a damn clothing that reveals too much than I handle with her body wrapped around the pole


    that way just makes her so f¨´cking naughtier. A damn sexy woman; a damn sexy woman who ys


    with my control like a switch.


    "I need music to feel. " She tells me and I say, "I can give you music. We can y a song right here


    and¡ª"


    She cut me off. "You do realize we aren''t back in our apartment, right?" She lifts a brow, reminding me


    of that very fact and I let out a sigh, dropping my hand to wrap it around her. "I know that, but I want to


    see you that way so fucking badly; I''m ready to risk it all. "


    "I''ll show you one day. " She promises as she drops her hands to my shoulders. "But I can think of a


    million different ways to make you feel good right now. " The smirk that takes over her face after those


    words only causes the erection in my pants to worsen and I throw her phone to the side as I lean


    forward to meet her lips.


    Soft. Sweet. Choctes. Fucking. Heaven.


    That''s exactly how Eva Carson tastes¨C a taste that I''m fucking screwed for. A taste that I''m fucking


    addicted to.


    She groans against my mouth as her hands slide from my shoulders down to my chest and she''s


    tugging at my shirt. I pull away for a split second to let her yank it over my head before I push her back


    on the bed and take her mouth as I struggle to get her pants down her legs.


    We fight to keep our mouths and hands on each other while trying to get rid of the clothes that serve as


    an impediment between our skins, and we somehow go from tossing around on the bed to Eva on the


    floor, between my legs and on her knees as she rips my pants off.


    Eva ces her hands on my thighs as she kneels before me in her entire nakedness¨C one that I can''t


    find the exact beautiful word to describe.


    She sneaks her hands from my thighs to my hips and I take my lower lip in my mouth as she presses a


    finger onto the tip of my cock. She smears my pre-cum across the skin before she lifts her head to me,


    a taunting smile on her lips as she waits for me to speak.


    And. I. Give. Her. What. She. Wants.


    "Take it, Eva. Take the damn control. " I say as I look into her eyes with one hand fisted in her hair and


    she makes a low gasp from her throat before she swats my hand from her hair. She shoves me to fall


    on the bed, and I watch in amazement as she crawls to the bed and towards me, stopping between my


    thighs. The sight of her breasts in the space between her hands and her ass pushed to the back makes


    me want to grab her and m my cock into her pussy, where I know her wetness would be awaiting


    me, but the powerful look on Eva''s face stops those triggering thoughts.


    Everything Eva Carson does in bed is fucking sexy, but there''s something different about when she''s in


    control. It''s the extreme confidence thates with that side of her; when she knows she''s got me right


    where she wants me. The aura that oozes from her when she knows I would do any fucking thing to


    have her on my cock. That''s the aura she has around her now as she trails towards me as a predator


    would do to its prey, and it ignites a sizzling fire in each part of me; my heart pounding wildly against


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    my chest as I wait for my wild girl to take me.


    "Do you want me on this?" The seductive tone of her voice is music to my ears as she tickles my dick,


    teasingly wrapping her hand around it before she lets it fall from her grip.


    "You know I fucking do, Eva. " I hiss and she lifts her head to me before she climbs over me, throwing


    her legs to the sides and bringing her sweet pussy right where I need it¨C almost.


    "Eva¡ª" I call, annoyance creeping into my voice and she presses a finger to my lips to shush me.


    "Don''t make a sound, or you won''t get what you want. " Fuck. She''s turning me fucking insane. Before


    Eva Carson, I wouldn''t let a woman tell me what to do in bed, but the grip this woman has on me is


    beyond my understanding.


    "You won''t put your hands on me. They''ll remain where I ce them. " She says as she brings my


    hands to her chest, and I feel the softness of her breasts in my hold.


    "I won''t. " I promise her, twirling the buds of her breasts and I savour the way she tilts her head to the


    back for a second before she looks down to where my painfully hardened cock awaits her. She lifts her


    body a bit, gripping my cock in hand before she clutches the crown to her entrance.


    "Eva¡ª" I let out a low call of her name as I squeeze her breasts and she pushes inside, letting me


    inside her warmth to fill every fucking inch of her.


    "Fuck¨C" she cries as she lifts her body and drops again; taking me whole. "Emerson. Fuck, oh God.


    Your mouth. " I don''t need her to say more before I sit up on the bed, letting my mouth take my hand''s


    previous spot on her chest, while my hands move around her back and she pushes her fingers through


    my curls, gripping hard onto the end of my locks¨C almost enough to make mee right there.


    "Oh, God. It feels so fucking different. It''s like I can finally feel you inside me without¡ª" Eva pauses, as


    if realizing our slight mistake of not using protection and her widened eyes meet mine as I pull back


    from her chest. "A condom. "


    "We should¡ª" I start to say, moving my hands to her hips but Eva shakes her head furiously, moving


    my hands from her hips.


    "Eva, I woulde inside you. We need to¡ª" she doesn''t let me finish my words before she moves


    her hand to the back of my head to brace my face to her chest again, not stopping her movements on


    my cock.


    "I''m on birth control, and I''m not fucking stopping. It feels too fucking good to stop. " She moans,


    throwing her head to the back and I''m no longer able to hold back; I wrap one hand around her throat,


    and press my lips to the skin of her neck as I push forward to meet each m of her pussy on my cock.


    "Oh, fuck. Emerson¡ª" she moans loudly and I move my hand from her throat to cover her mouth, my


    fingers digging into her back as I watch the pleasure that masks her face with each thrust I give and it


    isn''t long before I lose hold of my relief and my body shakes violently as I release inside her.


    "Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. " Eva chants as I remove my hand from her mouth and her head fall against my neck.


    "Are you good?" I ask her and she hums. "Good, because you aren''t done. " And I flip us around,


    bringing her back against the softness of the bed and I lift her legs to my shoulder as I pound into her to


    give her that heatedfort.


    EVA.


    "Fuck. " A cuss slips through my parted lips as my boneless body gives away, no longer able to hold


    Emerson''s hard and rough thrusts. My body cries from all over, but it''s a cry of pleasure. A cry of how


    good he felt inside me, and how good it still feels. I can''t believe I didn''t let him use protection, but I was


    too fucking deep to care about the fact that there''s a one percent chance I could get pregnant despite


    being on birth control.


    "What got you into it?" Emerson asks as Iy over him, basking in each other''s sweats and I drop my


    chin to his chest to catch a grasp of him. "Into pole dancing?"


    He hums and I say, "I don''t know. I was doing it for fun, and I guess I kind of loved the concept. "


    "Did you have someone teach you?" He questions as he draws circles across my back and I give a


    shake of my head, "I watched videos and I''m not perfect. "


    "Doesn''t look like you aren''t perfect, Carson, " he mumbles, referring to the picture and I smile as I lean


    forward a bit to press my lips to his chin before dropping back to his chest.


    "What?" I ask with a frown when he stares at me with a bright smile on his face and he lifts his hand,


    stroking the side of my face before he drops his other hand to meet the first on my back. "You look


    beautiful. "


    "I''m naked. " I tell him and Emerson shifts beneath me, intentionally pressing his cock between my


    thighs. "The more for you to look beautiful. " His voice is gentle and the sincerity in his voice with his


    intense gaze on me makes me shift my eyes from him.


    "Don''t look away, Eva, " Emerson whispers, one of his hands moving down my back to rest on my ass,


    and I suck in a breath when he gives a soft squeeze. "Look at me. "


    When I lift my head again, I say, "You should leave. "


    "Not right now. " He refuses, giving another squeeze to my ass. "I''ll leave before morninges. "


    "Emerson, if you¡ª"


    "Trust me to do as I said, Eva. " There he goes. Using my name along with those warm words of his. At


    this rate, I''m afraid Emerson Ford isn''t just pulling a few strings of my heart.


    And now as Iy in his arms, basking in the pleasure of after sex with his eyes on me, aware of


    everywhere his skin makes contact with mine and his heartbeats ringing in my ears, creating a rhyme


    that matches both my breathe and the beats of my heart¨C I realize I''m gone too far; I''ve been so caught


    up in him. Caught up in these sudden warm gazes of his, caught up in the way he touches feels against


    my skin, caught up in the way I''m too addicted to craving him and everything else he has to offer;


    caught up in the way I want every damned piece of him. I realize I''ve been too caught up in the way


    Emerson Ford challenges me yet he always seems to be there when I need someone to catch me. I''ve


    been too caught in this mess to the point where Emerson Ford isn''t just an enemy or a friend, but he''s


    someone that''se to be a part of me. Someone who unravels every secret that''s behind my shield


    and I let him, because that minor part of me that''s always drawn to Emerson Ford? It isn''t so minor


    anymore. It''s threatening to take over every single part of me and I don''t know how to feel about that.


    "Hey, Ford, " I call casually and he lifts a brow in silent response. "This thing¨C where does it end?"


    Emerson takes a breath before he speaks. "It ends wherever it ends. To see where it takes us is what


    we agreed on. "


    "What if it takes us somewhere neither of us would be able to handle?" Emerson''s strokes on my ass


    stop momentarily before he picks up again, "Where do you think is that ce we wouldn''t be able to


    handle?"


    I open my mouth to give him the upright answer thates to mind, but I go back on those words and


    say something else. "When it gets out of control. "


    If Emerson knows what I''m hinting at, he doesn''t show it. "I care about you, Eva¡ª"


    "You hate me. " I remind him of the once one and only feeling that existed between us.


    "I hate the way you make me feel. " His responsees as a surprise and I lift my head from his chest,


    ttening my hands on the spot to push forward. "How do I make you feel, Emerson?"


    I don''t remove my eyes from him, and his gaze drops to my lips before he meets my eyes again, "Like I


    don''t ever want to put a stop to this. Like I always want to stay here; right here with you. "


    My heart races in my chest at his unexpected answer and I take too long staring at him with my lips


    parted before I drop my head to his chest, hiding my burning face.


    "Eva?" Emerson''s chuckles resound in my ears and I move my head sideways before I say, "Go to


    sleep, Emerson. That''s enough for tonight. "


    "You want me to stay then?" His teasing voicees and I say, "You wouldn''t leave if I ask. "


    "That''s right, " he cackles before turning to the side, bringing my body with his as heys on his side


    with my head against his chest, his arms around me and our legs tangled. Skin to skin. No barrier of


    the thin materials. I can feel the twitch of his cock between my thighs, and my chest is pressing into his;


    the drums of my heart frantic inside.


    I lift my head from the little cage Emerson made of his body to look at his face, and he''s staring down


    at me.


    "Too much?" He lifts a brow and my lips curve, but I say no word as I return to his chest.


    "Just the right amount. " I say, my voice muffled against his chest and Emerson lifts a hand to my head,


    brushing my hair while the other gives gentle pats on my back.


    "A peaceful sleep, Eva. " His voice floats in the air between us and a small smile tugs at my lips as I


    close my eyes in the safeness of Emerson''s embrace.


    They say there''s a thin line between hate and love; the thinner mine gets, the stronger these foreign


    feelings for Emerson Ford get and the deeper he engraves his very being into my soul.

 F I F T Y - O N E

    F I F T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    I stride into the living room to see mom standing behind the couch with her hands on her hips as she


    whispers some words to dad.


    "What''s going on?" The sound of my voice catches both of their attention and they turn their heads to


    me, quick to mask their faces with a bright smile.


    "Hey, baby. You''re up?" Mom smiles at me as she extends her hand for me to take it, and I do,cing


    my fingers through hers as I step to her side.


    "Is everything alright?" I ask her, looking between her and dad, and she nods, "Of course, everything is.


    Why wouldn''t it be?"


    "Because you both are looking suspicious right now? You were whispering some words in hushed


    tones before I appeared. " I let out and mom''s gaze darts to dad''s, a sigh leaving her lips before her


    eyes fall back to me. "I was just persuading your father about some things. "


    "What things?" I''m quick to question, and once again, mom looks at dad before she turns her attention


    back to me to say, "You don''t have to worry about it, Eva. It''s nothing serious. "


    "Dad?" I drawl, pinning him down with a questioning look as I meet his eyes and his shoulders sink in a


    heavy sigh before he opens his mouth to say, "It''s like your mother said, Eva; it''s nothing serious. Just


    some work problems and I''ll have them sorted out. "


    "You''re sure we are not in any trouble?" I narrow my eyes at him and he smiles, "Doesn''te close to


    it, Princess. "


    "Is it him?" I proceed to ask about the only other thing that could have caused a problem, and when


    dad''s face hardens, I know I hit the right nerve.


    "What''s it this time?" I pinch the space between my brows and Dad shakes his head, turning his body


    to the other side to get his bag off the couch before he turns back to me, "I''ll have it settled. I need to


    get to work now. Will you be here or you''re heading out on one of those dates?"


    Heat spreads to my cheeks at his mention of my outings with a guy he would rather not know


    repeatedly, and I say, "Dad!"


    "A genuine question, Princess. " He chuckles as he paces closer to me to press his lips to my forehead


    before he steps back to kiss the side of mom''s face.


    "I love you, hmm¡ª" his tiny whisper to mom doesn''t escape my ears and my lips tug up in a tiny smile


    as mom responds to his words of affection before dad steps back, throws a wave at me then turns to


    walk out of the house.


    As dad''s figure disappears through the door, I turn my body to mom''s view and lift a brow when she


    stares down at me with hands on her hips.


    "What?" I ask and she draws closer, pushing her face forward. "What has been going on in your room


    to draw back.


    "Eva!" She throws me a pointed look and I say, "I''m sorry, beautiful. I didn''t realize that wasing. " I


    press my palm to my chest to calm down the race of my heart as I pray the slight unpleasant incident


    made her forget about her question.


    The prayer wasn''t epted. "So you want to tell me what you do every night? I heard voices the other


    night. "


    "What voices?" I feign innocence, pressing my fingers into the skin of my palm as I let my hand drop


    from my chest.


    "Voices that tell me you weren''t alone in that room, Eva. " She exins and I let out an awkwardugh,


    one I hope she doesn''t notice. "What are you talking about, mom? Who else would I be with? It''s only


    the three of us in the house. "


    "Not if you had someone sneak up to your room, " she suddenly says, and my eyes widen barely as


    uncertainty rushes through me at the fact that my mother could have caught me. Caught us. Not until


    she says, "Did you have Aliya climb to your room to go to some parties likest time, Eva?" I let out a


    breath of relief at Aliya''s name before I throw mom an innocent smile.


    "I didn''t. I''ve been staying upte to watch movies recently, so those were probably the voices you


    heard. " I tell her with a raise of my shoulder and she furrows her brows, "Are you sure about that?"


    "You don''t trust me?" I throw back. "You can ask Aliya about it if you want. "


    "What? Of course not. " She''s quick to say, stepping closer to brush my hair. "I just wanted to make


    sure you''re fine, baby. Nothing more. "


    "Trust me, mother. I''ve never been finer than I am right now. " I assure her and her smile broadens.


    She drops her hand to my cheek to give small slivers to the skin before she lets it falls to her side.


    "I have to head out to check up on Danielle today, and Mrs Martins isn''ting in because she had a


    bit of a family issue. Do you want toe with me, or you''re alright with¡ª"


    "I''m alright with staying home. " I don''t let her finish her words before I interrupt her and a chuckle falls


    from her mouth. "Is this because of Danielle''s son again?"


    "His stares are creepy and he irks me. I absolutely don''t want to go there, knowing he''ll be around. " I


    scrunch my nose in irritation and she smiles in understanding. "I would never want you to do anything


    ufortable either. Maybe call Aliya to keep you up and running?" She teases with a glint in her eyes


    and I shake my head at her yful taunt as I cross her side to move over the couch.


    "I''ll be fine, mother. " I announce and shees from behind me, sping her hands to the sides of my


    head to press her lips to the middle of my hair before she pulls back, taking her warmth with her at the


    sound of her receding footsteps.


    ~


    "Why are you here?" I question as Emerson climbs through my window and I step to the side to give


    him space.


    "You said your parents are out?" He states the obvious, referring to our earlier conservation on the


    phone and I throw him a look, "I said they are out; I didn''t say you coulde, Ford. It''s fucking


    daylight. "


    "And you''re all alone so I don''t see what''s the problem here. " He moves past my side to climb on my


    bed, and I let out a huff as I stride towards my window to shut it before I pace back to my bed.


    "Anyone could see you, Emerson. Your family included. " I remind him of the fact he seems to have


    forgotten and Emerson says, "Everyone is out, but my stepmom. "


    "And she could¡ª"


    "I''m bored. " He silences the rest of my words. "What were you doing before I came in?" He lifts a brow


    and realizing arguing with Emerson would get me nowhere, I drop to the bed and take a seat by his


    side.


    "I was being forced to reply to your texts. " I tell him and he tilts his head, "I don''t think you were being


    forced, Carson. You loved it. "


    "Please shut up. " I groan and Emerson lets out augh¨C one that creates a beautiful sight where the


    sides of his eyes wrinkles and I''m unable to help my own smile.


    Emerson notices my stare after the sound dies down and we fall into silence, just looking into each


    other''s eyes and hoping to unravel more than we already did.


    It''s been a week since that day with the garden and the warm confession at night, and we''ve been


    meeting a lot. We''vee to know a lot about each other and I''vee to peel so manyyers of


    Emerson Ford¨C discovering things I never thought I could. The more I grow to know Emerson Ford, the


    more he seems to be more appealing.


    "You''re staring at me, Carson, " Emerson says, bringing me out of stance and I part my lips to speak,


    "Your eyes are on me, Ford. "


    His lips curve into a smile. "I can think of a different way to use them. "


    When his eyes roam across my body, I throw him a grimace, "We''re not fucking afterst¡ª"


    "I never mentioned anything about fucking, Carson. " He snickers and I say, "You''re staring at my body.


    "


    "I''m staring at an art; there''s a difference. " He has no right to make my heart jump in my chest at those


    words. Absolutely no fucking right.


    "Remember when I told you I would show you my art one day?" He raises a brow and I hum. Then he


    says, "I think that day is today. " He jerks his head to my body and I look down at myself before I lift my


    head to him, "You mean to say¡ª"


    "Yes, Carson. I mean you. Get over here. " He extends his hand and I chew on my bottom lip as I ce


    mine in his and let him drag me towards him. My hands tten against his chest from the force and


    Emerson smiles, letting his lips brush against my cheek before he climbs off the bed.


    "I kept a board in herest time. " He says and I nod, angling my head to the left corner. Emerson


    catches onto my gesture and strides to the other side of the room to retrieve the board along with the


    pencil he kept with me days ago after I found out he has a thing for arts¨C one he promised to show me


    one day.


    "Slide your top down your shoulder. " Emerson instructs as he settles on the floor and keeps his board


    to the edge of the bed.


    "Why?" I question and he says, "I want a sexy sight, Carson. "


    "You just want a peek at my skin. Nothing more. " I grumble under my breath but go ahead with his


    request either way, and let my loose top slip off my shoulder.


    "Don''t move. " He says, and I hum as he points the pencil towards me. He tilts it to the side along with


    his head before he looks back to the board.


    "Sit still. " He hisses as I adjust on the bed and I throw him a re, "I''m fucking trying to!"


    "I can''t focus if you keep moving around, Carson. " He says as I cross my legs over each other. "You


    should be able to focus even though¡ª"


    "I can''t focus because your breasts are almost spilling out of that top. " He silences the rest of my


    words to say, and I swallow down my throat at the immediate effect his words have on me.


    "You wanted the sight so bear the consequences. " I whisper, my words cutting through the tension that


    he managed to sessfully build between us and Emerson''s lips lift in a tiny smirk before he takes his


    eyes back to the board in front of him, and begin to move his hands effortlessly.


    I don''t take my eyes off him as I watch him look between me and the board; something about his gaze


    makes my heart race in my chest, when he''s just there¨C making a drawing of me.


    I keep my hands pressed to my legs as Emerson''s gaze gets heated, ensuing the familiar ache


    between my thighs and I clear my throat as I shift my eyes from him, which earns me another scolding


    from him. "Eva!"


    "I was just teasing. " I chuckle as I turn my head back to him and he shakes his head before he


    continues the movements of his hands, and I let my body ease under his gaze.


    After a few minutes of moving his hand across all directions, Emerson moves to his feet to stare at


    what''s before him and I say, "That''s it? You''re done?"


    "Yes. " He tells me and I start to climb off the bed. "Wow, that was so fast. I thought it was going to take


    hours or something. "


    "It''s just a sketch; that doesn''t take much time. " He exins as I stand a few steps away from him and


    Emerson turns the drawing to my view. My eyes widen at the sight of the beautiful craft he has created.


    He''s right; it''s more like a sketch but you can clearly tell which details are which and it looks so fucking


    beautiful. The outline of the way my hair rolls down my shoulders, the top that I slid off my shoulders to


    reveal the skin under and my hands on my crossed legs¨C everything is so fucking perfect and I can''t


    believe Emerson Ford is capable of something like this.


    "What do you think?" Emerson''s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I lift my gaze from the drawing


    to his face. He meets my eyes with anticipation shining through those gorgeous brown orbs of his and I


    look away from his mesmerising eyes before I rant about how beautiful I find what he''s done.


    "It''s okay. " I say nonchntly, turning my lips in a yful tease and when I look back to Emerson, he''s


    staring at me like he misheard me.


    "What?" I let out a chuckle and he frowns. "Did you say it''s okay?"


    "Yes, it''s okay. You don''t think it is?" I lift a brow and he looks back to his beautiful work before he looks


    back to me, then back to the drawing and I watch as he grabs the board. "I just thought you would like


    it more than just it being okay, but I guess not. We should try this again next¡ª"


    "What the fuck do you think you''re doing?!" I exim, grabbing hold of his hand when he angles the


    board to the side and he says, "Ruining it since it''s bad?"


    "No!" I snap, snatching it from him and Emerson watches me in awe. "Why the fuck would you say it''s


    bad?"


    "You said it''s okay?" He points out my earlier tease and a scoff falls from my mouth. "I said it''s fucking


    okay, Emerson. I didn''t say it''s bad. "


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Your okay is equivalent to it being bad, Eva and I want you to think of it more than that. " He says in a


    small voice and my chest falls in a sigh as I keep the board to my side. "Why does my opinion suddenly


    matters to you? You never gave a fuck before. "


    Emerson''s lips twitch after my words and he stays silent for some seconds before he steps closer to


    me. He fills the entire space around me as he lifts his hand, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear


    before he looks back to my face and says, "Because everything you do and say suddenly matters,


    Carson. Because I think I''m falling for you. "

 F I F T Y - T W O

    F I F T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    My lips are parted with no words slipping through and the board falls from my hold as I stare at


    Emerson with wide eyes.


    "I don''t just think, Eva. I know I am. " He dares to repeat his words, in a firmer tone this time and I


    shake my head. "You don''t mean those words. "


    "Yes, I do, " he argues and I take a step back. "You don''t, Emerson. You don''t love me. You''ve never


    loved¡ª"


    "It''s different now, Carson. It''s fucking different!" He snaps, his chest falling and rising rapidly with each


    thick breath he takes and I turn away from him, tears burning the corner of my eyes but I''m quick to


    blink them back.


    "Eva¡ª" his voice echoes behind me but I don''t let him finish. "You can''t mean those words. You need


    to stop speaking this way, Ford. You need to stop fucking with my head. "


    "I''m just fucking with your head!" He hisses and he''s in front of me again. "Don''t you fucking get it? I''m


    falling for you, Eva. I''m¡ª"


    "Stop. Just stop. Please. " I plead and there''s silence with our heavy breaths the only sound that


    disrupts the air before Emerson breaks it. "Are you rejecting me, Carson? Because I swear to the


    heavens, I''ll climb through your window and I won''t take a damn look back. " He doesn''t try to hide the


    pain in his words.


    I don''t speak. I don''t meet his eyes and he says, "Honestly want it this way. " And when he takes a step


    away, I raise my head then. I swallow the bitter lump that rises to my throat when he takes another


    step, knowing I''ll regret it if I make him leave. Knowing it''ll hurt if Emerson Ford leaves.


    "It''s scary. " I tell him when he takes the final step that almost leads him out of my room, and Emerson


    turns back to meet my eyes. I gulp before I continue, "To feel this way for you, it''s strange, but more


    than that¨C it''s scary. "


    "What way?" He whispers as he twists his entire body in my direction and I brace myself to let out the


    words that have been running through my mind, dwelling on my thoughts in the absence of Emerson


    Ford and threatening to consume my every being.


    "Eva. Tell me what way and why it''s scary?" Emerson reframes his question and I lift my head to him


    again. "I''ve hated you; I hated you for years. It''s the only way I knew how to feel towards you, then I


    started to care¨C"


    "You started to care about me?" He interrupts my words, as if not believing them and I hum. "You might


    think I don''t because I rarely show it, but I do so fucking badly, Emerson. To the point where it gets


    overwhelming but I knew how to tame it. I knew I was safe because the line between my hatred for you


    and my care for you wasn''t so broad. Not until I started to feel something else. Something that goes


    beyond my control and something that continues to grow no matter what I did¨C" I pause and take a


    breath.


    "Do you want to?" Emerson asks, gesturing to the bed and I shake my head. "I just need to let it out.


    Just stand there. "


    After a nod from him, I continue, "I''ve known how to hate you, and I''ve known how to care for you but I


    don''t know how to love you, Emerson. I can feel it growing within me, but I don''t know what to do with


    it, because it''s just too much. I''m afraid of giving a little, or giving too much. I''m afraid of pulling away, or


    getting too close. I''m afraid of holding onto you, or letting you go. I''m afraid of where it starts, and


    where it''s bound to end. I''m afraid of what will happen when you get over this and decide you don''t feel


    the same way anymore. I''m afraid of the pain that''s bound toe. I''m afraid of so many things,


    Emerson because I either give my all or I don''t; I don''t know how to bnce it. I don''t know how to get


    in between and I''m afraid of that. Of so many fucking things and amidst my fear and confusion, lies


    you. Amidst them lies what I feel for you and what I continue to feel for you. "


    "Eva¡ª" his voice is soft as he calls my name and he attempts to take a step forward, but I hold out my


    hand, halting his steps.


    "I''ve known what''s like to love another, and I know the pain thates with them not being by your


    side anymore. I''ve known that, Emerson and I''vee to know the greater pain that''s bound toe


    from you, because I''m not just letting myself love you; I''m letting myself be in love with you. I don''t want


    to go through that pain, Ford. I can''t. It''ll ruin me. Destroy my very being like it''s never been before. "


    With a sniff, I swipe my hand underneath my nose before I whisper, "It''s already ruining me. "


    There''s silence, then the sound of his footsteps and Emerson is by my side, taking my hands from my


    face and gripping them in his hold. He drops his other hand to my face, and tips my chin to meet his


    gaze.


    "Why do you think I would bring you pain?" He questions, his soft touch doing little to calm me.


    "It''ll happen, Ford. Where there''s love, there''ll always be a pain. " I tell him and he nods, "I''m not


    denying that, but what makes you think you would be in that pain alone, Carson? "


    "What?" The word falls from my mouth and he gives me a gentle smile, "I''m new to these feelings too,


    Eva. At first, I thought to ignore them, but I''ve never been the type to deny what I know I feel, because I


    know denying them doesn''t make them lessen; it worsens them. I''m not saying I won''t hurt you, Eva,


    because you''re fucking right about that. I will hurt you. I''ll do a lot of shitty things that could hurt you,


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    because just like you, Eva; I don''t know the right things to do. I just let myself go with it because I''ll


    rather be hurt with you, than be in pain without you. "


    I open my mouth to speak, but he presses a finger to my lips, silencing my words. "I''m not asking you


    to give me your all, Eva. I want you to, but I can''t possibly be that greedy right now. For now, I just want


    to take thoughtful steps. More has led us to these feelings, and these feelings are strange to us, so it''s


    okay to not want to rush into them. It''s alright to want to take time before you let yourself be entirely


    consumed by them. It''s alright to be scared, Eva because you aren''t alone in this. I''m fucking scared


    too, but more than that¨C I don''t want to ever step away from this. The fear of being consumed by what I


    feel for youes nowhere as close to the fear of losing this. "


    "So what are you saying?" I whisper when he lets his hand fall from my lips to brush the lower one and


    he opens his mouth. "I''m saying we should take our time. Continue as we''ve always until we find


    safeness in each other''s feelings. I''m saying that I don''t want you to hold back because you''re scared.


    I''m saying I want you to be more honest with me about your feelings like you were in this moment, and


    I''m saying that you, Eva Carson, remain mine either way. " Hisst words bring me back to our


    apartment and in his bed; the first time Emerson Ford said those words to me. At that time, I never


    knew realized how I felt for him, but this time I do. I know the extreme of my feelings for Emerson Ford


    and I know it''s alright to be scared of it.


    "You said you don''t know how to say the right ones. " I point out and his touch drops to my chin again,


    "Do I?"


    "Those were the right ones. The ones I needed to hear, at least. " I say with a small smile and he


    releases his grip on me to drop his hands to my waist.


    "Keep saying things like that, and we''ll be fine. " He let out and I drop my gaze to his chest, "I suck at


    expressing how I feel. "


    "You expressed yourself just fine right now. " He points out, and I let my head fall to his chest, hiding


    my face in his embrace as embarrassment swims through me with the remembrance of my moment. "I


    was emotional. " My voice is muffled against his chest, but Emerson catches it and he chuckles as he


    drops his hands from my waist to the back.


    "So I just need to get you emotional often?" He teases and I lift my head, throwing him a re. "Don''t


    fuck with me, Ford. "


    "There she is. The Carson that started it all. " He smiles as he leans forward for his lips to brush


    against mine.


    "Does this mean you''ll start being a gentleman to me?" I raise a brow and Emerson''s lips curves in a


    smirk. "Does this mean you''ll start being nice and stop getting on my nerves?"


    "Never. I find too much pleasure in it. " I throw him a wink and he chuckles as he lifts one of his hands


    to brush my hair from my face before dropping it there, giving gentle brushes to the skin.


    "I don''t want that to change about you either; you''re perfect this way. " His words warm my heart and I


    push forward to press my lips to his chin before I pull back to say, "Neither do I want you to start being


    a gentleman. "


    "You love annoying Ford then?" He lifts a brow and I shake my head, "No, I hate him. But he isn''t so


    bad either. " Emerson cackles and closes his lips over mine before he drops his hands to my ass, and


    uses it as a measure to hoist me up in his arms.


    I make a sound against his lips as I lock my hands around his neck and wrap my legs around his waist


    while Emerson''s hold stays on my ass and my back.


    "I still feel hurt for that stretch. " He says as he leans back with a frown on his face and I blink


    innocently as I press my lips to the space between his lips and his nose before I say, "I was just fucking


    with you, Ford. I love it; it looks beautiful. "


    "Unlike the model. " He doesn''t hide the mockery in his voice and I re at him, "Fuck you. "


    "That''s right. I know what you want, baby. No need to beg for it. " My heart races in my chest at the


    sound of that one wording from Emerson Ford to me. Baby... He just called me baby, and fuck¨C if I


    didn''t love the sound of it from his lips.


    I''m pulled out of my thoughts when my back is pressed into the softness of my mattress and Emerson


    hovers over me with his hands on either side of my head.


    "You know the rules have changed?" He lifts a brow and when I stare at him with confusion clear in my


    eyes, he proceeds to say, "The arrangement rules. "


    "Those have been broken for long, Ford. " I tell him, reminding him of how quick we were to break the


    rules that we were so sure we would keep to.


    "I know, but there was one particr rule, Carson. One that imed your body as mine, " he exins,


    and I nod; remembering the words he forged into a rule that night.


    "I''m changing it now¨C" he pauses and lifts one of his hands to my thigh, his touch burning against the


    skin as he continues. "Not just your body, Carson. Your heart is mine too. You don''t get to share it with


    another man. You''re mine, Eva. You''re mine until you want out. " He rifies and my heart jumps in my


    chest at those words. Those beautiful, perfectly moulded words bring a smile to my face. Want out? I


    would never want out, because Emerson is right. There''s the fear but there''s no bigger fear than losing


    this.


    And I open my mouth to speak , "As you are. "


    One of his gorgeous smiles appears on his face and he stops the movement on my thigh. "I''ve always


    been from the minute I realize I couldn''t fuck another girl that isn''t you, Carson. I''ve always been yours


    and I was just waiting for you to realize that. " And I do now. More than that, I''vee to know I gave


    myself to Emerson Ford as his the minute I agreed to those rules. We started this without realizing it.


    "Good, " I say and lift my hand to his chest. "Because now, I want you to fuck me like you''ve always


    been mine. "

 F I F T Y - T H R E E

    F I F T Y - T H R E E


    EVA.


    "Come here, " I whisper as he moves between my thighs and he climbs over my body, draping a hand


    around me with his head mashed to my chest as he falls to the side.


    "Want to go out tomorrow?" He suddenly asks and I tip my head to meet his lifted gaze. I drop my hand


    to his hair and bury my fingers in the soft curls. "Where are we going this time?"


    "We could go to a bookstore, " he mutters softly as he shifts his hand from my side to my stomach,


    trailing his finger across the skin before he caresses my belly piercing and adds, "Pick up some books.


    "


    "That sounds tempting, " I tell him and a smile covers his face. "I know. Do you want toe with me?"


    "The break is near its end, " I say and he nods, moving his touch to the middle of my chest. "The more


    for us to go. "


    "You''ve convinced me. " I agree and he lifts his head from my chest to press his lips to the skin, igniting


    a me with his touch before he falls back to it, and the sound of our breathing plus my quiet moans as


    Emerson teases me with his touch bes the only sound in the room.


    "When did you figure it out?" I ask him, breaking the silence and Emerson lifts a brow before I continue,


    "That you were falling for me. "


    "Why? You find it hard to believe?" He questions and I shake my head, "Not exactly, but I''m curious. "


    "Back at the garden. " He says and moves his hand from my stomach to my breasts, palming the flesh


    in his hand as he proceeds, "I didn''t admit it to myself back then, but I knew I was falling. You had the


    brightest smile I''ve ever seen on your face; like the prettiest flower amidst hundreds and I knew that I


    never want you to lose that smile. The pure feeling of excitement and happiness that surrounded you


    that day¨C I never want you to lose that. " The perfect words. Words that tug at my heart and words that


    are enough to make me admit that I''mpletely down for Emerson Ford, if I never did before.


    "When did you?" He returns the question as he drops his hand from my chest, and I look away from


    him; stopping the movement of my hand on his hair as my cheeks redden with blush.


    "Don''t be shy now, Carson, " Emerson teases as he grips my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes and I


    scoff, "I''m not shy. "


    "Do I always have to remind you of what a bad liar you are, Eva?" He lifts a mocking brow and I throw


    him a re before I swat his hand from my face, earning augh from him.


    "Come on, I told you mine; it''s only fair that you tell me yours. " He persists as he lifts his body from


    mine, letting my hand fall from his hair while he presses an elbow into the bed, leaning his face against


    his shoulder as he keeps his eyes on me.


    "That night. " I say and he hums for me to go on. "The night when you said you never wanted to stop. I


    knew there was no stopping the feelings. " I exin and he leans close, "So you gave in?"


    "So I gave in. " I agree, looking down to his lips before I meet his eyes again, and I notice the unusual


    glint in the brown orbs before Emerson says, "And you''re never going back now. "


    I smile before snuggling closer to him, making him fall on the bed with me.


    "Want me to stay for a while more?" He whispers as he brushes my hair and I rub my head against his


    chest, knowing I want to but we can''t.


    "No, you need to start leaving. " When I lift my head from his chest to his face, his lips are pushed


    forward and I sway nearer to press my lips to his jaw before I drop back to his chest and say, "We''re


    leaving for the bookstore tomorrow. "


    "I know, " he breathes, lowering his hand to my back. "But I want to stay like this for a bit longer. "


    "Five minutes?" I offer and he closes his arms around me, "It''s more than enough. " He responds and I


    shut my eyes, listening to the soft beats of his heart for the next five minutes and taking enough of his


    warmth before he leaves.


    The timees for him to leave and Emerson climbs off my bed. I slide against the headboard with the


    duvet pulled to my chest as I watch him get dressed.


    "Why are you taking that?" I voice out when Emerson grabs the drawing he made of me.


    "Do you want to keep it?" He asks the obvious and when I give a nod, he leaves it and makes his way


    to my window.


    "Careful. " The word slips through my parted lips before I could stop it when Emerson throws a leg over


    my window and he chortles, "I''m way past being careful with you, Eva. " He gives a salute with two


    fingers before his frame disappears out of sight.


    My chest falls in a sigh as I stare at my room with the absence of Emerson Ford, before the details of


    the daye rushing back to me and I''m no longer able to hold my squirm as I throw the duvet over


    my head.


    ~


    EMERSON.


    I walk through the door and the smile on my face instantly drops at the sight of my father across the


    room with Hanna standing behind him.


    "Where were you?" He queries when he notices my presence and I take a breath before I move


    forward, "Out. "


    "Does this out not have a name?" He turns away from Hanna to keep his harsh gaze on me and I stave


    off my gaze to Eliza standing at the other corner of the room.


    "I believe I asked you a question, Emerson. " Dad says, bringing my attention back to him and I say, "I


    was out. Don''t I have the right to be somewhere else along with your other specifications?"


    He doesn''t speak for a while, and when he finally opens his mouth; his words don''t sting any less than


    they usually do. "You could have made yourself useful ande to me. You should have stayed back


    at that school when you knew you would be useless. "


    "Mason¡ª" Eliza, my stepmom speaks from the side to caution my dad, but she''s quick to quiet down


    when he throws her a look.


    "I didn''te here for you, and you shouldn''t be disappointed because I''ve never shown any interest in


    your business. "


    "Your brother is¡ª" he starts, but I cut him off, knowing the words that''ll follow. "My brother is not me,


    and you should never think differently. " A muscle ticks in his jaw and anger masks his face but I don''t


    let him speak another word before I twist my body in the direction that leads me away from him.


    There are whispers behind but I don''t make a stop until I''m inside my room with my door closed behind


    me. Letting out a puff of my breath, I take a second to calm down the emotions raging from me from the


    minor encounter with my father before I stalk towards my bed.


    I fall back on it and toss around a few times before I get out of bed, and stroll towards my window. I


    ce my hands on the edge and look to the only ce that''s capable of bringing me serenity. My lips


    stretch into a smile as I watch the figure of Eva move across her room, before I turn back at the creak


    of my door.


    "What are you doing?" I say to Hanna as she stands feet away with her back to my door and she


    pushes her body from the frame. "Making sure you''re alright after what just happened. "


    "Of course, I am. Why wouldn''t I be?" I move away from the window and Hanna nces at it before


    she meets my eyes and says, "Were you looking at her again?"


    "What are you talking about?" I feign oblivion and she chuckles, "You don''t have to pretend, Emery. I


    know you were looking at Eva. "


    "And if I was?" I fold my arms against my chest and she walks closer to me. "I''m guessing you like her.


    "


    "Hanna¡ª"


    "I saw her pictures. " She interrupts me and I scowl at her. "I told you to stop sneaking into my room


    without my permission!"


    "I wasn''t. " She''s quick to defend herself. "I wanted one of your books and I saw the camera. That is


    beyond the point though; you like her, Emerson. "


    "I''m aware of that. " I mumble dryly as I move back to my bed and slide on it.


    "So don''t you think you should¡ª"


    "What did I say about giving me rtionship advice and poking your nose into my business?" I raise my


    body slightly from the mattress to look at her and she does that annoying thing where she murmurs


    some words under her breath before she passes me a sweet smile, "Of course, brother. I''ll be on my


    way since I know you''re fine. "


    "Good, " I bob my head then lift a brow when she lingers at the spot.


    "So much for worrying about you. " She whispers before she turns around and makes her way out of


    my room. When she''s out of sight, I turn my body t on the bed and stretch my hand to the side to


    bring out the said camera; calmness swelling through me as I look through her pictures.


    ~


    I tap my fingers against the steering wheel as I watch Carson from afar. She''s dressed in Jean pants


    with a sweatshirt and a baseball cap over her head. A smile spreads to my face as I watch her peer


    around her before she makes her way towards me and climbs inside the car, shutting the door when


    she''s settled on her seat.


    "Almost thought you''re a creep. " I tease her when she turns her body to me and she opens her mouth,


    "Funny, Ford. "


    "Ready?" I ask her as she removes her cap and throws it to her side.


    "Ready, " she confirms and I start the engine before driving out of the spot.


    "Do you have a particr ce in mind?" She inquires as she brings out her phone and I hum, taking a


    nce at her before I look back to the path before me, "It''s a treasure, and I think you''ll love it. "


    ~


    "It''s so beautiful!" Eva exims as we walk inside the bookstore and she twirls around, her eyes


    moving across every corner.


    "They are just books, Carson, " I tell her as the sweet, musky scent of old books wees us and she


    turns to me with a frown on her face, "What do you mean? They are not just books. This is fucking


    heaven, Ford. "


    "It''s heaven when I have my mouth on yours, or my cock inside you; I don''t think thises close,


    Carson. " I tell her with a raise of my shoulder, not caring about my choice of words, but Carson


    definitely cares as she ps my arm.


    "We''re in public. " She says with a pointed look and when I furrow my brows in silent questioning; she


    adds, "Add a filter, Ford. "


    "Never. I want to watch you get shy by the small words despite your hard girl demeanour. " I throw her


    a wink and she tries hard to keep her hard face, but it easily drops to be reced by a small smile


    when she opens her mouth, "I hate you. "


    "Sincerely yours, Eva. " I say and she shakes her head before she turns in the other direction, bringing


    augh to my lips as I watch her stroll away.


    "I''ve never been here before. How do you discover ces like this?" She asks when I catch up to her


    and I say, "I spent most of my time alone, so it was easy to discover things I love. "


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    At my words, Eva turns her head to me and there''s that look in her eyes; one that tells me she''s


    wondering how I must have felt being alone.


    "I didn''t say it as a bad thing, Carson, " I inform her. "Being alone isn''t always an awful thing. I


    discovered things I love and I enjoyed doing them. "


    "Sometimes you amaze me, Emerson. " She utters as she turns away and heads over to the first shelf


    by our right.


    "It''s a surprise you get amazed only sometimes when there are thousands of things to be stunned


    about, Eva. " She stops the movement of her hand on the shelf to look at me and she says, "And all the


    time, your Ego annoys me. "


    "You got to know your worth, Carson. " I smile and she rolls her eyes before she turns her attention


    back to the books. I watch as she runs her finger across them, and slide further to the side with me


    right on her tail before she stops at a specific book.


    I angle my head to get a better view of the one that''s managed to catch her interest. "I have a copy of


    that. " I tell her at the sight of THE DEAL.


    "Really? I didn''t see it on your shelves. " She pulls out the book and runs her finger across the front.


    "Funny of you to think those are all of my books, Eva. " I let out a chuckle and her widened eyes snaps


    to mine. "You have more books?"


    "Those aren''t half of my books. " Eva''s eyes widen more, and it intrigues me how surprised she seems


    to be with that detail.


    "How do you read them? I can almost swear I''ve never seen you with any of those books back at our


    apartment. " She points out as she passes me the book before she turns back to the shelf.


    "Not as I used to do. I found something more interesting. "


    "Fucking around?" She questions, not taking her eyes off the shelf and I draw closer to her, leaning


    down to her ear to whisper, "Fucking you. "


    As Eva turns her head, I push forward to brush my lips against hers, letting it linger for a few seconds


    before I catch her gaze. "Definitely more interesting. "


    Eva licks her lips torturously slowly and fire cackles across the tip of mine with a yearning to feel them


    again.


    "What do you say I fuck you between one of these shelves?" I ask, not attempting to hide the desire


    that coats my words and Eva looks away from me to the shelves, before her gaze settles on mine


    again and she says, "Keep it in your pants, Ford. We''re here for books. "


    "I don''t mind a bit of an extra reward. " I drop my gaze to her chest, and when I look back to her; there''s


    the familiar look in her eyes with indecision hiding beneath them and I know she''s considering the offer.


    The thought of this naughty girl contemting epting my request to take her right there only makes


    her so damn wilder.


    Knowing Eva Carson though, it doesn''te as a surprise when she steps away from me without a


    word and continues her search.


    I turn my head sideways and lean against the shelf next to me as I watch her eyes move across each


    book, mumbling some words to herself before she stops as she did with the first one.


    She pulls out the book from the rest, and stares down at it as she strolls back to me, "I''ve been looking


    everywhere for this one!"


    When she lifts her head, her gaze is like one I''ve never seen before, apanied by that bright smile


    on her face.


    I''ve been with different women in many different ways, and I''ve had them look at me in many different


    manners, but none of themes close to the look Carson has on her face.


    It''s the gleam shining through her orbs. It''s her letting her guard down for me. It''s the way she suddenly


    let me in, and the way she makes it easy to recognize those emotions. It''s the affection and care in her


    eyes¨C one that I always want her to look at me with. One that I never want her to stop. Not from this


    moment. Notter. Not ever.


    "Emerson, " Eva''s call of my name brings me out of my thoughts and I smile as I bring her to my chest


    with a wrap of my arm around her waist.


    A sharp exhale leaves her mouth at the sudden action as she ttens her hands to my chest with the


    book staying between us and I lift my other hand to her face, admiring the way she shudders slightly at


    the touch of my skin to hers.


    "Emerson¡ª" she calls again, the sound of my name rolling off her tongue in a way that tightens the


    front of my pants, and intensifies the feelings that burn in me for Eva Carson.


    I lean down to press my lips to the corner of her lips, giving a small touch that''s enough to calm the


    need that spurts through me for her and when I pull back, I say, "You look excited. "


    A smile appears on her face and she gives a nod, "I am. Want to pick them together?" I avert my gaze


    to the book in her hand and to the ones that are across the room before I meet her eyes and hum,


    "Then you can pick out your favourite parts and let me bring them into reality for you. "


    Eva is quick to grasp the meaning behind my words and I let out a chuckle when she peeks around us,


    "You want it here?"


    "Fuck off. " She grumbles as she pushes away from me, and Iugh as she attempts to hide her face,


    moving back to the previous shelf she was looking through.


    After a few seconds, she turns back to me and gestures with her fingers, "With me. "


    They are innocent words, but they carry more than they are meant to, with her calm voice and her


    rxed gaze and the way my heart skips a beat at the sound of them.


    With a smile I''m unable to curb on my face, I stride towards her and stand by her side as we look


    through the shelf with afortable silence settling between us.


    Eva Carson: the girl I hated for having everything I was looking for, turns out to be, indeed, everything I


    was looking for.

 F I F T Y - F O U R

    F I F T Y - F O U R


    EVA.


    Emerson stops the car at our usual spot and I turn to my side, watching him as he unfastens his


    seatbelt before he twists his body to my view.


    "Had fun?" He glimpses at the books that are in the backseat and my eyes follow his before I meet his


    gaze and smile, "I did. " We spent hours at the bookstore and more than half of the time was me and


    Emerson arguing, him distracting me by saying something naughty and leaving me a mindless idiot in


    front of him, or him promising he has a copy of the book I picked. It was chaotic, it was wild and it was


    fun: abination that I can find with Emerson Ford and Emerson Ford only.


    "Want to go back to my ce to read some of these?" Emerson''s questions pull me back to the view


    that''s in front of me, and I stare at him, waiting for him to break into augh, but he doesn''t. He keeps


    the straight face on as he awaits my response and I point a finger at him, then at myself.


    When he nods, I say, "You''re honestly asking me toe over to your ce?"


    "You will use the window as I do with yours. " He says in an unbothered tone and I shake my head, "I''m


    not going to your ce, Emerson. "


    "Why? Afraid you won''t have the control?" He doesn''t attempt to hide the mockery in his voice and I


    don''t attempt to dismiss it.


    "Don''t y games with me, Ford. " I tell him in a warning tone and a smile slowly creeps into his face


    as he leans over the divider to rub his lips against my nose.


    "I was just fucking with you, Carson. I don''t want you toe either. " He says as he leans back in his


    seat before he jerks his head to the backseat. "Are you taking it all with you?"


    We managed to get five books with Emerson convincing me to get him two.


    "No, I just need one. You can bring the others with you once you''re returning to our apartment. We''ll


    leave in¡ª why are you grinning?" I frown at the end of my words.


    "I just the love the way you call it. " When I give him a look of confusion, he proceeds to say, "Our


    apartment. You always say our apartment, and not your ce. "


    "Oh, " heat spreads to my cheeks and I look away from him at the silly habit he managed to notice. "We


    both paid for it and we both live there so it''s ours. "


    "I know, " he agrees. "But I love the possessive pronoun you use for it, Eva. It''s cute. " He''s doing it


    again. Making me burn under his heated gaze; one that provokes a reaction from me no matter how


    many times he directs it at me.


    "I want this one, " my voice floats between us as I unfasten my seatbelt and climb over the divider to


    get to the backseat. "It''s¡ª Emerson!" I snap when his hand makes contact with my ass.


    I grab the book and settle back in my seat as I pass him a re.


    "What? It was in my face. You can''t tease me with your ass and expect me to be a gentleman about it,


    Carson. I''m everything, but that when ites to you. " His words. Oh fuck, his words. How does he


    make everything, and anything sounds so f¨´cking dirty?


    "You don''t see me grabbing your cock when you throw your pants in my face, Ford. " I tell him, and he


    stands from his seat. I break into augh as he attempts to push the front of his pants in my face.


    "Stop!" I manage to make out through the loud sound and Emerson pulls back, "I don''t mind, Eva. Grab


    it anywhere and anytime you want; I wouldn''t give a flying fuck. "


    "Yeah, because you have no shame. " I taunt him and Emerson shakes his head, "Because it''s yours,


    to begin with. "


    "I know, " I mutter and his lips curves, "Good, because I want your hands there tonight. "


    "You''ll have more than just my hands there, Emerson. " I promise as I lean towards him to close my lips


    over his. Emerson''s hand moves to the back of my head to deepen the kiss, his tongue easily slipping


    through my parted lips and I moan at the taste of the earlier ice cream on him.


    When Emerson breaks the kiss, he shifts his hand from the back of my head to stroke my cheek and


    says, "Tonight. "


    "Tonight. " I repeat with a smile and he nuzzles his nose against mine before he drops his hand and


    lets me move back.


    I grab my cap from the side and fix it on my hair, giving Emerson onest nce before I climb out of


    his car with the book in hand.


    ~


    I put down the book at the sound of knocks against my window and warmth spreads around me, my


    heartbeats speeding in my chest at the knowledge that he''s here.


    I get off the bed and walk to my window to see a gorgeous dark haired behind it. I gesture for him to


    move and I make sure he''s out of sight before I push it open and he appears again.


    "Hey. " He greets as he throws one leg inside.


    "Careful. " I tell Emerson as he brings his other leg inside. When he maintains his feet, he wraps a


    hand around me and leans back against the edge of the window.


    "I forgot you use sses, " he says softly as he lifts a hand to my sses to caress the tip.


    "You have a shitty memory so I''m not surprised. " Emersonughs at my attempt to taunt him before I


    haul him away from the window and lead him to my bed.


    "You started already?" He asks as he stretches to the other side of my spot and I hum as I cross my


    legs to resume my reading, "I love this one. What are you doing?"


    "Watching you. " He answers.


    "You came here to watch me?"


    "No, I came here to do many things, and I''ll start with watching you read. " He winks and I move the


    book over my face to avoid his gaze.


    "Why do you think they hate each other so much?" Emerson suddenly asks and I bring the book down


    to drop my chin over it.


    "Who?" I ask him as I close the book I have in hand and lower my sses to meet his gaze.


    "Your father and mine. Why do you think they hate each other so much?" He exins, moving across


    the bed to get closer to me and I straighten my legs as he moves between them and drops his head in


    the middle.


    "Business? Isn''t that what business is all about? You push and pull to get the power. " I tell him and


    Emerson says, "It''s not all about that. There''s something else. "


    "One thing I know is that your dad wants mime out of thepany. " I say as he grabs hold of my hand


    and lifts it to his head. I match his gaze with a smile before burying my fingers through his curls and he


    hums in satisfaction.


    "He thinks he''s incapable. " He says, then let out a distressedugh. "He thinks everyone is incapable


    and wants the world to revolve around him. His power, his world and his rules. "


    I dig my fingers deeper into his curls as a form of massage and Emerson makes a groan of


    contentment.


    "Most powerful men are that way. " I tell him and he shakes his head, lifting his hands to the side of my


    legs. "Yours isn''t that way. "


    "My father has his own rules too, believe me. "


    "And I''m pretty sure theye nowhere as close to Mason''s obsession with dominating the world. " He


    snorts and I lift a brow, "Dominate the world?"


    "That''s what I call the things he does. I do not doubt that more than half of how things are between


    them will be because of my father. " He hisses and I slow the movement of my hand as I ask, "Why are


    you suddenly concerned about them? Is there something bothering you?"


    Emerson remains silent for a few seconds before he opens his mouth. "I''m trying to understand how


    fucked up it''d be if they find out we''re close. "


    "They can''t, " I''m quick to disagree, knowing my father would lose his shit at the news. Matt can be


    gentle and easy with me, but there are lines that I should have never crossed with him and one of


    those lines is fucking his rival''s son... Behind his back. Especially one that has always been a f¨²cking


    pain.


    "What if they do? Don''t you think they would eventually? This isn''t stopping soon, Eva. I told you. " He


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    reminds me of his words from the previous night and I drop my hand from his head, swallowing down


    my throat at the sudden frustration that courses through my veins.


    "Let''s not think about it. As long as we''re careful, they won''t figure it out. " I speak and Emerson moves


    from his spot, crossing his legs over each other as he sits on the bed. "But you do know we can''t hide it


    for¡ª"


    "Emerson, " I call, silencing the rest of his words before he could let them out. "We won''t be caught. " I


    state firmly and Emerson remains mute; unmoving with his eyes on me before he gives a small bob of


    his head.


    "We won''t be caught. " He repeats my words in a tiny voice and I nod, heaving a sigh as we fall into


    silence.


    "I want to¡ª" I''m quick to press a finger to Emerson''s lips when he starts to speak, and he raises a


    brow.


    "I heard sounds. " I whisper, taking my eyes to my door as I wait for the sound toe again, and it


    "Oh, fuck! Someone ising to my room. " I inform Emerson, moving out of bed and dragging him


    with me.


    "Eva. " There''s a call of my name from the other side and it''s the sound of mom.


    "Fuck, move! Fast. " I urge Emerson as he hurries to grab his phone before he strides to the window.


    Panic rushes through me as I watch Emerson throws a leg over my window at the same time there''s a


    creak of my door and I jump to the sound of my mom.

 F I F T Y - F I V E

    F I F T Y - F I V E


    EVA.


    My heart is racing in my chest as I turn around to see my mother standing by my door with suspicion


    clear in her eyes.


    "Mom! What are you doing up here?" I greet in a high pitched tone as I pray Emerson is down to the


    yard before I move away from the window.


    "I heard voices, Eva. Who was in here with you?" Mom ignores my question to throw hers at me and


    my throat suddenly closes up at the fact that she caught me red-handed. Not exactly red-handed, but


    she heard voices and she saw me by the window.


    "Um, I..." I struggle to find my words and mom makes her way inside, shutting the door behind her as


    she strides toward me.


    "There was no one¡ª" she doesn''t listen to me as she peeks behind me to the window before she side


    steps me and I bite down on my tongue, tension floating around me.


    I turn my body in her direction at the same time she raises her head and I let out a quiet sigh of relief


    when she says, "Who was here?"


    "Who could have been here? There''s no one with me, mom. " I tell her and she gives me a look of


    disbelief before she gazes down my window again.


    "Mom. " I call and she raises her head, moving away from the window.


    "I heard another voice with yours, Eva. I can almost swear I saw a shadow and it wasn''t yours. " She


    exins and I shake my head, grabbing onto her hand as I guide her to my bed.


    "You saw wrong. I was alone. " I assure her and she raises a brow, "Are you sure you weren''t sneaking


    a guy up here?"


    "Of course not, " I deny and she narrows her eyes. "The strange noises thate from¨C"


    "Mom! There''s no one in my room, and I told you those strange noises are from the movies I watch. I


    was standing by the window for a take of the fresh air. " The words easily leave my mouth and mom


    stares at me for seconds before she drops her shoulders.


    "Okay, I believe you if you say so. I came to say goodnight since you weren''t downstairs. " She smiles


    at me as she grabs my hands and I match her smile with one of mine before I move into her arms and


    let her give gentle pats on my back.


    "Let me know if anything is disturbing you, " she whispers and I raise my head from her chest to meet


    her eyes, "Why do you sound like that? I''m fine. "


    "I know, " she chuckles as she cups my face in her hands. "You just rarely talk to me about things these


    days, like you used to and I thought maybe¨C just maybe you are falling back into that ce. " There''s a


    pain in her eyes and pain in her voice, and it makes my heart arches. The thought that she felt I wasn''t


    close enough to her.


    "Never, mom. " I assure her, pushing into her hold. "I''m fine. I''m at peace. I haven''t talked to you


    because I have no troubles to share. You''ve helped me out of it and I''m doing alright. "


    "Is that right? You don''t think¡ª" she doesn''tplete her words as tears shine through her orbs and I


    say, "Please, don''t. I''m sorry I made you think that way and made you worried about me, but you have


    nothing to be worried about; I promise. The second anything happens, I''ll alwayse to you and you


    know that. "


    She nods at my words and brings me into her arms again, her chest falling in a sigh as she brushes my


    hair. "I''m happy to hear those words from you. "


    "I know, so please don''t let me see your tears. It hurts. " I whine and she drags my body back to ce


    a kiss on my forehead before she says, "I won''t, baby. You''ll never see them. You have no reason to. "


    With another kiss, she smiles before she jerks her head to the side.


    "You should head to bed. "


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "You should leave. " I say and she hums, "I should, but I want to watch over you. "


    "Mom. You should go¡ª"


    She doesn''t let me finish my words before she cuts in. "I want to watch you sleep, Eva. It''s been a


    while. "


    With a nod of my head, I take a peek at my window before I slide further away from mom, and move


    under the duvet while she sits by my side with her eyes not leaving me.


    "Sweet dreams, baby. " She coos and I give her a soft smile before I close my eyes and turn toy on


    my side, forcing myself to sleep in the presence of my mother, instead of the embrace of Emerson


    Ford.


    ¡ÌTHREE DAYS LATER.


    "It''s like you''re leaving all over again. " Mom says as she stands in front of me with a frown on her face.


    "Should I stay back for the next break so we wouldn''t have to do this?" I joke with a soft smile and she


    shakes her head, striding closer to pull my cheek. "Take care of yourself, hmm?"


    "You too, mother. Don''t start engaging in stressful things just because I''m gone. " I tell her and she


    nods, spreading her arms for another hug and I move into her open arms, staying for a few seconds


    before I''m pulled back by the sound of dad''s voice.


    "Easy with the guys, Eva. "


    "No promises, mother. " I wink and throw her a flying kiss before I walk out of the house, and climb into


    dad''s car.


    The journey starts and ends infortable silence before we''re in front of my apartment, and a smile


    crosses my lips at the sight of Emerson''s car parked in its usual spot as I move out of dad''s car and


    send him off with a wave.


    "I thought I''d be first. " I mutter under my breath as I stroll to the front door.


    I jump in surprise as Emerson''s body collides into mine the minute I walk through the door, causing my


    backpack to drop from my hold.


    "How long have you been standing there?" I question when he wraps his arms around me.


    "Long enough to see your Daddy drop you. " He answers and I lean back to throw him a pointed look.


    "Don''t start with Daddy''s jokes. "


    "I won''t. " He chortles as he presses his face into my hair, breathing me in. "I''ve missed you. "


    "We sawst night, Emerson. " I remind him of the fact that I had to drag his ass off my bed to get him


    to leave.


    "You threw me out of there. " Heins when he removes his face from my side to meet my eyes


    and I say, "You wouldn''t leave otherwise. I think your obsession with me is bing stronger, Ford. "


    "And you''re taking a great joy in that, aren''t you?" He uses and I drop my hands to his shoulders,


    "Yes. I love the fact that you''re obsessed with me. "


    "You know what would make me more obsessed?" He lowers his voice and I don''t need further words


    from him before I slide my hands down his shoulders and fist my hands into the front of his shirt to yank


    him closer.


    "I knew it the moment I walked through that door. " I whisper before I capture his lips in mine. Emerson


    doesn''t waste another second before he drops his hands to my ass, and lifts me off my feet, wrapping


    my legs around him. He lets me take control of the kiss, lowering his guard for me to do as I wish and I


    take great pleasure in doing so. I bite and suck, till I feel the numbness of my lips against his but that


    doesn''t stop me from wanting more, nor does it stop the explosion of heat in my lower belly or the loud


    beats of my heart in my chest.


    Emerson gives and I take. I cause and he acts. Swallowing each sound before it gets to leave his


    throat, with him doing the same to mine as he squeezes my ass roughly in his grip, making me soak


    my panties with just a few minutes in his hold.


    "My room or yours?" Emerson breaths down my neck when we finally halt the kiss to take a second to


    restore what''s needed.


    "Yours. " His. I want to be surrounded by everything and anything that''s Emerson Ford. I want him to


    ram his dick inside where it aches for him on the softness of his bed with his eyes on me, his hands on


    me, his lips on me, his presence and smell surrounding me. His space and his air. I want everything.


    Emerson''s lips are back on mine as he leads the way to my request and I hear the shut of the door


    before my back crashes against the frame. He''s snatched the control from me now, his mouth fast and


    aggressive against mine as he takes more than I''m able to give and I know I''m getting the wicked


    shade of Emerson Ford.


    He carries me to his bed and I can barely keep up with his movements as he gets rid of his clothes


    along with mine, before he retrieves a condom from the side.


    "Want to do it?" He offers as he rips the packet and brings out the rubber. epting his offer, I take it


    from him and roll the rubber down the impressive length of his cock, anticipation dripping between my


    thighs as Emerson hugs my body to his before he thrusts inside my wetness, mming inside in one


    painfully sweet movement.


    "Fuck¨C" I let out a cuss, my hands going to his hair and I grip onto the end of his locks, hard enough to


    hear Emerson say, "Yes, that''s right baby. Grip my hair and scream for me. "


    It''s like my body automaticallyplies with hismand as I grip his hair tighter¡ª the way I know he


    loves and wants¡ª and call out his name in heavy breathes as he takes every fraction of my body and


    makes it his at this moment.


    He takes everything I have to offer, but gives even more till I no longer recognize the moans that are


    from me, and the ones that are from him. Till I can no longer say which heartbeats I''m listening to, till I


    can no longer tell where he touches stays or leaves, and till he consumes my very being, bringing


    sweet, sizzling pleasure with him.


    ~


    Emerson walks out of the bathroom in his boxers and surprise masks his expression as his eyes move


    across my body.


    "Is that my shirt?" He lifts a brow as he stalks towards the bed, and settles by my side. I look down at


    my body, and smooth a hand down the material before I meet his gaze and hum, "It is? Do you want


    me to take it off?"


    Emerson doesn''t say a word as he expertly throws a leg over my side to settle between my thighs. He


    wraps his hands around my arms to lift my body against the headboard before he glides down my


    body, sensations sparking through me as he wanders his forefinger across my naked thigh.


    "Mhmm¡ª" I moan, my eyelids shutting as Emerson lowers his head to my thighs and brushes his nose


    against it. "That feels good. " I tell him as he repeats the action before slipping his hand between my


    legs,zily dragging it forward till he''s met with the slim of my wetness.


    I open my eyes when his voice echoes around me, "No, I don''t want it off. You look so fucking sexy in


    it. " He whispers as he pushes himself forward and I lift my hands to his waist, sliding it to his ass to


    press him against me as Emerson skims his hand to the open space of the shirt.


    "You make it so easy, Eva, " he says when he meets my eyes, tracing circles across the skin of my


    chest before his touch drops to the side, rubbing the side of my breasts. "You make it so f¨´cking easy


    to desire you all over again. Can you feel how hard I am?" To prove his point, he adjusts his stance


    over my body and I feel the length of his hardened cock against the side of my thigh through the


    boxers.


    I grip his ass and dart my tongue to his lips, dragging it across the lower one to wet it before I pull back


    to say, "Doesn''t sound like a bad thing. "


    He lets out a chuckle followed by a sigh before he drops his head. He parts the shirt wider and leaves a


    kiss on the middle of my chest, another on my right nipple and the final one on my corbone, my body


    humming in satisfaction with each press of his lips to my skin before he raises his head and lifts his


    hand to my face.


    "I''m famished. What do you want for lunch?" He questions as he brushes my cheeks and a smile


    climbs on my face, "You''re being gentle. "


    "Thought you would appreciate it after the damage I just did to your pussy. " He speaks with pride


    dripping from his words and I snicker, "There wasn''t much damage done, Emerson. "


    "Is that your way of asking me to fuck you again?" He lifts a teasing brow and I shake my head, "I


    wouldn''t have to ask if I want you to fuck me; I would take it. "


    "I''m starting to think you''re using me for my body, Eva. " He jokes and I nod, "Why else do you think I''m


    here?"


    There''s a short silence as Emerson''s touch shifts to my chin, and he closes his lips over mine for a


    sweet, short kiss that leaves me wanting more as soon as his lips are detached from mine.


    "Because you can''t help but fall for this guy. " He responds to my earlier yful taunt and I click my


    tongue as I move my hand from his ass to his back, fingers digging into his bare flesh, "Everything, but


    the truth, Emerson. "


    Heughs and presses another short kiss to my lips, "Tell me what you want for breakfast now before I


    change my mind and make you into my meal. " His voice shifts into a baritone and I gaze down to the


    space between our bodies, making sure Emerson''s eyes follow mine.


    "I don''t mind it if you decide to feast on me. " I tell him and I watch the bob in his throat shift as he takes


    a swallow before he drops his hand from my face. He supports his weight with his other hand pressed


    to my side as he lowers the first between my thighs and brushes his thumb gently against my core.


    "More. " I demand, tailing my hands to the back of his head.


    "How much more? This more?" I feel the press of his thumb to my clit, and the small not so innocent


    touch is enough to make a full shudder roll over my body.


    "No. Much more. Much more than that. " I answer in a pleading tone and a tiny smirk appears on his


    face as he drags his forefinger from the tip of my clit to the end of my core, making me drip more into


    his hand.


    "That more?" Emerson has the audacity to tease me, with the satisfying smirk apanying his sexy


    features and no longer able to hold it back, I drop a hand to my thigh and take Emerson''s in mine as I


    make him brush two of his fingers across my throbbing pussy.


    "Mhmm... That more. Enough for me to pant your name, Ford. " I say with my eyes fixed on him and


    that seems to be the only encouragement he needs as he thrusts a finger inside my wet core.


    "Do it, Eva. I want you to pant my name just like you said. " He mutters, not keeping his eyes off me


    and I whimper as Emerson keeps on with the dirty torture.


    "Yes, Em. So good. It feels... Hmm¡ª" I let out a cry of pleasure when Emerson curls his finger inside


    me, his knuckle hitting the specific spot that turns my body into a trembling mess.


    "Oh fuck. " I let out a harsh breath as my relief hits me in heavy waves and Emerson slips his finger out


    of my pussy before he moves from my legs.


    "Worn out?" I turn my head to the side to see him on the other side of the room.


    "To a certain point. " I answer and hees back with a shirt in hand. He moves back to the previous


    spot and spreads my legs, then he wipes the mess between my thighs with his shirt.


    "It''s hard to ignore when you tempt me with everything you do, Eva. " He gets off the bed again to keep


    the shirt in the basket before he returns to me.


    "It''s no fun if you ignore. " Emerson''s head snaps to me and a proud smile rests on his lips before he


    grabs his pants from the floor.


    I watch as Emerson slips his legs into his pants and fastens the buttons. He pats the back and front


    pockets before he turns to me.


    "Come on. I''ll make your food. " He says and I lift my hands. Confusion masks his face before


    understanding settles on his features and Emerson chuckles, "You want me to carry you, Eva?"


    I blink twice and he just stands there, staring at me with amused eyes before his chest falls in a sigh


    and he walks to my side.


    "Considering what I just did, I''ll give you what you want but don''t expect this often, Carson. " He lets out


    as he slides his hand under my arm and leg, bringing me out of bed and into his warmth.


    I turn in his hold and lock my hands around his neck with my legs around him.


    "You''re being a baby right now, do you know that?" Emerson mocks as I press my face into the side of


    his neck while he brings us out of the room.


    "I feel so rxed, " I mumble into his neck, brushing my lips against the skin and earning a groan from


    Emerson, "You shouldn''t do that if you don''t want me to drop you, Carson. "


    "Turned on by the slightest of touches, Ford?" I tease him as I give a swipe of my tongue across his


    earlobe, earning another painful sound¨C painful in a good way.


    "I get fucking hard by the mere sight of you; touching is worsening it all. " He confesses as he resumes


    his steps and I let out a chuckle before dropping my head to his shoulder again.


    It isn''t long before we get to the kitchen and Emerson drops me on the counter.


    "Pasta?" He asks as he moves to the other side but keeps one hand on my thigh.


    "Yes. I''ll help¨C" I offer and attempt to jump off the counter, but Emerson tightens his grip on my thigh,


    keeping me still.


    "You won''t, " he deres. "You''ll sit there and watch me and I''ll note each clench of your thighs plus


    each thick breath you take because the sexy sight of me is fucking with your brain. "


    "Youpliment yourself too much than you deserve, Emerson. " I tell him and he jerks a shoulder. "I


    know what I''m capable of. "


    Then he leaves to gather the necessary utensils and ingredients needed for the dish.


    "We have sauce?" Emerson asks and he doesn''t wait for my response before he strolls to the freezer


    to confirm and hees back to the counter with a jar in hand. He drops it to the side, and ces the


    pot with water over the stove.


    "What?" I ask when he returns to his spot between our legs with hands on my thighs.


    "Nothing, " he smiles as he ruffles my hair, then pulls away when I throw him a re. "Just thinking


    about how sexy you look in my shirt. "


    Excitement booms within me, and I clear my throat to stop the shyness threatening to overwhelm me.


    "Who the fuck are you and what in the hell have you done to annoying Emerson Ford?"


    Emersonughs before he grabs my hand and ces it over his chest. "He''s fighting to be let out. He


    cringes at every sweet word I say to you. "


    "Let him out. " I tell him as I rub his chest. "He''s my favourite part of you. " There''s the silence after my


    words, and I swallow down my throat as Emerson takes a nce at my lower face. My lips quiver in


    anticipation as he edges closer and I hold my breath as I wait for him to take what we both want, but


    onest step to it; Emerson''s phone vibrates, interrupting the moment.


    He stops with his face only inches away from mine, and looks down at his pants.


    "You should take it. " I tell him, barely recognizing my voice with the thickness and the unhidden desire


    that''sced through it.


    "I will, " he responds and raises his head. He softens his lips to mine for two seconds before he draws


    back, and throws me a soft smile then he retrieves his phone from his pant pocket.


    My breathes out in short pauses as I look down at Emerson''s phone, my stomach dropping at the


    sight of the name across the screen. That drop broadens when Emerson takes a step away from me,


    letting my hand fall from his chest as the smile wipes from his face.


    "Um¨C you should look after that. I need to take this. " And he walks out of the room without another


    word.


    I bite down on my lips and look away from his faded figure as I try not to dwell on the thought that


    Emerson had to leave to receive a call from Paige.

 F I F T Y - S I X

    F I F T Y - S I X


    EVA.


    I cover the pot after adding the sauce to the pasta before I press my hands to the edge of the counter


    with a fall of my chest.


    I steady my feet at the sound of footsteps, and then Emerson is behind me. "Hey, " he whispers as he


    buries his face in my neck, his breath fanning the skin.


    "I thought you weren''t going to cook?" He queries as he turns me around to meet his view and I say,


    "You went to take a call, and you said to look after it. I couldn''t exactly sit and watch. "


    He smiles and brushes his lips against my nose. "My good girl. "


    I drop my eyes from him to his pocket where I''m sure his phone lies before I look back at his face.


    "Only sometimes. "


    "I love both sides, " he nudges my nose with his finger before he lifts me in his arms and walks forward


    to drop me back on the counter.


    "I''ll take it from here. " He squeezes my thigh before he attempts to walk away, but my hand shoots out


    to grab his; stopping his movement.


    When Emerson looks back at me, his brows are raised in silent query and I take a swallow down my


    throat at the words that sit at the edge of my tongue before I let them fall. "The phone call. "


    "Oh, yeah. Just an urgent matter. It''s all settled. " He assures me with a small smile before he removes


    his hand gently from my grasp and walks to the other side.


    I bite down on my tongue as I stare at his side view, wondering why I''m pissed off at the fact that he


    went out to take that call. Pissed off to the point where I want to ask him questions¨C questions I don''t


    think I have the right to ask.


    This feeling that''s swelling through me at the moment of what his urgent matter is: it''s odd and strong.


    And I do not fancy it a bit.


    "What are you thinking about?" Emerson''s voice brings me out of my thoughts to the happening before


    me as he settles between my legs.


    "Nothing. " I tell him as he ces his hands on my thighs, slipping them underneath the shirt to caress


    my inner thighs¨C just a touch away from my core.


    "Are you sure? Anything you want to share?" He cocks a brow and I blink once. Emerson doesn''t say


    anything after and he keeps his gaze on me as he applies pressure to his touch.


    When he removes his hand from underneath the shirt and glides it to my back, bringing me closer to


    the edge as he takes my lips in his¨C all thoughts of a certain redhead evaporate to be reced by


    thoughts of how much I enjoy having Emerson''s lips on mine.


    ~


    "You look healthier, " I joke as I catch up to Aliya''s steps and she turns to me with a grin on her face. "I


    know. I''ve been doing things that keep me healthy. "


    When I give her a look of revulsion, she ps my arm. "God, you have such an extremely dirty mind. I


    didn''t mean that. "


    "Sure, you didn''t, " I chuckle as I adjust the strap of my bag before staring ahead of me to see Dan


    walking across the field with his friend, Noel by his side. Just before he takes the corner that''ll move


    him out of my sight, he turns his head and our eyes meet. His eyes linger on mine for seconds, and he


    offers a smile before his frame disappears.


    "Are you okay?" Aliya''s voice by my side brings me back to her and I hum, "Of course. Why wouldn''t I


    be?"


    "Just checking in on you. " She replies and I drape a hand over her shoulder to shove her to my side.


    "Did you meet Sage yet?"


    Aliya''s mood shifts from vibrant to overly excited at the sound of the name; her cheek and ear turn red


    and she looks down at her shoes shyly.


    "Look at you all blushing at the mention of her name. You''re so fucking in love with her. " I call her out


    in a tease and she tries to cover her shy expression with a frown, "I''m not. "


    "Did you say the words yet?" I raise a brow, ignoring her words of denial and she groans, shrugging my


    hand off her shoulder. "Don''t ask me. "


    "Why? You can ask me about Emerson, but I can''t ask you about your girlfriend?" I emphasize thest


    word and Aliya shakes her head, "We aren''t dating yet. I told you we''re taking it slow. "


    "You''re taking it slow while being in a rtionship. Don''t act stupid, babe. " I taunt her and she parts her


    lips to speak, but hangs, her eyes widening at an unknown sight.


    I furrow my brows when I wait seconds without her attention before I trail her gaze, and in a not


    surprising way; itnds on Sage who''s striding down our path, a bright smile on her face as she talks to


    the girl beside her. Her blonde hair is in a brighter shade, which brings out her gorgeous features.


    "Damn, " I whistle as I drop a hand on Aliya''s shoulder. "Is it just me or did she manage to turn hotter in


    weeks?" When Aliya doesn''t give a response, I look away from Sage to her, to see her entire focus on


    the girl in front of her.


    "Hey, bitch. You''re drooling. " I snap my fingers in front of her face and she flinches, turning to throw me


    a re. "I''m not joking. You have your saliva out of your mouth; that''s gross. " I grimace and she lifts


    her hand to her face to feel it, only to turn back to me with a deadly look.


    "Fuck you. " She lifts her middle finger to me and I let out augh before looking back to Sage.


    "I''m so f¨´cking lucky. " Aliya mumbles beside me and I nod in agreement. "You sure are. So f¨´cking


    lucky and so fucking in love. "


    "So in love with her. " She sighs, and I look back at her in surprise, not expecting her to utter those


    words. When I bump my shoulder into hers, Aliya seems to realize what she said and her cheeks


    redden instantly.


    "You blush too much these days; I''m almost afraid my best friend isn''t in there. " I gesture to her chest


    and she says, "I know. I can''t recognize my actions and words anymore. You do shitty things when you


    like someone. "


    "Yeah, I''ll see youter. " We raise our heads at the sound of Sage''s voice to see her waving at the girl


    beside her, who takes the other direction while she walks up to us.


    "Hey Eva, " she greets when she stops in front of us and I return the words before she turns to her


    girlfriend, "Hey, babe. " My eyebrows shoot up when she steps close to her and pecks her lips.


    "Um, excuse me? I''m standing right here. " I clear my throat when she goes in again, and it turns from


    a short peck to a kiss.


    "Sorry, " Sage giggles as she pulls back, keeping her hand to Aliya''s waist. "I missed her. " They


    exchange gazes and Aliya swats Sage''s hand from her waist to wrap her hand around her''s.


    "The day just started and you''re being like this. " I coo and both gazes snap to me. Sage shyly drops


    her head on Aliya''s shoulder while Aliya seems to have toned down her shyness at the presence of her


    girl.


    "I don''t see Josh with you, Sage, " I say when I notice the absence of the cheerful guy and Sage lifts


    her head, "He went back. "


    "Went back?" I furrow my brows and when she nods, I say, "I thought he''s attending here?"


    "Oh, no, " she says with a shake of her head. "He was here to see me. He schools in Seattle. "


    "Aww, that''s so nice of him. " I tell her and she smiles, "He did ask of you when we spoke. He looks


    forward to crossing paths with you again. "


    "Me too. " I beam in an excited tone. "He''s such an enjoyablepany. "


    "Are you genuinely saying that, or you''re trying to y your games on him?" Aliya interrupts, bringing


    my attention back to her. "If it''s thetter, then you need to be reminded that you have a guy. "


    "Shut up fucker. " I scowl at her and sheughs.


    "I was being genuine, " I tell Sage and she nods, "I don''t think Josh would dare to steal you from


    Emerson. Plus, he''s got a girl. "


    "What makes you think I belong to Emerson?" I ask her and she nces at Aliya before she speaks,


    "Your bodynguage says it all. And Aliya confirmed it. "


    "Aliya!" I re at her and she raises her hands, "It was just a confirmation. "


    "Sure, it was, " I grumble under my breath, pinning her down with a pointed look and she blinks


    innocently at me.


    "Oh, I need to leave. Are you headed to your next ss?" Sage asks, looking between me and Aliya


    and I hum, "We are. "


    "Alright. I''ll see you girls around. " She informs, giving Aliya another peck before she steps away from


    us. When she''s out of sight, I turn to my best friend with a scowl.


    "I didn''t tell her anything, " she promises. "She asked if you had anything going on with him and I told


    her you might. I think she said Paige was speaking about it. "


    "Paige?" I repeat and she nods. "I think she might like Emerson. Do you know about that?"


    "I don''t think I would¡ª" the rest of my wordses to a pause at the sight of Emerson walking down


    the hall with his friends.


    He turns his head just in time for our eyes to meet, and he throws me a smile before he averts his


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    gaze. It isn''t until Jaxon move forward, that Paigees into view. She''s mumbling some words to


    Emerson with her arm linked through his, jumping gently at asions as she chats away.


    The sight infuriates me and looks away from them to Aliya who''s staring at me.


    "Bothered by it?" She asks and I shake my head. "I''m not. " A terrible lie. I am. I''m extremely troubled


    by the sight and I want to march over there to peel her off him, letting her know that Emerson Ford


    belongs to me, except that''s nothing but a childish act.


    "Come on. We should head to ss. " I tell Aliya, taking another nce at them before they disappear


    through the corner, and just in time for me to see Paige p Emerson''s back as sheughs.


    And I don''t think I''ve ever been more wanting to be by his side than at this moment.

 F I F T Y - S E V E N

    F I F T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    "Hey, you''re back. " Emerson is sitting on my bed when I walk inside and I close the door behind me


    before I turn to quirk a brow at him. "How did you get in here?"


    "It was open. " He responds as he gets off the bed and stalks towards me. He stops only a few steps


    from me before he opens his mouth again, "I missed you at school. "


    "Uh?"


    "Campus. I didn''t notice you left. " He exins as I kick my shoes off my feet to slip into my slippers.


    "Why? We don''t interact at school. "


    "I know that Carson, " he sighs when I lift my head to him, and then he opens his arms. I watch as he


    waits for me to get into his arms, before I drop my bag and move into his embrace. "Things change.


    "He whispers as he mps a hand to my head.


    "They do, " I agree as I press the side of my face to his chest, breathing in his smell.


    "Are you free? " He asks and I move my head from his chest to meet his eyes. "I want to spend some


    time with you. " He smiles, and the image of him giving that same smile to Paige shes through my


    mind, but I shake it off; deciding I wouldn''t be bothered by the silliest of things.


    "Depends on what we''re doing, and how less annoying you get during it. " I tell him and his smile


    widens as he leans down to close his lips over mine. The kisssts for five seconds before Emerson


    pulls away, and I open my eyes to meet his gaze. Warm and soft. Addicting and gorgeous.


    "I think you will love this. " He promises as he takes a step back, letting my body fall from his. I furrow


    my brows as I watch Emerson moves across my room to my bed, and the knowledge of what he''s


    about to do dawns on me when he paces to the side of my bed, and grabs my current reading.


    "Let''s do some reading?" He waves the book in the air from where he stands and a small smile climbs


    on my face as I give a nod.


    "I''ll change, then we can start. " I tell him and when his eyes move down my body after my words, I lift a


    brow. "What?"


    Emerson lifts his gaze. "I want you in my shirt. "


    "Why?" I fold my arms against my chest, knowing the reason behind his request, but wanting to hear it


    either way.


    "Because you look sexy in it and it''s easier for whatever I n to do. " He answers with a knowing


    smile and I say, "I have my shirts. "


    "Still want mine on you. " He insists and I roll my eyes before I agree to his demand, "Fine. I''ll wear


    yours. "


    Emerson grins and moves from his spot, walking out of the room to get one of his shirts. I move further


    inside my room and strip out of my clothes before Emerson arrives with a white t-shirt.


    "Looks pure enough for me to ruin itter. " He winks as he throws me the shirt and I let out a scoff as I


    catch it in my hold before Emerson walks out of the room.


    When he''s out of sight, I lift the white shirt before I bring it to my chest and press my nose into it;


    Emerson''s familiar smell of intoxicating perfume fills my nostrils. I unclip my bra and let my breasts free


    before I put on the shirt, leaving the first few buttons opened with enough space for him to easily slip


    his hand through. It moves a bit past my ass, leaving my thighs exposed.


    I tie my hair into a messy bun before I stride out of the room and walk down the path that leads me into


    the living room, where Emerson Ford awaits me on the couch with a book in hand and candies on the


    table before him.


    At the clear of my throat, his head snaps to my direction and my skin burns hot at the way he takes in


    every inch of me, licking his lips with each slide of his gaze down my body.


    When he meets my eyes, he carries my favourite look on him and his voice is thick with the familiar


    yearning as he speaks, "Trying to turn this into your runaway, Eva?"


    "That doesn''t exactly sound like a bad idea. " I respond as I make a twirl and when I look back at him,


    Emerson has the look that tells me it''s taking everything in him to remain on that spot.


    "Have I ever told you how sexy your legs are?" He says in a tone that makes my stomach twists in


    excitement and I gnaw at my bottom lip, attempting to hold back the embarrassing squeak that''s about


    to fall from my mouth.


    "You haven''t, but I can tell they''re about to be your next obsession. " I speak when I''m sure to not


    make a humiliating sound and Emerson hums, "They might just be. " Then he gestures for me to move


    with his forefinger, something about the action making it hot. "Come here. "


    "Beg me, " I tease him and Emerson shakes his head. "If I move out of this couch, Carson; it''ll be the


    other way around. " I want to stand still just to make him go along with those words, but craving to have


    a reading moment with Emerson; I move from my spot and stroll towards him, Emerson''s eyes


    following my every movement.


    "Thought you''d want those. " He says, referring to the sweets on the table when my gaze moves to it


    again, and I snicker, "Did you do that in my interest or in yours to get me sick?"


    "You love sweet things. " He answers then he wraps an arm around my middle, pulling me back until I


    fall against his body. I attempt to adjust in his hold as I slide up his chest, but I do something else when


    I rub my ass against the front of his pants in the process, causing Emerson to groan behind me.


    "Don''t do that. " He whispers as he moves my head to the side with the top of my head pressing to his


    chin and I say, "I didn''t mean to. " Emerson lets my leg slip beneath and drops his over mine as he


    lowers the book to my stomach, bringing it into both of our views.


    "How will you catch up with me?" I ask him when he flips to the page I stopped.


    "I''ve read this before. " He says, once again surprising me with the number of books he seems to have


    read.


    "Right, " I hum as I lift my hand to cover his and hold the book. " I forgot this used to be crack to you. "


    Emerson chuckles and presses his nose into my hair as we fall into silence and I let my eyes move


    across the tiny words, my body rxing into his.


    "He shouldn''t have let her walk away. " Emerson speaks after a few minutes, breaking the silence


    between us as I turn the page.


    "What would you have done?" I ask him as I move my hand over his again and he says, "Make her


    understand that she''s mine; no matter how much she refuses to admit that. "


    "He was in the wrong. It couldn''t have been that easy. " I tell him and he makes a sound of


    disagreement before he voices out, "Yes, it could have been that easy. She clearly can''t deny the fact


    that she wants him too. "


    "He called her loose, Emerson. " I remind him.


    "Apologize and move on with things. " He says and I let out a chuckle, "So an apology is supposed to


    fix the shitty things he did to her? And she''s just supposed to move on because he apologized?"


    "Exactly. It''s stupid to dy things when they both clearly can''t be with anyone else, but the other


    person. " He does have a point.


    "Maybe, but it''s understandable if she wouldn''t ept instantly. I wouldn''t either. " I say and Emerson


    angles my head to his face. "Is this your way of saying I won''t have it easy with you if I fuck things up? "


    "Is this your way of saying you''ll go out of it and call me a slut because you were jealous?" I throw back


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    and Emerson blinks twice before he shakes his head. "Why would I need to do that when I could just


    punish you in the right way for attempting to make me jealous?"


    "And what way could that possibly be?" The book is long forgotten at this point as Emerson''s gaze


    drops to my lips, and I push my face closer, my lips grazing against his as I say, "What say, Ford?"


    I drop my eyes to my thigh when I feel his touch against the skin before I meet his eyes and Emerson


    parts his lips to speak, but he''s interrupted by the sudden buzz of his phone.


    He smiles before he lifts my body with his slightly from the couch to retrieve his phone from his back


    pocket. His brows furrow when he unlocks the screen and lets his eyes move across it.


    "Paige. A second. " He mumbles under his breath, and the sound of her nameing from him is


    enough to make me lift my body from his and edge closer to the other side. He doesn''t seem to take


    notice of my movement as his fingers move across the screen, and I look away from him when he''s


    about to raise his head.


    "She''s just a friend. " Emerson''s whisperes in my ear after a few seconds.


    "Who?" I fail to understand his words as I look at him over my shoulder.


    "Paige. I told you we have nothing going on. " He says as he wraps his arms around me, bringing me


    back to his chest with his face close to mine.


    "I didn''t ask. " I tell him in a dry tone, taking my eyes off him and Emerson chuckles as he presses his


    lips to my shoulder, then he lifts his head to say, "I can tell it''s bothering you. " Which annoys me a lot


    more at the fact that Emerson seems to be able to read me like an open book now.


    "She''s a friend, Eva. " He repeats his words, and I''m no longer able to hide the bitterness in my voice


    as I speak. "A friend you fucked. "


    "We ended things. She knows where she stands. " He assures me and I move his hand from my body


    to twist it towards him. "I can remember her being here in this very house to fuck you. "


    "That was then. I told her we''re done. " He tells me and I say, "And what''s to stop her froming onto


    you? You think she''ll stop just because you asked her to?"


    "She knows the rules. " He raises a shoulder dismissively, trying to pull me close but I move back from


    his hold. "We knew the rules and we broke them, to satisfy our wants. Why should she be of any


    exception?"


    "That''s different. We broke the rules because we both wanted it, and you know that, Eva. " I do, and it


    only heightens my thoughts about Paige and him. Thoughts that make me so furious to have. Thoughts


    that lead to jealousy and fear¨C none of which I''m fond of.


    Caring too much¨C this is what happens when you allow yourself to feel too much. You easily get


    affected; things that should barely, or never bother you start to irk you at the slightest point.


    "And what''s to stop you from fucking her if she wants you to?" I arch a brow and Emerson sighs before


    he lets out his words. "I''ve told you numerous times Carson¨C I don''t see myself with any other woman


    that isn''t you. And Paige isn''t who you think she is. She might appear threatening, but she isn''t. "


    "That''s cute. You''re defending her. " I coo, sarcasm creeping into my voice and I watch Emerson''s


    rxed gaze turns serious.


    "Goddamn it, Carson. You don''t expect me to cut off a friend just because we have something going


    on. " He snaps, the annoyance in his voice quite evident and I move from the couch, not holding back


    my irritation. "Firstly, fuck you, Emerson. Secondly, I didn''t ask you to cut her off; you were the one who


    brought her up in the first ce, andstly; you''ve slept with her repeatedly, and you don''t expect me to


    be alright with her moving around you if we''ve ''something'' going on like you said¨C especially with a girl


    who stares at you like she''s ready to devour you at the spot. "


    "She doesn''t. You''re thinking too much into this, Carson. " He raises from the couch to stand in front of


    me.


    "And I''m done having this conversation with you. " I spite out in anger, his words and his siding with her


    bringing me closer to the edge of my control and I turn away, walking out of the room before I lose it


    and say words I''ll be sure to regretter.

 F I F T Y - E I G H T

    F I F T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    I m the door shut as I pace to my bed, slipping out of my slippers before I climb on it and slide under


    the duvet.


    I pull it up to my chest and turn to lie with my back against the bed as I stare up at the ceiling and


    Emerson''s words flow through my mind.


    I shake the voice off my mind and try not to think of themotion that the topic has caused between


    the two of us as I stare at my door; half expecting Emerson Ford to walk through it, and half wanting


    him to not.


    I know I won''t sleep well without Emerson''s arms around me and his body pressed to mine, but I force


    my eyes closed as I turn on my side, knowing confronting Emerson again is thest thing that I want to


    do, because things will be said and more damages will only be done.


    One angry word will lead to two and two will lead to several. Several words will lead to unthoughtful


    decisions in a fit of rage, and then I''lle back to regret it when I''m calm and out of the fury. I would


    rather not have that with him.


    ~


    A moan falls from my mouth as I open my eyes to the sight of the white ceiling. Turning to my side, the


    space beside me is empty and I sit up on the bed, looking across the room and about to question


    where Emerson is out of bed so early when the remembrance of the urrence from the previous


    night washes over me and I hold my tongue.


    I spread my hands across the mattress in search of my phone, and when there are no new notifications


    on the screen; I move out of bed and make my way to the bathroom.


    Emerson is standing in front of the sink when I walk inside the bathroom and he turns his body in my


    direction at the creak of the door. His eyes roam down my body and I''m suddenly aware of the fact that


    I''m still in his shirt fromst night.


    "Good morning, " he greets when he meets my eyes and I hum, moving from my spot. "Good morning.


    " He doesn''t speak a word after that and I remain silent as I pull the shirt over my head before I walk


    through the ss to get under the shower.


    Standing under the pouring water, I angle my head to the back and coil my fingers through my wet hair


    to move the strands to the back.


    "Hey, " I flinch at the sound of Emerson''s voice behind me before his arms move around me. "Let me


    wash you. " He requests in a tiny voice, pressing my back to his front and I can feel the length of his


    cock against my ass.


    "I have hands. " I tell him with a swallow down my throat, heat spreading through my entire body and


    settling between my thighs to create the familiar ache at the feel of his hardness.


    "I''m aware of that, Carson but I want to do it. Let me?" He requests again, and when he waits seconds


    without a response from me; he adds, "Please. "


    "Okay. " I give in, not wanting him to push away from me and he rubs my arms before he moves away


    to grab the body wash.


    "About yesterday¡ª" he starts when he moves back behind me and I don''t let him finish his words, "We


    should forget about it. "


    "Eva. "


    "I''m serious, Ford, I don''t want to speak about it. " I state firmly and his breathing is heavy on the skin


    of my neck before he hums. Seconds pass before I feel Emerson''s touch on my back and I suck in a


    harsh breath as he rubs the skin, smearing the body wash across my body. I shut my eyes and struggle


    to remain on my feet as I''m aware of every skin his touch melts against and every inch his breath


    covers.


    "Hmm¡ª" the sound leaves my throat before I could hold it back, my eyes opening instantly and


    Emerson''s hand movements stop as he drops his head on my shoulder to take a view of my face. "Do


    you love that?" He asks as he glides his hands down my back to my sides.


    "Tell me, Eva. Do you love my touch on your skin?" He strokes the curves of my breasts and I press


    back into him intentionally, earning a grunt from Emerson.


    "You tempt me too much, Carson. " He pushes back from me to remove his head from my shoulder.


    When he steps in front of me, his eyes drop to my chest and the tiny buds harden than they already are


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    under his intense gaze.


    "Eva¨C" he calls out in a grumble as he closes what''s remaining of the gap between our bodies till my


    chest is pressing into his, and I hold the moan that threatens to fall from my mouth at the feel of his


    cock against my lower skin, wanting it to go higher¨C high enough till he meets where I throb for him so


    fucking badly.


    "Fuck, you have no idea..." Emerson''s loud groan pulls me out of my thoughts and he lifts a hand to my


    face. He gives gentle strokes to my chin as his gaze settles on mine and my heart race wildly in my


    chest with each inch that''s closed between us the more Emerson pushes his face forward.


    His lips graze over mine and he''s about to capture my lips in his when I pull back, turning my head to


    the side.


    "Eva, please¨C" his voice is unbearable to my ears and the sound of Emerson''s words is almost enough


    to have me melt right on the spot. Almost.


    "Move back, Emerson. " I murmur, but he doesn''t listen. He presses his thumb to my chin as he guides


    my gaze back to meet his. "Baby. " Oh fuck. He knows what he''s doing and he''s ying the game so


    fucking well judging by the more the wetness between my thighs turns slippery at that name falling from


    his mouth.


    "I think I should shower first. " I manage to tell him, ignoring the way every other part of my body


    screams for him.


    "Are you still annoyed aboutst night?" He asks and I take a step back before I go back on my words.


    "Eva¨C"


    "I''ll leave if you want to go first. " I interrupt his words and he stares at me for a long time without


    another word, letting me burn under his heated gaze before his shoulders sink in a sigh and he turns


    his head away from me.


    He drops the body wash to its spot before he looks back at me. "You should go first. "


    And he walks out of the room, intentionally swaying his fine ass in my face, might I add.


    ~


    "Hey you, " Aliya smiles at me as I drop to my seat next to her and I match her gaze with a small smile.


    "Hey, you. You''re here early. "


    "Yes, the dorm was exceptionally loud today, " she hisses. " I texted you to let you know I''d be in first,


    but you didn''t reply to any of my texts. "


    "I didn''t check my phone. " I mumble as I bend over my desk to drop my bag.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Aliya''s question pull my gaze back to her, and her eyes are narrowed at me.


    "What''s wrong with me?" I repeat her question with a look of confusion and she gives a bob of her


    head. "You tell me. Why do you look so out of it? Did something happen?"


    "No. Just had a bad night. " I tell her, and Aliya proceeds to question, "The nightmares?" Worry creeps


    into her voice and concern mask her expression.


    "No, not that. I just couldn''t sleep well. " Gratitude to the presence of unwanted thoughts and absence


    of Emerson Ford by my side.


    "You don''t have to look so worried; I didn''t stay up all night doing anything sad. " I assure her and she


    asks, "Are you sure?"


    "Bad nights are normal, Aliya. Stop overthinking it. "


    "Okay. Just let me know if anything is bothering you. I''m always here for you. " She beams at me and I


    nod, "I know. "


    "Noel came up to me today. " Aliya surprises me by saying and I lift a brow at her words.


    "Noel? Dan''s friend?" When Aliya nods her head in confirmation, I furrow a brow, "Why?"


    "His friend is miserable for what he did to you, and he wants you to ept his apology because he


    can''t bear to see him like that any longer. " Aliya doesn''t hide the amusement in her voice.


    "I''m not punishing him. I''ve already forgotten about what he did. Moreso, I saw him yesterday and he


    didn''t look miserable. " I tell her.


    "The familiar games, " she chuckles. "I told him to fuck off. "


    "You did it right. He''s thest thing I need right now. " I mumble and Aliya grins as she squeezes my


    shoulder. "I know your judgment even before you make them. "


    "So fucking cheesy, " I frown at her, swatting her hand from my shoulder and she lets out augh


    before she adjusts in her seat. I look away from Aliya with my smile remaining on my face as I stare in


    front of us with my fingers drumming against the desk.


    I prop my elbow in front of me and look to the door at the same time Emerson walks inside with Jaxon


    trailing behind him. Our eyes meet for a split second before I break the contact and stare down at my


    thighs. I feel him move through the corners of my eyes, his figure passing by my front in a blur.


    "Um¨C do you want to exin?" I lift my head to Aliya. "Uh?"


    "Emerson is staring at you. Hard. " She informs me and I look to my side to see Emerson upying


    the seat there with his watch on me.


    "He hasn''t removed his eyes off you since he walked in. " Aliya pronounces, bringing my attention back


    to her.


    "Pretty sure he spaced out. " I raise my shoulder and Aliya makes a sound of disagreement. "No, his


    eyes are on you. He''s staring right at you, and I think he wants you to be aware of that. "


    "Ignore him. " I mutter and Aliya drops her head to meet my eyes. "Did you guys go back to being at


    each other''s throat again? "


    "Nothing serious to talk about. " I say and she proceeds to call my name, "Evie. "


    "Just pretend he isn''t there. " I say and her eyes move from me to the spot beside me, then back to me


    before she sighs, nods and leans back in her seat.


    ~


    "And you''re sure nothing happened between you and Emerson? He didn''t keep his eyes off you


    throughout the entire ss. " Aliya questions as we walk out of ss and I say, "We''re not speaking at


    the moment. "


    "Aww, are you guys having a couple''s fight already?" She coos in a teasing manner and I hit her arm,


    earning augh from her as she staggers a bit forward.


    "I''m just saying. " She utters when she falls back into steps with me. "Are you heading to your ce?


    Or mine?"


    "Yours. " I tell her and she lifts her gaze to me, a smirk climbing on her face and I know the words that''ll


    leave her mouth even before she parts her lips, "Trying so hard to avoid your boyfriend, aren''t you?"


    "Mention him one more time and it''ll be my fist this time. " I pin her down with a re and she snorts


    out augh. "Fine, I''ll stop teasing you. I need your help on a topic, anyway so this is good. " And she


    drops a hand over my shoulder, pushing my head under her arm as she drags me along while I


    struggle to get out of her hold.

 F I F T Y - N I N E

    F I F T Y - N I N E


    EVA.


    "Thank you. " I say to the man behind the wheels before I get out of the car and throw my bag over my


    shoulder. My chest falls in a sigh as my eyes move to the spot where Emerson''s car is parked, and I


    know he''s inside.


    I take deep breaths to keep myself under control before I walk up to the front door.


    When I walk through the door, Emerson is standing behind the couch with his eyes on me, still in his


    same attire from school.


    "Hey, " he throws me a smile as he leans away from the couch and I shut the door behind me before I


    respond to his greeting, "Hey. "


    Silence swims around us and I try not to note the fact that the silence is tensed as Emerson walks up to


    me. He lifts his hand to my shoulder and moves my bag from there, tossing it to the side before he


    rests his hands on my shoulders.


    "How are you feeling?" He questions softly, gazes resting on mine.


    "How am I supposed to feel?" I arch a brow and if Emerson is disappointed by my response, he doesn''t


    show it as he drops his hands from my shoulders and lets them fall to his side.


    "We need to talk. " Of course we do. It can''t be ignored for long no matter what.


    "Talk about what?" I ask him with a nk stare and he says, "You know what, Carson. Don''t y dumb


    with me. I''ve had enough of the cold shoulder. "


    "Why''d you think I''m giving you a cold shoulder?" I let out a chuckle and Emerson''s hard expression


    remains unfazed as he speaks, "Because you are. I can feel your annoyance from where I stand. "


    Letting the smile fall from my face, I say, "Okay, Emerson. Let''s talk. "


    "Why are you so bothered about Paige?" The question falls from his mouth as if I''m not supposed to


    be. As if I''m wrong for feeling this way, and it fucking enrages me. When I held back, he said to let


    myself feel and when I let myself feel, he''s fucking questioning me? Putting on lines on what I am and


    I''m not supposed to fucking feel?


    "Are you honestly asking me that? " A scoff slips through my parted lips and Emerson nods, keeping on


    a straight face. "I''m asking you because I don''t understand. Why are you worried when I assured you


    it''s nothing?"


    "You are fucking with me right now, " I tell him "Seriously, are you that dumb, Ford? Or you''re just


    pretending to be? Don''t you get it? She feels for you, Emerson. She fucking wants you as more than


    just a friend, and I don''t get why you''re ignoring that!"


    "I''m ignoring that because what she feels for me doesn''t matter! I don''t care how Paige feels for me or


    if she wants more than just friendship with me! The only thing that matters¨C the only thing that should


    matters is my fucking feelings and you know where that lies, Eva. " He raises his voice, his tone


    matching mine.


    "So I should be alright with you being friends with a woman who wants more from you just because you


    don''t feel the same way?"


    "Eva¡ª" he drawls in a tired voice, but I don''t let him finish before I interrupt him. "No, Emerson. Answer


    me. Should I? Would you? If it were me, would you be able to handle it? To be friends with a guy I''ve


    once slept with just because I let him know we don''t have a chance?"


    "That isn''t the same. " He voices out, irritation creeping into his tone and he matches it with a scowl on


    his face.


    "It''s the same! It''s the fucking same so why don''t tell me your answer, Emerson? Should I go ahead


    and be friends with one of them? Or maybe I should start going out with Dan¡ª"


    Emerson''s edgy voice silences the rest of my words "Shut it. Don''t go there, Eva. Don''t. "


    "That''s what I thought. You think this is alright because you aren''t the other person. " I let out a


    distressedugh.


    "God, Eva, it''s more than fucking that! I wouldn''t be doing this without a damn reason! Why the fuck


    don''t you trust me? Why are you so insecure? Why the fuck do you think I''ll cheat on you with her?" His


    loud voice only makes my frustration grows the more.


    "Because you''re doing everything that points towards that! I''m not being insecure, I''m being fucking


    real here! " I snap, my breathing out in short pants with my chest falling and rising rapidly. The


    rage within me only thrives further with each word from Emerson and he doesn''t stop either.


    "And what the fuck have I done? Have you seen me hold her hand? Have you seen me kiss her? Have


    you caught me fucking her?" He asks as though I''m a fool.


    "Do I have to wait for all those things to happen before you realize it''s not alright?" I let out an amused


    "Hell, " he shakes his head and takes a step back, turning his face away from me. When he turns back


    to me, his voicees out gentlepared to his other words. "What do you want me to do then? Do


    you want me to stop being friends with her? Do you want me to march up with her and tell her to stay


    away from me because I''m with you now?"


    "I didn''t say any of those. " I lower my voice, looking away from him.


    "Then what the fuck are you saying, Eva? What the fuck do you want?" When I don''t give him a


    response, he strides closer to me and stops feet away. "I would have, though. " I raise my head to meet


    his eyes, and they hold warmth. Enough warmth to calm the raging bull that threatens to force its way


    out within me by a fraction. "I would have cut off a friend if it hurts you or makes you have doubts about


    me, but this is different. Paige is different. "


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Giving no response still, Emerson continues, "I told you she''s more than you think because I know her.


    I know what lies beneath the surface. She''s been through things too, Eva. Things that got hard on her,


    but she trusted me with them. She trusts me to be there for her, Eva. That''s why I can''t just ignore her


    now. I would have if you wanted if that reason wasn''t there. "


    He pauses and steps closer. His hands drop to my arms, and he strokes up and down as he speaks,


    "I''m not doing this because I want you to worry about me and Paige, Eva. I''m doing this because it''s


    the least I can do for her. Because I know how it feels to be all alone in the world, without someone to


    hold your hand and assure you everything will be fine. I''m doing this because I consider Paige a friend,


    and I don''t want her to go through what she once went through. "


    "You could have told me that. " My voicees out small, cutting through the tension that floats around


    us.


    "You didn''t give me a chance to exin. " Emerson reminds me of that fact, and I say, "You didn''t


    chase after me either. "


    "Is that what you wanted? For me to chase after you? Would you have listened if I chased after you?"


    He lifts a brow, his hand moving higher and his touch sends needed sparks of calmness through me.


    "No. But I would have been smitten. " I say and he smiles. "And there goes my reason. I know you''re


    stubborn, Carson and I know you won''t talk if you don''t want to. Besides, I was waiting for you right


    here. Don''t you consider that something?"


    "Maybe. Maybe not. " I raise a shoulder, a smile threatening to break through.


    "So will you give me an answer to my question from this morning?" He lifts one of his hands from my


    shoulder and presses it to my face. I push into his touch and lock my hands around his neck before I


    speak, "I''m not sure, but you''re on the right path. "


    I hum when he caresses my cheek with his thumb, closing my eyes to the feel of his hand on my skin.


    When I open them, they meet his gorgeous orbs and the emotions they seem to hold in them send a


    shiver down my spine.


    "I''m in love with you. You''re the first woman I''ll ever be in love with. The woman I''ll always be in love


    with, and thest woman I''ll ever be in love with. " His words make my heart jump in my chest, racing


    without a stop and I''m sure he''s able to listen to the fast beats.


    "You sound so sure of those words when the night is still young, Emerson. "


    He grabs my hand from his neck and ces it on his chest, letting me feel the soft thumps of his heart


    against my palm. "I told you; I don''t speak when I haven''t admitted it to myself, but once I do; I don''t


    hide it either. I''m in love with you, Diva. "


    "Diva? Is that a new name for me?" I raise an amused brow and my hand tten against his chest as


    he leans forward to press his lips to mine and just the brush of his tender lips is enough to make me


    groan in satisfaction.


    "Yes. My good girl. My Diva. You''re the only one, Eva. Always. " He whispers when he pulls back, and


    the familiar heat begins to soar in my lower belly.


    "You can stop with the tteries now. " I try to hold back my smile, but I fail, matching the one on his


    face.


    Emerson drops his second hand to my waist and his tone sounds apologetic as he says, "I''m sorry for


    raising my voice on you. I didn''t mean to. I''m so sorry, Diva. So fucking sorry. You matter the most, Eva,


    and I''ll never intentionally put myself in a position to lose you or hurt you. "


    "Apology not epted. " I tease him, turning my lips in a frown and Emerson says, "What do I have to


    do? Tell me and I''ll do it. "


    "I don''t know. Let''s see..." I tilt my head in a thinking gesture before I drop it back to his view and say.


    "You can start with a kiss, and we''ll pick up from there. "

 S I X T Y

    S I X T Y


    EVA.


    His lips meet mine and everything else bes non-existent as he brings me into the world only he is


    capable of¨C the world where there''s nothing but me and him with the feelings and desires that burns


    between us. The world that''se to be one offort, and the world that''se to be our special


    ce.


    "Make it yours this time?" Emerson pulls back to request and I''m only able to give a nod before I


    capture his lips in mine and slide my hands over his shoulder while Emerson leads us in the direction of


    my room.


    It isn''t long before we find our way to my room, managing to not stumble along the way as Emerson


    adjusts me in his arms and strides to my bed.


    He ces me on the mattress before he draws back to remove his pants and his boxers. I watch as he


    pulls his shirt over his head, and I let my eyes move down the art that''s considered his body with the


    muscles yet surprisingly smooth skin. Emerson doesn''t waste another second getting rid of my clothes,


    leaving me bare to his gaze and his touches as he moves over my body.


    He tucks a strand of my hair away from my face as he leans forward to press his lips to my neck, and I


    bury my fingers in his hair, letting out sounds of pleasure with each contact of his lips to my skin.


    "The first time we had sex, " Emerson breaths as he pulls back to meet my eyes. "Do you remember


    what you said to me?"


    " I remember I said a lot of things. " I respond and he chuckles, pressing his lips to the curves of my


    breasts before he says, "You said to not leave marks. " The somehow distant memory of me pressed to


    Emerson''s car in the darkness of the night with his mouth and hands on me for the very first time goes


    through my mind after those words.


    "What about it?" I ask him when my gaze settles on him again and he glides his hand from my thigh to


    the middle of my chest. "I left a mark that day. "


    "What?" The word leaves my mouth without much thought and he smiles, pressing his forefinger to my


    throat. "You must have not noticed with my cock inside you, but I left a mark right there. It was faint, but


    it was there. "


    "I didn''t notice after either. " I tell him, and he nods, caressing the skin. "I thought you would and I


    thought you would confront me about it, but you didn''t. "


    "Why did you leave a mark? I told you not to. " I frown at him and he mashes his lips to mine, kissing


    my frown away before he detaches his lips from mine to speak. "Back then, I did it to annoy you. It was


    just a mark to defy you, but now that I think back to it with how I feel¨C it wasn''t just to defy you. I made


    you mine from that moment, Carson. I just never realized it. "


    His words bring a smile to my face despite how crazy they seem to sound and I lift my legs to his waist


    to nudge him closer, my body trembling slightly at the feel of his cock against my wet entrance.


    "And now that you''ve realized it, what do you n to do with me tonight, Ford?" I raise a brow and a


    smirk slowly climbs on his face as he circles his hand around my throat, fucked up enough for me to


    drip more between my thighs, but not enough to cut my breath.


    "I n to do it. Over and over again till they all know that you''re mine and I''m yours. " He deres and I


    struggle with my words, but manage to get them across. "Then what are you waiting for?"


    Emerson''s other hand moves to the space between our lower bodies, and his finger strokes my clit,


    forcing a whimper out of me.


    "I want you bare. Let me feel your wall clench around me without the rubber, Diva. Please. Let me have


    it. " I once said my favourite part of Emerson Ford in bed is when he takes it his way, but I''ve never


    found anything sexier and hotter enough to turn me into aplete putty in his arms than when he


    pleads. There''s just something oddly satisfying about the fact that this man will fight me for everything,


    yet plead with me for the same things.


    "What''s stopping you?" I mumble and the smile returns to his face as he moves his hand from my clit to


    grab his cock. He holds my gaze and directs it to the movement as he brings his cock to my core, and


    the slight graze of the hardness against my wetness is enough to make me arch more into him.


    "Oh¨C" I breathe when he pushes in by an inch and then stops to meet my eyes. "I''ll go slow this time.


    Don''t push me, Eva, and don''t ask me to go faster. Just feel it. Feel me inside you. Feel how beautiful it


    is. Feel us. " I''m unable to form a word with how soothing those words sounding from him and how


    he thrusts inside me slowly with each word so I go with a nod, but that''s enough for Emerson.


    He presses his lips to my face before he coils his fingers through mine and pulls our hands over my


    head, meeting my eyes as he slowly pushes inside my pussy and gently slides out. Repeatedly till it''s


    the sound of my moans, and his grunts and the contact of the eyes with the fast beats of the heart in


    the silence of the night. Someway, it feels so fucking deeper at this moment. Somehow, it feels like the


    most beautiful moment between Emerson Ford and I.


    "I love you. " He whispers and the words hit me a million fucking times than when he said them earlier.


    They overwhelm me till they almost bring me to my tears and the tremor in my voice is unmistakable as


    I speak, "I love you. " And I know there''s no bigger truth than this one right here.


    ~


    "Are you asleep?" Emerson asks as he gives gentle pats on my back and I shake my head against his


    chest, coiling my fingers through the hand he has with mine.


    "I''m about to get up. " He notifies me and I''m only able to give another small sound in response to his


    words. After the amazing moment with the direct confession of our love for each other, Emerson kept


    going after that. His thrusts went from slow and gentle to rough and fast, till my body gave up from


    aching so beautifully all over.


    Emerson ces a soft kiss on my chest before he drops my head from his chest, and I turn my body


    the other way to watch as he gets off the bed. He grabs his boxers from the floor before he turns to me.


    "Come here, " he smiles as he spreads his arms in front of me and I groan, burying my face in the


    pillow.


    "Come on, babe. Don''t be such a baby. " He coos with a smallugh and I raise my head to him, "Shut


    up. "


    He smiles and strides closer to my side, getting on the bed to take me in his arms, and I bury my face


    in his chest, snuggling my body into his.


    "Why are you tired? I was gentle this time. " He whispers as he brushes my hair from my face and I lift


    my head from his chest to meet his eyes. "You weren''t so gentle after the first time. "


    "Was I too hard?" He asks, leaning forward to press his lips to my sweaty forehead before he pulls


    back with a grin on his face. "Want me to go slow like the first next time?"


    "No, " I tell him. "I love it this way. "


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I know, " he says, pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You''re a naughty girl. "


    "I hate you. " I grunt and he presses his lips to mine for a second before he pulls back to say, "They say


    the one you hate the most is the one you love the most, Diva. " He winks before adjusting me in his


    arms and moving to his feet.


    "I''ll wash you. " He says as he paces towards the bathroom while I lock my arms around his neck. He


    pushes the door with his leg and closes it the same way when we make it through before he heads to


    the shower.


    "This seems like a good time to have a tub. " Emerson says as he drops me to my feet and moves me


    under the shower.


    "Should we get one?" He asks as he turns on the water and I lift my head, letting the warm water


    soothe my nerves while Emerson gathers my hair from the back.


    "You''ll get wet. " I warn him when I notice he''s still in his boxers and he hums before I feel the warmth


    of his lips against my back.


    "Mhmm, " I let out a moan of satisfaction, shutting my eyes when he repeats the action, then ces


    another kiss close to my shoulder.


    Emerson twists my body to his view and I open my eyes to the glorious sight of him.


    "You''re beautiful, " he mumbles as he presses a hand to my cheek and strokes the skin, sending waves


    of serenity and warmth through the small touches.


    "I''m so fucking in love with you. " He repeats the words that drive me insane with each sound of them.


    "Say that again. " I tell him, wrapping my arms around his middle to bring him closer to me and not


    caring about the fact that I would get him wetter than he already is.


    "I''m so crazy in love with you, Eva. So in love with you. " He repeats as he ducks his head to the side,


    his lips melting against the skin of my neck and I let out a moan as I slide my hands to his back, my


    fingers digging into the flesh.


    "Again. " I demand and Emerson gives me what I want, saying the words over and over till they


    be a chant of pleasure to my ears¨C one I''ll never get tired of hearing.


    He presses his lips to the side of my face and my ear before he pulls back with his wet hair and beads


    of water rolling down his face to his body and below.


    "I love you, Diva. " He smiles and I remove one of my hands from his back to capture a trail of water


    down his nose before I drop it to say, "I love you, Emerson. "


    Emerson''s smile widens and he brings me into his chest, one hand slipping to my neck while the other


    angle my head to the side as he closes his lips over mine; taking both my lips and my breath, under the


    running water.

 S I X T Y - O N E

    S I X T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    "I told you not to drop me here. " I hiss at Emerson as I unfasten my seatbelt before I turn to grab my


    bag from the backseat.


    "And who are you trying to hide from?" He queries when I move back to my seat.


    "I''m not hiding. It just feels... Weird?" I tell him as I duck my head from his gaze and Emerson drops his


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    hand to my chin, tipping my head to meet his eyes. "Then you should get real with it because this isn''t


    a one-time thing. "


    "It is. You won''t be taking me tomorrow. I don''t care what you use. "


    "Is that a challenge?" He raises a daring brow, the corners of his lips curving when I hum before I push


    forward to press my lips to his. "Take it as you feel. " I tell him when I pull back, attempting to move out


    but Emerson''s hand slides to the back of my neck and he takes my lips in his again, not stopping the


    luscious attack of his lips and his tongue till I''m left breathless and gasping for air.


    "My eyes are always on you, Diva. " He says when he pulls back and I smile, giving a yful squeeze


    to his crotch and jumping out of the car before Emerson can do anything about it.


    "I''ll get back at you for that, Carson. " He speaks through the window and I throw him a wink before I


    turn away.


    I instantly cuss under my breath when I catch the sight of Aliya across the field with her eyes on me


    and a taunting smile on her lips.


    "Oh, God. It just couldn''t get any worse, uh?" I keep on a straight face as I make my way toward my


    best friend, and she drapes a hand over my shoulder when I''m close.


    "So that''s why you told me toe on my own? Because your boyfriend was driving you to school?"


    She teases and I swat her hand from my shoulder as I adjust my bag. "Let''s get to ss, please. "


    "Bitch, you are not escaping this. " She promises and I groan, "Aliya¨C"


    "Eva¨C" she calls my name in the same tone, causing us to break into augh and I shake my head as


    we make our way to ss.


    EMERSON.


    "Why did you ask me toe?" I question as I stride into Paige''s room and she lifts her hand from her


    phone, her face brightening up at the sight of me.


    "Hey, you. You made it. " She smiles as she drops her phone to the side and rises to her feet.


    "I told you I was on my way. " I remind her as she edges closer to me with open arms, "I didn''t think you


    meant it. You rarely listen to me these days. "


    When she gives me a pointed look with her head angled to her open arms, I throw her a look of


    confusion, "What?"


    She sighs and lets her hands fall to her side. "What else would I be spreading my arms for? Give me a


    hug. "


    "You didn''t call me just to get a hug, did you?" I arch an eyebrow and she shakes her head, "I didn''t,


    but we could start with a hug. "


    "Why did you call me, Paige?" I ask her, ignoring her request and she frowns, "You can''t hug me now?


    First, it was the sex, and now the hug? What''s it going to be next? Will you stop me from getting the


    slightest touches too?"


    "So you called me to waste my time? "


    "Are you even listening to what I''m telling you?" Annoyance creeps into her voice.


    "I am. I just don''t make sense of it. I told you I won''t fuck you any longer, and you seemed to


    understand so why are you bringing it up again?"


    "I understood until you started to pull away from me. It''s just a Goddamn hug, Emery. What''s so fucking


    hard about giving one?" She doesn''t tone down her voice and it''s starting to irritate me.


    When I don''t give a response, she proceeds to say, "It''s her, isn''t it? The chick at your ce? You found


    a new toy and forget all about me?"


    My head snaps to her at the disgust in her voice and I match her frame with a re as I open my


    mouth, "Firstly, she isn''t a chick. Her name is Eva, and you''ll not speak of her like that. Secondly, she


    isn''t a toy. She''s my fucking woman so you''ll treat her as such. "


    "Since when do you care about having a woman?" She scoffs, not hiding the irritation in her voice in


    the slightest way and I say, "Since I found her. "


    "So she''s the reason you''re pulling away from me? "


    "Oh God, " I groan, turning away from her. "We talked about this before, Paige. Why the fuck are you


    acting this way? I thought you were mature enough to understand the fucking part in our rtionship is


    done. It was bound to end one day; one way or the other. "


    When I turn back to meet her eyes, she bites the inside of her cheeks before she parts her lips. "I know


    that, and I have no problem with it. But it''s starting to be more than that. You''re pulling away from this


    friendship too, and that hurts, Emerson. "


    "I''m not pulling away, " I tell her. "I''m putting a distance between the rtionship we once had, and the


    one we have now. Otherwise, there would be nothing between us. "


    "Fine, " she grumbles under her breath as she returns to her seat and I take the chair across from her.


    "All these because of one hug?"


    "I''ve missed you. You can''t possibly understand how I feel. " She mutters and I clear my throat in an


    attempt to dismiss the topic. "Why did you call me here? You said it was urgent. "


    "Yeah, " she responds, rubbing her palms against each other. She stares at the floor for a while before


    she lifts her head to meet my gaze, "I''m going to visit her tomorrow and I want you toe with me. "


    "No. " My responsees quick and sharp, and Paige''s face falls.


    "No?" She repeats the word, as if she couldn''t believe her ears and I nod as another confirmation. "No,


    I can''te with you. "


    "Why? I need you to¡ª"


    "You''ve never needed me the previous times you went, Paige and you won''t start now. And this is


    personal. Way too personal. You can''t ask me for this. " I shake my head and she smiles, "You honestly


    think there''s any more personal between the two of us? You know everything, Emerson and I know you


    better than anyone. Even more than her. "


    The proud smile on Paige''s face at the end of her words makes me snort out augh. "No, you don''t.


    You know me, but you don''t know me in the way Eva does. "


    Paige''s smile falls and her frown takes over. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "It means you shouldn''t try topete with her, or you''ll end up hurting yourself. "


    "You know, for my closest friend; you sure have turned a lot meaner than I remember. " She scowls at


    me and I chuckle, looking away from her.


    "You honestly won''te with me? It''s been long, and I feel like I need someone by my side. That


    person has always been you. " She utters in a low voice and I look back at her, "I can''t. I''m sorry, but I


    can''t do this one thing for you. I''ll be here to catch you if you need me to, though. "


    Paige''s smile appears again, and she hums, sinking back into her seat.


    "Is that why you called me? You could have asked me over the phone. " I tell her and she says, "I


    could, but I wanted to see your face. "


    When I pass her a frown, she giggles and says, "Just f¨²cking with you. I thought I could change your


    mind if I see you. I didn''t think you would refuse me either way. "


    "You should be used to that by now. " I say and she smiles before she takes her gaze from mine.


    My eyes roam across her room before it drops back to her. "I don''t see your other friend. "


    "Out with her girl. Must be fun, don''t you think? I can''t possibly imagine that. " She pouts and Iugh,


    "You could get someone if you wanted to. "


    "Right, " she whispers, holding my gaze and when I lift a brow at her, she says, "What''s it about her?"


    "Uh?" I furrow a brow and she continues, "Eva. What''s it about her that you like so much? You weren''t


    like this before. "


    "Everything?" When confusion covers her face, I smile and say, "It''s everything about her. "


    "So she got you because she''s just her? Like every other female in the world?" She raises her brow


    and I move to my feet, slipping my hands into my pockets as I stare down at her. "No. I love her


    because she''s just Eva Carson. Nothing more and nothing less. "


    "I refuse to believe that. " She says and I sniffle, "Isn''t that just typical of you?"


    "Where are you going?" She asks, moving from her seat when I take a step forward.


    "Out? I believe we''re done with what you called me for?"


    "Yes, but I thought you would stay longer. " She proims and I say, "When have I ever stayed


    longer?"


    "There could be a change. " She raises a shoulder, before she moves forward.


    "There could, " I agree. "But there isn''t. Let me know how it goes tomorrow. " I pat her shoulder before I


    turn away and head to the door. When I wrap my hand around the knob, the sound of Paige''s voice


    behind me stops me and I twist my head to her.


    "I want to ask you onest question. " Something tells me I should ignore her and walk through that


    door, then she adds, "One. "


    With a fall of my chest, I leave the knob and nod for her to continue, folding my arms against my chest


    as I lean against the doorframe.


    Paige steps forward as she speaks. "I want to know how much it has changed truly. If it were down to


    me and her..."


    "Paige. " I call, knowing the words that will follow but she doesn''t stop. "Who would you choose? I just


    want to know. "


    "Why does it matter?" I ask her and she responds with, "It matters to me. "


    "Paige, " I start with a sigh and she gestures for me to continue. "You''re my friend, and like I told you;


    I''ll always be here if you don''t give me a reason not to be, but you can''tpare yourself to Eva. Eva


    is... She''s the woman I''m helplessly in love with, and she''ll always matter the most to me. It''s always


    going to be her. Always. "


    "You could have lied for me. " She jokes and I smile. "I thought you wanted the truth. "


    "You could have been less brutal. "


    "That''s your definition of being brutal? What would you call it if I say you mean nothing?" I lift a brow


    and she gasps, taking a step back. "Emerson!"


    "Yeah, that''s the definition of brutal. " Iugh and she shakes her head, pping my arm.


    "You''ll be fine. I''m sure she''ll be happy to see you. " I assure her and she hums, dropping her gaze


    before she raises it again. "You don''t think she could have... Forgotten?"


    "No, and you shouldn''t either. You''ll be fine, yeah?" I reassure her and she smiles, "I''ll always be with


    you by my side. "


    I want to tell her that I won''t one day. One day when she has everything that was taken from her, and


    no longer need me to make it through¨C I won''t be here. But I don''t open my mouth for her to withstand


    what''sing to her tomorrow.


    "Go back. " I tell her, nodding to her seat and she hums, giving me a wave before I turn the knob and


    walk out of the room.

 S I X T Y - T W O

    S I X T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    "I think I might have a problem, " Aliyains as she drops to the seat in front of me and I shut my


    "I might have or might have not told Sage that I''m getting tired of our rtionship. " She says as she


    drops her bag to the side before tilting forward and I furrow a brow, "What? What does that mean?"


    "I don''t know, " she sighs. "I don''t know what''s wrong with me. "


    "Is that how you feel?" I ask her and she nods. "It suddenly feels too much; like I''m being boxed in or


    something and I hate that feeling. "


    "What was her reaction when you told her?"


    "She walked out on me. " A frown covers her face as she stares down at her hands. "I told her I needed


    a break to rethink our rtionship and she just walked out... Without a word. "


    "I''m not surprised, " I let out a chuckle and she lifts her head. "I would too if my girlfriend whom I love


    so much suddenly tells me she needs a break from a rtionship that''s still new? Which brings me to:


    why the fuck are you tired? It''s barely a month. "


    "I know, " she hisses, sinking back into her seat. "Rtionships never interested me until her, and with


    her; it was different and I thought it was going to be like that for a while, but that feeling just came out of


    nowhere. I don''t know why I feel this way, but I suddenly want to stay far away from her. It''s like I''m


    losing interest?"


    "But you still love her?" I raise a brow and she takes a while before she responds. When she does, her


    answer is far from what I expected, "I don''t know?"


    "Did it hurt when she walk out on you?"


    "Yes, but not enough for me to go after her. I''m fucking insane, aren''t I? I was so invested and now..."


    She finishes her word with a sigh, dropping her gaze from me and I move my hand across the table to


    grab hers. "You aren''t insane. It''s normal to feel that way; you''re just scared ofmitment. "


    "Yes, but I didn''t feel like this from the beginning so I thought Sage is the one to end that part of me?"


    She exins and I nod, "But isn''t that how it''s always been? You get excited about them, then you lose


    interest when you get too close?"


    "No, " she shakes her head. "I get excited with the idea of being with them, and not in a romantic way.


    It''s more like sexual, but Sage wasn''t that way. I felt it, Evie. I loved her. " Loved. She''s using the past


    tense. I know Aliya never did rtionships because she''s never the one to keep her eyes on one, but


    when I saw her with Sage; I thought that was the end of her phase. I thought she found the one she''ll


    never get bored of, but I was too quick to conclude that. I forgot it''s easy to fall in love with a person,


    but how quickly do people fall out of love? Do we call it love when you no longer see them the way you


    saw them the first time you both met? Isn''t love supposed to stay till the very end?


    The thought brings another person to mind, and I start to wonder what the fuck I''ll do if Emerson wakes


    up one day and decide he no longer feels for me?


    "Are you with me?" The sound of Aliya''s voice interrupts my thoughts, bringing me back into the reality


    before me where my best friend is in a state of difficulty and I hum. "I am. "


    "What do you think I should do? I''m lost as fuck. " She says and I gnaw at my lips as I study her. When


    Aliya lifts a brow out of impatience, I open my mouth, "I think you should take time to think about where


    your feelings truly lie. What if you end things now and you suddenly want her back after?"


    "No. It''s the chase, Evie. When it''s push and pull between us, my interest is sparked but when they


    give in to the feelings and stay around me only; that''s when I lose interest. "


    "So you need someone who wants you, but also doesn''t?" I ask her and she says, "I don''t know. What I


    do know is that I suddenly lost interest in her; the eagerness isn''t there. "


    "You should take a break from her. I don''t know, Lia but Sage likes you. Loves you even. I know it isn''t


    deliberate from your side, but you should think about her feelings when you''re making your final


    decision. Of course, I don''t mean you should continue with the rtionship when you have zero interest


    in it, that''s even more bitter than actually letting go but you should weigh your options before you take


    the next step. If you still don''t want to be with her by the end of it, then talk to her and exin how you


    feel. I''m sure she''ll understand. Sometimes, we love but there are no promises of forever. Forever is


    scary either way. "


    "Is that for me or you?" She teases and I roll my eyes. "You know what I mean. "


    "I do. " Sheughs, squeezing my hands gently. "Thank you, babe. I feel safe knowing you''re always


    here when I need you. "


    "And I''m waiting for you to get bored of me too. " I taunt her and she throws me a re, "I won''t. It''s


    different with you. "


    "Cheesy. " I say before I withdraw my hands from hers. "Or maybe you''re just doing it the wrong way. "


    "What do you mean?"


    "Maybe you''ll find the one who keeps your interest in the other gender. You swing both ways, don''t


    you? But I''ve never actually seen you with a guy before. "


    "Why should I go through the trouble when the girls are easier to be with? Plus I haven''t found one that


    interests me yet. " She raises a shoulder and I shake my head, "I don''t think you will when all you do is


    throw a re at any guy that dares toe your way. "


    "And them being the coward they are, scurries off the next second. Isn''t it supposed to be all about the


    chase? Women are the better choice, Evie. "


    "Whatever, " I say before I turn my attention back to myptop.


    "What are you doing?" Aliya asks from her seat and I say, "Our project. "


    "You''re working on it already? Bitch, we still have days before we have to turn it in. "


    "Sorry, I''m not a procrastinator like yourself. " I respond as I look up to her and she throws me the


    middle finger before she grabs my chips, throwing one in her mouth.


    "Sorry I''m not a nerd like you are, " she retorts with a grin and I shove her my middle finger before I


    drop my gaze back to the screen.


    "And look who the heavens dragged in. " Aliya whispers, distracting me from my work. When my gaze


    settles on her, she jerks her head in the other direction and I twist my head to the trail of her eyes to be


    met with the sight of Emerson and his friends walking inside the restaurant.


    He smiles at something Jaxon tells him before his eyes roam across the room and our eyes meet; his


    smile widening when he holds my gaze.


    ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    Jaxon pats his shoulder, drawing his attention and Emerson nods before he looks back to me, throwing


    me a wink then he looks away.


    "You''re so in love with him, aren''t you?" Aliya''s voice brings my attention back to her and I shift in my


    seat, not meeting her eyes as I speak. "Shut up. "


    "Oh, oh. Just eye contact and you''re this red already?" She continues to tease me and I pin her with a


    re, "Keep running that mouth and I''ll shut it for you. "


    Aliya lets out an amusedugh before she grabs another chip from the bowl, throwing it in her mouth.


    "Hey, babe, " I flinch at Emerson''s voice by my side before I turn to his view. He''s leaned over me with


    his hands pressed to the side of the booth and the banquette.


    "What are you doing?" I eye him, looking behind him to where his friends are.


    "Making you shy in public. " Emerson says and I nce back at him, pping his arm. "You should go


    back to your friends. "


    "And if I want to stay here with you?" He offers and I make a sound of displeasure. "No, you won''t.


    You''ll go back to your friends. " I order.


    "You sound so f¨´cking cute when you speak to me like that, " the soft smile that rests on his lips after


    his words tell me he''s finding pleasure in this more than he should, and I scowl at him, "Emerson. "


    "Diva, " he calls in the same tone, and Aliya''s clear of throat interrupts me before I can say another


    word.


    "You guys seem to be in your little world, and I''m just reminding you that there''s another presence in


    the room. " She beams as she looks between Emerson and I, and I gesture for her to stay silent,


    earning a mockingugh from her.


    "Your friends are staring at us. " I inform Emerson and he looks behind him then back to me with a


    raised brow, "So?"


    "So you should head back to them. " I tell him in an obvious tone and he stays mute, pushing his lips


    forward before he says, "Kiss me and I''ll leave. "


    "Uh?"


    "Don''t make me repeat myself, Diva or I''ll take what I want in my own way. " I let out a scoff at the


    threatening tone, "Is that supposed to be a¡ª" Emerson''s lips cover mine, bringing my words to a


    pause and he swallows every sound of protest I try to make, his hand sliding to the back of my head.


    "Hmm, " I''m quick to give him as his tongue strokes mine, sending sparks of sensitivity through me and


    when I want more, sinking my teeth into his bottom lip; Emerson pulls away with a smirk ying by the


    corners of his lips.


    "Em¨C" I whine, grabbing onto the front of his jacket and trying to meet his lips, but he draws back with a


    "I hate you, " I tell him as I let my hands fall from his jacket and he presses his lips to my cheek before


    he says, "I know, and you love me more. "


    "I''ll see youter. " He ces another kiss on my other cheek before he moves over my ear to whisper,


    "And I''ll give you what you want. " And I watch as he walks back to his friends, leaving my body in a


    state of excitement.


    "This is the time where I tell you I was right when I said you''ll fall stupidly in love with him. " I''m


    reminded that Aliya is, in fact, in front of me and she witnessed the scene.


    "Please don''t say anything, " I let out a groan and she surprises me by nodding, agreeing to my words,


    but that surprise doesn''tst long when she lifts her phone and turns her screen to my view. "I took a


    picture. "


    "No. " I try to grab hold of the phone but she''s quick to pull back with a daring smile on her face. "I''ll


    never grow tired of teasing you with this. " And I know she means that when she shoves it in my face,


    withdrawing the second I try to grab it.


    With a fall of my chest, I look back to where Emerson and his friends are, and Emerson''s head turns on


    cue; as if he knows I''m staring at him.


    I know he has me right where he wants me when I''m unable to control my smile at the sight of his.


    ~


    "No!" My skin tingles with sweat as I sit up on the bed, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I stare into


    the space for a while with my heavy pants surrounding me before I drop my gaze to the space beside


    me, finding it empty instead Emerson''s body


    I jump back at the creak of my door, and Emerson walks inside; worry masking his expression


    immediately he sees the state I''m in.


    "Eva? Are you okay?" He asks as he shuts the door to my room and strides towards me. I''m unable to


    give a response and I only hold out my hands as I wait for Emerson to move to my side. He climbs on


    the bed and takes my hands, bringing me to his chest as he strokes my head, pushing strands of my


    hair from my sweaty forehead.


    "What happened? " He asks in a soft voice and I squeeze his sides tight. "Where did you go?"


    "I woke up thirsty and the cup was empty so I had to go to the kitchen. " He exins as he continues to


    pat my hair, the gentle touches doing much to calm my racing heart. "I''m sorry for leaving you, baby.


    Were you startled?"


    "Yes, " I tell him, burying my face in my chest to take in more of him. "I had a nightmare. "


    "Why?" His question floats above me as I rub my head against his chest. "You haven''t had one in a


    while; why now?"


    "I don''t know. " I voice out, wondering why it''s back and scarier this time because it''s different from the


    usual ones. "I don''t know, but it was scary, Em. I was so scared. "


    "Shhh, " he whispers. "I''m here. I''m right here with you, baby. You have nothing to be scared of. I''m


    always here. "


    I lift my head from his chest to meet his eyes. "Are you sure? Will you always be here?"


    He smiles and lifts his hand to my face, fondling my cheek as he speaks. "I''ll always be here, Diva.


    Even when you don''t want me to be, I''ll always be here because I have nowhere else to be. You''re my


    home, Eva. You''re my peace and I''d be nothing without my home and my peace. "


    His words soothe my burning nerves, exterminating my worries and my unwanted thoughts, and a


    small smile makes its way to my face as I snuggle closer into his body. "Good. Because you always


    have to be here. I need you to always be here. "


    "Always. " He promises before he leans down to press his lips to my forehead. "Come on. You should


    go back to sleep, or do you want to stay up and talk?"


    "Can you read to me?" I ask him, and he smiles, pulling my cheek before he drops my body gently to


    the side to grab the book that''s by my bedside.


    When he adjusts back into his spot with his back against the headboard, he pulls my body back to his


    and I press my head to his chest with my hand staying on the other side, Emerson''s chin pressed to


    the top of my head as he flips the pages.


    He begins to voice out the words in a quiet tone, and I shut my eyes to hisforting voice and the


    restful echoes of his heartbeats as I find peace in his embrace.


    ~


    "Hey Sage, " I smile at the blonde outside of Aliya''s door and her eyes are full of unshed tears when


    she raises her head. "Hey, Eva. "


    "Sage, are you okay?" I ask the obvious, having no idea what else to say seeing her in this state.


    "Yes, " she chuckles and swipes her fingers under her eyes. "I am. You shouldn''t mind me. You''re here


    for Aliya, right? She''s in. "


    "I know, but I think¡ª"


    She cut me off before I can finish my words. "I''ll see you around, Eva. " She throws me a forced smile


    before she sidesteps me and I let out a sigh as I watch her frame disappear out of sight.


    Turning back to the door, I don''t knock before I walk inside and Aliya is on her bed with her head raised


    to the ceiling.


    "You''re here, " she says without moving from her spot and I hum, strolling towards her. "I just saw Sage


    outside your door; you actually went through with it?"


    "You said it''s even bitter being in the rtionship with her despite knowing I''ve lost all interest. " She


    reminds me of my words and I say, "I know that, but I didn''t think you would make your decision this


    quick. You still care for her, don''t you?"


    "I do. " She answers. "But I just don''t feel that spark for her anymore. I hate to be the bad one, but I


    can''t help it, Eva. I didn''t want to feel this way, it''s just the way I am and I hate that so fucking much. "


    "Hey, you shouldn''t say that. " I drop my bag to the floor to settle by her side, grabbing onto her knees.


    "It isn''t your fault. What did she say?"


    She finally averts her gaze to me. "That she understands, but that doesn''t make it hurt any less, and


    that she''ll always be here if my feelings ever changed. "


    "She must¡ª"


    "I told her not to wait for me. " She says, silencing the rest of my words before I let them out and when I


    arch a brow at her words, she proceeds, "Because I don''t want to disappoint her any further than I


    already did. She left after that. "


    "Oh, babe. " I coo, spreading my arms for her and she moves to sit on the bed before she drops into


    my arms, wrapping hers around my middle. "She''ll be fine. You shouldn''t worry about her. "


    "Did I ever love her?" She whispers the words to my hair and I pull away from the embrace to look at


    her. "Of course, you did. It might have been short, but it was there, Aliya. You felt love for her for that


    brief moment. "


    "Then why didn''t it stay longer? It should have, Evie. " She mumbles and I press a hand to the side of


    her face. "That''s because you don''t control the way you feel, Aliya. Aside from being scared of


    feelings and they can be tricky. It isn''t said that your first rtionship will be the one to bring you


    everything that''s needed forever, Aliya. We meet people, we chose them and we fall apart. That''s just


    the way it is; if they aren''t the one, then they aren''t. When you meet the one, you''ll know it. Feel it.


    Besides who said you always have to be with her to love her? There''s always the choice of loving her


    from afar. "


    "Sage felt like the one. " She mutters and I smile, "If she''s the one, you''ll find your way back to each


    other. We still have a long time ahead of us, Aliya and nobody know what the future will bring but the


    future itself. Maybe this isn''t the end of your story with Sage. Maybe it''s just a pause, and maybe it''s


    bound to continueter. "


    "You''re truly something else, Eva Carson. " She purrs before she wraps her arms around me again.


    "But you''re right. Only the future knows what''s toe. "


    "There. You''ll be fine, Aliya. You have me. " I assure her and she holds me tighter, dropping her head


    on my shoulder. "I truly do. "


    ~


    After spending the day with Aliya, darkness has settled over the clouds and I make my way back home;


    to the man that awaits me after numerous texts.


    My eyes move across the screen, reading Emerson''sst text from thirty minutes ago with a smile on


    my face as I walk up to the door.


    I drop the phone into my pocket and attempt to push through, but I halt the movement of my hand just


    seconds away from grabbing the knob at the unfamiliar feeling that washes over me before I turn it and


    walk through the door, stilling at the sight that''s presented before me.


    The door remains open and the blowing wind from the outside air floats around me as my mouth hangs


    open and I watch Emerson pull away from her, taking a step back.


    "Emerson¡ª" she breathes before he could speak, the tremor in her voice not escaping my notice.


    "What the fuck do you think¡ª" Emerson doesn''t get toplete his words before the loud noise of my


    bag dropping from my trembling hold interrupts him and both gazes snap to me.


    "Eva. " Emerson looks away from Paige, eyes wide as they meet mine and I shake my head, taking a


    step back.


    "Diva, please. It''s not¨C"


    "Don''t. " I silence him with a raise of my finger. "Don''t say a word. Not a single fucking word from you. "


    "I didn''t kiss her, Eva. She kissed me. " He says, reminding me of the fact that I had walked into Paige''s


    lips on his. Paige. The same girl we fought over just a while ago? The same girl he called me insecure


    for? The same girl he defended by saying she knows her ce? That''s the fucking Paige.


    "I told you not to utter a word. "


    "Okay, I won''t. Just... Come inside, please. " He pleads in a gentle voice, but that isn''t enough to calm


    the burn from what I just saw.


    "Don''t follow me, Emerson. I mean it. If you do, you''ll regret it. " I warn him, looking back to the girl that


    stands behind him with wet cheeks and gaze raised to him.


    "Don''t. " I give myst warning, turning back and not waiting for whatever excuse wille from him as


    he opens his mouth.


    I walk out of the room and I don''t make a stop as I move in an unknown direction¨C the only thought


    running through my mind being that of him and the other girl.

 S I X T Y - T H R E E

    S I X T Y - T H R E E


    EMERSON.


    "Eva!" I call, attempting to rush after her as I watch her walk through the door, but a sudden grip on my


    wrist stops me and I turn around to see Paige; irritation flowing through me at the sight of her and the


    shit she just pulled.


    "Emerson¡ª" she starts with a shaking voice, and I jerk her hold from my wrist, ring at her as I


    speak, "What the fuck is wrong with you? Why the fuck did you do that?"


    "I¨C" she starts with a hup. "I''m sorry. I just¨C I didn''t know what to do. I was there and you were here,


    and I needed you. I needed you to¨C"


    "You needed me and I was fucking here! I was here, Paige. I was doing all I could to be thefort you


    needed and you thought it was okay to cross the line?" I raise a brow, my breathing out in heavy


    pants and she shakes her head as she attempts to step closer, but one re from me to her leg


    movement stops it.


    She swallows before she opens her mouth, "It wasn''t enough, Emerson. It was never going to be


    enough. I needed more. I needed my skin against yours for me to stop thinking about it. "


    "You''re insane. You''re fucking crazy. " I tell her, turning away from her.


    "She said to not follow. You shouldn''t go after her. " Paige says behind me and I turn to her with an


    angered mind, "You don''t tell me what the fuck I am to do. "


    "I''m not. " She''s quick to say, taking several gulps. "I''m not. Just, please. I don''t know what to do,


    Emery. "


    "Don''t you dare fucking call me that. " I raise a warning finger at her, and she hups again, the sight


    enraging every single time it happens.


    I bury my fingers in my hair and turn away from her, the image of Eva standing by that door with


    bewildered eyes crossing my mind.


    "I should have never let you in. I shouldn''t have fallen for your tears and my need to want to be there. I


    trusted you, Paige. I fucking trusted you!"


    "It''s not my fault. " She dares to say and I look back at her, a scoff falling from my mouth. "Not your


    fault?" I take a step closer. "Not your fault?! My woman was fucking here and she saw everything she


    was afraid of and you dare to stand there, and tell me it''s not your fault?"


    She nods. "Yes, Emery. It''s not my fucking fault! You don''t get me addicted to something and expect


    me to be non-addicted to it just because you say it! Don''t you get it? I can''t stop! I''ve tried but I


    fucking can''t. I''ll always want you that way because you got me used to it. I fucking crave more no


    matter how much you tell me to hold back. Shit went down there and the first person I thought to see


    was you! Because you''ve always been here! You''ve always been this close and you can''t just do this to


    me now. She can''t juste out of nowhere and steal you from me!"


    I lose it at that. Amidst the chaos of my mind, Eva running away from here and Paige standing in front


    of me with the audacity to sprout nonsense; I lose it. And I don''t hold back because I no longer have


    the control to do that. I step closer and grab her by the cor of her top, and her eyes widen as my grip


    tightens.


    "Emerson¨C" she calls out, with eyes full of fear and voice following right through, but even the sound


    and sight of that isn''t enough to calm me. All that goes through my mind is Eva, all that chants through


    my thoughts is how right she had been about Paige and how stupid I had been to have let ite this


    far. I was so fucking stupid to have thought I could hold onto her, and bnce the rtionship between


    me and a girl who wants more than I can give.


    "Emerson, what are you doing?" Paige utters as my grip gets tighter, so close to strangling her with her


    clothing, but I hold back. Making sure she''s able to breathe through it, but also enough for her to


    understand the message I''m passing across.


    "You''ll leave here, and you''ll never show your face before me ever again. Do you understand?" I tell her


    slowly and she shakes her head furiously, breathing getting heavier as she parts her lips, "No. No,


    please. You can''t do that to me. You can''t tell me to leave. I need you, Emerson. "


    "Do you remember what I said when I came to your ce?" I ask her but she remains silent as she


    continues to shake her head.


    "I told you that I''d be here for you, but the minute you give me a reason to not be is the minute I''ll never


    be again, and you''ve sessfully given me a reason to not be. "


    "No, please. I can''t survive without you, Emerson. You can''t¨C you can''t do that. You can''t ask me to


    leave. You can''t walk out of my life like everyone else. You promised to always stay. You said you''ll


    always¨C you said you''ll always be by my side. You can''t just leave now after making me believe those


    words. " Her trembling hands cover mine and she grips them tight.


    "You should have thought of that before you do the shit you did! " I snap, dropping my hand from hers


    and shoving her away from me. She staggers a few steps back, but she manages to catch her feet and


    she''s making her way towards me again.


    She opens her mouth, but I beat her to it as I speak. "I told you she''ll alwayse first. I fucking


    warned you to keep the line that''s drawn between what we had and what we have. Had now, because


    I''m never having anything to do with you after tonight. "


    "No!" She repeats the word that''se to be her anthem for tonight. "No, Emerson. Please. " She cries


    and I watch as she falls to her knees before me, hands sliding around my thighs as she leans her head? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    against it with silent sobsing from her. "You''re the only one I have left. You know it. I''ll be miserable


    without you. You can''t do this. Just please. "


    When she raises her head to meet my eyes with wet cheeks and shivering lips; what I should see is a


    girl that''s made herself pathetic by being dependent on me, a girl that I should be there for, but all I see


    is a woman who crossed a line that should never be crossed. A woman who''s about to make me lose


    the only being that matters in my life.


    "She''s my life, " I tell her as I nce down at her. "She''s what I need to be able to breathe probably.


    Without her, I will be nothing but a lifeless living. She''s all I need, Paige and you''re about to make me


    lose that. I''m sorry, but I can''t be here for you any longer. You''ve given me all I need to push away from


    you, and you need to leave. "


    "Emerson, " she calls in a small voice and I turn away from her. "Leave. "


    "We can settle this. I''m sorry for kissing you. I''m sorry for making her see that. I''d apologize to her if I


    need to, but please don''t make me do this. Don''t make me leave. I won''t know where to begin. My life


    would lose all focus without you by my¨C"


    "Don''t try to guilt trip me, Paige. You were living perfectly before I appeared in your life, and you''ll learn


    to do that once again. People lose their loved ones and learn to move on with their lives, and Ie


    nothing close as that person to you. "


    "No, no you don''t, " she agrees, wrapping her hands tighter around my knees. "Because you mean so


    much more than that, and you know it, Emerson. Don''t make me leave. I''m begging you. Just¨C" her


    voice breaks and she hits her head against my knees repeatedly. "Don''t. "


    The heart that should ache for her at this moment is filled with Eva. The heart that should think about


    what she went through today is no longer here. That heart only thinks about its owner, and not the


    pitiful woman that kneels by my feet.


    "I''ll give you ten seconds to let go of my legs and leave. If you don''t, I''ll drag you out of here and I


    assure you Paige; you''ll get hurt in the process and I wouldn''t give a fuck about that. " I warn her and I


    mentally count to three seconds before she unwraps her hands from my knees. I don''t look back and


    the sound of her cries with her footsteps echoes across the room.


    Several more seconds and she stands in front of me with her bag in hand.


    "Emerson¨C" she starts but I cut her off. "Don''t try to. "


    "I''ll be back. I know you''re angry at me right now and you''ll listen better when you''ve calmed. I know


    you¡ª"


    "You don''t know me and you don''t know what I would do. All you know is a guy who wanted to be there


    for you as a friend, but I promise you''ll know the darker side of me if you don''t leave through that door


    and never step foot before me. " My voice is cold and my words are harsh even to my ears, but I''m


    unwilling to give a fuck as Paige staggers back as if I had hit her, before she turns around and strides


    towards the door with small, unsteady steps.


    She stops when she meets the doorknob, and my patience wears thin the more seconds that pass


    without her moving. I open my mouth, but before I can speak; she takes the final step and walk through


    the door, her frame disappearing out of sight.


    I fall back on the couch as I stare across the empty room before I grab my phone, and scroll to her


    name, my fingers moving across the keypad faster than they''ve ever before.


    DIVA: I know you''re mad at me, but please tell me where you are. Come back home to me, and we''ll


    talk this out.


    After hitting the send button, I grab my keys from the table and run out of the house, not giving a shit


    about the fact that she warned me not to follow her. I''ll deal with the consequences of not following her


    warningter if need be, I just yearn to make sure she''s fine.


    I just need to have her back here.


    EVA.


    I keep walking, with no idea of which direction I''m heading, but wanting to continue either way.


    "Sorry. " I mumble when I bump into a hard surface and I raise my head to see Dan staring at me with


    furrowed brows.


    "Eva. What''s wrong?" He asks and I look around, recognizing my surrounding to realize I''m far away


    from home. I look back to Dan, and my eyes shift to the guys that stand by either side of him¨C Noel


    included.


    "Oh, sorry. I didn''t see you there. " I say and shrug his hands from my shoulders before I take a step


    back.


    I hear him mutter some words to his friends, and they walk away; leaving me with him.


    "Hey. You don''t look so good. Did something happen?" He questions as he takes a step forward.


    I lift my head to him and shake my head. "I''m fine. I''ll be on my way. " I attempt to take a step to the


    side, but Dan''s grip on my arm stops me and I look back at him.


    "I don''t think you''re fine, Eva. You should let me know if anything is wrong. I''m here. " His voice is


    gentle and I drop my gaze to his hold on my arm before I meet his gaze, "Take it off. "


    Dan looks confused for a second, but when he realizes, he''s quick to remove his hand.


    "Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you''re¡ª"


    "I''m fine, and I do not need your help. " I tell him, throwing him another nce before I walk away from


    his sight, finally with a direction in mind.


    I''m only a bit away from Aliya''s dorm and I take the direction that will lead me there.


    I turn my head sideways as I stand in front of Aliya''s door before I ce gentle knocks against it.


    Her voicees through almost instantly. "I thought you weren''ting back tonight. "


    I don''t say a word as I wait for her to open up and when she does, her eyes are full of worry as they


    settle on mine. "Evie? What are you doing here? Did you forget something?"


    "Let me in. "


    Aliya doesn''t say a word as she steps to the side and lets me walk through. When I''m inside, she shuts


    the door behind me and moves to my side, her hand dropping to the small of my back.


    "Are you okay?" She asks and my gaze drifts to the other bed in the room to find it empty.


    "She isn''t in tonight. " Aliya answers my unasked question before she turns my body to her view. Her


    touch moves from my back to my cheeks as she speaks, "Talk to me, Eva. Did something happen?"


    "Can I sleep with you tonight? I don''t want to go back there. " I mumble and confusion masks her


    expression. I can tell she wants to ask questions, but she keeps them to herself and nods instead. "Of


    course, you can. You''re always wee to stay, babe. "


    "Thank you. " I tell her and she smiles, stroking my cheek before she pulls me into her arms, and Iy


    my head against her shoulder as I shut my eyes and try to block the unweed images from my


    mind.


    "Come on. You can stay on Maria''s bed, or will you be alright with mine?" Aliya asks as she leads me


    towards the bed, and I look between the two. "Maria''s is fine. If she doesn''t have anything against it. "


    "She doesn''t. " She assures me, and I stare down at my clothes as I settle on the bed. With a bite of


    my lips, I fall back on the soft mattress and let out a weak sigh as I raise my head to Aliya, who''s


    standing above me.


    "Do you want to talk about it?" She asks as she bends to my level with her hands by my side.


    "Not yet. " I respond and she hums, lifting her hand to caress my hair before she pulls back and moves


    to her bed.


    ~


    I knew it won''t be easy sleeping in an unfamiliar bed with my regr clothes and without a certain


    person by my side, but I didn''t think it would be this hard either. I''ve been turning and tossing in the


    dark for several minutes, yet I can''t seem to catch onto what I need to escape from what I don''t want.


    With a loud sigh, I sit up on the bed and throw my legs to the side as I make my way to Aliya. I turn on


    the lights by her bedside before I gently settle by the edge and her eyes are closed, soft snores leaving


    her barely parted lips.


    "Aliya, " I call, shaking her body gently to wake her and she stirs then turns to the other side, holding


    the duvet over her body.


    "Open your eyes. " I shake her again, and a groanes from her before she turns her body to my


    view, revealing her blue orbs to meet mine.


    "Eva?" Her voice is uncertain and she moves to rest against the headboard, rubbing her hands to her


    eyes.


    "Eva. " She voices out again when her gaze rests on mine and I say, "I''m sorry for waking you. I


    couldn''t sleep. "


    "Come here. " She adjusts and pats the space by her side. I look at the space, then back to her and


    when she blinks once in assurance, I climb over her to take the room.


    She moves the duvet over me and drapes a hand on my shoulder as I press my face to her arm.


    "Do you want to talk about it now?" She asks and I take a while before I open my mouth. "I walked into


    Emerson''s lips on Paige''s. "


    "What?" Aliya''s voice is loud as she ducks her head to meet my eyes. "He kissed her?"


    "She kissed him. " I correct, knowing Emerson didn''t make the move.


    "And he let her?"


    "He pulled away. " I say, the image of that action crossing my mind.


    "So Paige kissed him without his consent and you walked in on him pulling away?" She asks and I nod.


    "Then you left? Though he didn''t do it?"


    "Yes, I did. Because I knew this would happen, but he didn''t listen. We fought over the same issue a


    while ago. I told him how I felt about Paige and him, and he defended her; saying I was overthinking


    things and Paige wouldn''t dare to cross the line. " Augh falls from my mouth at how sure of his words


    he was that night.


    "Weren''t they together once?" Aliya''s question pulls me out of my thoughts and I hum. "It was casual


    sex, but they did it repeatedly, and somehow¨C Emerson thought they could return to being just friends.


    When I walked in on them, it didn''t hurt because I know he didn''t do it. It hurt because I knew it would


    happen, and Emerson had to make me see that. It hurt because he didn''t listen. His intentions might


    have been good, but they hurt me. He didn''t kiss her, but it just hurt seeing her there. So fucking badly.


    "


    "Oh, Evie, " Aliya coos, her grip tightening around my shoulder. "I''m sure he sees it now. I''m sure he


    regrets it. "


    "That doesn''t make it hurt any less. "


    "I know, babe. I know. But sometimes we''re all just so fucked up, and it has to take something


    happening before we finally admit it to ourselves. Emerson made the mistake of not listening to you


    beforehand and now, he''s paying for that mistake. "


    "She was on the couch. Her lips were on his. Alone in our living room. " The thought of Paige being at


    our ce at that time alone fucking anger me.


    "Shhh, don''t think about it. Don''t talk about it. Don''t make yourself go through that, and you''ll be fine. "


    Aliya says as her hand moves to my head.


    "I shouldn''t have had to see that, Aliya. " I whisper and she pulls back to hold me by my arms.


    "I shouldn''t have. " I say again and she yanks me to her chest, her hand going to the back of my head.


    "You shouldn''t have, and he''s insane for letting it happen. He''lle to understand that. "


    I bury my face in her neck, and wrap my hands around her as I try to let it all out, but the tears don''t


    <pe.

 S I X T Y - F O U R

    S I X T Y - F O U R


    EMERSON.


    I''m quick to raise my head from the steering wheel at the vibration of my phone, and I move over the


    divider to grab it; the previous disappointment washing through me when I see it''s a text from Hanna,


    and not who I expected.


    "Where are you, Eva? Please, don''t do this to me. " I mumble under my breath as I scroll to thest text


    I sent her. Delivered, but left unread.


    DIVA: You''re making me fucking worried about you. You can''t just do this, Carson. Juste back,


    please. I''ll head out if you want me to; I just need to make sure you''re safe.


    I hit send before my eyes drift to the time and it reads eleven.


    "Maybe she went back home. " I give into that thought, and throw my phone to the side to start the


    engine as I drive in the direction of home.


    I almost trip over my seatbelt as I attempt to climb out of the car. With a sound of frustration, I unfasten


    the seatbelt and make my way to the front door.


    "Eva!" I shout as I walk inside the house, to be met with total silence.


    "Eva, are you back?" I call again, but the echoes I get back are only that of my voice.


    My chest falls in a sigh as I close the door behind me and slide back against it, my hands moving to my


    hair. "Please. Please, don''t do this to me. "


    When I lift my head, my eyes catch the sight of her bag by my side, and I grab it; the knowledge that


    she left without it settling within me.


    I look through her bag, and there''s no sight of her phone so she left with it. And I have no fucking idea


    where she is.


    "I''m so sorry, Diva. I''m so fucking sorry for not listening to you. It won''t happen again; just, please.


    Come back home. I won''t be at rest until I know you''re fine. I can''t. " I bury my face in the bag and take


    in several breathes of the smell attached to it. Her typical intoxicating fragrance only makes my heart


    arch more.


    After several minutes of sitting there with the bag clutched to my chest, I move to my feet and make my


    way toward her room.


    It''s unlocked and I easily slip inside, the familiarity of her softness weing me as I stride towards her


    bed. I fall on it with my chest to the bed and the bag in between, letting my legs dangle off the edge.


    "Eva, " I let out a call of her name as I spread my hands across the sheets, knowing she should be


    here. We should be in this bed together with our bodies tangled as I perform one of my favourite


    routines of getting her to sleep. Her warmth should be around me, her touches should be on my skin


    and my chest should be glued to hers; not the bag.


    The look of pure horridness that''s always present on her face whenever she wakes up in the middle of


    the night without me by her side crosses my mind and that coupled with the thought that something


    terrible could happen to her because I was foolish enough to let this situation arrive, make me rise to


    my feet. I leave the bag behind and make my way out of her room, grabbing my keys in the living room


    as I walk out of my house to continue my search for my woman.


    I won''te back without her. I won''t stop until I find her; I can''t. Not when she''s out there in the middle


    of nowhere, all alone.


    EVA.


    "I can''t believe you won''t go home to take your stuff. How about what you''d use for today''s sses?"


    Aliya asks as she walks inside the room, returning from her bath.


    "I''ll use yours. We''re already runningte. " I tell her as I turn away from her to grab my phone, the only


    device that I managed to take with me, and solely because it was in my pants pocket. Not that it''s of


    any use if it''s dead.


    "And you''re putting on your clothes fromst night?" She points out as she strides to her dressing table


    and I gaze down at my body before I hum, "I don''t see anything wrong with it. It''s only been worn once.


    "


    "You could take my clothes, you know. " She says as she turns back in her seat to point to her closet


    and I shake my head, "You''re like the twice of me?"


    A frown covers her face. "Are you trying to say I''m fat?"


    "I''m not trying to say you''re fat. I''m saying you''re fat. " I tell her with a raise of my shoulder and she


    says, "Bitch, we''re literally of the same weight! How the fuck am I fat?"


    "You''ve gained weight, Lia. How has that gone past your notice?" I let out a chuckle and her frown


    deepens as she turns to the mirror in front of her, her hands sliding down her arms to the sides before


    she turns back to me and mutters, "I''m not fat. "


    "Oh, yes you are baby. " I tease her with a hint of a smile ying by the corners of my lips and Aliya


    grabs the top on the table. I dodge just in time to miss it as she aims it at me and I let out augh as I


    straighten up again.


    "See? Too fat to even throw things at me. " I taunt her and she sneers, "Call me fat one more time and


    I''ll make you pay for it. "


    I grab the cloth that''s by my side, and take a sniff before I pull it back and throw it at her. It ends up


    covering her face and I say, "Fat. "


    "Bitch. " She groans as she pulls the cloth from her face, and as she moves from her seat, the door


    opens, revealing Maria.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "Hey, Eva, " she greets as she walks in and I throw her a smile, returning the greeting.


    "Hey, Ria. I need to ask you something. " I fall back on Aliya''s bed with my leg crossed over the other


    and a hand on my knee as I watch Aliya stroll to Maria and grab her by the shoulders.


    The girl looks stunned by the sudden gesture and her eyes fall to the contact before she looks back at


    me. When I lift my shoulders in innocence, she looks back at Aliya and says, "Um... Is something


    wrong? You''re kind of gripping a bit too tight. "


    "Oh, sorry, " Aliya apologizes as she removes her hands. "I want to ask you a question and I need you


    to bepletely honest with me. "


    Once again, Maria looks back at me with a confused expression and I shake my head.


    "Sure, what''s it?"


    "Do you think I''m fat?" Aliya asks and I let out an amusedugh as Maria''s eyes move down her body.


    "Fat? Why the hell would you think you''re fat?"


    "Is that a yes or a no?" The impatience and seriousness in Aliya''s voice only intrigue me further.


    "Of course, it''s a no. You aren''t fat. Why would you say that? You''re far from being fat. "


    "Thank you! Looks like someone lost her sense ofparison. " Aliya says as she looks back at me


    and I move from the bed, "You think you''re fat. Otherwise, you wouldn''t panic when I messed with you.


    "


    "You know, babe. Sometimes, I just want to throw my fist in your face. " She hisses as she moves back


    to her table.


    "Aww, I love you too, bitch. " I coo and she raises her middle finger over her head before she turns


    back to her business.


    "Did you spend the night here?" Maria asks, bringing my attention back to her and I nod. "I hope you


    don''t mind. "


    "Of course not. Who am I to stop you?" She jokes and Iugh before I turn back to the bed.


    ~


    "Oh fuck. " Aliya voices out when we reach the entrance of the campus and I raise a brow at her,


    "What''s it this time?"


    "I forgot my phone. " She says with a pout and I mentally facepalm myself. "How dumb are you? We''ve


    gone back at least five times because you keep forgetting things. "


    "I wouldn''t have if you had allowed me to prepare for ss at my normal pace, instead of rushing it!"


    She snaps as she pushes her books into my hands. "You can go ahead and I''ll go get it. "


    "And whatever else you forgot. " I call after her as she strides away and she turns her body in my


    direction to re at me before she walks off.


    I shake my head and gather the books properly in my hands before I walk inside the campus and move


    in the direction of my first ss.


    I do it out of consciousness: my eyes move across the field, to where his car is usually parked and


    there''s no sight of it. Did he stay back today?


    I don''t let myself dwell further on that wonder as I take the first step that''ll lead me to the hallways, only


    for a figure to step in front of me.


    When I raise my head, my eyes meet the familiar redhead and I grit my teeth at her presence.


    "I need to talk to you. " She goes straight to the point as she adjusts the strap of her bag and I say, "I


    don''t want to talk to you. Move out of my way. "


    "Stop being childish and listen to me, blondie. " She says and the tone of her voice only irritates me as


    much as her presence. "The only one being childish right now is you; blocking my way and demanding


    to speak to me, despite my disapproval. "


    "Look¨C" she starts, taking a step forward. "I don''t want to be here either, so make this easy for the both


    of us and just follow me. "


    "Get out of my way. " I tell her, ignoring her words and she sighs. "You just have to make me do this the


    hard way, don''t you?"


    I open my mouth to speak, but before the words are let out; Paige grabs my arm and drags me along


    with her, and I try to jerk her hold off me as I struggle to keep the books in one hand.


    She only listens to my demand for her to stop when we''re at the back of the building, far from others''


    gazes and I throw her a re. "What the fuck is your problem?"


    "We need to talk. It''s about Emerson. " She says, and I scoff before I attempt to sidestep her but she''s


    quick to trudge in front of me. "It''s aboutst night. "


    "I don''t want to listen to whatever bullshit you have to say about¡ª" the rest of my wordses out in a


    gasp when Paige lifts her hand and strikes me across the face.

 S I X T Y - F I V E

    S I X T Y - F I V E


    PAIGE.


    Blondie''s eyes go wide after my palm makes contact with her cheek, not exactly feeling the pleasure I


    hoped it would bring.


    "What the fuck did you just do?" She let out as the books drop to her feet and I say, "I smacked you


    and trust me, I want to do so much more. "


    "Bitch, who the fuck do you think you are?" She snaps as she lunges towards me and grabs me by the


    arm. She pushes me till my back is to the wall and before she can lift her hand, I say, "Emerson told me


    to disappear out of his life. " The motion of her hand stills but she stays rooted to the spot.


    "Look here. I know what you think of me. I''m the one who''s trying to take someone who isn''t mine, " I


    let out and Eva loosens her hold on me, taking a step back.


    I heave a sigh before I continue, "It''s not what you think and I''m not here for what you think I''m here for.


    Emerson and I... We share a bond. To me at least, we do. He was there when I needed someone; he


    was always there. "


    "He was there for you as a good friend; you took it the other way. " She speaks and I shake my head, a


    soft chuckle leaving my mouth. "You don''t understand. " And she truly doesn''t. I wouldn''t me her


    either way. She thinks of this as a woman who''s in love with him, not someone who''s trying to look at


    things from my perspective.


    "When Emerson and I met; I was escaping from my past and it was meant to be just sex between us.


    But it turned into something else when he showed me I don''t have to be afraid of my past. I don''t have


    to run away from it; not when I could conquer it. He was there, right by my side through every single


    step. I know he set the rules and I was to keep to it, but it''s impossible to not feel something other than


    casual for someone who saved you, blondie. It''s impossible to not fall for the man who held your hand


    when the rest of the world turned their back on you. Emerson might have not fell for me, but I did.


    Along with the sex and thefort he provided, it was easy to break the rules. " I pause to look at her,


    and a frown still covers her face.


    "When I found out about you, I was pissed. Like every rational girl in love with a guy would be when


    she finds out the said guy loves another. What you sawst night was my emotions getting the better of


    me. No matter how much I try to exin it, you can''t possibly understand because you''re not me and


    you are not the owner of these feelings, but I want you to know that Emerson was there for me first


    before he fell for you, and it''s impossible to not get hurt because of that. It''s impossible to not want to


    do silly things to separate you two. Emerson thought I would be fine with being just friends and I


    thought so too, but that was untilst night. I''ve been with Emerson in a way I''ve never been with


    anyone else and it''s hard to let that go. It''s hard to not want more from him even when I know he''s in


    love with you. "


    "So what are you trying to say?" Blondie interrupts me and I take a step forward, "I''m saying that I can''t


    be with Emerson in the way he wants me to, and he can''t be with me in the way I want him to. Which is


    why I''m leaving. " I never thought I would say those words. But again, I never thought Emerson would


    tell me to never appear before him again. It hurt. Finding out he is in love with another and wanted to


    remain friends didn''t hurt as much as Emerson asking me to leave his life, but that pain also made me


    realize what I have to do.


    "Leaving?" The confusion in her voice is apparent and I hum, "I never truly understood the depth of his


    love for you untilst night. You''re his happiness, blondie and I can''t be selfish enough to want to ruin


    that. I can''t do that to him, not after everything he did for me. I found happiness with Emerson, but if his


    doesn''t lie with me, then I have to take a step back because I''d rather let him be happy with someone


    else, than be unhappy with me. "


    The words he utteredst night. The look in his eyes and the truth behind them made me understand


    Emerson Ford isn''t mine to keep. I was on my knees before him, yet all he thought about was her.


    Wanting to be the bad one afterst night is easy, but if there''s another thing I can''t handle; it''s


    Emerson Ford hating me more than he already does.


    "Why are you telling me all these? Why not to him?" She asks and I say, "Because you''re the one who


    matters, and I don''t trust myself enough to not lose it if I stand before him. Moreso, Emerson doesn''t


    want to see my face. "


    "You amaze me, Paige. I didn''t think you were capable of this. "


    I let out a cackle at her words. "I tend to do what''s least expected of me. "


    For the first time since we''ve crossed paths, blondie smiles at me. A real genuine smile.


    She gathers the books from the ground and when she raises to her feet again, she says, "I''m sorry you


    had to go through that, and whatever it is that you n to do; I wish you luck in it. " I thought as to what


    was special about this girl that makes her different from the rest, but standing before her now, I


    somehow understand why Emerson love her. She radiates positivity... When she doesn''t want to chop


    your head off for messing with her man.


    "Hold him, " I call out to her when she''s steps away and she turns around to meet my eyes. With a


    small smile on my face, I say, "I know I have no right to say this, but you should never let go of him,


    blondie. Emerson is a good man, and I''ve never seen him in the way that he is with you. "


    "You say that as though you wouldn''t cross paths again. " She voices out and hearing the words from


    her hit harder than when I admitted them to myself. I drop my gaze to blink back the tears before I lift


    my head to her, "Maybe we will. "


    She hesitates before she speaks, "Where are you leaving to?"


    "Where it all began. The past he taught me to embrace. " After running away at the veryst minute, I


    thought Emerson would be there to catch me as always, but he wasn''t. Not anymore. And it''s time to


    learn how to catch myself .


    "Oh, and Paige¨C" Blondie''s voice halts my steps and I twist my body to her view, but before I can meet


    her eyes, she strikes me across the face; the sound deafening to my ears.


    "What the fuck?" I shriek, holding onto my cheek as I look back at her and she throws me a small


    smile, "A parting gift is highly essential. "


    "You''re crazy. " I proim as I watch her turn away, disappearing out of my sight.


    "I didn''t hit this hard. " I mumble under my breath as I rub the burning skin.


    ~


    EVA.


    When I reach the front door, Emerson''s car is parked at the usual spot and I take several breathes


    before I turn the knob and walk through the door. The silence of the room wees me as I enter the


    living room and my gaze moves to the spot where I saw themst night.


    Averting my eyes, I step forward and make my way from the living room to where I know I''ll find him.


    I''m about to walk past my room to Emerson''s but I stop when I notice the door to my room is only half-


    closed. I pace towards it and push the door open, striding inside to see Emerson on my bed with my


    bag on his chest.


    The sight makes my heart flutter and I stroll to his side, dropping to the bed as I shake him awake.


    "Go away, " he grunts as he turns to the other side, taking the bag with him and I smile, "Do you


    honestly mean that?"


    I don''t think I''ve ever seen him move this fast before; Emerson''s eyes open and he turns his head to


    meet my gaze, both shock and relief masking his expression as he sits up on the bed.


    "My God, Eva! Where were you? You got me so fucking scared. I thought something happened to you


    and you weren''t returning my messages, and I thought¨C" his heavy breath worries me and I press a


    hand to the side of his face to calm him before I say, "Shhh, baby. Nothing happened. Nothing could


    have. I was at Aliya''s and I ran out of battery. "


    He doesn''t say another word as he yanks me close to wrap his hands around my body, hugging me


    tight to his and I lock my hands around his neck as I pull back to meet his eyes, "I''m fine. "


    "Don''t do that to me ever again, Eva. Don''t put me in such a ce again. " The pain in his eyes and his


    voice makes my heart ache and I blink back the tears that threaten to roll down my cheeks as I say, "I


    won''t. "


    "Is that a promise?" He raises a brow, his voice sounding disturbed and I smile, leaning forward to


    press my lips to his chin, then I pull back and mumble, "It''s a promise. "


    Emerson''s hand slides to the back of my head, and he closes his lips over mine. The kiss is soft and


    gentle, yet so damn powerful in a way that I''m able to discern every emotion of his through it, and it


    feels like he''smunicating to me. The words are unsaid, but they''re widely recognisable: I love you.


    Don''t leave me ever again. I thought I lost you. I''m so f¨´cking sorry.


    When Emerson draw back, his eyes are soft like always and I smile at him as I drop a hand from his


    neck to his face, caressing the skin as I speak, "I met Paige. "


    There''s a short moment of silence before he parts his lips, "Did she do anything to you?"


    "No, " I mutter, sliding my hands down his face and letting them stay on his chest. "She didn''t. She told


    me things instead. " The words the redhead uttered echo through my mind.


    "What did she tell you?" Emerson asks, pulling me out of my thoughts and I look back at him. "She said


    she''s leaving. "


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Leaving?" He repeats with a lift of a brow and I hum, "Leaving here, it seems. She said she''s moving


    back to embrace what she needs to. "


    When Emerson doesn''t say a word, I proceed to ask him, "Did you say anything to her?"


    "I did, " he breathes, his hands gliding further down my back. "I told her I don''t want to see her ever


    again. I said a lot of things that weren''t so nice, but now that you''re here and you''re telling me this;


    maybe that''s exactly what she needed. Maybe those words are exactly the words she had to hear to


    take the step she''s always been afraid of taking. "


    "Do you know where she''s leaving to?" I question and he nods, "Her mom, " There''s a short pause


    before he continues. "She''s leaving to get her family back. "


    "She said you taught her to stop running from her past. " I tell him and he smiles, his fingers drawing


    small circles across my back now. "Maybe, but she never truly stopped. She learned to live with it, but


    she never felt the need to conquer it, and I''m d she is taking that step now. It''s all I''ve always wanted


    for her. "


    "Do you think she''ll be okay?" If the worry in my voice for the woman doesn''te as a surprise to me,


    it definitely does for Emerson. I didn''t think there would be a day or a time when I would be concerned


    about Paige, but life is truly full of surprises. Sometimes, we feel we know everything, when we in fact


    know nothing. And sometimes, we''re always quick to judge other people without knowing their entire


    story. Paige''s story is no excuse for the way she reacted, but it''s an anchor for it and in a way, I


    understand her because we''re all fucked up one way or the other and we all have different ways of


    dealing with the bad parts of our lives. I saw her as a bad person, but she''s yet another victim of life


    struggles. As we all are. Her only mistake was falling for the man who was everything she needed and


    in that way, I see myself in her.


    "She''s stronger than she looks. She''ll be fine. " He assures me and I nod before I push forward to press


    my face to the side of his neck. "I''m sorry for behaving that way. " My voice is muffled against the skin


    but he manages to catch it.


    "No, Diva. You don''t get to apologize. I''m the one who''s sorry for making you see that. I made the


    mistake of letting Paige believe I''ll be there forever, and I hurt you in the process of trying to amend that


    mistake; I''m the one who should be sorry. I''m the one who''s sorry. " He voices out and I pull back to


    look into his eyes, "You had good intentions. "


    "I did, " he agrees. "But the line I ced between us wasn''t clear enough. I feel so fucking shitty


    knowing I did nothing, but¨C" I press a finger to his lips, silencing the rest of his words.


    "Don''t. She has ovee her fear and she is out there, doing what should have been done.


    Sometimes, things don''t always go the exact way we want them. " I raise a shoulder and he smiles


    against my finger, his tongue darting out to lick the digit.


    "Emerson!" I''m quick to withdraw my hand as I re at him and heughs, his head falling against my


    shoulder.


    "It isn''t funny!" I scowl at him and he raises his head with a smile covering his face, "It is. "


    "I hate you. " I seethe and his smile gets wider as he presses me closer. "I love you. "


    "I hate you. " I repeat the word, trying to hold back a smile when Emerson''s grin drops and a frown


    takes its ce.


    "You love me. " He says, pushing his face closer till my entire space is filled with him. "Say it, Eva. Say


    the words. "


    "I hate you. " I taunt him, then I say, "I love you. "


    The sound of myugh echoes across the room as Emerson attacks my face and neck with kisses; the


    contact of his lips making my skin tingle in all of the wrong ces.


    "Emerson!" I whine as I throw my head to the back with my hands on his shoulders. "Stop. " The word


    manages to break through my giggles.


    After minutes of Emerson''s yful attack andughing till my cheek burns, he finally leans back. "I love


    you, Diva. "


    "I love you, Emerson. " And he flips us after those words, pressing my back to the bed with his body


    hovering over mine as he captures my lips in his. And my heart in his hold. All. Over. Again.

 S I X T Y - S I X

    S I X T Y - S I X


    ALIYA.


    How does one love? How do you fall in love with that person and decide you want to keep that moment


    forever? How does one stay in love without wanting to leave?


    These are the thoughts that are always on my mind ever since that day. Ever since she ran out of my


    room with tears in her eyes and I watch her leave, because I know going after her will do nothing but


    worsen the pain that I''ve caused. The pain that I couldn''t hold back building.


    My name is Aliya Collins and I have a problem.


    I do not know how to love and stay in love.


    At first, I thought maybe it was because I''ve never been in a rtionship, but after being and breaking


    out of love ¨C I realised that never was the problem. It was vice versa. It isn''t that I couldn''t love because


    I wasn''t in a rtionship; I wasn''t in a rtionship because I couldn''t love. But things changed from that


    moment I met her.


    Have you ever looked into someone''s eyes, and thought: oh, I do want to know this person more than


    this. I do want her to be by my side for what''s toe and near. Cause I have. I looked into her


    beautiful brown eyes and I knew I wanted to know her more than that. I knew I wanted her by my side,


    and I got it. Everything was going well in my life. I wake up knowing I''m in love with someone and I go


    to sleep knowing I''ve got a special ce in someone''s heart.


    Then it turned upside side.


    One minute, I was living one of the most beautiful moments of my life and in the second minute,


    everything that I''ve always dreaded came alive.


    I was in love with her. I knew it. I felt it. Said it so many fucking times in so many different ways, then I


    wasn''t? That moment when you''re living a beautiful dream, only for the acerbity of the reality to hit you?


    That was how it felt.


    Sage meant so much to me. And still do. I cared for her, and wanted her to be by my side till she grows


    tired of me, but I was actually the one who grew tired. I''ve thought of many reasons why we would have


    parted, but I never thought it would be because I suddenly fell out of love with her. People break up


    because their partners cheat, because their rtionship isn''t going as they want it to or because they


    are in a toxic rtionship, and I wonder if there have been any breakups because you just stop being in


    love with the other person?


    What exactly is wrong with me? I''ve seen people in love and I''ve watched them grow old in it. I''m


    surrounded by love and I watch love grow daily, but why isn''t that happening to me? Why did I easily


    get tired of loving her? Why did I do that? Is this a curse for me? To what offence have I done to be


    made this way? And to what extent would it go? If I could fall out of love with someone I felt was the


    one, then who else is out there for me?


    Having had a taste of love, I do want it more now than ever, but how do I get that when love doesn''t


    want me?


    "Hey, you!" Eva''s cheerful voice pulls me back to the reality of the cold world that''s before me and I


    raise my head to smile at her. "Hey¨C" I take a peek behind her to see her boyfriend getting out of the


    car they came in with. My best friend is in love and every single day, I watch her glow even brighter but


    me? I lose bit by bit of my sanity with each second that passes.


    "Your man again today?" I tease her and she throws me a re as she removes her hand from my


    shoulder, "Don''t start this morning, Aliya. "


    "You blush too hard, Evie. I''m afraid you''ll turn into a tomato at one point. " I continue my taunt despite


    her alleged dislike for it and she shoves her middle finger in my face, causing me to let out augh.


    As we make our way to the first ss, my eyes move around us, like it''s been doing for days and the


    familiar disappointment and worry flood through me like always when I don''t get what I''m looking for.


    "You just have to ask you know. You don''t have to pretend as though you aren''t worried. " Evie''s voice


    beside me brings my attention to her and I raise a brow, feigning ignorance even when I know what


    exactly she''s hinting at. "What are you saying?"


    "I know you''re looking for her, Lia. You''ve been doing this every single day since Monday. " She calls


    me out, and I drop my head, avoiding her gaze as I speak, "I''m clueless as to what you mean. "


    Eva''s grip on my arm halts my steps and I twist my head to meet her eyes.


    "I know you''re worried because Sage hasn''t been here for days. " She lets out the words I''m afraid of


    and I shake my head, "I''m not¨C"


    Eva doesn''t let me finish before she interrupts me, holding an amused expression as she speaks. "You


    forgot I''m not the only one who''s bad at lying?"


    There''s a rise of my chest and the fall with the sink of my shoulders before I part my lips, "I don''t have


    the right to be worried about her. Not after what I did. "


    "Of course you do. You shouldn''t think that. You had something special with her, Lia. " She says and I


    smile, "Yeah, and I fucked it up. "


    "It wasn''t your fault. We should always have the freedom to express our feelings, no matter how much


    it hurts the other person. " Maybe she''s right, but isn''t it better to hold back expressing those feelings


    that just hurt too much? Couldn''t it have been better to keep lying just to prevent that pain?


    When I don''t give a response, Eva proceeds to say, "She hasn''t been in since Paige left. I think she''s


    down because of it; they were close after all. "


    Right. Paige. The one who left after chaos.


    "I''m sure she''s fine. She should be, but if you''re that worried then I can ask Emerson to¡ª"


    "No, " I say, silencing the rest of her words. "You shouldn''t. You don''t have to. It''s like you said; she''s


    fine. "


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Are you sure?" She asks, narrowing her eyes at me and I give her a small smile to assure her. "I am.


    Now let''s stop speaking about it. "


    She nods and I drape a hand over her shoulder as we walk into the hallways.


    "So how are things going with you and Emerson?" I nudge her with my elbow to lighten the mood


    between us as we stride closer to the ss and she says, "Why are you suddenly interested in my


    rtionship?"


    "Haven''t I always been?" I arch my brows and sheughs. "That''s right. I forgot you''ve always been


    this noisy. It''s a surprise that I''m still here. "


    "Is that supposed to be an insult?"


    "Does it sound like one to your ears?" She retorts, the mockery beneath her words not escaping my


    notice and I say, "Sometimes, I honestly wonder why I put up with you. "


    "That''s because you know you can''t find another one like me, bitch. " She passes me a wink and I


    shake my head, augh falling from my mouth as we walk inside the room.


    Eva stops beside me when we get to the front and I trace the direction of her gaze tond on no one


    else but Emerson Ford. His smile matches the one on her face as they dive into their little world.


    Love. A beautiful moment of love.


    If my best friend can fall in love with a guy she once hated, then why''s it hard for me to stay in love with


    the one I''ve always cared for?


    ~


    EVA.


    "Why don''t you want Hanna toe?" I ask Emerson as I climb on the bed and he looks up from the


    board in front of him, "She told you?"


    "That doesn''t answer my question, " I tell him and he says, "She has your contact? When did you two


    exchange contacts?"


    "Emerson. " I let out a groan of frustration. "Why don''t you want her toe here?"


    "Why should she?" He counters as he grabs his pencil. When I re at him, he proceeds to say, "There


    are many reasons for her not to; one of those reasons being the fact that she can''t be around us. "


    "What do you mean?" I frown and look down at my chest when he gestures to it. I pull down the shirt


    before I look back at Emerson, "Why can''t she be around us?"


    "I can''t keep my hands off you, Carson and I don''t want my sister witnessing every single second of


    that. " He says nonchntly as he looks down to the board before him, his hand moving across it.


    "Still¨C she said she isn''t staying overnight. I''m sure you can keep it in your pants for hours, Ford. " I try


    to persuade him, knowing the girl really wants to see her brother but Emerson remains stubborn. "No, I


    can''t and she can''te. We''ll meet when I go back home. "


    "You''re going back home?"


    "You''re distracting me. " He hisses, looking up at me with a pointed look and I pout, blinking at him


    innocently. Emersonughs and shakes his head before he drops his gaze.


    "You''re honestly keeping her back?" I speak up again.


    "I need to focus, baby. " He says and I nod as I adjust on the bed while he starts his drawing.


    ~


    "Hmm," I make a sound at the back of my throat as Emerson''s hand slide around my neck to the back


    of my head, gently lifting me from the bed.


    "You taste so f¨´cking good, " he mumbles against my lips before he pulls back to stare into my eyes


    and my breathinges out in short pants. "I''ll never be able to get enough of you, Eva. "


    My tongue peeks out to wet my bottom lip as I drop my hands down his chest, loving the slight tremble


    under my touch. "I don''t want you to ever get enough. "


    Emerson''s lips curve into a soft smile and he leans forward to take my lips in his again, his tongue


    sliding through the space between my lips to dominate my mouth. Stroking and sucking on my tongue


    till I let out a whimper at how fucking good it feels and wetness pools between my legs.


    Emerson detaches his lips from mine, lowering his head to the side and I let out a moan of contentment


    as his lips melt against the skin of my neck, teeth grazing across the flesh till I''m sure he leaves his


    mark.


    "Emerson¨C" I let out a call of his name, and something tells me he knows exactly what I want when he


    pulls back with a smirk on his face.


    "I need to use the bathroom, " he announces and I raise a brow, "Right now?"


    "Yes, right now Diva. " He chuckles, pushing forward to brush his lips against mine before he says,


    "Can we have lunch when Ie back?"


    "Does that have a double meaning?" I ask and he shakes his head, "You''re addicted to my cock,


    Carson. I''m almost afraid the little guy will steal you away from me. "


    "It''s impossible not to when he''s the one doing all the job. " I tell him in a tease and he lifts himself off


    me to climb off the bed. Just before he makes it, I push my body from the bed to ce a p on his


    ass and Emerson turns to re at me.


    "You have a fine ass, Ford. You can''t me me for it. " I repeat my usual words and he shakes his


    head like he always does, the ghost of a smile ying by the corners of his lips before he disappears


    into the bathroom.


    I let out a sigh as I look around the room before I get off the bed. I slip my feet into the slippers by the


    side and make my way out of Emerson''s room to the direction of the kitchen.


    I open the fridge and grab thest bowl of ice cream with a spoon before I stride into the living room


    and drop on the couch. As I take the first bite of the ice cream with the familiar chilliness washing


    through me; my eyes go to the phone on the table and I extend my hand to grab it.


    I keep the spoon between my lips as I unlock the screen and scroll to the gallery. Just as I''m about to


    touch the screen, Emerson''s voice echoes behind me, "What are you doing?"


    I twist my head to his view and begin to say, "Hey, do you have those pictures fromst¨C"


    "What do you think you''re doing?" He interrupts me before I can finish and I arch a confused brow,


    "Uh?"


    "You have my phone in hand. Why do you have my phone in hand, Carson?" The tone of his voice is


    strange as he paces toward me and I say, "What do you mean? Is something wrong?"


    "Obviously there is if you''re operating my phone behind my back?" I note the annoyance in his words


    and I let out a scoff, "I wasn''t. I was just trying to¨C"


    "Give it. " He stretches his hand and I look between the phone and his palm before I ce it in his


    hand.


    He takes it from me and I watch as his fingers move across the screen, "Where did you go? What did


    you do?"


    "I was about to take a look at the pictures you tookst time. " I tell him and he raises his head to me,


    "Are you sure that was all?"


    "Why are you overreacting? It''s just a fucking phone. You never had a problem with me touching your


    phone before. " I snap, irritation creeping into my voice and Emerson sighs, slipping the mobile into his


    pants pocket. "You never take it without my approval before this. "


    "You were in the bathroom, and I honestly didn''t think you''d be this pressed. " I hiss and there''s a


    pause before he opens his mouth, "Just don''t... Just don''t do this again, yeah?"


    I want to tell him that we never had issues with phone boundaries but knowing that''ll lead to an


    unwanted long argument, I agree, "Fine. "


    "Good girl. " He smiles, moving closer to press his hand to the side of my face. And when his eyes dart


    to the bowl in my other hand, he says, "Ice cream for lunch?"


    "I was craving it. " I voice out and Emerson nods. "You always do. Wait here, and I''ll go make us


    something for lunch. "


    "Okay. " I respond and he presses his lips to my cheek before he turns away to the direction of the


    kitchen, and I stare at his back view, wondering what the fuck just happened.

 S I X T Y - S E V E N

    S I X T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    "I might be homete tonight, are you alright with that?" Emerson asks as I unfasten my seatbelt. I turn


    to him and say, "Why not? Are you leaving campus early?"


    "Yes. I have to head over to Jaxon for some things. " He tells me and I nod, tearing my gaze away from


    his to grab my bag.


    "Is that okay with you?" Emerson inquires when I drop my gaze back to him and I nod, "Of course.


    Gives me more alone time to myself without you sniffing your face into my ass. "


    "Oh, babe, " he chuckles as he leans over the divider to grab my chin. "Have I ever mentioned how


    adorable you sound when you try to hide the truth from me?"


    "I don''t think I need to hide if it''s¡ª" Emerson''s lips on mine shut me up and he stays for five seconds


    before he pulls back, "Make me dinner before I get back, yeah?"


    "What am I? Your wife?" I snort out augh as I p his hand from my chin and he sinks back in his


    seat with a knowing smile on his face. "No, you''re something more. That sounds too low inparison.


    " I twist my head from his view after those words to hide the way he once again easily made me turn


    red.


    "Baby?" Emerson calls behind me, and I just know he''s smiling with the tone of that voice. Clearing my


    throat and taking several exhales to calm down my burning cheeks coupled with my racing heart, I


    angle my head to meet his eyes. "I just remembered. You said you''ll do the groceries today. "


    "Oh shoot, " he mumbles, guilt covering his face. "We still have enough tost us for a week or more.


    I''ll do it tomorrow, I can''t cancel ns with Jaxon. "


    "You said that thest time we ran out and I ended up doing it myself. " I throw him a frown and he puts


    on one of those convincing looks that get so hard to resist. "I won''t this time, Eva. "


    "Promise, " he adds when I don''t give a response and I give a curt nod to curb the smile that''s


    threatening to break out. Silence swims between us with our gazes fixed on each other before there''s a


    loud beep of a phone and I look down to thepartment to grab Emerson''s phone but he''s quick to


    snatch it from me.


    "Got it. " He mutters as he waves the device in the air. "Probably an unnecessary text from Hanna or


    one of the boys. "


    "Um, okay?" I respond and then gesture to the door. "I need to catch up to Aliya. See you in ss?"


    "See you. " He says with a small smile and I close the space between us to press a kiss to his cheek


    before I climb out of the car.


    Shutting the door behind me, I throw another nce at Emerson to see his eyes on his screen. What


    the hell was that? Why was he so rmed?


    Looking away from him, I shake my mind off the thought before I walk away.


    ~


    "Eva!" I jump at the loudness of Aliya''s voice and when I meet her eyes, I throw her a frown, "Why the


    fuck did you shout so loud?"


    "Because I''ve been speaking to you without your attention?" She scowls and my shoulders sink in a


    sigh as I drop my hands on the table before me. "Sorry. I was lost in thoughts. "


    "Is everything alright? You don''t look so good. Did something happen with Emerson?" She asks and I


    take a while before I part my lips, deciding whether the issue is worthy enough to speak to Aliya about.


    Knowing it''ll keep bothering me until I speak about it with someone, I go along with it. "Can I ask you


    something?"


    "Sure, why not?" She responds and I lean over the table, moving my face closer to hers. "Do you think I


    should be worried if I start noticing some changes in a person''s behaviour?"


    "Changes like what?" She questions and I say, "Just minor ones. They start doing things differently


    from the way they used to and they''re always wary with the slightest of things that never mattered


    before. "


    "I don''t know, " she starts, rubbing her chin. "I think it depends on whether things have changed


    between the both of you. "


    Changed? Nothing changed between me and Emerson. The phone protectiveness just came out of


    nowhere, and it''s leading to thoughts that I shouldn''t have. Thoughts that I know can''t be true, but I


    can''t help considering.


    "This person is Emerson, isn''t it?" Aliya''s voice pulls my attention back to her and I hum, "He''s been


    acting odd and I''m scared. "


    "In what way?" Aliya questions further and I say, "He''s being... Guarded? Mostly for his phone. "


    "Maybe he doesn''t like you invading his privacy? There are people like that, Evie. No matter how


    intimate you get, they always want their privacy. " She exins and I make a sound of disapproval.


    "No, that isn''t it. He wasn''t like this before. There''s no seclusion when ites to me and him, Aliya.


    Especially not with his phone. He leaves the phone carelessly around me, and I help with his calls


    sometimes, but now it''s different. Just a subtle touch will earn me loads of questions and it''s starting to


    frustrate me. What''s he so guarded for?"


    "Maybe it''s getting too much?" She suggests and I lift a brow, "What do you mean?"


    "I mean you guys have never been like this before. Not until you got into a rtionship, and at first; he


    would think it''s alright. But then it starts to get too much and he doesn''t know how to go about it so he


    pulls away? Like he needs space? Wanting to take a breath of fresh air after being suffocated for


    long?"


    "No. " I''m quick to oppose her analysis. "I know Emerson, Aliya and he isn''t like that. If you haven''t


    noticed, he''s the clingiest between the two of us and he was in my space before I was in his. It can''t be


    that. "


    "I don''t know what else it could be. " She says. "But I believe he''s your man and you should know him


    better than anyone. You should try to speak to him about it if it''s disturbing you this much. "


    "Maybe. Maybe I should. " I agree and she smiles, lifting her hand to the table to caress mine. "But I''m


    sure it''s nothing to be worried about. Emerson loves you, Evie. I barely see him around yet I know that


    fact. "


    "It''s cute when you try to act mature. " I tease her and she drops her hand. "Fuck off, bitch. "


    And I shove her my middle finger before we both break into augh.


    "Oh, is that Sage?" I speak at the sight of the blonde-haired girl walking into the room with an unfamiliar


    girl by her side.


    I wear a smile as I lift my hand to wave at her, and she meets my eyes, her expression the opposite of


    what I''m used to before she turns her head away and I slowly drop my hand. When I shift my gaze


    back to Aliya, she''s staring at me and I say, "Do you think she just ignored me? She saw me but she


    looked away?"


    "I don''t see any reason for her to say hello, Evie. I''m right here. " She points a finger to herself and I


    watch as Sage walks past us without a word or something as simple as a nce. I''m stunned to say at


    least. Sage is warm and cheerful. At times, I thought she was a perfect fit for Aliya because their


    personalities are almost the same, but this Sage? Her whole posture screams cold.


    "Stop staring at her. " Aliya tells me and I look away from the duo. "She obviously doesn''t want to talk.


    Let her be, Eva. "


    "Do you want to go talk to her? You''ve been worried for days. " I remind her and she turns her head


    sideways in disagreement. "No, I''m fine. Talking to her will do nothing but worsen the way things are


    and I don''t want to either. I''m alright with the sight of her well being. "


    "Aliya¡ª" I start to say but she cut me off. "Drop it, Eva. " Then she grabs her bag from the side, "I''m


    done. Are you? We should leave. "


    Knowing the reason behind her sudden willingness to leave, I nod and grab my bag, trailing after her as


    we make our way out.


    ~


    "Are you okay?" Emerson asks as he hovers over my body with his hands staying by the sides of my


    head and I smile at him, "Of course, I am. Why won''t I be?"


    "You''ve just been spacing out a lot since I got back, and that''s so unlike you. Is anything bothering


    you?" Other than the fact that you''ve been behaving strangely?


    "No. Nothing. I''m just thinking about my project. " I lie with a forced smile on my face, none of which he


    seems to notice as he leans forward to brush his lips against mine.


    When he pulls back, he says, "Don''t make me worried about you, Eva. I don''t like the feeling. " Neither


    do I when you give me reasons to start having bad thoughts and doubts.


    "I know, and I won''t. " I promise him and a smile appears on his face as he pushes forward again,


    taking my lips in his this time. I shut my eyes and let all previous thoughts drown to be in the moment


    with him as I slide my hands up his arms and leave them on his shoulders, squeezing the skin with


    each tangle of his tongue against mine.


    The kiss turns from slow to fast and his lips turn from gentle to rough against mine as he glides his


    hand across my chest, squeezing my breast before he tugs at the hardened nipple and a moan moves


    from the back of my throat¨C one that he dly swallows.


    He devours my mouth till I no longer feel which is mine and which is his, with the slow movement of tug


    and pull on my breasts, making me burn under his touches till the desire for more streams through me


    and I drop my hands to the hem of his shirt, hand slipping underneath to feel his taut muscles at the tip


    of my fingers.


    "Emerson¨C" his name falls from my mouth in a pant when he releases my lips to move to my neck,


    giving me a short time to breathe with his continual attack on my neck and my breasts.


    "Your hand. " I manage to let out as I throw my head to the side, creating more space for him to leave


    his marks.


    Much to my disdain, Emerson pulls back with his torturous caress on my breasts halting and when I


    look back at him, a visible smirk rests on his lips.


    "You want more?" He asks the obvious and I''m only able to hum in response. Not looking quite


    satisfied with my answer, he proceeds to say, "Your words, Eva. Use your words. Do you want more?


    Do you want these clothes gone? Do you want my hands on your bare tits? Or maybe it''s my mouth? "


    "You know, I do, " my replyes out in a moan and I know he feels my impatience as I lock my hands


    around his waist and try to bring his mouth to mine, but like the motherfucking dirty tease he is¨C he


    doesn''t budge.


    "Emerson. " I let out a cry of frustration and he dares to smile at me, bringing his face closer to mine;


    only enough for me to feel the heat but not to take it with me.


    "You''re so eager, Carson. Do you realize that?" He whispers as one of his hands moves to the space


    between our lower bodies and it rolls to the waistband of my panties. "So fucking needy that it drives


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    me insane. Do you do it on purpose, uh? You know how much it fucks with my head when you act like


    that so you do it every single time to watch me at your mercy?"


    Whatever answer I was going to give to Emerson and whatever his words were bes faded


    thoughts the moment he rubs two fingers across my wetce. The touch is electrifying, turning me on


    at the right and all ces.


    "Another. Another, please. " I plead desperately as I nudge his body into mine with my hold on his waist


    and Emerson chuckles, "I know, baby. I know what you want and I''ll give it to you. "


    He looks down to where his touch is and he repeats the action. No longer able to hold back, I lift my


    hands from his waist to his head, gripping onto his hair as I plead for another¨C something that''s


    be a favourite thing to do.


    Emerson takes his time in making me ache for more and more, till it feels like I''m about to burst out of


    the need for it. He doesn''t use his mouth and he doesn''t use his tongue; hell he''s barely using his


    hand! Just two fingers. He has me where he wants me with just two fingers against my soaked panties.


    God, it feels so fucking good. I didn''t think a bare touch to my d pussy could feel this good, but it''s


    him. And he has a way of making even the most innocent of kisses feels so fucking dirty.


    "I will¡ª" Emerson''s words pause at the sound of his phone going off and I''m brought out of the state of


    bliss I''m in when he withdraws his hand.


    "Emerson. " I whine as he starts to move away and his gaze settles back on me. "I just need to check,


    baby and I''ll be back. " He assures me, cing a soft kiss on my lips and I let my hands fall from his


    hair as he climbs off the bed.


    I twist my head to the side to watch him grab the phone.


    "Babe, this is important. I need to take this. " He calls over his shoulder without taking his eyes off the


    screen and I start to sit up on the bed with my back against the headboard. "That''s fine. You can take it.


    "


    There are no other words from Emerson as he picks up the call and glues the phone to his ear. I furrow


    my brows when he starts to stride in the other direction and he''s out of my room.


    A sigh leaves my mouth and I stretch my hand to grab my phone, unlocking the screen and scrolling


    through the pictures.


    After minutes of using my phone and getting bored with no sign of Emerson, I toss the mobile to the


    side and get out of bed, following in the direction he took earlier.


    "Emerson. " I call in the silence of the night as I pace towards his room. I unlock the door and slip my


    head through the small space to see there''s so Emerson inside.


    "Where did you go?" I mumble under my breath as I shut the door and turn my body in the direction


    that leads me out of the rooms and into the living room. Hushed voices areing from the other side


    when I get to the living room and I take the corner that brings me to the kitchen. Emerson is standing


    before the counter with his back turned to me when I get there and I arch a brow. Did he leave me in


    the room to take a call in the kitchen?


    I make my way towards him, but halt my steps when I hear him say, "No, she doesn''t know yet. I''ll be


    there tomorrow. "


    He turns after those words, and I notice the way he flinches slightly when his gaze settles on mine, his


    eyes going wide.


    "Eva!" He lets out a call of my name with surprise and concernced through his voice as he mutters


    some words lowly to the phone, then he moves it from his ear.


    "Who were you speaking to?" I ask him with a raise of my brow at the same time he says, "Why are


    you here? How long have you been standing there?"


    There are moments of silence between us before he opens his mouth again, "What are you doing,


    Eva?"


    When I don''t give a response, he reaches out a hand as he strolls toward me. "Come on. Let''s go back


    to the room. "


    I don''t let his touch stay on my skin, knowing that''s the moment I''ll overlook what just went down.


    "Eva. Let''s go. " He repeats his words and I shake my head as I move to the side. "No. "


    Confusion masks his expression and he says, "What do you mean no? Do you want something?"


    I can no longer hold it back. I''ve tried. God, I''ve fucking tried to disregard it; telling myself it''s nothing


    and I might just be thinking too much into things, but it''s getting harder to hold myself back when he''s


    like this. The cautious calls, the sudden weird behaviour, the way he flinched when he saw me here


    and the look of suspicion on his face; it''s all too much.


    And that''s why I part my lips. "What were you doing?"


    "Uh?" He lifts a brow and I step closer to him. "Right here. You were on a call. What do you mean by


    those words and who were you on a call with?"


    "How much of it did you hear?" Emerson ignores my question to ask his instead and I say, "That


    doesn''t answer my fucking question, Emerson!"


    "What is it this time, Eva? Can''t I be on a call?" He voices out in a tired tone and a scoff leaves my


    mouth, "That isn''t what this is about and you fucking know it, Ford! Don''t try to y games with me


    because I know you know what I mean. You left me in there to take a call? What happened to taking


    the calls in my presence or ignoring them because you don''t want to let go of me? What the fuck


    happened to that? And you were here. Do I have to mention how fucking scared you look when you


    saw me? Who were you on the phone with, Emerson?"


    "Eva, look¡ª" he starts, but I don''t let him finish before I interrupt him. "No, Emerson. I''m tired. I''m so


    damn tired of pretending you haven''t been acting distrustfully for a while now. You''ve been behaving


    weirdly and I''m so fucking tired of not speaking up about it! I know it and you know it. You''re keeping


    something from me, Ford and I want to know this fucking instant; what the hell are you hiding from


    me?"


    "God. " He groans, pping a palm into his face. When he looks back at me, he says, "I don''t want to


    do this with you, please. So let''s just go back to bed. Eva?" He tries to touch me again, but again, I


    move back.


    With a firm voice, I speak. "It''s either you tell me what''s going on with you, or I leave. And I assure you,


    Ford. The moment I walk out of this room, that''s it. "

 S I X T Y - E I G H T

    S I X T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    The air between us has altered and my fists are folded as a measure to not slip over the edge with my


    nose ring in irritation as I stare at Emerson, who stands two steps away from me with frustration


    clear in his eyes¨C no doubt that ites nowhere as close to mine.


    "I can''t believe you, Eva. What is it that you want to hear from me?" He speaks and I say, "What is it


    that you''re hiding?"


    "I''m not hiding anything¡ª" He starts, but I cut in, my voice loud as I part my lips. "Stop fucking lying!


    You don''t get to do that, Emerson. You don''t get to lie right to my fucking face! You''re keeping


    something from me. It''s visible and I want to know it!"


    "So you think I''m hiding something from you because I don''t want you using my phone behind my back


    or because I didn''t take a call in your presence? Can you hear yourself, Eva? You''re calling me a liar


    because I want my privacy?" Disbeliefced through his voice as he scoffs.


    "No. Don''t. Don''t do that. Don''t turn this on me. This isn''t about your privacy. You never fucking cared


    about privacy so why now?" I lift a brow at him and he says, "Why does it matter?"


    "Because it fucking bothers me! Don''t you fucking get it? Your actions are making me think things I


    shouldn''t! And it isn''t just about being in your privacy because you know damn well a slight touch to a


    phone isn''t intruding damn privacy!" I tell him, marching closer to his front.


    "I''m not hiding anything from you, Carson. " He repeats the same words from earlier with a tone of


    finality, his words leaving no room for further controversy and I nod as I slowly back away from him


    before I twist my body in the other direction and walk out of the kitchen.


    Walking inside my room, I slip my legs into the nearest pants I can find, and throw a sweater over my


    head, grabbing my phone from the bed before I walk out of the room with my ts covering my feet.


    When I walk back into the living room, Emerson is standing at the kitchen opening and when his eyes


    fall on me; rm covers his face before he starts to saunter in my direction while I turn towards the


    door.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Emerson grabs my wrist, halting my steps and I turn back to meet


    his eyes. "Out. I need to be away from here. "


    "Eva, please. Not this again. " He groans. "We''re not doing this again, Eva. You can''t make us do this


    again. "


    "I''ll be back, Emerson. I just need a take of fresh air. This is too much. " I proim, knowing I truly


    cannot bring myself to stay away from him, but also knowing if I stay in this moment with how things


    are between us; it''ll lead to a lot moreplications than just mere arguments.


    Slowly, he drops his hold on me and opens his mouth, "Okay. But please don''t leave me worried and


    "I will. " I give him a nod and his chest falls in a sigh before he nods in return. I turn away from him and


    walk out of the house, heading in the only direction I know how to.


    ~


    It doesn''t take long before I''m in front of Aliya''s door, and only when I stare at the frame, do I


    contemte whether it was a good decision toe here after a heated argument with Emerson.


    When I''m like this, she''s the first person I think of, but I''m afraid the more I keeping to her; the


    more tiring it''ll grow even if she doesn''t voice it out. She does have her issues to deal with after all.


    My shoulders drop as I take a step back, tearing my gaze from the doorframe; only for my eyes tond


    on Aliya.


    "Eva?" She''s standing in front of me in a short dress and boots¨C her typical club attire.


    "Were your leaving?" She asks as she strolls to the door and I say, "Yes, I¡ª did you go to the club?"


    Aliya takes her key from the bag as she speaks. "Yes, I went for a drink. I needed to clear my head. "


    "Aliya, " I mutter as I step to her side. "You could have told me. "


    "No, " she chuckles as she gazes at me over her shoulder. "I don''t want to shorten your time with


    Emerson, and it was just a few drinks. It didn''t take long. "


    She opens the door and strides inside, and I trail after her, closing it behind us. "It doesn''t matter, Aliya.


    You should have called me, because I would have. We always have each other''s back no matter what,


    remember?"


    "I know, babe. I just didn''t want to disturb you. " She says and then she kicks her boots off, throwing the


    bag to a corner.


    "I don''t care. You''ll call or text me next time if you ever have any worries, yeah?" I order sternly and she


    smiles, "Yes, mummy. "


    "Call me that once again and it won''t be funny. " I throw her a yful re before dropping my eyes to


    her dress. "Did you manage to sort out your thoughts?"


    "Yeah. I''m good for now. " She says and I narrow my eyes at her, "Are you sure?"


    "I am. What about you? If you''re here at this time then it means something happened?" She questions,


    bringing us back to the primary reason behind my appearance.


    "He didn''t say it. He''s hiding something and I know it. " I tell Aliya as we walk to her bed and she says,


    "Are you sure it''s something to get this angry over?"


    "He''s keeping secrets and you fucking think I shouldn''t be angry over it?" I furrow my brows and Aliya


    is quick to shake her head, "That''s not what I mean. Maybe he isn''t just ready to tell you? I''m sure there


    are some things it took a while before you could tell him about?"


    "I never hesitate with ites to Emerson. Not since we got this intimate. " He''se to be my


    so why isn''t he letting me in this time?


    "You can''t forget that we all have ways of doing things, Evie. " Aliya''s words pull me out of my thoughts


    and I look back at her.


    "That doesn''t excuse his actions. You don''t understand; it''s frustrating. Having to be on edge every time


    and wondering what exactly it could be. Is it something good or something bad? Mostly thinking it''s bad


    because he wouldn''t be like this if it''s good, right? Those thoughts are driving me insane and his


    behaviour doesn''t help either. " I hiss and Aliya sighs, "So you left home? And you are not going back?"


    "No, I will. "


    "Uh?" She arches a brow and I proceed to say, "I''ll go back tonight. I just honestly need some time


    away from him. The anger was overheated. "


    "Come here, " she opens her right arm, gesturing for me to move closer and I adjust into her embrace,


    Just give it time. "


    "We should. " I mumble. "I honestly hope so. "


    ~


    "You''re home. " Emerson is on my bed when I walk inside my room with his back to the headboard.


    "I am. " I respond as I shut the door behind me and pace towards my closet.


    "You can use my shirt. " Emerson voices out behind me when I stand in front of the dresser and I turn


    around, my eyes going to the shirt by his side. When I meet his eyes, he adds, "I took it out specifically


    for you. "


    "Okay. " I agree, moving from the closet to grab his shirt. I stand by the bedside as I get rid of my


    clothes and throw his over my head, the familiar safeness inundating me as I pull at the hem of it.


    "Come here. " Emerson pats the space next to him and I walk to the bed. I carefully climb on and


    Emerson''s hand goes around my waist the second I''m settled, sping my back against him.


    "Are we good?" He asks, the warmth of his voice pressing to my ear and I let out a chuckle, "Do you


    think we are?"


    "You have to trust me, Eva. I know you think I''m hiding something important from you, and maybe I am


    but you honestly have to trust me to have good reasons for doing that. I need you to. I said it once and


    I''ll say it again¨C I''ll never intentionally put myself in a position to hurt or lose you. " Pain neveres


    intentionally, but that doesn''t make it hurt any less. The worst type of pain is the unpredictable one. The


    one that hit you out of the blue; one you never sawing.


    "Let''s go to sleep, please. I''m tired. " I whisper and he hums, pressing his lips to the edge of my ear.


    "Everything will be fine, soon. I promise. " Then he pulls back, snuggling me against his chest.


    I don''t give him a response as I shut my eyes and let the sleep snatch away my worries.


    ~


    "Hey. " I look away from the screen and angle my head to the door to see Emerson shutting it.


    "Hey. " I answer when he turns back to me and he strides towards me as he speaks, "You didn''t wait


    earlier. "


    "I thought you were busy with your friends. "


    "Still, " he whines as he drops to his knees before me and grabs my hands. "You could have notified


    me. "


    "It didn''t cross my mind. " I dismissively raise my shoulder and a pained expression crosses his face.


    "That hurts, Carson. I thought I was the first on your mind? What happened to it?"


    "Same question I ask myself. " I mumble under my breath, looking away from him, but Emerson seems


    to catch the words because he says, "I don''t like this, Eva. I honestly don''t. "


    "Don''t like what?" I furrow my brows when I drop my gaze meets his.


    "The cold shoulder and the silent treatment. It''s fucking killing me and I don''t fancy it a bit. I thought we


    talked about thisst night?" Heins.


    "And I heard you. I left campus with Aliya because you were with your friends and I didn''t think it was


    alright to walk in there. It''s not giving a cold shoulder. "


    "So you''re not mad about our previous argument?" He queries and I hum, agreeing to his words. "I''m


    not. "


    "Kiss me then. " He demands and I start to say, "I don''t think¡ª"


    "Kiss me, Eva. I want your lips on mine. " He insists and knowing Emerson won''t drop it until I do


    exactly that, I lean forward and press my lips to his, letting it stay for ten seconds before I pull back.


    "My good girl. " He smiles as he removes one of his hands from mine to caress my cheek. Then he


    asks, "Can youe out with me? I want to get a book from the bookstore. "


    When I take a while to respond, Emerson says, "Please, baby. I don''t want to go alone. "


    "Fine. " I grumble and he pulls me out of the couch, turning the TV off before he guides me to the exit


    and out of the house.


    I climb inside his car and he enters through the other door, starting the engine and driving out of his


    spot. A slow song that seems to match the umunicative mood between us ys on the radio and I


    let out a sigh as I press my head against the window. When I feel Emerson''s touch on my thigh, I turn


    my head to him and he throws me a small smile before he looks to the path before him.


    ~


    "I didn''t know there''s a bookstore here. " I let out when Emerson stops the car and I unfasten my


    seatbelt as I stare at the building beside us.


    "It''s new and I thought they should have some good stuff. " Emerson answers next to me and we both


    climb out of the car.


    "Shoot, I forgot my phone. Go ahead and I''ll catch up to you. " He says when we''re almost at the


    entrance before he turns back to walk to the car while I continue my steps, and walk inside the


    bookstore.


    "Hello. " I greet, my voice echoing back to me as my eyes move across the room. I take a step forward,


    and I''m about to turn back, but still on the spot when my gaze catches sight of heart-shaped balloons


    tied to the shelves.


    "What''s that?" I question myself as I pace further inside to see there are several heart-shaped balloons


    tied to each shelf.


    "Emerson, what''s happening¡ª" I turn around and the rest of my words fall in a gasp at the sight of


    Emerson standing by the door with a single flower in hand. Is that... A red rose?


    "What are you... Emerson, what''s this?" I stutter through my words and he smiles at me. "A surprise. I


    wasn''t sure how to do it. But after days of thinking it through and on how I want to give you this; I


    decided there''s no better way than at a ce that''s one of our favourites. One we both love because it


    was once our safe ce before we became each other. "


    "Emerson... A surprise?" To say I''m shocked will be an understatement and with Emerson standing in


    front of me now, in this kind of ce; I start to connect the dots. Surprise. He was nning a surprise. I


    lift my gaze to him, "Does this mean the calls and..."


    "The bookstore belongs to Jaxon''s niece who recently opened so he helped with it. Most of the time,


    we conversed over the phone because I couldn''t find it in me to leave you every time and I didn''t want


    you to see the messages, or this would be ruined. I was speaking to himst night; He asked if you


    figured it out yet and I needed toe here to add the final touches. " He exins and my jaw drops.


    "My God. I can''t¡ª I can''t. " I choke on my words and Emerson speaks again. "I thought I''d be nice.


    You''re my first rtionship. My first love and my first woman, Carson. You''re special to me and I


    wanted to give you something special in return. I wasn''t sure whether you would like it, but since we


    became each other''s without the official request, I thought something like this would make up for that. "


    This man. God, this man. How the hell did I get so lucky with him? What good exactly have I done to


    deserve him?


    Emerson begins to walk and stops in front of me. He stretches the flower to me with a bright smile on


    his face, one that matches his eyes. "Here. "


    "Emerson. " I call out his name as I take it from him, because other words seem so heavy to let out.


    There are words... Thousands of words to be said, yet I can''t seem to bring them out.


    "You make me a better man, Carson. " He once again beats me to it and I shake my head, "No. "


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Yes, yes you did and you still do. Every moment I wake up with you in my arms, I want to be fucking


    better than the present. Every single time. Because I know you deserve that much. Because I want to


    do that much for you. " His words are doing nothing but fucking me up further, bringing more tears to


    my eyes in a way that warms my heart.


    "Please. " I don''t know what I''m pleading for but Emerson doesn''t stop. "What I feel for you. I don''t think


    it''s just love anymore, Eva. It''s more. It''s beyond it. I feel it. I feel it everywhere. I feel you everywhere,


    Carson. My heart aches for you. My body desires you. My soul needs you. My mind is all yours. I fell so


    fucking hard for you Carson and I don''t ever want to get up. " Beautiful words. Only this man who


    stands before me in his entire glory with his gorgeous eyes on me is capable of such words that fucks


    my entire being up in an amazingly good way.


    "No... No, please. Stop. "


    He shakes his head as he lifts his hand to my face, his thumb stroking my chin. "I can''t, baby. I can''t.


    I''m too deep in it; I can''t stop. I don''t want to ever stop. I''ll do anything and everything to keep this


    moment forever. I want to live in this moment forever. Just me and you, baby. Emerson Ford and Eva


    Carson. "


    "Emerson... All these... This ce. Your words¡ª You. Oh, God. I''m so sorry. I''m so fucking sorry. " I


    end my words in a plea, thinking back to my previous manners.


    "Don''t say that, baby. You shouldn''t be sorry. You have no reason to be. " He assures me as he edges


    closer, pressing his chest into mine with my hand holding the flower staying between us.


    "No, I do. I misunderstood you, I always misunderstand you and I¡ª I was quick to jump to conclusions.


    I was quick to want answers and I¡ª oh God. " I was mad at him, but he was doing it all for me.


    "You did what anyone would do in your shoes, Eva. You were only humane. You were acting as mine.


    You were worried because you don''t want anything toe between us and that''s eptable because


    I''d have done the same. Hell, I''d have done more. " Emerson says, pressing his lips to my nose.


    When he pulls back, I say, "I was angry and I almost didn''te here with you. How did you do that?


    How did you put up with my anger?"


    "Because I knew it''ll be all worth it in the end. When the momentes; this moment between you and


    I, with your eyes staring at me full of unshed tears and mine on you, ones I hope expresses as much


    love I feel within me. I knew it''d be all worth it then. "


    "I''m so sorry. "


    "Shh, " he shushes me as he wipes my tears. "I don''t want to see these tears, Eva and stop saying


    that. Those are not the words I want to hear. Not tonight. "


    "I love you. I fucking love you, Emerson. I''m madly in love with you and I hope you truly know that


    despite how shitty I am at expressing it. " I tell him softly and he ces a kiss over my forehead, then


    he says, "No, I do know it. You express it just fine; just the way I want. I wouldn''t want it any other way,


    Eva. "


    "I love you. I love you. I love you, Em. " I chant, making sure he hears the words. Making sure he


    understands the depth of those words from my mouth.


    "And my heart forever belongs to you. Yours to use and control as you wish. Yours to keep and never


    let go. "


    My eyes are full of tears as I push forward and I wrap my hands around his waist as I close my lips


    over his. And it''s our hands on each other, my mouth, his mouth with his smile and my tears.

 S I X T Y - N I N E

    S I X T Y - N I N E


    SAGE.


    Whoever said love is the greatest emotion of all and the best thing that could ever happen to anyone in


    their lifetime has got a fucked up viewpoint, because love is in fact the worst thing that could ever


    happen to anyone. We''ve all been taught to know the promising sides of love; the happiness and


    fulfilment it could bring. We''ve been forced to seek it out in our lives, when we should be staying away


    from it. Everyone says the good things about love, but no one said the horrible sides. The pain? The


    heartache? The way it easily fucks your entire being, messing with your mentality and your health? No


    one taught us about that. No one taught us that love would give us a slice of heaven, and a whole tide


    of hell. No one taught us that love will turn out to be your biggest catastrophe.


    Love doesn''t heal; It hurts.


    It doesn''t put you back together, it breaks you into pieces and leaves you to remain in that state.


    Being in love is one of the biggest regrets that I''ve ever had in my life, because being in love took


    everything from me. My happiness. My smile. My well being. My rationality. It took every fucking thing


    and left me a shell of my former self because she left. Aliya left me without another thought and every


    single time I try to understand things from her sense, I only break further.


    What was it about me that bored her? Was I too clingy? Too pushy? Too loud? Too cheesy? What


    exactly was I doing wrong for her to easily fall out of love with me? What is it that''s bad about me?


    What is it that snatched her away from me? I could never understand, and the more I attempt to; the


    quicker I break down.


    "Another one. " I say to the man in front of me and he stares at me for a while before he gives in and


    pours another shot into my ss.


    I take it without hesitation and gush it down my throat, weing the familiar burn as I m the ss


    on the table before me. And yet, it isn''t enough. It''s never enough. Nothing is ever enough to stop these


    thoughts about her. These images of her.


    I''ve been here and I''ve lost count of the number of shots I''ve had to bury all thoughts about her, but it


    seems like the more I try to, the stronger the thoughts get. Who said healing is the best part of


    heartache? It isn''t. It''s the worst part of it. Especially when your heart doesn''t want to heal. When your


    heart goes against your will and decides to hold onto painful memories. Healing is a stage that I''ve


    never been able to get through because every single time I take a step forward, I end up taking five


    backwards.


    She''s everywhere. On my mind. In my thoughts. In my dreams. She doesn''t let me have my peace, and


    why''s she doing that to me? Why is she doing this when she doesn''t want me anymore? Why do I


    remain drawn to her every single time I see her? Why the fuck do I still want her arms around me every


    time I take a secret nce at her? Why? Why won''t it stop? Just why?


    Turning away from the bartender, I stare at the view of bodies sliding against each other with loud


    voices in the air.


    I move from my seat and I only take a step forward before I''m in front of a girl.


    "Um... Do I know you?" She asks and I don''t give a response as I yank her towards me by the front of


    her top and close my lips over hers. Her lips feel soft against mine, but they''re not the softness I''m


    familiar with. My heart doesn''t jump in my chest as it does with her, and my body doesn''t tremble in


    excitement as it does with her.


    "The fuck? Did you just fucking kiss my girlfriend?" I''m pulled by the neck and I blink my eyes at the


    angry-looking guy who stands in front of me. Then an odd feeling washes over me. I feel her presence


    before I hear her voice. She''s here. She''s right here. The source of my nightmares.


    "What the fuck do you think you''re doing to her?" I don''t know what''s happening, but I know she''s here


    and the grip the other guy has on me loosens, causing me to fall against the stool behind me.


    There are voices. Shouting and echoing. I can''t make sense of what they''re saying, but I recognize her


    voice amidst them. Why''s she here? Why did shee here?


    "Are you okay?" It''s her. God, it''s that sweet voice of hers.


    Bncing my hands on the stool, I twist my head in the direction of her voice and her bright blue hair is


    the first thing thates into view, before I make out the outline of her face.


    "No, " I shake my head as I look away. When I look back at her, she''s standing a step away, and my


    eyes roam down her body. I''m not hallucinating. Aliya is really here. Her eyes are on me. She''s


    speaking to me.


    "Go away. " I grumble, sping a hand around the stool.


    "Sage, you''re drunk. You need toe with me. " Her voice echoes above and I let out a chuckle as I


    raise my head, lifting my body from the stool and staggering backwards as I lose my feet, but she''s


    quick to catch me, wrapping her arms around me with panic covering her face when I meet her eyes.


    "Sage¡ª" she starts, and I don''t think before I do it. I lean forward, and take her lips in mine, feeling the


    familiar taste of her. Strawberry rolled in vani. This is what I''ve been craving. This is the taste I''ve


    been dying for; not the one I had earlier, or the one I''ve been trying to get my mind off her with. This is


    the taste of the girl I desire and the only taste that can make everything alright.


    "Sage!" She pushes me back, detaching her lips from mine. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    "Why?" I lift a brow, struggling to adjust in her arms. "Did your desires for my body left along with your


    love for me?"


    "This isn''t you, Sage. You''re drunk. " She says and I shake my head. "You''re wrong, baby. This is me.


    This is the me that''s left after you fucked me up! This is what you''ve made me into!" I watch as she


    takes a look around us before she looks back at me.


    "Come on. I''ll get you out of here. " She tells me and I jerk her hold from my waist, taking a step back,


    only to end up tripping over my feet and Aliya is by my side again.


    "Sage, please. " She begs, warm brown eyes staring down at me. The same eyes that tricked me into


    falling for her. My gaze moves down to her nose, and her lips. Full, inviting lips. I want another taste. I


    need another taste.


    I lift my hand to her face, and she flinches slightly under my touch, but I don''t pull away.


    "Sage, " she whispers my name, the way she usually does when my mouth is on her. God, I''ve missed


    her. I''ve missed her so fucking badly, and it''s killing me. This need for her in my life is killing me and I


    don''t know what to do.


    "Lips. " I mutter as I trace my thumb across her lower lip, feeling the tenderness of the flesh and the


    urge to sink my teeth into it. To draw blood and give a taste of the pain she''s caused. But more than


    that, to feel her lips against mine again.


    "You need to stop, Sage. I don''t want to push you and I don''t want you to do anything you''ll regret. " I


    lift my gaze to meet her eyes, and I open my mouth. "Do I disgust you that much?"


    "Sage, please. Stop. " She says and I smile, lowering my gaze back to her lips. "It didn''t seem like I


    disgust you back when we were together. I guess you were faking that as well; like you faked your love.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "


    "I never faked my feelings for you, Sage. You know that. "


    "Really? Kiss me, then. " I move my head closer to hers, slowly closing the distance between us. "Take


    me to your ce and kiss me. Leave your marks on my body. Do it like you used to. "


    "You don''t mean that. " She shakes her head and I snicker, applying pressure to my stroke on her lips


    and I ravel in the wince that leaves her mouth. I lean forward to take her lips, but my head ends on her


    shoulder and I feel her hands move from my waist to my back.


    "It hurts, " I whisper as I shut my eyes, turning my head to the other side to hide my face in her neck.


    "Hurts so much, Aliya. I wish I never met you. I wish you¡ª" I don''t hear myself anymore as silence


    takes over my senses.


    EMERSON.


    "Do you like it?" I ask her, my fingers pressing into her side as I stare at her swollen lips from how hard


    I suck on them and Eva twists her head to take a look at the balloons before she drops her gaze back


    to me, "Like it? I fucking love it. "


    "I wanted to get white ones since white is your favourite colour, but red matches everything better. "


    "I love the fact that they are red, " she assures me. "And this too. It smells so nice. " She says as she


    takes a sniff of the rose and I press my nose into her hair before I take the rose from her when she


    moves back. I tuck her rose behind her ear and she lifts her gaze, blinking innocently at me.


    "You look pretty. " I whisper and she raises her shoulders right by the left in a cheerful manner. "I know.


    "


    "Come here. " She locks her hands around my neck, fingers threading through my curls, and the


    familiar rush of excitement streams through me, like it usually whenever she does that. I lift her in my


    arms and she wraps her legs tightly around me, while I drop a hand around her head and the other to


    her back to steady her as I mash my lips against hers. It''s a hot tangle of our tongues, and our strong


    desires for each other swim around us as I drop my hand from her back to her side, trying to lift her


    dress but Eva pulls back, taking her sweetness with her.


    "You''re not about to fuck me in a bookstore that just opened, are you?" She arches her brows and I


    say, "I don''t see any reason why I should hold back?"


    She swats my chest, and drops to her feet. "They let you take this ce to have a nice romantic


    surprise. Not to fuck in it, and leave them toe to the smell of sex. "


    I drop my hands to her ass, pulling her back to my chest as I say, "They won''t know that, Eva. "


    "I''m not fucking you in here, Emerson. " She insists, moving out of my hold. "


    "Okay, fine. Let''s go home. " I tell her, knowing if we stay another second; it''ll be me convincing her to


    let me take her right here.


    "Right now? I thought we were going to go through some books?"


    "Stay another second and it''ll be my cock looking through you. " I say and redness coats her cheeks as


    she parts her lips, "Let me grab one of the balloons at least. "


    "I''ll get you moreter. Come on. " I grab her hand, leading her out of the store and into the car.


    ~


    We push through the door, not breaking away from the kiss and I shut it close with my leg before


    bracing her against it, my hands wrapped around her thighs as I take her mouth, sucking on her bottom


    lip while my tongue strokes hers.


    I move her away from the doorframe and lead us further into the living room and Eva nudges my


    shoulder in a silent gesture for me to fall on the couch and I do exactly as she wants, bringing us on the


    couch with her on myp.


    She pulls away from the kiss, and a tiny smirk rests on her lips as she slides her hands down my chest,


    tilting her head to the side to press her lips to my neck.


    "Fuck¨C" I let out a groan of pleasure as she licks the skin, before she sucks, leaving her marks


    everywhere and shooting blood straight to my cock with each graze of her teeth and feel of her wet


    tongue against the skin.


    I move my hands to her waist and slowly rock her back and forth on my hardness, humming in


    satisfaction with how good this alone feels and Eva slips her hands underneath my shirt, resting her


    touch on the skin as she trails kisses from my neck to my jawline, down to my chin before she moves


    back to my lips.


    She captures my lips and I let her, giving her the control I know she likes to take. I leave her to lead the


    movements of her hips as I struggle to lift her dress, and to feel her bare skin at the tip of my fingers,


    but when my hand scrapes over her panties; Eva pulls back.


    She shakes her head. "Not so fast, Ford. "


    "I need you. " I tell her, lifting my other hand to her face and coiling my fingers through her hair with my


    palm pressed to her cheek. The teasing look in Eva''s eyes changes to something naughtier at my


    words and I lean close to press my lips to hers but she applies strength on her touch to my stomach,


    pushing me back.


    "You''ll have me, " she ensures me with a smile. "But not so fast. I need to do something first. "


    "What? Right now? Baby, I''m fucking hard. " I move her hips once for her to feel my hardness again


    and Eva chuckles, seeming to be amused by me. "I know that, Emerson. I''ll take care of you. Just be


    patient. Your patience will be worth it when I''m done. "


    With a sigh, I say, "Fine. What are you doing?"


    She climbs off myp and stays between my legs, moving her head close and I hold myself from


    dragging her back onto myp when she pulls my lower lip between her teeth. After she releases it,


    she says, "Stay here and do not make a move. Onlye in after a few minutes. "


    "This is torture. " I hiss and sheughs, "You can endure a few minutes, Ford. Don''t be such a pussy. " I


    groan and grab her hand, looking into her eyes as I guide her hand to the front of my pants and caress


    the bulge. "Only a few minutes?"


    "Only a few minutes. " She assures, and I release her hand. She throws me a wink before she walks


    out of the room and I don''t remove my gaze from her until she disappears out of sight.


    "Only a few minutes, Emerson. Don''t be a pussy. " I repeat to myself as I adjust on the couch, keeping


    my eyes from my hardened cock.


    There''s silence around me and after mentally counting to six hundred and sixty seconds; I can no


    longer hold back so I raise to my feet and move in the same direction Eva took.


    "Babe, it''s been eleven minutes. Are you done with¡ª " the rest of my words falls into silence when I


    walk through the door and freeze on my first step, at the sight that''s presented before me.


    Holy. Fuck.


    Holy. Fucking. Fuck.


    Is that... Fucking. Hell. Is she about to do what I think she''s about to do?


    "Eva?" My voice is so small, that I can barely hear it myself as I close the door and step forward.


    "That day, you asked to be my first audience, and I told you I''ll show you one day. " She speaks, and


    Goddamn, I''m barely focusing on her mouth or her words. My eyes are roaming across her body.


    Every. Single. Corner.


    Lingerie, is it? She''s in a fucking lingerie. If I thought the one I saw on her phone was sexy, then there''s


    absolutely no world in the entire world to describe the sexiness of the one before me. Her chest is d


    in a belt-like bra that reveals enough of her breasts to make me want my mouth on them and her lower


    body... Fuck, her lower body. Whitece panties that''s a contrast to the ck on her chest with a leg


    garter as a covering.


    "I secretly bought this pole a while ago to surprise you. " Eva speaks again, gesturing to the pole she


    stands next to, and my eyes fall to her for a second before it drops to her body again. Damn, I''m so


    fucking lucky with this woman.


    "And tonight, I''ll show you; so are you prepared to be my first audience?" She brings my attention back


    to her again and I take a gulp before I open my mouth, the words thate out in total disregard to her


    question. "You look... God, baby. You look so fucking sexy. "


    A smile appears on her face and she takes a shy step back as she motions to the chair she set a bit


    away from the pole. "Take a seat. "


    I follow hermand without wasting another second and I''m on the seat with my legs spread as I


    watch her fix the music, and only when she turns her back to me do I realize the panties barely cover


    her ass. Suddenly, the erection I had in the living room bes less painful than the one I have right


    now at the sight of an extremely seducing Eva.


    The music begins and it''s a slow one. Unrecognisable yet goes perfectly with the mood in the room as


    Eva wraps herself around the pole; one leg higher and the other lower with her head bent to the back


    and her chest pushed out.


    She moves unhurriedly, and sensually; meeting my eyes with each move she makes and Fuck, she''s


    perfect. She''s so fucking perfect and with her like this before me, I''m no longer able to hold back as I


    drop my hand over my pants, hissing when I rub a hand over my cock with my eyes never leaving her.


    Eva catches onto the movement of my hands and she slides down the pole, getting on her fours as she


    crawls towards me. When she reaches in front of me, she ces her hands on my thighs and says,


    "Can no longer hold it back, Ford?"


    I don''t give a response. I''m unable to as I wrap my hand around her throat and instantly slide my


    tongue inside her mouth. She moans and I greedily swallow each sound before it leaves her mouth.


    When I pull back, I say, "That''s the most seducing and sexiest dance I''ve ever watched in my entire life.


    "


    "You sure? I did well?" She pants and I shake my head, "No, baby. You did fucking perfect. "


    Her lips curve in a smile and I trail a finger to her mouth, parting her lips as I speak. "Promise me.


    Promise me that I''ll be the first,st and the only one to ever see you this way. Promise me, Eva. "


    "No man else will. " She says and I shake my head again, "Not just men. Everyone else. I''m the only


    one that gets to see you this way. No one else. "


    "Don''t you think you''re being overly possessive?" She chuckles and I stop ying with her lips to ce


    a kiss there.


    "I don''t care. You have to promise me. " She blinks at me several times before a smile appears and she


    says, "I promise. Only you. No one else. "


    "Good, " I mumble, staring at her mouth and her tongue peeks out to swipe over her lips, the heat


    spreading to my finger in the process.


    "Eva¡ª" my voicees out more as a grunt and she hums, her hands gliding closer to where I need


    her so badly. "Your mouth. I want that pretty mouth wrapped around me. I need it. "


    "I know, baby, " she whispers as she rubs a finger over my hardness. "Lay back. " I do as she asks and


    her fingers y with the zipper of my pants before she zips it down, taking her hand inside my boxers


    to bring out my cock.


    I twitch in her hand and she ys with the tip, gazing at me under hershes as she moves her hair to


    the side with her other hand before she lowers her mouth on me and a hiss leaves my mouth the


    second she takes me.


    She uses her hand on the rest she''s unable to take in, slowly pumping and adding to the hot mess as


    she bobs her head.


    I gather her hair in my hand, gripping onto the curls, and letting her hand fall from it as she increases


    the pace, bobbing her head faster and taking me deeper.


    "Yes. Just like that. Fuck, Eva. You''re driving me fucking insane. " It''s like the words trigger something


    in her because she goes even faster, and my head falls to the back as I tighten my grip on her hair.


    With the soft, slow music floating in the air around us mixed with the sound of my grunts and her pants


    every time she draws back; my control flips over the edge and I raise her head, letting my cock fall from


    her mouth.


    A trail of saliva slips from her mouth as she meets my eyes and I say, "I need you. I need to take you


    right now. "


    "Protection?" She asks and I lift her from the floor, "No. I want to feel you bare. " Eva doesn''t oppose as


    she gets rid of my pants with my boxers and I trace a finger across herce, "It''s a shame this has to


    go. "


    I tap her core to feel her wetness through thece and I hum in satisfaction when I confirm she''s


    soaked. I struggle as I rush to get rid of her garter and when I finally do, I tear thece that''s the only


    barrier left and Eva gasps.


    "We''ll get more. " I tell her as I move her back to the chair with me, holding her over me.


    Eva''s hand slips to the space between our bodies and she holds my cock in hand, teasing the tip with


    her entrance and the slight touch is enough to send a shock through me, fucking with my head till all


    I''m able to think about is how hard I want her to scream my name when I''m inside her.


    "You''re beautiful. " I groan to her as I slide my hand to her back and that''s all it takes for her to m


    down in one movement, letting me hit her warm home.

 S E V E N T Y

    S E V E N T Y


    ALIYA.


    "Easy. " I warn Sage as I press her head to my shoulder while trying to open my door with the other


    hand. I manage to sessfully get her inside the room without stumbling, guiding her to the bed and


    carefully lowering her.


    "Come on. Let''s get you out of these. " I mumble as I bend forward and hook my fingers around her


    pants button, only for Sage to hoist her leg and I lose my bnce as I fall on top of her.


    She hooks her arms around me when I try to get up and I drop my hands to her sides, lifting my face to


    look at her. "Let go of me. "


    She giggles and tightens her hold, "I don''t think I want to do that. "


    Her eyes are half-opened as she meets my eyes and I take a gulp. "Sage¡ª" she''s close. She''s too


    fucking close and I can feel each breath she takes and let out. One slight slip will be my mouth on hers


    and that''s far from what I want¨C far from what should happen.


    She averts her gaze from my eyes, and they''re lowered; staring at a ce they shouldn''t be.


    "Stop. " I tell her when she starts to edge her head closer, and a breath of relief leaves my mouth when


    she falls back against the pillow with her eyes closed.


    I let out a sigh and bring my attention back to her pants, heaving her body a bit from the bed to drag it


    down her legs before I toss it across the room and sit by her side, resting her head on my shoulder as I


    remove her bra from the inside, leaving her thinyer.


    I d her in my shorts before I tuck her under the sheets and stay by her side with one hand over the


    headboard as soft snores fall from her mouth.


    The state I found her in, and how she sounded once again flow through my mind and the familiar guilt


    hits my chest.


    "I''m so sorry, Sage. You don''t deserve this. You never did, and I''ll forever hate myself for doing this to


    you. "


    ~


    A groan leaves my mouth as I turn with my back to the mattress, my eyes opening to convening the


    white ceiling. The unfamiliarity of the softness makes me realize I''m not in my bed before the memories


    from the previous night kick in and I twist my head the other way.


    I take a second to watch Sage''s peaceful sleeping form on my bed before I move out of Maria''s and


    stroll toward her.


    I kneel by the bedside, and she stirs in her sleep, turning her head to my side with her hair covering her


    face as she raises a hand. I lift my hand and move her hair out of her face, stilling as I stare at her and I


    jump a bit when she suddenly opens her eyes.


    "Sage. " I breathe as I smile at her. "You''re awake. "


    She doesn''t look like she''s listening to whatever ising out of my mouth as she starts to sit up on


    the bed, eyes running across the room.


    "Why am I¡ª fuck, why does my head hurts so much?" She grumbles under her breath, her face


    twisted in pain as she presses her back against the headboard and I move closer, "You had too much


    to drinkst night. "


    At the sound of my voice, Sage''s eyes snap to me and she throws me a re. "What the hell am I


    doing here? Why did you bring me to your ce?"


    "I didn''t have a choice. Do you remember anything fromst night?" I raise a brow at her and she


    shakes her head, holding onto the side of her head. "Nothing other than the fact that I went out to drink.


    " That means she doesn''t remember the minor fight she had caused, or the kiss and her words. In a


    way, I''m grateful for that because I know Sage and I know how she''ll feel if she remembers all those.


    The least I can do is keep my mouth shut.


    "Why am I here?" She repeats the question she asked earlier and I move from my crouching position to


    the other side of the room, bringing with me a ss of water as I walk back to Sage.


    "Here, " I tell her as I extend the ss to her and she looks between me and the water before she tears


    her gaze away, "No, I don''t need that. "


    "Yes, you do. You have a headache right now and there''s no use denying that because I know how it


    usually feels. " I say and she takes a while before she gives in and grabs the ss from me. I watch


    with a smile as she sips a good amount of the content before giving it back to me and I drop it to the


    side.


    "Feeling lighter?" I ask her as I kneel by her side again and she meets my eyes. "That doesn''t answer


    my question, Aliya. Why am I here?"


    With a sigh, I proceed to say, "You were drunk, Sage. To an extent I''ve never seen you before, and I


    brought you here because it wasn''t safe to be on your own. "


    "You should have left me, " she whispers, looking away from me and I say, "I know we are not at a


    good ce right now, but I would never leave you if you were in danger. "


    She snorts out augh, mumbling some words I can''t seem to make out. I gnaw at my lips before I


    open my mouth, "I thought your clothes would be ufortable to sleep in so I changed them. "


    "You what?" I can''t decide if it''s anger that covers her face, or shock. "I changed your clothes. "


    "I don''t remember you having the right to touch me. " She seethes as she throws the duvet off her body


    to stare down at the shorts I changed her into and I say, "I didn''t touch you intentionally. I did it for your


    interests. "


    "Yeah, right. Like everything else you''ve ever done. " She chuckles as she climbs off the bed and I


    raise to my feet, standing in front of her.


    "I didn''t do anything stupid. I couldn''t have, Sage. " I assure her and seconds pass with us just gawking


    at each other, breathing in the same air before Sage opens her mouth, "Can you move? I''m trying to


    get out of here. "


    "Sage. " I call, moving forward to grab her wrist but she steps to the side before I can, her expression


    softening as she speaks, "Please, Aliya. I don''t want things to worsen than they already have. "


    "I know, " I tell her, withdrawing my hand. "But you should stay for a while. You still have a hangover


    and I¡ª"


    "I''ll be fine. This won''t be the first time I''ll have one, so you really should stop with the concerns; it


    irritates me. " Her words sting, but I know I deserve them and the way she''s acting. Hell, I deserve even


    more. Up untilst night, I never realized she was hurting this much. Yes, I knew the breakup would


    hurt but I never thought it would hurt her like this. Now, she''s looking at me like the very sight of me


    disgusts her, and I wouldn''t me her. Not when I disgust myself.


    "Okay. You should leave. " I tell her, taking a step to the side for her to move.


    "Where are my things?" She asks and I gesture to the corner of the room. She moves hurriedly,


    grabbing her stuff before she heads to the door.


    "I''ll bring this back to you. " I raise my head at the sound of her voice to see her standing by the door


    and I start to say, "You don''t have to. I didn''t really¡ª"


    "I''ll return them. " She cut me off, her voice leaving no space for objection and when I hum, she turns


    away from my gaze, but again she stops as she grabs the knob. She stands still with her face to the


    door before she turns back to meet my eyes, the words leaving her mouth not exactly what I expected.


    "I don''t know what I saidst night, but I know I must have said things and I want you to forget all of


    them, including the fact that this meeting ever happened. That should be easy for you. " And she''s out


    of the room, her voice echoing around me as I fall back to the bed.


    ~


    EVA.


    The first sight that wees me when I open my eyes is Emerson by my side with a smile on his face.


    "Hey, you''re awake. " He whispers and I hum, turning my head into hisp as I let him stroke my cheek.


    "Feeling tired?" He asks and I raise my head to meet his gaze. I take a while to drink in his gorgeous


    features before I lift my head from his thigh for a short kiss on his lips. When I pull back, Emerson says,


    "I love that. "


    "How are you out of bed so early?" I ask him and heughs, "It isn''t early, baby. It''s almost one in the


    afternoon. "


    "I slept in again?" I groan and he nods, "After what you tookst night, I wouldn''t me you. "


    "More to add to your Ego. " I roll my eyes and he leans forward to press his lips to my forehead. When


    he pushes back, he says, "You can''t hide the fact that I''m good, Eva. I made your favourite. "


    My eyes widen in excitement. "Mac and cheese?"


    "Yeah, " he responds, pulling me out of his thigh to sit up. "And I ran your water for a bath. "


    As I get out of bed inplete nakedness with a slight ache between my legs with each step I take, I


    pace towards Emerson and pull his cheek. "You, Emerson Ford, are turning out to be the best man in


    the entire world. "


    "Aren''t you just lucky?" His signature smirk appears on his face and I let go of his cheek, standing


    straight. "I take that back. "


    Emersonughs as he gets off the bed and moves closer to me. Without a warning, he sweeps me off


    my feet and takes me in his arms, and my hands immediately move to his shoulders.


    "I''ll wash you. " He tells me as he moves in the direction of the bathroom and I open my mouth, "I love


    it when you do that. "


    "Wash you?" He lifts a brow as he kicks the door with his leg and I say, "Take care of me. " Emerson


    stills as he steps inside the room, and he drops his gaze to me; a serious look on his face as he says,


    "Only for you, baby. Only for you. "


    "I love it more cause it''s like that. " I confess and he pinches my thighs from where his hands lie. I swat


    at his chest in response and ourughs blends together as he carries me further inside.


    He drops me under the shower, cing a kiss on the side of my head before he attempts to turn back,


    but my hold on his arm stops him.


    "Where are you going?" I ask him and he responds with, "Back to the room. What''s wrong?"


    I grab his other hand and yank him towards him. "Don''t go. Take a bath with me. You haven''t already,


    right?"


    A mischievous look appears on his face as he drops his hand from mine to hold my waist. "Are you


    holding onto me, Carson?"


    "Don''t you want me to?" I counter with a quirk of my brow and he says, "I do. You should; hold on tight.


    " And he brings us both under the shower.


    ~


    "We ran out of ice cream, babe. " I call out to Emerson as I open the fridge and grab a chocte bar


    before I close it back and walk to the living room.


    "Isn''t that on you? I barely had a spoon. " He says as I take the seat next to him on the couch and I


    throw him a re, earning augh from him. "I''ll get them tomorrow. Will youe with me?"


    "Depends on how convincing you are. " I wink at him and he shakes his head before he lifts his head to


    I take a bite before I turn it his way and Emerson makes a sound of displeasure before he says, "From


    your mouth. "


    "No. " I frown, lifting the chocte from him, only to give in when he makes one of those convincing


    faces. I take a bite between my lips and lean forward to share it with him. Emerson''s hand slips around


    my neck as he opens his mouth, feeding out of my mouth before he closes his lips to mine, stealing a


    kiss from me.


    "My good girl. " He praises as he pulls away with a grin on his face and I''m unable to hold back my


    smile, Iooking away from him to the screen that''s in front of us. Emerson turns his head on myp,


    wrapping his arms around my waist as he presses his face to my stomach and a jolt of excitement


    dances through me at how intimate he is.


    "Babe?" He calls, bringing my attention back to him and I lift a brow, "Uh?"


    "I want to be closer. " He says and I let out a chuckle, before I say, "You''re cuddling me, Em. How


    closer could you possibly get?"


    "I don''t know. " He hisses, his hands tightening around me "This isn''t enough. I want to feel you more


    than this. "


    "Em. " I let out a groan of his name and he says, "I''m serious, Eva. "


    With a sigh, I drop the chocte on the table in front of us before I look back at him. "Okay fine. Come


    here. "


    I motion for Emerson to move out of myp, making him sit up on the couch so I can press his head to


    my chest and when I do, I duck my head to meet his eyes, "Better?"


    "Nearly. " He agrees and I caress his hair, fingers coiling through the curls. "You''re so clingy, do you


    realize that?"


    "No worse than you. " He retorts, his hand slipping beneath my shirt to drop his touch on my belly with


    his finger ying with the piercing that rests there.


    "Shut up. " I tell him, and just as Emerson starts to speak, the vibration of my phone interrupts him and


    I grab the device, my eyes widening at the sight of my father''s name across the screen.


    "Don''t say a word. " I say to Emerson and he pulls back, removing his head from my chest. "Why?


    Who''s it?"


    "My dad. " It''s the only response I give him before I press the phone to my ear to listen to dad''s voice.


    "Dad?"


    "Princess. " He sounds better than thest time we spoke and a smile touches my lips as I proceed to


    say, "Checking in on me?"


    "To make sure you''re fine and you don''t need anything. " There''s an echo in the background and I open


    my mouth to answer, but dad beats me to it, "But also to hear your voice. It''s been a while. "


    "I''m fine, dad. " I assure him with a soft voice. "And you know I''ll give you a call if I ever need anything.


    " Emerson''s drop on myp makes me turn my gaze to him and he smiles at me before he twists his


    head to the screen. "How''s your wife?"


    "More beautiful every day, " he jokes and I make a sound at the back of my throat before dad


    continues, "She''s taking the rest thing seriously than she used to, and I''m extremely thankful for that. If


    I could have it my way, all she''d do is sleep in every day. "


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "But we both know that woman is stubborn. " Iplete his words and heughs in agreement. When


    the sound dies down, he says, "Always check-in, Eva and let me know if anything ever troubles you. "


    The words that I''m about to let outes out as a soft sigh of satisfaction when Emerson pushes his


    head back to caress my thighs, drawing imaginary lines across the skin with his thumb.


    "Eva?" Dad''s call of my name reminds me that I''m still on the phone with the man and I part my lips, "I


    will, dad. How''s it going at work?"


    There''s a long sigh from his end and the sound of metal scraping against the tile before his voice


    favourite rival, I look down at the man that lies on myp; the troubles that await us back with our


    families when we aren''t in thefort of our home, suddenly hitting me.


    The thought of me telling dad about Emerson abruptly crosses my mind, but that thought is quick to go


    down the drain at the fear thates along with it, so I settle with the safe words. "Don''t stress over it,


    dad. "


    We stay on the line for a few more minutes before he ends the call to get back to work.


    "Em?" I call out his name as I drop my phone to the side and he turns his head to my view. "Is


    everything alright?"


    With a swallow down my throat at the irritating dryness, I let out my next words. "What do you think is


    the worst thing that could happen if they find out we''re together?"


    He furrows his brows in confusion before understanding dawns on him.


    "It won''t be easy. They detest the very sight of each other, and learning their kids are together wille


    both as a surprise and disbelief. " Emerson starts and I nod along with his words. "The worst thing that


    could happen is them trying to split us; that''s all I can think of. "


    "Do you think they''ll seed?" I ask him and there''s a hint of a smile on his face as he says, "Do you


    think I''ll let my father take away the one person who means everything to me?"


    "Not willingly. " I raise my shoulder and Emerson lifts his hand to my face, rubbing my ear as he


    speaks, "Willingly or not; nothing will ever take me away from you, Eva. "


    "What do you think is the worst thing that could happen?" He throws my question at me and the


    thought of my answer bing a reality hurts my heart. "Letting go of this. I don''t know what I''ll do if


    that ever happens, I don''t know how I''ll¡ª"


    Emerson doesn''t let me finish my words before he interrupts me, his touch moving from my ear to my


    face, "That''s never going to happen, baby. I promise you; I will not the rtionship between our families


    take this away from us. "


    His words should be enough and they are, but there''s still that fear and anxiety. It''ll always be present


    as long as we remain a secret to them, and it''s why I open my mouth to say, "I think we should tell


    them. We should let our parents know we''re in love. "


    Because again, what''s the worst thing that could ever happen?

 S E V E N T Y - O N E

    S E V E N T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    Emerson is moving off myp with wide eyes. "You want to what?"


    "Talk to our parents about us. " I repeat my words and he says, "Eva, are you sure about that? I mean, I


    don''t think it''d be that¡ª"


    "I know how it''d be, Emerson but I''m willing to take that step with you. I don''t want to wait for something


    bad to happen to us or having to take terrible decisionster before we let them know about our


    feelings. We have the chance to prevent those from happening, so why not take it?"


    "I understand you. " He sighs. "I mean I do, but still¡ª are you sure you''re ready to do this? You have to


    understand that your father won''t easily give into this. "


    "And that''s why we''ll have to try together. " I tell him and he smiles. "We will. When do you have in


    mind?"


    "I''m thinking tomorrow. " I say and he exims, "Tomorrow?"


    "Yes, tomorrow. We can leave for my ce after lectures. "


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "Do you want to meet your parents first?" He raises a brow and I nod, "I think my father is still more


    softhearted than yours. If we manage to convince mine and get him on our side, then it''ll be us versus


    yours. "


    "You sound like you''ve been nning this for a long time. " He lets out augh and I smile, "It crossed


    my mind once or twice. "


    "You''re that eager to be with me?" He teases and I surprise him by saying, "I don''t want to lose you,


    Emerson. I don''t want to ever have to let you go. "


    Emerson''s teasing smile drops and he edges closer, his hand moving around me as he nudges my


    head to his shoulder. "And you won''t ever have to. We''ll do this, baby. Tomorrow, we go to your parents


    and let them understand their rivalry won''t stop us from being together. "


    I raise my head to him and my eyes meet his. "Will you say those exact words?"


    "No fucking way. Your father scares me. " He says with a frown and I let out augh, "Why? He''s


    everything, but scary. "


    "You say that because you''re his daughter. Any other person would be afraid of your father, Carson. "


    "And you''re still going along with this despite being scared?" I lift a brow and his lips curve as he moves


    his face closer to mine with his thumb holding my chin. "Of course¨C" he takes a short pause and


    strokes my chin. "Because I''m in love with his daughter. "


    With a smile that matches his, I say, "And his daughter happens to be in love with you too. "


    "I know, " he whispers. "She fell into my charms just like I predicted. "


    "But didn''t you fall into hers, first?" I taunt him and he presses his lips to mine for a brief kiss. When he


    pulls back, he says, "You''re right. I fell so hard. "


    I stare into the eyes that hold the assurance of forever before I lift my hand to his face and lower his


    lips on mine, the intimate excitement rushing through me the second he takes over the kiss and slips


    his tongue inside my mouth.


    Each caress of his tongue against mine is a promise that I''ve got him and I know with him by my side,


    we''ll get through this together.


    ~


    "You don''t look so good. " I tell Aliya as I slide into the seat next to her and she nods, rubbing her face


    with her hand. "I had a bad night. "


    "What happened?" I ask in worry as I drop my bag and edge closer to her, and a sad smile rests on her


    face as she turns her head to me. "Nothing you have to be worried about. "


    "Aliya. " I narrow my eyes at her. "Please talk to me. You know I won''t be at rest until you do. "


    "It''s seriously nothing to¡ª"


    "Please. " I say again, not letting her finish her words and her shoulders drops as she looks away from


    me. I watch as she fiddles with her fingers when she starts to speak, "I ran into Sagest night and it


    didn''t go well. "


    "What did she say?" I ask her, holding a hand over her shoulder tofort her and she says, "Nothing


    she shouldn''t have. She isn''t herself, Evie. I broke her so bad. "


    "Aliya, " I start with a call of her name and she raises her gaze. "Listen, I know I''m not you and I can''t


    still be in love with her?"


    "Love and worry don''t go together. I''m not in love with her, but I feel guilty because I''m the reason she''s


    the way she is. " She proims and I nod. "I know that, but maybe you''re just not admitting it to


    yourself, and you¡ª"


    "I''m not in love with her, Eva. I''d know if I were. " She insists and I sigh, dropping my hand from her


    shoulder.


    "I don''t know what to say. " I tell her and she chuckles. "Me neither. "


    "She''ll be fine. " I say and she nods. "She''ll be. She just needs to be. "


    I give her shoulder another soft squeeze and she looks at me with a small smile. "I''m alright. How are


    you by the way? You are glowing today. "


    "I am?" I press a palm to my face to feel my burning cheeks and Aliya hums, "You are, so something


    good happened?"


    "Yeah, " I respond, a smile making its way to my face at the remembrance of the previous night with


    Emerson. "I was worried over nothing. Emerson was acting that way because he was nning a


    surprise for me. "


    Aliya''s eyes lighten. "A surprise? Oh, it must be so good if you''re smiling at the mention of it. "


    "It was, " I agree with a nod, getting lost in my thoughts for a while before looking by my side to see


    Aliya''s brows raised at me.


    My smile drops. "What?"


    She pushes her face closer. "Bitch, what do you mean what? You have to tell me the details. "


    "No. " I state firmly, turning my head away from her, but she doesn''t stop. "Come on, Evie. Tell me. "


    "No Aliya. " I persist, shoving her to the side. "Oh, and before I forget; I''m leaving for home after school.


    "


    "You''re going home? Why?" She asks and I say, "I''ll tell you about it once I''m back. "


    "Why can''t you tell me now?" She frowns and I pass her a smirk, "Because it''s best servedte. "


    "I hate you. " She grumbles, averting her gaze and Iugh as I drop my head on my shoulder. "You love


    me, baby. " And she nudges me away relentlessly, causing me tough again.


    ~


    ME: I''m home. When will you be done with Jaxon?


    I click on the send button and Emerson''s replyes as I stop at the front door.


    ANNOYING FORD: I''m almost done, baby. I''ll join you soon.


    With a smile on my face, I throw my phone into my pocket and knock on the door.


    Mom''s face is covered with surprise the second she opens the door to the sight of me and I put on a


    wide smile as I spread my arms for her.


    "Eva? Baby, what are you doing here?" She says as she takes a step out of the house to pull me into


    her arms, and I rest my head on her shoulder as I return her embrace. "Why? Do I need a reason to


    "Of course not, " she mumbles into my hair. "I just didn''t expect you to be here. I mean, there were no


    calls or texts about youring. This is a nice surprise, baby. "


    I pull away from the hug, letting my hands rest on her waist, "Does this mean you missed me?"


    "Oh, sweetheart, " she coos as she cups my face with one hand. "You should know by now that I''ll


    always miss you no matter how short it is. "


    "I know, " I answer with a grin before nodding my head inside. "Let''s go in. " Mom''s hand slides down to


    my back and she leads me inside the house, the familiar smell of the living room weing me as we


    stride to the couch.


    "Did you have anything to eat? I have some chicken left. " She tells me as she crosses over my leg to


    take the seat next to me and I shake my head in response to her words, "No, I had food beforeing


    here. "


    "You''re honestly here just to see us?" Mom asks as she leans towards me and I throw a leg over the


    couch to turn to her, "Why? Is it hard to believe that still?"


    "Not exactly, but you wouldn''t show up without a reason in the middle of your semester, Eva. " She


    calls me out and I smile, dropping my gaze to my thigh before I say, "There''s actually a reason. I need


    to speak to you and dad about an issue. "


    "Why? Is everything alright at school? Is anyone giving you trouble? Are you having trouble sleeping? I


    thought you said your nightmares were gonest time I checked on you. How''s¡ª" mom doesn''t take a


    breath until I cut her off. Opening my mouth, I say, "Mom. It''s none of those. "


    Relief flushes over her face and she ces a hand on her chest. "I got a bit worried. "


    "It''s not about having troubles at school or my mental health; I promise you. " I tell her and she drops


    the hand from her chest, a small smile gracing her lips. "I''m d to hear that, but what''s it? It must be


    important if you had toe here. "


    "It is, " I nod to her words. "And I can''t tell you alone. You have to sit together with dad to hear this. "


    She furrows her brow, "Sit together? That sounds extremely serious. Should I be concerned?"


    "No, it''s not bad news. I mean, it could be to you both, but it isn''t to me. " I exin, but the confusion


    doesn''t clear from her face. With a sigh, I say, "You''ll understand better once dad is here. I texted him


    already, and he said he''ll be here as soon as he can. "


    "And you''re sure everything is alright?" She raises a brow and I give her an assuring smile as I take her


    hand and squeeze it gently. "Everything is. "


    About thirty minutes in, there''s the sound of the door opening, and both mom and I turn our heads from


    the TV screen to see dad walking in.


    "You''re back. " Mom moves from beside me to give a hug to her husband and I walk behind her, heart


    racing in my chest and palms turning sweaty at the sight of the man.


    "Princess. " Dad greets me as he pulls away from mom and I walk into his arms, letting him ce a


    kiss on my forehead.


    When he pulls away from me, he says, "I was surprised when I got your call. "


    "She said she has something important to tell us. She didn''t tell me what yet. " Mom says to dad as


    they walk to the seat across from me while I settle on mine.


    "We''re here, Princess. " Dad says as they both take their seats, turning their heads to me.


    "I want to tell you both something important and I don''t want you to get angry over it. You should know


    that this happened naturally and I had no control over it. " I speak up and they exchange nces


    before they look back at me and mom is the first to say, "I think you''ve put enough suspense in us,


    baby. We''re ready to hear whatever it is you have to tell us. "


    I take several exhales to calm down my thumping heart, dropping my head as I''m unable to meet my


    dad''s eyes the moment the words fall from my mouth. "I''m dating a guy and that guy is Emerson,


    Mason Ford''s son. "


    I hold on to my breath as I wait for them to speak, but there''s nothing. Only silence. The deafening


    silence that''s so loud at the same time.


    I raise my head to look at them and they''re staring at me, and I can''t decide if it''s anger in their eyes or


    shock.


    "Mom? Dad? Did you hear what I just said?"


    Mom looks at dad before she drops her gaze back to me. "I heard you, baby. I''m just waiting for you to


    "It isn''t a joke, " I''m quick to say and she raises a questioning brow, "It isn''t? You''re serious?"


    When I nod, she proceeds to say, "You do realize you mentioned Mason Ford? Your father''s business


    ¡ª"


    "Yes, mom. I mentioned him, but I also mentioned that I''m dating his son. " She goes silent after those


    words. Leaning back in her seat, she doesn''t utter a word as she looks back at dad, and I let my eyes


    follow; a shiver running down my spine when my eyes meet his. They are the coldest I''ve ever seen


    them in a while, and it fucking scares the living shit out of me.


    "Matt, I think¡ª" mom starts to speak, but dad raises a finger, silencing her. His eyes don''t leave mine


    as he parts his lips, "You''re in love with Mason''s son?"


    His voice is so fucking fearsome and I swallow the bitter lump that moves from my throat as I nod


    slowly.


    "Eva. You love Mason''s son? Do you have any fucking idea what you''re saying to us? Do you realize


    who this man is or are you quick to forget?" Hostilityces through each of his words. The kind that


    would have anyone shuddering in their seat.


    "No, dad. I do realize, but I don''t think I have to care about what that man means to you when ites


    to falling in love with his son. The feelings were uncontroble and I have no¡ª"


    "Uncontroble, you say? Where the hell did you meet him, to begin with? How long have you been


    seeing him? And how long have you kept this away from us?" He raises a brow and my next words fall


    in a whisper. "He''s my roommate. "


    Mom speaks up next. "He''s what?"

 S E V E N T Y - T W O

    S E V E N T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    They are both staring at me with mistrust shining through their eyes and the temperature of the room


    has turned a lot hotter.


    I try to control my breath and fold my trembling hands into fists as I say, "My roommate. My roommate


    wasn''t a girl like I was told when I got to my apartment; it was Emerson and we''ve been living together


    for¡ª"


    "Enough. I don''t want to hear any more. You''ll move out of that house and you''ll stay away from him. "


    Dad orders and I shake my head, "I can''t. I''m sorry, dad but I can''t listen to you. Not this time. "


    He rises from his seat, eyes challenging me as they meet mine. "I''m instructing you and you''re


    refusing?"


    "Dad, please. " I stand up to move in front of him. "I understand how you feel, but you can''t me me


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    for this. "


    "Yes, I can and I fucking do! Why the hell didn''t you tell me about this the second you found out he''s


    your roommate? Why did you stay there? And why the hell did you lie to us about it?" Because I


    already had sex with him before I ever found out, and I was stubborn.


    I don''t say that. That''d make things a lot worse, so I say, "I''m sorry for lying to you. I knew how you feel


    about his father, and that''s why I didn''t reveal the truth. It was never my intention to keep it away from


    you, but just because you hate his father doesn''t mean you should hate Emerson, father. He''s done


    nothing wrong for you to feel that way towards him, and that''s why I''m asking you to give him a chance.


    To give us a chance. Please. " I plead and he looks away from me. I drop my gaze to mom, and she


    sighs as she draws closer to her husband, stroking his arm as she speaks, "Matt. You should listen to


    your daughter. You shouldn''t let your rivalry with Mason stop her from living her life. Love happens


    naturally and it isn''t her fault for falling for him. You can''t put an end to your daughter''s love story, just


    because you hate the boy''s father. "


    "The both of you; what is wrong with you?" Dad hisses, jerking mom''s hold off him as he takes a step


    away. "Do you realize this is Mason Ford you''re talking about? That man is the most selfish human I''ve


    ever met. Do you honestly think he would let this happen?"


    "We know that, and that''s why we''reing to you first. " I tell him and he says, "You''re what?"


    "Emerson. He''ll be here soon. He doesn''t care about what you have with his father, dad. He''s willing to


    take that huge step to be with me, so please, try to understand me. Just let me have this one thing,


    dad. I''m in love with him. I can''t begin to exin the depth of my love for him, dad so please don''t take


    that away from me. I''m pleading with you. I''m¡ª" I start to move on my knees before him, but mom


    stops me, dragging me up with her.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" She snaps and I shake my head, wiping my thumb under my eye to


    stop the tear that threatens to fall. "I don''t care if I have to get on my knees before him; I just need him


    to agree with this. You can punish me in any way you want for keeping this away from the both of you


    for long, but please¨C just don''t make me lose Emerson. "


    "Oh, baby. I understand. I truly do. " She sighs, rubbing my arm before she turns around to meet her


    husband. I bite down on my tongue as I watch them converse silently with dad shaking his head along


    with mom''s words.


    My hands are trembling by my sides as I wait and dad finally turns his gaze to me. The frown that


    covers his face remains as he speaks, "You truly love this boy?"


    "I do. So much. " I respond and he nods. "If you do, then I can''t stop you. I''ll meet him, but this will only


    continue if Mason gives his approval to this rtionship. If not, then I cannot support you, Eva. This is


    the best I can do for you. "


    "He will. " I beam, his words being more than enough. "Mason will! Your approval is the one I need the


    most. "


    "Alright. Let''s meet this boy that''s managed to capture your heart then. " He says and I don''t hold back


    as I close the gap between us and jump into his arms. "Thank you, dad. Thank you so much. " I wrap


    my arms around him and he returns the embrace, his hand caressing my hair.


    I pull back from his chest when there''s a touch on my arm and I twist my head to see my mom smiling


    at me.


    "Your old woman don''t deserve any of your affection?" She jokes and I let out augh as I pull her into


    the hug, wrapping my arms around the both of them. "You both are the best. I could never ask for


    better parents. "


    "We love you, baby. "


    ~


    "Where''s this boy of yours?" Dad asks from his seat and my eyes go to the phone I have in hand for


    the hundredth time in a few minutes. Opening the screen; the messages and calls I left Emerson are


    yet to be responded to, and that familiar disappointment hits me.


    Where the fuck is he?


    "Eva. Are you sure you both agreed to do this?" Mom''s soft voice brings my gaze to her and I hum.


    "We did. I don''t understand why he isn''t here yet. I''ll call him again. "


    Mom gives me a nod, while dad merely watches me as I raise to my feet, pacing to the other side of the


    room as I try Emerson''s contact again; ending with the same result for the past minutes.


    "What the fuck went wrong with you?" I mumble under my breath as I stare at the screen and watch the


    call ends, taking me back to the log.


    Taking my bottom lip between my teeth, I tap on his name and try again. And once again, it rings and


    ends.


    "God, please. This can''t be happening. This can''t be fucking happening. " I p a hand over my


    forehead as I pace back and forth, my phone glued to my ear with the echoes of my heart thumping in


    my chest taking over the vibrations.


    "What were you thinking, Eva?" Dad''s voice makes me stop on myst step, and I drop the phone from


    my ear before I look back at him. He moves from his seat and strides towards me with mom trailing


    right after him.


    "He isn''t showing up, is he?" His face is stoic and his voice is cold as he utters the words, and I''m no


    longer able to hold his harsh gaze so I drop it as I nod slowly.


    "Of course, he wouldn''t. This is Mason''s son we''re talking about. He''s a fucking Ford. "


    "He''s my boyfriend, and we¡ª"


    "God, are you listening to yourself, Eva? How the hell did you end up here? What did he deceive you


    with? What words did he say to you that made you turn this stupid?"


    "Matt. " Mom''s voice follows after his and I keep my gaze glued to the floor. "Go easy on her. This isn''t


    her fault. "


    "It is! I should have known better than to trust you when you said he agreed toe here with you.


    He''s Mason Ford''s son and he knows his father better than anyone. Mason would never let his son be


    in a rtionship with my daughter, and I should have never listened to you. He isn''t here, Eva. And he


    wouldn''t because he yed you. I don''t know how long you''ve been with him, but you need to end that


    rtionship of yours because nothing good wille out of it. This much should teach you everything


    you need to know. "


    "Matt!" Mom calls his name again. "You''re being harsh on your daughter. "


    "Then maybe you should tell your daughter that she made a mistake this time. I''ll be in my office. " I


    remain glued to the spot as the sound of his loud footsteps fades and there''s a touch on my arm.


    "Eva, " mom drops her hand to my chin, and lifts my gaze to meet hers. Her eyes are warm and her


    voice is soft as she speaks, "I''m so sorry, baby. But there''s nothing left to do if he didn''t show up as


    promised. You have to understand your father. "


    When I don''t give her a response, she moves closer and pulls me into her chest, giving gentle pats on


    my back. "You shouldn''t think about his words. You did nothing wrong. "


    But I did. I trusted him enough toe here and prove our love to my parents. I trusted Emerson Ford


    enough to want to take this risk with him, but he let me down.


    He fucking let me down and that realization is enough to make a single tear roll down my cheeks. And


    from a single, it turns to a double till I''m holding tight onto my mother as I sob onto her shoulder.


    ~


    "Are you sure you need to leave now, Eva? I think your father would want you to stay and you should


    consider how things are at the moment. You know how Matt is when he''s furious. " Mom tells me as I


    start to head for the door and I turn back to face her, "I know, but I can''t stay. I need to head back there


    and find out what happened to him. "


    "You poor thing, " she sighs as he presses her palm to my cheek and I give her a sad smile, "I''ll be fine.


    "


    "Why, Eva?" She asks when she pulls her hand away, and when I raise a confused brow at her, she


    continues, "Why him? Why the son of the man your father detests so much? It could have been so


    much easier if it were anyone else, but this boy. Why did you have to make things hard for yourself?"


    "Because love has no shame. " I let out unhesitatingly. "Because it has no discrimination and it doesn''t


    matter who you love. As long as you feel, you feel. "


    "I''ve met Mason a few times, and all those times, I''ve only managed to get something from him: he isn''t


    the type of man to be told what to do. Mason would never agree to this rtionship between you and


    his son, and if Mason doesn''t; you know your father wouldn''t either. "


    "I¡ª" I pause, not knowing what to say after those words. "But right there, he was willing to¡ª"


    "Your father was willing to listen to you because he loves you, but you also have to understand how he


    feels. This thing has been going on for years, and so many times; Mason Ford has caused so much


    harm to us. Have you forgotten the fact that we almost lost everything because of him?"


    I shake my head. How could I forget the very first time I saw tears in my father''s eyes other than when


    he lost his other daughter. But again, "I love him, mom. I don''t know what I''d do without him. I don''t


    know what I''d be without him. I can''t possibly start to think about that, because the mere thoughts just


    hurt so bad. "


    "I really wish there was a way, baby but it all started with Mason Ford and it would never end without


    Mason Ford. " She says, palming my cheek again and I nod, "I should start leaving. I need to get to


    Emerson. "


    "Okay, baby. Call me if anything happens, and I''ll try to calm your father. " She says and I give her a


    small smile, letting her press her lips to the side of my head before I turn around and walk out of the


    house with a heavy heart and bitterness about why Emerson decided to screw it all up at thest


    minute.


    ~


    Emerson doesn''t respond to my calls or my texts all the way home, and I push through the front door


    with a banging heart as I walk inside with a call of his name. "Emerson! Emerson, where are you?"


    When I stop in the middle of the living room, I''m met with total silence except for the echoes of my


    voicesing back to me, and I furrow my brows as my gazes move across the room. Only when I


    calm down do I realize the living room is in the exact order we left it before we headed to school this


    morning and I pace to the window by my right, separating the folds with a finger to take a peek outside


    the house and there''s no car parked in its usual spot.


    He isn''t here. Emerson isn''t home. At that realization, my anger from my discussion with my parents is


    quick to turn into worry and panic, and I take out my phone; hands trembling as I tap on his name.


    Fixing the phone to my ear, I bite my nails as I pace across the room like I''ve been doing all day, and


    like it was back home¨C there''s no response from the other side.


    The thought that something could have happened to him crosses my mind and I shake my head


    frantically as I try his contact again.


    "No, please. Please, you have to be fine. Just¡ª please. " Where do I look to? What do I do? What


    should I¡ª Jaxon. He was with Jaxon when I texted him. The library pops into my mind and I''m rushing


    out of the house.


    ~


    After almost getting lost in an attempt to find the library, I finally found it and ced a call to the owner


    who gave me Jaxon''s number, and I called Jaxon; only for a girl to receive his call.


    A tired sigh leaves my mouth as I arrive in front of the house again, and just as I''m about to walk


    through the door; my phone vibrates in my hand and I don''t think to check the caller before I take the


    call.


    "Hello?"


    There''s loud music in the background as a new voice that doesn''t belong to Emersones from the


    other end. "Um, hi. Who''s this, please? You called this number?"


    I move the phone from my ear a bit to see it''s Jaxon''s number and a string of relief floods through me


    as I proceed to say, "Hi, it''s Eva. Can I ask you where Emerson is? I''ve been trying his contact but


    there''s been no response and I''m getting worried. "


    "Oh, hey, Eva. What the fuck¡ª get the hell out of my face. " He snaps and I flinch slightly, scrunching


    my nose at the loudness of his voice mixed with the noises.


    "Um, Eva. Give me a minute to get out of here. " He says and I hum, staying on the line as I wait for his


    voice toe through and when it does, it''s clear, but the words don''t help with my worry as he says,


    "Emerson left my ce hours ago. He said he has to go somece with you. Did he not show up?"


    My heart drops and I answer in a low voice. "He didn''t, and he isn''t home either. "


    "I''m sorry, Eva but I have no idea where he could be. I''m sure he''ll be back though. You shouldn''t be


    worried. If there''s any reason he isn''t taking your calls, then it must be because he couldn''t. Not


    because he doesn''t want to. " He assures me and I nod, as I stride inside the room. "Thank you, Jaxon.


    Enjoy the rest of your party. "


    He responds with a goodbye greeting and I drop the phone as the call ends. Clicking on the lock to the


    door, I take a nce around me before I stroll in the direction of the rooms, moving into Emerson''s


    room, instead of mine.


    The elegant scent of his room greets me as I walk inside, and I kick off my shoes as I take slow steps


    to the bed. Climbing on it, I take one of the pillows and clutch it to my chest as I bury my face in it, tears


    burning my eyes as I mumble, "Where are you, Emerson? I badly need you to be with me. "

 S E V E N T Y - T H R E E

    S E V E N T Y - T H R E E


    EVA.


    "Emerson. "


    My eyes open to the while ceiling and my hand move on its own across the bed, but end up with


    nothing.


    My chest drops as I sit up on the bed, my eyes ncing at the clock by the side which reads almost


    ten. And Emerson is yet to be back.


    I lift my body to grab my phone, and there are no new notifications from him.


    "Where did you go?" I mumble as I stare at the numerous messages I''ve left him before I climb off the


    bed and head out of his room. The ufortable silence in the house swims around me as I stride to


    the kitchen to get a ss of water. After having a sip, I take the ss with me and pace to the living


    room, dropping on the couch as I ce the ss in front of me.


    Silence. A drop. A swallow. A heartbeat¨C the cycle goes on and on with my feet tapping against the


    floor and my phone in my hand, and when my thoughts go to the point of almost driving me insane, I


    move from the couch and ce a call to Aliya, chewing on my lips as the line rings once and twice


    before it connects.


    "Eva?" Her voice sounds tired as ites through and I part my lips, "Did I wake you? I''m sorry. I just


    need to talk to someone or my thoughts will get out of hand. "


    "Did something happen? Are you back from home?" There''s a sound of ruffling sheets as she asks the


    question and I say, "I got back a while ago, and I can''t find Emerson. "


    "Did you leave texts?"


    I nod. "And calls. I got no response, and I''m about to lose my mind. It''s unlike him and the possibilities


    I''m thinking of are so damn wild that I just need to stop them. "


    "Where could he be?" She asks and I rub my eyes as I take a step forward. "I don''t know, Aliya. I don''t


    know, but if I don''t wake up to that boy by my side, I will¡ª"


    "Don''t. " She shushes me before I can finish my words. "You shouldn''t think that way. I''m sure he''s fine.


    "


    "Then why isn''t he taking my calls? If he''s fine, then why''s he not responding to my texts?"


    "Think positive, babe. Maybe he misced his phone. " She suggests and I say, "With his car too?"


    "I¡ª I don''t know what to say, Eva but don''t think negatively. Don''t do that to yourself. He''ll find his way


    back to you; believe in that. " Her words aren''t as convincing as they sound but I take them either way.


    Aliya stays on the line for a while before there are no more words from her end, and amidst the yawns


    and the tired voice; I know she must have fallen asleep. When I move the phone from my ear, it''s


    almost eleven and I walk to take a peek through the window before I stride back to the couch.


    I take another gulp of my water as I put my gaze on the door, and mumble silently for Emerson Ford to


    walk through it. He doesn''t need to say a word, I just need to see his face at this point.


    I take my eyes back to my phone when Hanna crosses my mind but I ignore the thought before I send


    the message. There''s no way he''s home; he would have showed up to mine if he were.


    Deciding to try again, I contact his call and for the first time, it goes from unanswered to unreachable


    and fear consumes my trembling being as drop after drop of my tears falls to the phone screen.


    ~


    "Eva. Baby. " I groan, turning to the other side at the sound of the voice. It takes a second before it


    jump out of bed, my eyes wide as they meet the brown ones by my side. He puts on a smile as he


    drops his hand on my shoulder.


    "Emerson? Oh my God. " I move closer to his side and wrap my arms around his neck, throwing my


    face to the side of his neck to press my lips to the skin. "Where were you? What happened to you?


    Why didn''t you¡ª" I''m unable to finish my words as I close my eyes and let his presence calm my


    raging heart.


    "Did I get you worried? I''m so sorry, baby. " His soft voice speaks near my ear as he strokes my back,


    and the wordsing from him have me pulling back, a frown taking over my face. "Why didn''t you


    "I was on my way. " He assures me as he moves on the bedpletely and takes my hands in his, his


    thumb caressing the back of my palm as he speaks, "I was. I was on my way to you, Eva. "


    "So what happened?" I lift a brow and there''s a shift in his bob as he takes a big gulp, his eyes


    flickering from mine to our hands before he opens his mouth, "I got distracted. "


    "What?" My confusion is clear from that one word, and Emerson sighs, rocking my hands slowly. "What


    happened at home?"


    "You tell me what happened to you, Emerson. I left tons of messages and calls, and none got a reply. I


    was so fucking worried when I got home, and didn''t meet you here. I was losing my mind, Emerson.


    What happened? Why did you do that?"


    "I''m sorry, " he whispers, lowering his gaze from mine. "I''m sorry, Eva. I''m so fucking sorry. I''m just¡ª


    I''m so sorry, baby. I''m so sorry. " He keeps repeating and I furrow a brow as I drop one of my hands


    from his to touch his chin. Lifting his gaze to mine, his eyes are not the usual ones I''m used to. They''re


    warm, but there''s a strong emotion that he doesn''t let me decipher as he puts a smile on.


    "Emerson, " I start in a low voice. "Is there something you want to share with me? Please talk to me. "


    "Why''d you think that?" He asks and I say, "Because I can feel it. Did you do something? What is it?"


    He shakes his head, and I drop my hand from his chin for him to palm my cheek. His thumb soothes


    the skin as he says, "Did you cry?"


    "No. " I lie and he chuckles. "You did, Eva. You can''t lie to me. Why did you cry?"


    "You weren''t here. " I tell him, pushing my face into his palm. "I got scared that something bad might


    have happened. I didn''t know where to look to. I didn''t know who to call, and that truly scared me. " I


    hold a hand over his. "Don''t do that to me, again. Promise me; promise that you''ll never do that to me


    again. "


    "Come here. " He responds, gesturing for me to move closer and I crawl across the bed and onto his


    mouth to speak, but Emerson doesn''t allow it as he closes his lips over mine. His lips are unhurried


    against mine. No tongue. No teeth. Just his lips and mine, and it''s almost like he''s taking his time to


    savour the taste.


    He withdraws after a while and holds his hand over my head as he leans forward to press his lips to my


    forehead and then he states to back away.


    "Where are you going?" I ask Emerson, taking his hand when he tries to slide off the bed and he turns


    back to me with a bright smile on his face, "I just need to change my clothes. "


    "Don''t leave me. " I whine and he moves on the bed again, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear


    as he presses his lips to my cheek. When he pulls back, he says, "I''m not, baby. Come here. " I throw a


    hand around his neck as Emerson carries me from the bed and into his arms, wrapping my legs around


    his waist to steady me as he walks us to his closet.


    He takes a few seconds to grab his shirt before he walks to the other corner and he drops me to the


    desk, caging me in his arms as he lowers his gaze, "I need to get into this, and I can''t do that with you


    in my arms. "


    I hum in response to his words and he pats my hair before he takes a step back, and I watch him


    undress, leaving his boxers on and throwing the new shirt on. He ruffles his hair over his head before


    he strides back to me and gestures for me to raise my arms. When I do, Emerson removes the sweater


    I didn''t bother taking off along with my bra before he throws me in his shirt.


    "Did you eat already?" He asks as I move from the desk to get rid of my pants, tossing them to the side


    of the room before I answer him, "I don''t feel hungry. "


    "You didn''t eat much before you left for school. " He reminds me as he carries me back into his arms,


    and I drop my head on his shoulder, "I just want to feel you like this; I''m not hungry. Are you?"


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "I''m not either, but I do want you to eat. Should I make you something?" He asks as he lowers me on


    the bed, throwing the nket over my body before he slides next to me, his arm moving around my


    shoulder to bring me to his chest. "I''ll be quick with it. I don''t want you to go to sleep on an empty


    stomach. "


    "I think we should just go to sleep. " I tell him and he frowns, "I''m not letting you sleep without dinner,


    babe. Stay here, I''ll go make something. "


    "No!" I''m quick to object, tossing the nket from my body and augh falls from his lips. "Baby, I''m


    just going to make food. "


    "I''ll go with you. " I suggest and he says, "No, I don''t want you toe with me. I want you to rest. "


    "Emerson, it''s either we leave together or we go to sleep. " I tell him sternly and he sighs before he


    gives in. He grabs my hand as he pulls me out of bed, and we walk out of the room with me hugged to


    his side.


    Emerson walks to the refrigerator when we step into the kitchen while I stand behind him and watch.


    When he turns back to me, he says, "What should we make? A fast food, right?"


    "How about omelet? I love your omelets. " I confess and he throws me a kiss before he turns back to


    the refrigerator and gathers the necessary ingredients for the meal.


    I rush after him as he strolls to the counter and I throw my head on his shoulder, watching as he cracks


    eggs into the bowl.


    "Those are thest set, when are we getting groceries?" I ask Emerson and I angle my head to get a


    better view of his face when he gives no response. "Emerson?"


    "My baby?" He answers as he turns his head to my side with lifted brows and I say, "What are you


    thinking of?"


    "Nothing. Why did you ask?" He says as he turns his attention back to the eggs and I say, "I was asking


    you when we''ll do the groceries. "


    "Oh, right. We''re almost out. " He mutters and I nod. "We should get themter. " He pinches my cheek


    before he turns to get the vegetables. When he returns, I jump on his back with my arms locked around


    his neck and Emersonughs as he slides one hand around my thigh to keep me from falling while he


    works with the other hand.


    "Do you think this is enough?" He asks as he shows me the bowl of mixed eggs and I hum. He drops


    the bowl and moves to the stove, and my lips stretch into a smile as I watch each movement of his


    hand.


    "I''ll never get tired of watching you cook. " The words fall out of my mouth without much thought and


    Emerson gazes at me over his shoulder, "Is that because you love it when you get to do nothing, or do


    you just genuinely love the meals I make you?"


    I lower my head and press my lips to his neck, before I say, "It''s because you look sexy when you do it.


    "


    "Are youplimenting me, Carson?" He teases me and I respond with, "Do you want me to take it


    back?"


    "No. " He shakes his head, tightening his hold. "They''re mine to keep. " And he rubs the back of my


    thighs teasingly, creating tingles and I''m unable to hold back as Iugh and throw my legs to the back.


    "Careful, baby. I won''t be responsible for it if I drop you. "


    "You won''t. I trust you not to drop me. " No long after those words, he repeats the action and the sound


    of my giggles is loud in the air, taking the space around us along with Emerson''s softugh.


    As the sounds slowly die down and Emerson returns to his cooking while I remain on his back, I know


    that I''ll never let anything take this away from me. Not my father, and definitely not Mason Ford. I don''t


    care what costes with that; I just want to be with him for what''s left of my life.


    When I bring my attention back to Emerson, he''s covering the pan and I open my mouth, "Can we


    watch a movie while we eat that?"


    "I thought you wanted to sleep?" He questions and I say, "I''m not feeling so sleepy anymore. Let''s


    watch a movie. "


    When he turns his head, I close my lips over his for a short kiss and when I pull back, he smiles and


    says, "Go for it. "


    EMERSON.


    I hold a hand over the headboard as I stare at her in her sleep. A small frown rests on her lips as her


    eyelids flutter, and she only wraps her arms tighter around me as a groan leaves her lips, and gorgeous


    blue eyes meet mine, head tilting to the back a bit to take in my features.


    Even with the clear exhaustion on her face, she remains the most beautiful woman I''ve everid my


    eyes on.


    "Morning. " I smile at her and it''s as if my voice gives her the confirmation that I''m right beside her as


    she matches my smile with one of hers, "Morning. "


    "You look tired. " I tell her as I drop my hand to her cheek and she lets out a sigh, "I feel tired. "


    "Something happened back home, didn''t it?" I ask her and she looks away from me as she moves up a


    little. When she looks back at me, she says, "Dad got mad cause you didn''t show up. It was a mess


    before I left. "


    "I got distracted. I was almost there. " I tell her and she lifts a brow, "Distracted by what?"


    "My brother. He called, and we talked about things. I was on my way to you then I just lost it, and had


    to take a pause. I didn''t realize it was getting darker or my phone has been ringing until it gotte


    because I ced it on silent. I''m sorry I screwed it up, Eva. I know how much it means to you. " I say


    and she shakes her head, "It''s as important to you as it is to me, and it''s proving harder than I thought,


    but we can always try again. Why didn''t youe to find me? I would have left my parents toe to


    you. We''re each other''s home, aren''t we?"


    "We are, baby. We are. " I whisper, my chest falling in a sigh and she says, "Come to your home next


    time. "


    "I will. " I smile as I lower my head to press my lips to her chin before I say, "Do you want to go make


    breakfast? I feel famished. " I tell her and she groans, "I don''t want to get out of bed. "


    "We have sses today, babe, " I remind her and she blinks twice, pushing her lips forward as she


    mumbles, "Can we not go? I just want toy here in your arms. "


    I smile. "Of course, we can have that, baby. We should have that. "


    "Stay. Here. Me. You. " There''s a pause between each word as she moves closer, bringing her warmth


    with her and I drop a hand over her waist while the other stays at the back of her head.


    "You''ll get through it. We''ll be fine. " I assure her and she hums, nudging her head against my chest


    while I stroke her hair with thoughts racing through my mind.


    I don''t want to do this, Eva. I don''t want to do this to us. I don''t want to do this to me; not now. I don''t


    want to do this to you.

 S E V E N T Y - F O U R

    S E V E N T Y - F O U R


    EVA.


    "We got groceries yesterday, and you still want ice cream?" Emerson asks as he stops the car and I


    nod, "Ice cream is the better choice, Ford. "


    "I can''t believe I''m letting you do this. " He sighs as he unfastens his seatbelt and I beam at him, "You


    love me. "


    "Damn right I do. " He winks, closing the distance between us to ce a kiss on my cheek before he


    withdraws and says, "I''ll be back. " I hum and watch as he takes his wallet from the carpartment


    before he climbs out while I grab my phone from the side, only for it to vibrate the second it''s in my


    hand.


    I slide the button to receive before I press it against my ear, "Mom?"


    "Eva. " Her voicees through. "How are you, baby?"


    "I''m fine. How are you?" I say and there''s a sigh from her end. "You know how things are before you


    left. Your father wants you toe home. "


    "Why? So he can get me away from Emerson? I already told you, mom. I''m not leaving him. I took the


    risk of letting him know about my rtionship and I will not let him take this away from me. " I tell her


    and there''s another sigh. "It''s not that, baby. You have to understand that¡ª"


    "I''ve tried. I''ve tried to understand both of you, and I''ve failed. I''m sorry but I''m noting home. "


    "Eva, please. Don''t make this harder than it already is. You know what Matt is capable of. Don''t make


    hime onto you, baby. " She says and I respond with, "I don''t care. I''ve let him control me for a long


    time, mom and I''ve always done things the way he wants, but not this time. I refuse to listen to him, this


    time. I don''t care what he does. "


    "Eva, if your fatheres there¡ª" she starts, but I don''t let her finish. "If hees here, he''ll have to


    be willing to hurt me before he''s able to achieve what he wants. "


    "And is this boy worth it? Is he worth what you''re doing for him? Is he worth turning you against your


    father?" The questiones unexpected and I take a while to answer, but when I open my mouth, I


    know the words I let out are nothing but the truth. "He is, and he''s worth a lot more. "


    "Eva¡ª" she calls again and I say, "I''ve made my decision, mom. I''m not leaving him. Nothing you say


    will change my mind. "


    "And what about him? Is he willing to stay with you despite his father''s will? Will he turn his back on his


    father for you?"


    "He wouldn''t be here if he didn''t. " I answer and there''s a long silence from her side that I almost


    thought she disconnected the line until her voicees through again, "You both are young and I know


    you love him, but don''t let that love make you do things you''lle to regret. You know how much you


    mean to us. "


    "If I honestly do mean as much as you''ve always told me, then you''ll understand me and give me your


    support in this, not the other way around. I''m not the one turning my back on you, you''re the one


    turning your backs on your daughter. " I rify and she makes a sound of disapproval, "We''re only


    watching out for you, Eva. Mason Ford isn''t¡ª"


    "I''m done having this conversation with you, mom. " I say and there''s another sigh from her. "Are you


    happy? Are you honestly happy with him?"


    "I am. " I reply and she hums, "That''s all I need to hear. "


    She stays on the line for a bit more, asking about my health and troubles, but not without drifting to the


    issues I have with my father before she gets off the line, and my chest falls as I leave the phone


    between my thighs.


    "It was a long line. " I turn my head at the sound of Emerson and he settles in his seat before extending


    the cups to me, stopping midway at the sight of me. "Did something happen?"


    I take the cup from him, letting him have the other. "Why did you ask?"


    "You are frowning, babe. " He answers as he closes the door and turns his body towards me, leaving


    the cup between us. "What happened?"


    "Mom called, and she wants me toe back home. She said something about dading to our


    ce if I refuse and that kind of pissed me off. I''m not a damn toy they can throw around. I''ve given


    them their chance and they threw it away. " I hiss and Emerson holds his hand over mine, "Babe, are


    you sure this is okay?"


    "What?" I ask and he says, "This thing with your family. I don''t want to be the reason you have trouble


    with your parents. "


    "You''re having troubles with your father because of me. " I remind him and he chuckles, "That''s


    different, baby. Mason and I have always had troubles. This is you and your parents. You''ve always


    been close; don''t let me take that away from you, Eva. "


    I lift my shoulder in a shrug. "They''lle around, and if they don''t, then so be it. "


    "Eva¡ª" he tries calling again but I cut in. "I told you, Em. I''m not giving this up. "


    He smiles and strokes my cheeks before he leans forward and takes my lips in his. I hold the cup with


    one hand while the other hand slides to his neck and I caress the ends of his curls as I slide my tongue


    inside his mouth, and lower his with mine.


    When I start to move out of the seat, Emerson pulls back with furrowed brows, "What do you think


    you''re doing?"


    I try to connect our lips again, but he ducks his head and I let out a groan of frustration, "I want you. "


    "Right now?" He asks with wide eyes as he looks around us and I nod, "Yes, right now. "


    "Eva, we''re in the middle of the street. " He states the obvious and I say, "I don''t care. " I push my head


    closer and try to capture his lips, but once again¡ª Emerson pulls back.


    "Emerson!" I whine and heughs. "I''m not fucking you in the middle of a street, baby. "


    "But why? I want you right now. " I say and he looks around again before his gaze settles on mine. "We


    could get caught. "


    "And? It''s not like we''re doing anything bad, plus I don''t see anyone passing through here. " I tell him


    as I look outside the car and Emerson shakes his head when I look back at him, "It''s public, Carson. "


    "Since when do you care about where you touch me?" I narrow my eyes at him and he responds with,


    "Since when do you not care about where I fuck you? Who the hell are you, and what have you done


    with my baby?"


    "Shut up. " I tell him with a frown and heughs, stroking my cheek again. "Another time?"


    "No, I want it right now. " I say, holding my hands over his and guiding it to the front of my pants. "I''m


    soaked. "


    "How can you be wet when you were pissed off about a minute ago?" He raises a brow as he


    continues to rub me through my pants and I say, "You kissed me a second ago. What were you


    expecting with your lips on mine?"


    "Okay. I''ll kiss you some more. " He mutters as he takes his hand away and gestures for me to move


    onto hisp. I drop my cup beside his and almost knock them over with my leg as I slide on Emerson''s


    "Comfortable?" He questions and I say, "A bit more. "


    Emerson presses the button, inclining the seat a bit more and I give a sound of approval before I grab


    onto the front of his shirt and mash my lips against his. He sps his hand around my head as he lets


    me lead the kiss, and I let out a moan, my bottom lip dropping from his as I slowly start to rock against


    the front of his pants. Moving my hands to his neck, I angle my head to the side and swipe my tongue


    across his ear before I whisper, "You''re hard. "


    "You made me hard, baby. " He grunts in response and the movement of my hips start to still.


    "How can I stay away when we''re like this?" My head drops on his shoulder, letting it stay there for a


    while with minor movements of my hips and when there''s nothing but the heavy breathing of Emerson


    mixed with mine, I pull back to meet his gaze and I''m taken aback by the tears in his eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" I ask him with a lifted brow, the mood immediately changing and he shakes his head,


    "Nothing, baby. Everything is fine. "


    "You''re looking at me with tears in your eyes, Emerson. You can''t fucking tell me that crap. What''s it?" I


    snap, my voice is loud as I wait for his response and he drops his gaze from mine, grabbing my hands


    toce his fingers through mine. When he meets my eyes again, he says, "You''re just really beautiful. "


    "Emerson, please¡ª" I plead, my voiceing out smaller. "Don''t make me do this again. Don''t make


    me have to fight before you tell me what''s truly going on with you. "


    He lifts his hand to cup my cheek. "You won''t. I won''t let that happen again. "


    "Then tell me what''s wrong with you. What''s with the tears? Is it your brother? What did you discuss


    with him?" I ask him and he drops his hand to cover my hand with both of his. He lifts it to his lips and


    ces a kiss on the tips of my fingers. He smiles up at me and says, "You trust me, don''t you?"


    I stare at him for a while before I give a small nod and he says, "With your words, baby. Tell me, do you


    trust me, Carson? "


    "I do trust you, but I don''t like it when you''re being this way either. " I tell him and he smiles at me, "If


    you trust me then you''ll have to believe me when I say everything is fine. "


    "Emerson. " I call his name and he presses his lips to my hand. "Yes, my baby?"


    There''s a sudden dryness in my throat and I choke on my own words as I look into his eyes and say, "I


    love you. "


    His hand on mine freezes for a second and he covers his expression with a small smile before I can


    read him. "I love you. " He whispers, using my hands to drag me closer till my head falls against his


    chest, and his hands glide to my waist, patting my back gently and I should know right there that


    something bad ising. I can feel it. It''s in the air between the two of us, and it''s in me, but as Iy


    there, listening to the loud beats of his heart; I wonder how bad it would be to trust him to be here


    always. To trust him when he says I have nothing to be worried about.


    At the sound of the vibration of my phone, I pull away from him and grab the mobile from the other seat


    to see Aliya''s name on the screen.


    "Aliya is calling. I need to get to her ce for the project. " I inform Emerson as I start to move off his


    "Right, my ice cream. " I smile at him as I grab the cup before I turn to get off. When I shut the car door,


    I peek through the window and say, "I''ll see you at home in a few hours. "


    "You will. " He responds and I wave at him before I withdraw my head, and walk in the other direction.


    ~


    "I thought you''d be home first. " I mumble under my breath when I reach the front of our apartment with


    the absence of Emerson''s car. My shoulders sink in a sigh and I avert my gaze to the door as I stroll


    inside the house and nce around the living room once, a sudden breeze making me rub my


    shoulders before I turn in the direction of the bedrooms.


    I walk inside Emerson''s room and throw my bag to the side, about to walk to the bathroom when my


    eyes catch the sight of a small piece of paper lying in the middle of the bed with a book holding it down.


    I furrow my brows in confusion as I stride towards the bed and I move the book to grab the paper


    beneath.


    I instantly recognize the handwriting as Emerson''s and I let out a chuckle. "You could have just texted


    me. Trying to be creative, Ford?"


    But he wasn''t. And I know that the second my eyes run across the first words, my smile dropping from


    my face.


    ''Eva. Firstly, I want you to know that I didn''t want to do this. I truly didn''t want to do to us, baby. Not to


    you, but I had no other choice¡ª''


    I don''t read further than that before I throw the paper to the side, knowing the words that''ll follow those


    and move away from the bed, tears burning my eyes and at first they don''t fall because a part of me


    knew something bad wasing, but nothing¡ª nothing could have ever prepared me for Emerson


    Ford walking out of my life, and that''s all it takes for my tears to stream down my cheeks.


    "No. No, you didn''t. You didn''t do this to me, Ford. You¡ª" my breathing gets heavier and I take my


    trembling hands to the back of my pocket to take out my phone. My tears burn my vision and they


    cover the screen of my phone, my fingers slipping as I tap on his name. It goes directly to voicemail


    and I shake my head as I try again, getting the same response before I fall to the floor with an aching


    heart in my hold.


    "No, you didn''t. You didn''t leave. You didn''t¨C you couldn''t have. You won''t. Yes, I just need to¨C I just


    need to¨C No, please. Please don''t do this to me. Please. Why? Why, Emerson? Why?" His smiles. The


    tears. His chants of reassurance. Everything... He was leaving. He was leaving me, and I saw iting


    yet I choose to ignore it.


    He was leaving me, and I¡ª No. He can''t do this to me. He knows how much I need him by my side. He


    knows how much I''ve grown so used to having him here, he can''t¡ª he just can''t.


    My hands reaches to my head and I grip onto the locks as I let out a scream, my chest panting in sobs


    with my heart pounding inside. Shaking and hurting. It hurts so fucking much. It just... Hurts.


    After minutes of staying on the floor, I grab my phone and ce another call to the only person I can


    trust to save me from doing something terrible at this moment.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    The line rings thrice before Aliya''s voicees in. "Babe?"


    "Lia¡ª" I call out her name, followed by a hup as I rub my chest and her voice is full of concern when


    I hear it again. "Eva? What''s wrong? Why did you sound like that?"


    "I¨C I need you, please. I¨C I don''t trust myself in this state. Just, please... Come. "


    "Fuck, Eva. Tell me what happened. Hang on. Don''t be anything stupid, I''m on my way. " I don''t say


    anything in response before I throw the phone to a corner and pull my knees to my chest, sweats


    covering my trembling body as I plop my head against my knees. He left. Despite the promises, he left.


    Why? Why did he leave me? Why now? Why when I''ve been utterly consumed by him? Why when I


    was willing to do anything and everything to be with him?


    My tears don''t stop and my head starts to pound, voices echoing through my mind and darkness


    kicking in as I wrap my arms around my body.


    "Eva! Eva?" There are sudden shouts of my name, belonging to a familiar voice and I want to move,


    but my body remains still and I can only mumble a name with a weak voice, "Lia. "


    "Eva, please answer me! Where are you? Oh, God. " Her voice is getting closer, nearer, echoing


    around me, filling the air and then she''s here. She''s standing in front of me with only steps away.


    Aliya''s eyes are wide as they meet mine and she stares down at me before she meets my eyes again


    and she''s rushing toward me.


    "Eva. Oh my God, Evie. Are you okay?" She grabs onto my shoulder as she kneels by my side and I


    shake my head, my chest rising as I struggle to let out words.


    "Eva. " She calls again and I grab onto her hands to calm my trembling self. "Eva, please talk to me.


    What happened? Why are you here? Where''s Emerson?"


    At the sound of his name, it gets heavier to breathe and I open my mouth to speak, but end up with


    sobs, my entire body aching with pain. An unbearable pain that gets too hard to hold. It hurts


    everywhere. From my head to the tip of my toes and to my heart that holds only him.


    "Eva, please. " Aliya holds my face before she brings me into her arms and I grab onto her side tightly


    as my head falls against her shoulder, my wet cheeks soaking her top. "Calm down. Breathe, Eva.


    Please. " She says softly as her hand glides down my back and my grip on her gets tighter as my sobs


    get heavier. "He¡ª he left, Lia. He left... For good. "


    "Eva. " She calls and I shut my eyes as I hold onto her for dear life, my voice muffled against her as I


    speak again. "Emerson left. He left me. "


    He really did. Despite everything, he chose to leave. He chose to throw away everything we have. I


    gave everything for Emerson Ford and he gave pain in return; what a truly fucked up way of showing


    gratitude.

 S E V E N T Y - F I V E

    S E V E N T Y - F I V E


    ALIYA.


    She''s shaking. She''s shaking too fucking much from all over and my heart is jumping in my chest in


    fear for her. In fear of what might happen to her.


    "Deep breathes, Eva. Deep breathes. " I try my best to calm her down, but the sobs don''t stop and the


    trembles only increase, till a point where I''m fucking scared she has no control over it either.


    "Please, Eva. You need to take deep breaths. " I tell her again, rubbing her back to try to provide some


    warmth and her head only presses harder against my shoulder, her grip on me getting tighter as no


    words fall from her mouth other than cries, and my heart both hurts and shakes for her. I know the


    extent of Eva''s love for Emerson, and I''d have thought of everything, but this. They might have


    misunderstandings and fight when the timees for it to happen, but never would I have thought that


    Emerson Ford would take the big step of leaving her. Not this way. Not with her like this.


    We remain in the position and after several minutes; Eva''s sobs start to lessen and it turns into loud


    hups as she takes inhales.


    I pull back to look into her eyes, and they''re full of tears. "Evie. Look at me, babe. " She raises her head


    to mine and it only takes one look for me to recognize the familiar pain and sadness that swims around


    those blue orbs.


    "I''m here. I''m here, Evie. " I tell her but she says no words, other than hup again. My chest falls in a


    sigh and I start to move up, curling my hand around her wrist to drag her up with me. She loses her


    bnce, but I''m quick to wrap a hand around her waist, steadying her on her feet.


    "You should take a shower to get some relief. " I let out at the sight of the tangled mess her hair has


    be over her head, and the tears that roll down her cheeks with her mouth closed.


    "Eva, please. Come with me. " I speak again, but she doesn''t move and she doesn''t say a word. "Eva,


    the bathroom?" I repeat my request and it takes a while before she slowly shakes her head as a revolt


    against my words.


    "You don''t want to go to the bathroom? I think you should take a bath to calm¡ª"


    "No. " The one word is powerful enough to cut through my words and she finally lifts her eyes to me


    again. "No. I¨C I can''t go. He''s there. "


    "He? There? What are you talking about?" I furrow my brows in confusion and she starts to shake her


    head non-stop as she opens her mouth, "I can''t go in there. He''s there. He''s there, Aliya. He¡ª


    Emerson is¡ª he''s there to torment me. He will¡ª" the rest of her words turn into cries and I hold a hand


    over the back of her head as I bring her into my arms again, my eyes burning with tears at the meaning


    behind those words.


    He''s there. So many memories of him in there with her and it''ll kill her to step in there now that he''s no


    longer here. Now that he decided to leave her.


    Eva hugs my body tightly, and her body is cold against mine; the pounding of her chest loud against


    mine and I don''t know what to do other than to continue hugging her.


    I don''t know how to tell her he''ll be back by her side when he has left. I don''t know how to tell this


    hurting girl in my arms that everything will be fine when I know it won''t; not like this. I don''t know how to


    tell Eva that I''ll always be here for her because I know that''ll never be enough.


    The only thing I can do is hope that she doesn''t fall back into the hole she once fell into.


    EMERSON.


    ¡ÌNEW YORK CITY.


    "And look who''s back. " The woman in front of the desk smiles at me as she swirls a strand of her hair


    around her finger and I throw her a bored look, "Is my brother around?"


    "So straight to the point like always, pretty boy. Don''t you¡ª"


    "I don''t have time for your jokes. Just tell me if my brother is in or not. " I snap at her and she flinches a


    bit before she clears her throat and jerks her head in the other direction. I give her one nce down


    before I walk away from her and in the direction of the man I''m here for.


    Standing in front of his door, I don''t ce a knock before I push it open and stride inside the room, and


    he''s sitting elegantly behind his desk with his eyes focused on the screen before him.


    "The one with the focus as always. " I speak out and his head snaps to me, surprise masking his


    expression as he slowly rises from his seat. "Emerson? What the hell are you doing here?"


    "Hello to you too, brother. " I greet him, the smile that always apanies those words now lost and


    nowhere to be found.


    "Why are you here?" He asks again and I push away from the door to make my way toward him. When


    I stand in front of him, he proceeds to say, "You didn''t do anything stupid, did you?"


    "I did. " I confirm, settling in the seat in front of his. "And I''m here because of it. "


    Elias sighs before he takes his seat again, dragging the chair closer as he ces his hands in front of


    him. "What did you do this time?"


    I remove my gaze from his, staring at my fingers as I mumble, "I left. "


    "Left who?" Elias questions and I say, "Her. I left her. " And if it wasn''t the toughest decision I''ve ever


    had to make in my entire life.


    "Her?" When my gaze settles back on my brother, there''s a look of confusion in his eyes before


    realization dawns on him. "Her, " he repeats firmly this time. "The girl you told me about? Why? I


    thought you said you love her. "


    I let out a sad chuckle. "I had no other choice, Eli. "


    I don''t say another word before Elias mutters the only name that could have been my reason for it.


    "Father. "


    ~FOUR DAYS EARLIER~


    "Can''t believe you''re leaving me to go meet your girl?" Jaxon whines on my way to where my car is


    parked and I give him a look of irritation. "Fuck off, dude. I''m not your bitch. "


    "But you yearn to be. " He says as he throws a hand over my shoulder and I jerk his hand away as I


    take a step to the side, away from him. "Stop being sickening, Jax. "


    "Oh, right. I wouldn''t want to fuck an annoying jerk like you either. I wonder how Eva puts up with you. "


    He says as we stop in front of my car, and I open the door before I turn to him with a small smirk on my


    face. "She has no other choice; she''s trapped in my charm. "


    "Like the lot of them all. " He retorts and I give him my middle finger, earning augh from him before I


    slide inside the car and into my seat. I fasten my seatbelt and Jaxon taps on my window before he


    waves and walks back inside.


    I shake my head, a smallugh leaving my lips before I take my hand to the steering wheel, stopping


    when my nce catches the screen of my phone and there''s a new text.


    "I''m on my way, baby. " I mumble under my breath as I stop the car and grab the phone to reply to her


    text, only to find out it isn''t from Eva but dad Instead.


    DAD: I want you at my office.


    I hiss and attempt to throw the phone to the side, only for another text toe in.


    DAD: You''ll pay for it, if you dare ignore my message.


    I let out a groan of frustration as I toss the phone to the other seat and start the car, heading in the


    direction of his office. I just need to listen to whatever bullshit he has to say, and I can head over to


    Eva.


    ~


    Stopping the car in front of thepany, I move out of it and head inside, taking the elevator that leads


    me to his office and when I arrive inside, he''s standing by the window.


    "I''m here. " I announce, but he doesn''t move nor does he give me a response so I try again, "You called


    for me. " Again, it''s silence and I cuss under my breath as I stride closer to his side. When I''m almost


    near, he turns around and I halt my steps as his eyes meet mine. They''re the familiar coldness they''ve


    always been, with him wearing his signature frown but there''s something different about his face that


    tells me I won''t like this meeting before dad ever opens his mouth.


    "And how long did you think you could hide it from me?" He queries and I lift a confused brow, "I don''t


    understand. "


    "Did you honestly think that you could get close to Matt''s daughter and keep me in the dark?" He


    chuckles darkly as he sidesteps me and my heart is thumping in my chest as I turn around to his view


    with wide eyes, "Matt''s daughter? How¡ª how did you know that?"


    "The world is too small for Mason Ford, don''t you think?" He responds as he drops to his seat, settling


    his ss in front of him and I pace closer to him. "I love her. "


    "I expected no lesser nonsense words from you, kid. " He chuckles. "But there might just be one use for


    it. "


    When I lift a brow at him, he says, "You might be just want I need to get rid of Matt Carson


    permanently. You''re close to his daughter, and as far as I know; he treats the girl like she''s his whole


    world which means she''s close to her father and she''ll help you in getting everything I need to bring


    Matt Carson¡ª"


    "No fucking way. " I interrupt him, knowing where he''s going with the rest of his words. "I''ll not help you.


    Eva is my fucking girlfriend, and I''ll never do anything that''ll harm her or her family. "


    "I thought you''d say that, " heughs, sinking back in his seat. "You''re the useless one after all, aren''t


    you? But again, you don''t have a choice here, kid. If you want to be with her, you have to go along with


    what I say; if not, I''ll not this rtionship progress any further. "


    "Why the hell do you hate me so much?" I ask him in a low voice and he ms his hands on the table


    before him, leaning over it as he speaks, "Give me one reason why I should not?"


    "Because I''m your son?" I reply and he snickers. "A son who killed my wife. "


    My breath catches in my throat as I open my mouth again. "I¨C I didn''t. I didn''t do that. "


    "Yes, yes, you did. " He persists as he moves back and walks around his desk to stand in front of me.


    "You killed your mother. You killed my wife. "


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "I didn''t. " I repeat the words as I take a step back and he takes another forward. "You did! You took her


    away from her family, and me! All she ever wanted was for her children to befortable and have


    everything they could ever want in life, but what did you do? You whine and whine about not getting


    attention like the goddamn bastard you are!" He spats and I flinch, but he doesn''t stop there. "If she


    never got into that ne for you, she''d still be here. But of course, you wanted her toe there to


    give you the goddamn love you are always wanting and you fucking took her away from me!"


    "No, I didn''t, " I mutter, shaking my head. "I didn''t kill her. I didn''t take her away. It was meant to


    happen, and I¡ª I didn''t. I didn''t do that. I didn''t. "


    "Yes, you did. " He growls and I shake my head again, "I fucking didn''t. Please. Stop. Just please. "


    "You did. You killed your mother! You killed the one who wanted nothing but good for you! You''re


    worthy of no one, Emerson. You''re a failure and a useless piece of¡ª"


    "Fucking stop!" I yell, not thinking about my next action as I swing my hand out, and throw my fist in his


    face. He staggers backwards and I watch as he falls to the floor, a chuckle leaving his mouth as he


    spits out blood.


    "Yes, that''s what you are, kid. You''re meant to destroy things and that''s why you''ll never be worthy of


    anything¨C or anyone. " He spats and I turn my back to him, shutting my eyes to hold back the tears that


    threaten to fall.


    "Give into my offer, or you''ll lose the girl the hard way, Emerson. " He speaks behind me and I turn to


    look at him. With bitternessced through my voice, I speak, "You stay the fuck away from her! Stay the


    fuck away from me! You have no fucking right to meddle in my life and decide the choices I make!" And


    I turn to walk out of his office.


    "You''lle back begging, kid. Mark my words. "


    His words echo behind me and the tears finally fall.


    ~PRESENT~


    "So let me get this straight; the girl you''re in love with is the daughter of dad''s rival, and now that one


    reason is threatening your rtionship with her?" Elias asks for rification in front of me and I give


    him a nod. "And I don''t know what he''d do. "


    "So you thought the next right thing to do is to leave?" He raises a brow and I sink my teeth into my


    bottom lip at the mention of the decision I took; one that I''m not so proud of, but I made regardless


    because I can''t be that selfish. Not to her.


    "Emerson, you told me you don''t find yourself living without this girl?" He reminds me of the words I


    once uttered to him and I say, "You don''t understand, Eli. Our rtionship isn''t just causing Mason to


    react; it''s drifting her away from her parents and I can''t do that to her. I can''t take that away from her. "


    "Did shein about it?" He asks and I shake my head. "She didn''t. "


    "She didn''tin, and yet you saw it as an issue?" He says and I respond with, "She didn''t


    it''s like to have your parent loathe you. I know what it''s like to get no affection from the people who


    gave birth to you. I know the impact it could have on her, and I don''t want that for¡ª"


    "Can you hear yourself, Emerson?" Elias cut in before I can finish my words, and when I remain silent,


    he continues. "You''re saying you took it upon yourself to decide for the both of you. She was willing to


    give up her parents for you, and you think she doesn''t understand the weight of her decision? You think


    she''lle to regret it?"


    "The rtionship between a parent and their daughter will always remain the most important. " I tell him


    and he says, "Yet she was willing to abandon that rtionship for you. Because she loves you.


    Because you are what she wants. You think you won''t be enough, but she knew you''d be. Look,


    Emerson; you know I give and know no shit about love, but if I were in your shoes and a girl is willing to


    turn her back on her family for me? It''d be her and me against everyone else. "


    "But that''s not the only obstacle in our way. I don''t want a rtionship with her where we''ll have to be


    afraid of what''ll happen tomorrow. I don''t one where we''ll have to be cautious of how we move because


    there are people who don''t want us to be together. I don''t want one filled with troubles; I can''t give her


    that, Eli. She deserves more than that from me. She deserves to be with me, in love and happy, without


    having to worry about what hers or my father would pull up next toe between us. I want to be with


    her and I want to love her in peace, but why''s that so hard to have?"


    Elias sighs. "What did she say when you decided to leave?"


    "I didn''t tell her I was leaving, " I answer, and when he arches his brows, I proceed to say, "Not to her


    face. I couldn''t have. I wouldn''t be able to bear it, and I''d have never been able to leave her. I left her a


    note instead. "


    "And what does your note says?" He questions further, and I lick my lips, taking a gulp at the


    remembrance of the number of times I had to rewrite the note because my tears wouldn''t stop ruining


    the previous ones. "That I''m leaving to make things right, and I need her to be strong for the both of us


    while I''m away. " She should have read the note by now and it''ll hurt her. She''ll feel sad, and she might


    even cry, then after that; she''ll be strong like I know her to be.


    A sigh leaves my brother''s mouth again and when I lift my gaze to him, he shakes his head, "I think you


    let Mason influence you into making the wrong decision, little brother. This move of yours may seem


    right to you. You''re doing this for yourself and the girl you''re in love with. You''re doing this to have a


    future with her, but think of it from her perspective. Right now, she''s on bad terms with her parents and


    the reason for that left her. This is no more than leaving her at her lowest, Emerson and I''m afraid it


    won''t be easy for you after this. "


    "It won''t. " I agree. "But it''ll be worth it in the end. "


    "Will it?" He raises a brow and I hum, "It has to. It will. "


    "Is that why you''re here? To make it worth it?" He asks and I say, "I have to try, Elias. "


    Elias moves from his seat and walks to my side. His hand drops on my shoulder as he opens his


    mouth, "I gave up my life so you could have everything you want. I let Mason control me, and I work my


    fucking ass off for him so you could get to live your life. I think it''s time to remind our father that he''s to


    keep to the end of his promise if he wants me to keep to mine. You''re going back to Washington, little


    brother. "

 S E V E N T Y - S I X

    S E V E N T Y - S I X


    EMERSON.


    "This ce still looks the same. " I say to Eli as I walk inside the house and he lets out a chuckle as he


    closes the door. "You know I hate having different things often. "


    "Except women. " I mumble as I turn back to meet his eyes and he''s loosening the button by his wrist.


    "Nowe on, brother. Just because you got lucky to find one woman you love doesn''t mean you


    weren''t once like me. "


    I smile and look away from him, my eyes moving across the couch, and I see myself walking inside my


    living room with Eva sitting right there. My smile drops and I look away. Elias notices the change in my


    mood and he furrows his brows at me, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing. I just remembered something. " I tell him and he hums before he strides into his kitchen while


    I follow behind him. He opens the fridge and what I see is her in her shorts with a smile on her face as


    she opens the refrigerator to get one of her favourite vours of ice cream. She''s here. She''s


    everywhere. Every small action. Every single one; I see her.


    "Em, are you sure you''re okay?" I lift my gaze to Elias standing in front of me and I shake my head, the


    words leaving my mouth before I can control them. "Don''t call me that. "


    "What?" Confusion isced through his voice as he speaks, and I brush my hand down my face,


    cursing under my breath. "Emerson?" That soft tone she uses.


    "Are you okay?" I flinch at the touch of Elias to my hand and he takes a step back.


    "I''m sorry, " I mumble as I lower my gaze from his. "I''m sorry. I¡ª I didn''t mean to. I''m sorry. She calls


    me like that, and I¨C"


    "It''s fine. I know what you mean. " He responds and my chest drops as I slide into the seat by the


    ind, dropping my hands on it. Elias moves in front of me and opens his mouth, "It''s hard, isn''t it?"


    "Not any harder than it''d be for her. " I whisper and he remains silent for a while, with his gaze fixed on


    mine before he breaks the silence. "You didn''t bring any clothes?"


    "I didn''t. " I confirm and he says, "Why?"


    "I didn''t think it was necessary. " I respond with a lift of my shoulder and Eli narrows his eyes at me,


    "You wereing here, far away from home and you didn''t think it was necessary to bring your


    clothes?" No. I thought I''d be better if I didn''t take anything from that room. Maybe she''d see this as


    something else, rather than leaving. I thought that''d be another assurance for her to know that I''ll be


    back.


    "I realized your clothes would be of better quality. " I say to Elias and he shakes his head, a smallugh


    leaving his lips. "You haven''t changed. "


    "If I do, you wouldn''t like me anymore. " I tell him and heughs again; louder this time. The sight of my


    brotherughing brings a smile to my face and when our eyes meet, the sound slowly dies down and


    he says, "I''ve missed having you around, kiddo. "


    "Don''t call me that. " I throw him a frown and his lips curves into a smirk. "Why not? Aren''t you a kid?"


    "I''m not. I''m fucking twenty. " I say and he tilts his head. "Still sounds like a kid to me. "


    "Elias. " I drawl his name and he does the same to mine. "Emerson. " Once again, the mood drops


    because it''s that sound. It is, and I can''t decide if it''s echoing in my head, or it''s across the whole room.


    "This girl¡ª" Elias starts to speak and I lift my gaze to him again. "What''s she like?"


    A smile touches my lips as I say, "Beautiful. Truly beautiful. And extremely stubborn. "


    "Sounds like someone I know. " Elias cuts in and I pass him a re, earning augh from him before I


    continue. "She makes me feel this way¡ª I can''t exin it, but it''s like she''s within me. It sounds like


    something that would be impossible but I just have it with her. I don''t know. She''s just there and I¡ª I


    always want to have that. " I match his gaze. "You don''t understand that, do you?"


    "I don''t. " He agrees and I smile, "You will once you find someone that makes you feel the exact way. "


    "I think we both know by now that I''m not the type to look for such things, little brother. " He says, finally


    taking a swig of the beer in his hand before he gestures it to me and when I refuse, he says, "Did the


    girl take away your sense of drinking amongst other things?"


    "She took everything. " I tell him and he scrunches his nose, "Yikes. Sounds like something I wouldn''t


    want to experience. "


    "I pray you find the girl that knocks you off your feet pretty soon. " I say and he shakes his head,


    walking around the ind to get to my side, "I''d bet that there''s no such girl on this. You might


    have fallen, brother but that doesn''t mean the same thing will happen to me. I''m better off this way. "


    He takes a step out of the kitchen and I move from the stool, folding my arms to my chest as I lean


    against the wall. "Why? You''re satisfied living this way?"


    "I can remember you were once. " He says as he takes his seat on the couch and I push myself off the


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    wall to walk behind him, "I wasn''t. I thought I was, but I wasn''t. I was always looking for love¡ª I just


    never thought it was right beside me the whole time. "


    "Don''t bore me with the love speeches, Emerson. I''ll doze off. " He mutters and I chuckle as I jump over


    the couch to settle next to him. "My point is, maybe you do need someone to¡ª"


    He doesn''t let me finish before he interrupts. "I have you, and that''s more than enough for me. That''ll


    always be more than enough for me. Well was¡ª" he angles his head and when I arch my brows, he


    says, "When you weren''t delivering those love speeches. "


    I shake my head and nudge him with my elbow, earning anotherugh from him.


    We both stare into the air with Elias taking swigs of his beer before he tosses the bottle to the side. "But


    it wasn''t just that, was it?"


    "Uh?" I drop my gaze to his and he''s staring ahead of him. "Dad. There''s something else you haven''t


    told me, isn''t there?"


    I look away from his face, blinking once at the understanding of those words. "Why''d you think that?"


    "Because you can''t keep anything from me. I knew you were holding back something else when you


    mentioned his name. "


    "It''s better left unsaid. " I whisper and I can feel his eyes on me from the corners of mine. "What did he


    say?"


    "Nothing of importance. " I shrug and he grabs my arm, turning me to meet his eyes. His voice is harsh


    when the next wordse out, "Tell me, Emerson. What did that man say to you?"


    "You honestly don''t have to worry about it, Eli. I''m¡ª" he silences the rest of my words with his. "I want


    to know. "


    With a sigh, I look away from him and take a breath before I open my mouth. "Mom. "


    That''s the only word it takes for Elias to understand me and his hand drops from my arm. " Tell me he


    didn''t pull that card again. "


    "He did, " I chuckle. "And maybe he''s right; I did take her away from all of us. "


    "Listen to me, Emerson, " he orders, holding my head to meet his eyes. Something strong dances


    through his green eyes, and it isn''t anger, nor is it rage. "When that incident happened; you med


    yourself and you went into hiding. That... Will never repeat itself. Mom went away because it was her


    time, and not because of you. And you should never give Mason the strength to use that card against


    you. Find peace within yourself, and have it done with. "


    "Why don''t you hate me?" I question in a whisper and he smiles, "Because I am to love you. "


    "Ew¡ª" I joke and heughs, giving a small p to my cheek before he drops his hand. "Is the girl the


    only one privileged to say those words now?"


    "She is. " I confirm and he says, "What''s her name again? Eva?"


    "Yes. " I respond and he starts to move off the couch. "She did a good job stitching you up. "


    I snap my head at him. "What does that mean?"


    He smiles. "I need to get some sleep. "


    "Aren''t you eating?" I ask him and he says, "I just did. " When I give him a look of confusion, he


    gestures to the bottle on the floor and I scoff, "That''s not food. "


    "It is here. " He responds then says, "You can look into the refrigerator if you need something, and you


    can use the room you usedst time. "


    "You don''t want me in your room? Tired of mypany already, Eli?" I tease him and he shakes his


    head, "When have I ever let you in my bed? I''m more against it now than ever because I''m guessing


    you''d be cuddly than usual. "


    "Cuddling relieves stress. " I tell him and he grunts. "Not with me. Goodnight, little brother. Try to get


    some sleep; you look like you truly need it. " He taps my shoulder and I mumble a greeting before he


    strolls out of the room.


    I''m left in silence and a sigh leaves my mouth as I sink back on the couch, grabbing the pillow next to


    me and clutching it to my chest as the reminder of what I could have back home when in sleep, flows


    through my mind. And once again; it aches.


    DELILAH.


    "Is she alright?" I ask Aliya as she walks out of Eva''s room and she shakes her head, shutting the door


    behind her. "She isn''t talking to me. I think she needs some time alone. "


    I nod. "Thank you for bringing her here, sweetheart. It means a lot. " I tell her and she smiles, "I didn''t


    have a choice. She was suffering too much back there. "


    "Can I go see her?" Aliya takes a step to the side to block my way when I try to move forward. "I don''t


    think that''s a good call, Mrs Carson. She had a hard time getting to sleep, and I don''t think she wants to


    see you yet. "


    My heart drops and I take a step back, rubbing my palms against each other while she keeps her gaze


    on me.


    "Why?" I finally ask, "Why did he leave her?"


    "I don''t know. " She sighs, tearing her gaze from me. "He has never done this before so I don''t know


    what happened between them, or why he left her and Evie isn''t talking either. "


    "Thank you, Aliya. Will you be staying?"


    She nods. "I can''t leave her. "


    "Alright, sweetheart. You know your way around the house if you need anything, and I''ll be in my room


    if you have troubles with anything. "


    "Thank you, Ma. " She says and I smile, giving her shoulder a soft squeeze and taking a nce at the


    door before I walk out of sight.


    When I stride inside my bedroom, Matt is standing by the window with his arms folded to his chest and


    I stroll to his side, touching his arm to alert him. He turns to me with a face masked with worry, "How''s


    she?"


    "She doesn''t want me in; Aliya is with her. "


    He sighs, and wipes his palm down his face. I take a swallow before I speak, "Do you think we''re bad


    parents?"


    Matt snaps his head to meet my eyes. "What? Why''d you say that?"


    "Because we are? She was here, Matt. She warned us about this, and we failed to listen to our


    daughter. We failed to give her the support she wanted, and now she''s like this¡ª"


    He shakes his head and lifts his hand to cup my face. "Delh. I don''t want you to think like that,


    please. "


    "We should have listened, Matt. " I cry to my husband and the pain in his own eyes for his daughter is


    unmistakable. "We should have given her what she wanted. If we had done that, instead of letting the


    rivalry between you and Mason get in the way; maybe this would have been stopped. Maybe it wouldn''t


    have toe to this. "


    "I don''t know what to say, Del. The boy left her. " He says and I sniffle before I speak again. "And that


    was influenced by our decision. We could have stopped this. We could have stopped it all, and now it''s


    ¡ª now she''s like this and I... I''m so scared, Matt. I''m so f¨´cking scared. "


    "Breathes, Delh. Breathes. " He whispers as his thumb strokes my cheeks and I cover his hands with


    mine. "I saw it. She was that way again; she didn''t talk. She didn''t look at me. She didn''t even want me


    by her side. I''ve seen this before, Matt. It''s like history repeating itself. It''s like the whole Lena incident


    happening again, and I don''t know what to do. I can''t have her like that again. I can''t lose my baby like


    that again. "


    "Shhh, Del. Come here. " He says, pulling my hands to bring me into his chest, and even his warmth


    isn''t enough to take the pain that I feel. No doubt the pain that we brought upon ourselves. "She''ll be


    fine. Eva is a strong girl and she''ll be fine and we''ll be with her through every single step. "


    "She doesn''t want us to. " I sob into his chest, my body trembling against his and he strokes my hair as


    he says, "We will. Even if she doesn''t want us to, we will. We''ve failed her once, but we''ll not repeat


    that mistake. We''ll be with her, love. Our daughter will be fine; we''ll make sure of it. "


    "I can''t¡ª" I mumble, rubbing my head against his chest. "I can''t lose her. She''s all that there is. "

 S E V E N T Y - S E V E N

    S E V E N T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    "Baby. " The voice echoes around me and a groan leave my lips as I turn my head to the side, only for


    it toe again. "Eva. " My chest drops and I slowly open my eyes to see him hovering over me with a


    smile on his face.


    "Hey, babe. " He grins at me, lifting his hand to my face to tuck a strand of my hair away and I shake


    my head, struggling to believe the sight of him. "You''re here. How can you be here?"


    "I''m here for you, baby. " He whispers, leaning forward to brush his lips against my temple and the


    familiar shudder rushes through my body. A breath of relief leaves my lips as I speak, "You''re here.


    You''re really here. You''re here with me. "


    "That''s right, Eva; I''ll always be here with you. " He responds and a small smile graces my lips as I


    raise my hand and let it cover his. "I can feel you. You''re here. "


    "I''m here. " He repeats, and I hum. "Kiss me. "


    "You need to go back to sleep, baby. " He says instead and I shake my head, "No, I don''t want to. I


    want you to kiss me. I want to taste your lips. Kiss me, Emerson. "


    Once again, he disagrees. "No, Eva. You need to go back to sleep. I want you to close your eyes and


    have your rest. "


    "But I want you to¡ª" he interrupts me, "Shh, baby. Close your eyes. "


    "No, I can''t. I can''t do that. " I stammer and he says, "You need to close your eyes, baby. "


    "I can''t, " I choke on my words. "I¡ª I can''t. Please, don''t make me close them. Don''t make me look


    away. You''ll leave. You''ll leave me again if I close them; please don''t make me do that. "


    "You want me to stay?" He asks and I nod my head twice. "I do. Please stay with me. Don''t leave. Don''t


    make me close my eyes. Stay right by my side as you''ve always done. Don''t make me go through that


    again; it hurts. It hurts so much. "


    "I''m not leaving you, baby. I just need you to close your eyes. "


    "No. No, please. " A whimper leaves my lips as tears burn my eyes and he says, "Close your eyes,


    Eva. "


    "No, please. " I insist, turning my head sideways to prove my opposition to the words. "I don''t want to.


    Please. I¡ª"


    "Eva! Eva, open your eyes!"


    "No, I need to keep them¡ª"


    "Goddamn it! Eva, open your eyes!" The voice is different. It isn''t soothing like his. It doesn''t bring relief,


    and it doesn''t lessen the pain. This voice isn''t Emerson''s.


    Emerson is..." Emerson? Emerson, please. "


    "What''s wrong with her?" There''s another voice. Loud and rmed.


    "I don''t know. I woke up to her like this, and she isn''t opening her eyes. "


    Open my eyes? No, I don''t want to keep them closed. I can''t lose¡ª


    "Eva. Baby, open your eyes. Eva, please. " No. No, please, don''t ask me to¨C


    "Eva!" I jump out of bed, darkness covering my vision before it starts to fade and the first sight I''m


    weed with is Aliya holding onto my hand with tears rolling down her cheeks.


    "Eva, oh God!" She calls out when her eyes meet mine and wrap an arm around my neck, bringing me


    into her chest. "You got me so scared. I thought something was¡ª" the rest of her wordse out as


    short pants as she pulls back and cups my face in her hands, wiping the skin with her thumb before


    she presses my head against her chest again. "I''m so d you''re fine. You got me so worried. "


    I raise my head from her shoulder and stare ahead of us to see my mom standing in front of the bed


    with tears in her eyes and dad by my side.


    Emerson. He wasn''t here. He was never here. It was all a fucking dream; one that''ll never make it to


    reality?


    Aliya withdraws from the hug with concern masking her expression. "Are you okay?"


    "Baby, I¡ª oh my God. " Mom rushes to my side, proceeding to grab my hand and I jerk my hand away


    from the burn of her touch, to hold onto Aliya.


    Silence swims around me before her voicees again. "Eva, I¡ª"


    "Please, leave. " My voice sounds foreign to my ears as the words leave my mouth and there''s another


    silence.


    "Princess, we''re just worried about you. You can''t keep us away from¡ª" I interrupt his words and lift my


    head to where Dad stands. "You too. The both of you. I want you to leave. "


    "Eva, please¡ª" mom tries again and I snap my head to her side. "Don''t make something far terrible


    happen before you give into my request, mom. I want you out of my room. Leave, please. "


    Her tears don''t stop and she swipes her hand across her cheek as she rises to her feet, "Okay. We''ll


    leave if you want us to, but we''ll be back. Please take care of her for me, Aliya. "


    I don''t hear Aliya''s response as they both walk out of the room, leaving me with her and she turns back


    to me when their frames disappear out of sight.


    "Are you okay?" She asks and I shake my head. "He was here. "


    "He?" She raises a brow and I nod. "Emerson. He was here. He was in my dream; he was tormenting


    me. Giving me the familiarity of his touch; false hope; false relief; false happiness. Why? Why would he


    do that to me? How could he make it hurt like that?"


    "I''m so sorry, babe. " She mumbles, wrapping her arms around me and I shut my eyes as my head falls


    against her shoulder and my arms reach around her. "Why''d he do that? It hurts so much, Aliya. It hurts


    so fucking much. I don''t like it hurting like this; I feel like I''m going fucking insane. "


    "Shhh, Eva. You''ll be fine. I promise you. I''ll stay right here with you, and you''ll be fine. " She assures


    me as she gives gentle pats on my back, but that doesn''t stop my tears from falling, nor does it stop the


    burn in my heart.


    Darkness.


    I''ve lived in this ce once. I''ve thrived in it once to the point where I almost lost myself. Until he came


    along. I thought he was here to bring mepletely out of the darkness but I was wrong because he


    was here to gather the little pieces of me that managed to escape back into the darkness. And I let him


    seed. And now I''m back here in the darkness. It''s inside me, it''s looming around me and this time;


    I''m afraid I don''t have it in me to fight.


    I have let my guard down and Emerson Ford broke me in a way I never thought he could do.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    Aliya pulls away from me, and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before she slowly lowers me


    onto the bed. She pulls the nket to my chest and when she starts to move away, I grab her wrist.


    She turns back to me and loosens my grip to take my hand in hers.


    "You should head back to school. " I tell her and she shakes her head. "No, I''ll stay right here with you.


    "


    "Aliya. Don''t let me make a stop in your life. " I say and she smiles, raising her hand to brush my hair.


    When she drops it, she says, "You already did the minute I brought you here. You should know I''d


    never go without you, Evie so if you want me to go back to school, then you have to be fine soon for


    the both of us. You have to be strong and get up again, babe. We all need you too. "


    "We?" I question the word and she nods. "Me and your parents. "


    "Don''t mention them. " I hiss and she says, "I know you''re mad at them, Eva but they''re also hurting


    and I''m sure they''ve realized their mistake by now. You''re all they have, Eva so don''t take that away


    from them. "


    "He left. He said he would never but he did. " I mumble and she grips my hand tighter. "I know, but


    you''ll be fine without him. "


    "What if I don''t want to?"


    "You have to. You have to be for everyone, Eva. I know it''s hard, but you''ll have to try. " Try to be fine


    without Emerson Ford? Why does that just sound so exhausting and out of reach? Why does it sound


    like it''ll take everything from me for me to be?


    EMERSON.


    "Emerson?" I jump and let out a breath when I turn around to see Elias standing by the kitchen


    entrance with furrowed brows. "It''s you. "


    "What are you doing?" He asks as he strides inside and I drop my head, backing against the counter. "I


    don''t know. I honestly don''t know. "


    "Why aren''t you sleeping?" He asks again and I swipe my palm down my sweaty face before I whisper,


    "I couldn''t. "


    "You don''t look so good either. " He notes as his eyes move down my body and I let out a chuckle, "I


    bet I don''t. " How stupid of me to think I could leave her back there toe here and spend the night


    without her peacefully.


    "What''s wrong? Do you want to talk about it?" Elias asks and I lift my gaze to him. When I give a small


    bob of my head, he moves closer to me and I start to speak, "She was there, and it didn''t feel good. "


    "Eva?" He questions and I hum softly before I continue. "Am I stupid, Elias?"


    "Why do you think so?" He asks next to me and I take a breath before I open my mouth again. "Eva.


    She always has trouble sleeping without me, and I know that. Yet I left. "


    "You didn''t think about that before you left?" Elias says and I respond with, "I did. But I thought she


    would be fine with the note and the exnation. She has trouble sleeping whenever she''s scared so I


    thought if she understands me, then she wouldn''t be scared, but now I''m here and I just had a fucking


    scary dream and I¡ª" I take another breath. "I can''t help but think I made an extremely stupid decision.


    "


    "You''re worried about her. "


    "Damn right I am. " I whisper, and a sigh leaves his lips. "I don''t know what to say other than you''ve


    already made your decision, Emerson and you''ll have to deal with its consequences. There''s no turning


    back now that you''re here, and the both of you will have to endure the suffering thates with it if you


    want to make it to the end. "


    "I''m just so fucking worried. What if something happens? What if she¡ª"


    "Do you want to call her to check in then?" He asks and I''m quick to shake my head. "No, that''ll only


    worsen things; not make them any better. "


    "Then you''ll have to live through this, little brother. " He tells me, pressing a hand on my arm and I


    sniffle before I nod and turn around to grab the photocard on the counter.


    When I meet Eli''s eyes, I smile and wave it in the air, "It''s her picture. I thought I''d need it and I wasn''t


    wrong. "


    "She''s beautiful. " Hements and I hum, my eyes moving across the picture. She''s on the couch


    with her knees pulled to her chest and her hair falling by the sides, a smile gracing the face that rests


    on the knees. "She is. " I agree before I toss it back into my pocket.


    "Come here. " He says, opening his arms for me and when I don''t move, he chuckles and proceeds to


    say, "Come on, Emerson. I can tell you need it. I know I just told you to endure it all, but you can take


    this for now. " I pace closer to him and move into his arms, wrapping my arms tightly around his


    shoulders and my eyes shut at the embrace of my brother with the tears finally rolling down my cheeks.


    "There you have it. It''s all right to cry. It''s alright to not want to hold back when the bottle is full. " A sob


    tears from my lips and when Elias starts to give small rubs to my back, it turns into two. And from two, it


    turns into three. Till I no longer care and let everything out; every single one I''ve been holding back


    since I arrived here.


    "You''ll be fine, kiddo. It''ll be fine. " He whispers into the air and I tighten my hold, the image of her in my


    head only bringing more tears to my eyes.


    "I''m so sorry. I''m so fucking sorry. " I mumble, repeating the words because I know they''re deserved.


    "Be strong!" Eli gives onest rub to my back before he pulls back with a soft smile on his face. "Much


    better?" Not anytime soon.


    "Thank you. " I smile at him and he gives a minor punch to my chest then another tiny p to my face.


    "Be a man. "


    "I can''t tell if you''re intentionally hitting me, or trying to help. " I say and heughs. "Why not do both


    when I can?"


    I shake my head before I turn my head, staring into space and there''s silence around us with the only


    sound being the fast and loud beats of my own heart before Elias''s voice takes over. "Think you can


    get some sleep now?"


    "I don''t think I''ll be getting any sleep anytime soon. " I respond and he takes a while before he speaks


    again, "Want to b more about the pretty girl to me?"


    I drop my gaze to his. "No, I don''t. I mean, you should get back to sleep. You need it for tomorrow. "


    He throws a hand over my shoulder and yanks me to his side. "Come on now, brother. I know you''re


    dying to tell me more about the girl, so go off. I think I have a bit of time before you bore me to death. "


    "Elias. " I call and he ps my chest before he pulls me along in the direction of the living room.

 S E V E N T Y - E I G H T

    S E V E N T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    "You''re awake. " She smiles at me as she stands with her back to the door and I move up on the bed,


    pressing my palms into the soft mattress with a groan leaving my mouth. The instant headache and


    coldness kick in; reminding me of the struggles from the previous night and I shut my eyes for a brief


    second to pull back together.


    "Are you feeling better?" I open my eyes to her voice and raise my head to her. I don''t give her a


    response as my eyes move across the room before I open my mouth, "Where''s Aliya?"


    "She had to go home. " Mom informs me and I hum, looking away from her. Silence takes its residence


    around us before she speaks again, her voice drawing closer and I know she''sing near me. "Baby.


    " True to my instincts, she''s right above me and I still as she settles at the edge of the bed, her hand


    moving across the sheets to cover mine. "Please talk to me. "


    I angle my head to the other side and gently remove my hand from under hers.


    "Eva please, " her soft voice floats in the air and I shake my head, "I want to be alone. "


    "No, baby. You can''t do that to me. I''m your mother, and I need to make sure you''re alright. I need to


    look after you. "


    "But why do you care?" My head snaps to meet her eyes and she jerks her head back in what?


    Surprise? Scare?


    "Why''d you say that, Eva? Of course, I care. You''re my baby. " She says and a scoff slips through my


    lips. "Didn''t seem sost time I was here. "


    "Eva, please. I understand you''re angry about the decisions we took, and you have every right to be,


    but you can''t exactly me us for this, baby. This was all we were watching out for; this was all we


    warned you of. "


    "No, " I tell her with a shake of my head. "This was all you wanted. This is exactly what you were


    hoping to happen. "


    "Of course not. We''d never wish for your pain and your tears, Eva. We''re your parents. " She says,


    lifting her hand to grab mime again but I pull back before her touch meets my skin. "You did the minute


    you opposed my rtionship with him. Dad wanted me to stay away from him. He wanted me to leave


    him ande here, and I can remember you being in full support of that. "


    "Eva I¡ª" she starts to say but I interrupt her. "No, you don''t get it, mom. You don''t. You don''t


    understand how it feels to be at the highest point of your life, and all it takes is one second and one


    realization for it toe crumbling down. You don''t understand how it feels to be the happiest you


    could ever be, only for it to get ruined. You don''t understand. None of you does. None of you can


    understand how I feel, because you''re not me. You''re not the one who got left, you''re not the one who''s


    feeling all these... All this darkness, the emotions, everything. So you don''t get to tell me that you do.


    You don''t. "


    "I''m so sorry, Eva. I''m¡ª I may have not been there for you once, baby but I do understand how you


    feel. Because you''re my baby, and I''m your mother. " She smiles, a single tear rolling down her cheek


    and I look away from her.


    "Forgive me, baby. Eva, please. Don''t let me leave. Let me be here for you;e to me, Eva. You don''t


    have to be in this alone. " She pleads, her voice breaking through each word and I drop my head, my


    hands gripping the sheets tightly. "Please. I do not want to lose you too. We cannot, Eva. "


    "It hurts, Mom. It hurts so fucking badly. It''s like my heart is being ripped into pieces. "


    "Oh, baby. I know. I know, baby. I''m so sorry. " She shifts closer to the bed, and brings me into her


    arms. My head falls against her chest as she wraps her body around mine and her sobs mixed with her


    silent pleas fill the space around as I stare ahead of me with tears rolling down my cheeks.


    ~


    I walk into the living room since the first time I''ve been here, and both their heads snap in my direction


    at the sound of my footsteps.


    "Eva. " Mom smiles, holding her hand out to me and I merely walk forward to stand a few steps away


    from her, averting my eyes to the man who stands next to her with a small smile on his face.


    "Why are you here? You should be at the office. " I tell him and he smiles as he trudges forward and


    takes my hands in his. "How do you expect me to be when you''re here?"


    "I''m fine. " I repeat the words that I''ve been uttering all day to the lot of them.


    He sighs and pushes forward. "I know you''re mad at me because¡ª"


    "I''m not. " I''m quick to say, silencing the rest of his words. "I''m not mad at you, dad so you shouldn''t


    think that. "


    "Your screams, Princess. I heard them at night, and they got me so scared. They reminded me of what


    once¡ª"


    "I know. " I whisper, dropping my gaze from his and I flinch at the feel of his touch against my skin as


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    he moves his hand to my chin to lift my gaze to meet his. His eyes roam around mine for a while before


    he opens his mouth, "I want to help you. Let me help you, Princess. "


    "You can''t. " I let out augh at the wordsing from him. "Not anymore. You threw away your


    chance to do that. "


    He stares at me as if he weren''t expecting those words, and then he speaks again. "But I still can. It


    doesn''t have to end this way, Princess. I can still help you. I''ll go to Mason and ask him to¡ª"


    "Ask him to do what?" I cut in and his chest falls as he mumbles his next words. "I can talk to him about


    this. I can bring him back to you, Princess. Let me do that for you. "


    At the end of his words, I jerk my hands away from his and take a step back, letting his hand fall from


    my chin. "You want to do that now? After what? My tears? My pain? Is seeing me like this what it took


    for you to have a change of mind, father?"


    "Princess, no. " He attempts to make a move closer, but I shake my head and hold out my hand, halting


    the movement. "That''s the sad truth, isn''t it? It always has to take me getting hurt. "


    "Eva, please understand me. I just want you to be happy¡ª"


    "And you had a fucking chance to do that!" I scream, no longer able to hold back. "I fucking begged


    you, dad but you didn''t care. You didn''t care about my happiness, so why start now?"


    "I made a stupid move. I''ll admit that, but I was protecting you, Princess. I knew what wille to¡ª"


    "Stop! Just fucking stop! Stop with the preaches about protectiveness. I don''t need your fucking


    protection, dad. I''m old enough to know what will harm me and what will do me good, so you don''t get


    to tell me that you were protecting me from Emerson. You did what you did because you wanted to, not


    because you were thinking about me, and I get that. Your Ego and your gratification came first, and you


    shouldn''t let anything change that. "


    "Eva!" It''s mom''s voice now. A frown covers her face as she marches forward and stands next to dad.


    "All your father has ever done is for your sake and you should never for once doubt that. "


    "Oh, right. " I snort out augh, turning my back to them. Mom''s voice echoes behind me as I begin to


    stroll forward. "Where do you think you''re going?"


    "Away from here. " I respond without turning around and her rmed voicees again, "Eva, you


    can''t go out there alone. You''re not¡ª"


    "Don''t worry, mother. I''ll be back. I just need to get something over with. " I meet her eyes and throw


    her a forced smile before I walk through the door and out of the house.


    ~


    "You can do this, Eva. You just need to get it done and move on. Holding on will only hurt more. It''ll only


    bring more pain. "


    I take a deep breath before I open the door and stride inside the house, my eyes immediately running


    across the familiar sight as I shut the door behind me.


    I stand there for a while, just gazing across every opening, and inch. The sounds of ourughs blended


    as we tease each other ring in my ears and I start to question how ite to this. How did those


    memories fade to be one of pain and sadness? Why did this happen? Why now?


    ?A SHORT MEMORY?


    "Emerson, stop!" My giggles fill the air around us as Emerson continues to stuff his face in my neck, his


    nose tingling my skin and exciting my nerves.


    "Stop. Please! That tickles. " I struggle to push him off me as his hands slide down my sides, fingers


    pushing through the thin material of the shirt and into my flesh. When he finally pulls away, a smile


    graces his gorgeous features and he looks at me with that gaze again. Eyes that tell me moments like


    this mean as much as they do to me to him, and that he could continue to live in them forever.


    "I''m so d you didn''t leave the second you walked through that door that day. " He mutters and I


    match his smile with one of mine as I lift my hands over his head to lock them around his neck. "Why?"


    I know the reason behind those words, but I''ll never grow tired of hearing them. "Because I can''t


    possibly start to imagine how my life would be without you in it, Eva Carson. "


    "But I''ve always been in your life. " I tease him, and he shakes his head, pushing his face closer to


    brush his nose against mine and when he withdraws, he keeps his forehead pressed against mine so


    we''re staring into each other''s eyes closely. "I don''t mean as my enemy, baby. I mean as the woman


    I''m so f¨´cking in love with, and the woman I''d do anything to keep my side forever. "


    My gaze shifts to his mouth and when I say nothing, Emerson speaks again, the concern in his voice


    unmistakable as he lets out the words. "Don''t leave me, Eva. Please, don''t ever do that to me. If you


    ever find yourself in a position where you''re no longer in love with me; let me know and I''ll make you


    fall all over again. "


    Augh slips through my lips and I raise my gaze. "What if you fail to?"


    "I won''t. " He argues, shutting his eyes now as he blows air to my face. When he opens them, they''re


    the brightest I''ve always seen, and they draw me in once again. "Stay with me. Always. Promise you''ll


    always be here by my side, no matter what happens. "


    "I''ll always be here by your side. No matter what happens. " I tell him the words, not only because he


    wants to hear them, but also because they''re nothing but the truth.


    His lips meet mine and I groan into his mouth, my legs immediately finding their stance around his


    waist and just as I slide my tongue between his lips, Emerson pinches my side and my head falls back


    as anotherugh leaves my mouth.


    ?PRESENT?


    The beautiful moment slowly fades away and I''m back in a room with the absence of the man I made


    the mistake of falling for. Every single time, every single moment we spent together; Emerson has


    always been the one worried about me leaving him, but isn''t it ironic that he''s the one who left?


    I sniff back my tears and walk further inside the living room, and I take a nce at the kitchen but


    before I''m reminded of another beautiful yet agonizing moment; I take the corner that leads to the


    room.


    My hand trembles as I wrap it around his knob and I take in a long drag of the air before I push the door


    and enter the room, the familiar scent filled with him engulfing my senses.


    The imagese rushing in as I stand in the middle of the room; each moment disyed around me.


    On the bed: my head is against his chest and his one hand is around me as he takes me to sleep.


    The shelves of books: hees from behind me and wraps his arms around my waist as he peeks


    over my shoulder to take a look at the book I have in hand.


    The closet: he stands beside me with his arms crossed against his chest as he watches me look


    through his clothes to steal yet another one of his favourite hoodies.


    The wall: my moans are fixed with his grunts as our hands struggle hard to grip onto any and every


    skin possible.


    The floor: I''m sitting on hisp with my back to his chest as he reads a book to me.


    There''s at least one moment between the two of us in every corner of this room, reminding me of what


    we once had, but no longer do.


    My body shivers slightly as I pace to the edge of the bed, tracing my hand over it before I fall on it. I


    grab the pillow by my side and clutch it to my chest, closing my eyes as his warmth surrounds me.


    "You didn''t have to do this, Emerson. You didn''t have to do this to me. Not when I feel like this. Not after


    you told me it''s alright to feel. Not after you assured me it won''t hurt to give my everything. "


    The tears that were forced to stop since I step in front of the apartment finally drop and soak the pillow I


    have in hand. My chest hammers against my ribcage and my sobs break as I lift my head and run my


    hands across the sheets, taking me back to the night he left. Without a word to me, he left me with only


    a note.


    A note.


    The note. I didn''t finish reading the note that day. No doubt that his final goodbye lies at the end of it,


    but I see no better way to ept it''s done than to feel everything.


    Moving my entire body on the bed, I spread my hands across in search of the small piece of paper, but


    end up with nothing.


    "Where are you?" I hiss as I move off the bed, and stare across the floor. I was in here? Or was it my


    room? Did I find the note in my bed?


    I proceed to walk out of his room into mine, but I halt my steps and let silence take over to listen to the


    almost soundless soundsing from the living room.


    "What''s that?" I mumble under my breath as I angle my head to the side to bring my ear closer, and the


    small soundse again.


    I begin to move in the direction of the living room, and the closer I get; the louder the sounds get till I''m


    inside the room and realize the sounds are knocks. Someone is at the door.


    Furrowing my brows, I take a steady step forward, then two and another till I''m in front of the door and I


    pull it open, taken aback by the sight before me.


    "Eva. "

 S E V E N T Y - N I N E

    S E V E N T Y - N I N E


    EVA.


    "Hanna?" I call out her name and she sighs. "Eva, I''m so d you''re here. " I step to the side and she


    hurriedly walks inside.


    When I turn to her, I say, "What are you doing here and¨C" I don''t get to finish my words before Hanna


    closes the distance between us and wraps her arms around me, her head moving against me as she


    whispers, "You''re fine. You''re fine, aren''t you, Eva?"


    I pull her away to stare into her eyes, my voice breaking as I let out the words. "Did he ask you toe


    here?"


    "Emerson?" She calls it out for me and she shakes her head when I hum. "No, he didn''t. I¨C I just


    wanted to make sure you''re alright. "


    "So you know he''s gone?" I ask her and she takes a step away, guilt covering her expression as she


    looks down. She raises her head again after a while and starts to speak, "I can assure you that he


    didn''t tell me. I only know because El¡ª"


    "I don''t want to hear it. " I whisper and she closes her mouth, a sad expression covering her face as


    she bends a little to grab my hands. "I''m so sorry, Eva. I don''t know the full story, and I probably don''t


    have the right to say this, but I want you to know that Emerson isn''t¡ª"


    "He isn''t the type of guy to stay in one ce for too long. He probably got bored. " I let out a sad


    chuckle and she shakes her head, "That''s not what you think. "


    "Yes, that''s not what I think because that''s what I know. He left, Hanna. Your brother left. " I drop my


    hands from hers and start to move to the other side with her trailing behind me. "Yes, he did but you


    don''t think he did that because he was bored. Eva? That''s not what you think, is it?"


    "I don''t know, Hanna!" I raise my voice and then sigh when I turn back to the horrified look on her face.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m sorry. I¡ª I''m sorry for raising my voice just now. I just... I don''t know what to think other than the


    fact that he left me. "


    "I know, " she smiles as she strides closer. "But you should also know that he wouldn''t do that without a


    good reason. I''m not trying to defend his actions because I don''t know what they are myself, Eva but I


    know my brother, and I know he is the happiest when he''s with you so why would he want to leave that


    happiness without a valid reason? Just think about it. Why''d he just leave if he loves you?"


    "Maybe he didn''t love me as well as he thought he did. Or I did. " I raise my shoulder and she shakes


    her head again. "No, you don''t mean that. You''re only saying that because you''re hurt, and you''re in


    pain and you''re¡ª"


    "And I just want to forget about it all. " Iplete her words. "I just want to forget about your brother,


    and the way he made me feel and this ce, and the memories and everything else that was between


    us. "


    "Eva¡ª"


    "If I don''t do it, then I''ll lose it. " I whisper, rubbing my thumb under my eyes to stop the tears. "If I don''t


    force myself to forget about how I felt for him, then I''ll turn insane because these things I feel without


    him here; they''re strong... And they get stronger with each second without him. "


    "Eva. " She calls again, her voice softer this time and I let out a smallugh. "It''s only been two days


    but it feels like I''ve been through a whole year of hell. I can''t go on like this. I can''t keep getting hurt


    because I''m not enough for him. Because I wasn''t enough for him to stay. "


    "I''m so sorry. " She says and I smile, stroking my cheeks to wipe my tears. "I won''t stay here. "


    "He''ll be back. " She assures me and I say, "I won''t be here when that happens. "


    "Eva, leaving will only worsen things. I know you know that. " She grabs my hands again, "You once


    told me that you can''t imagine how your life would be without him so why would you want to leave


    when it would never be fine without him?"


    "Because I can''t stay! God, don''t you understand? He did this. It was easy for him to do this to me, and


    he''ll do it again. " When the timees, Emerson Ford will leave me again and again, and I''ll get hurt


    again and again, and every single fucking time I will have to pick myself up because I let him do that to


    me. Every single time, I have to go through all this, just because I love him and for what? For a guy that


    will do it again when he has a ''good'' reason.


    "He won''t. " Hanna''s voice brings me back to the reality that''s before me and I scoff, "Your brother isn''t


    who you think he is, Hanna. "


    "He''s not, " she agrees. "He''s stupid, and he does stupid things without thinking about how they end.


    Just like this. This was a stupid move from him, but you can''t throw everything away now, Eva. You


    were doing so well... The both of us. "


    "Until we weren''t. " I say and she sighs. She drops her hands from mine and turns away from me, her


    hands moving to my hair as she paces across the room. When she turns to me again, she says, "He''s


    at New York. "


    "What?" The tremor in my voice doesn''t hide the shock thates with that one word. New York?


    "He''s with Elias, our¡ª"


    "Older brother. He told me about him. " I say and she nods, moving closer to me again. "I don''t know


    the whole story because Emery told me nothing. Elias was the one who revealed it to me, and he didn''t


    tell me much either, but what I do know is that he went there for you, Eva. "


    "He went to New York, where your brother is? For me? " Augh falls from my lips and it only gets


    louder, till I feel like I''m insane and maybe I am. I thought he could be anywhere, but I didn''t think he''d


    leave the damn whole fucking state without fucking saying it to my face.


    "I''m truly sorry, Eva. " She utters and I shake my head as I turn my back to her. I raise my head to the


    ceiling as I attempt to blink back my tears, but despite that; one still manages to escape and I wipe my


    hand across my cheek harshly; the skin burning from the touch.


    "Eva¡ª"


    "I appreciate youing here to try and exin things to me, Hanna. And for¨C and for checking up on


    me, but I think you should leave now. " I say to her without turning back and there are sounds of her


    footsteps before Hanna appears in front of me.


    "There are tears in your eyes. " She whispers and then tries to lift her hand to my face but I''m quick to


    step back before her skin can touch mine. "I just want to¡ª"


    "Please, leave Hanna. Please. "


    "Will you be alright?" She asks and I give her a small nod. "I''ll be. "


    She takes a while. Just standing there, and staring at me before she finally gives in and nods. After a


    hug that I couldn''t find in me to return, she withdraws and smiles at me before she walks to the side


    then out of the house. When her frame disappears out of sight, I take a few seconds just staring at the


    door before I finally let out the scream that''s been building up inside me and give in to my weak knees


    of falling to the floor.


    "I never ask. " I mumble, rubbing my folded hand down my thigh. "I never asked you, Emerson. I never


    fucking asked you to do that!"


    "How?" My previous headache kicks in after another scream and I clutch my heart, hitting my hand


    against where it badly hurts. "How could you be so fucking selfish? I would never do this to you. I''d


    never¡ª" my voice gives out till all thates from my mouth are cries and I stay there on the floor, in


    the middle of the room, letting it all out. Because after that, I refuse toe back and I refuse to seek


    relief in a ce where there''s none.


    ~FOUR DAYS LATER~


    EMERSON.


    "Whenst have I been here?" Elias sighs from his seat as he looks out the window and I turn my head


    to his view, smiling as he mumbles, "Everywhere has changed so much. "


    "You''ve only been gone for years, Eli. Not centuries; I''m pretty sure some things are still the same. " I


    tell him and he turns his head to me, "Pretty sure of that. Like a certain spoiled boy right next to me. "


    "I''m not spoiled. " I say and heughs, "You certainly are. That look on your face the moment I told you


    goodbye?"


    I look away from him to hide my embarrassment as I speak. "I was young, and I only reacted that way


    because you always said you''ll never have to say goodbye like mom. It''s always see you around or I''ll


    be back. "


    Silence swims around us and his heavy breathing is the only confirmation I have that he heard the


    words. When I feel his hand cover mine, I snap my head to the side to meet his eyes and he says, "I


    only said that because I needed you to know that I wouldn''t be around like I always were. "


    "I know, " I assure him. "And I should have thanked you then, like I should be thanking you now. You


    gave up your dreams for me. You did everything all so I could¡ª"


    Eli shushes me. "Gee, Emerson. Can you not spend one second without getting emotional?"


    A chuckle leaves my lips and I shake my head. He removes his hand from mine and leans back in his


    seat, "Maybe I did back then, but what I''m doing right now isn''t as bad as I thought I''d be. I love my job,


    except for the part where I have to answer to dad, of course. " He grumbles thest part and the small


    smile on my face drops at the mention of the man.


    Thest time I saw him didn''t end so well, and there''s no doubt that he scorns me even more now for


    that hit I gave him; one I didn''t bother apologizing for. Not that he didn''t deserve it.


    "Are you scared?" Elias''s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and when I look back at him, he adds, "To


    meet her. "


    I''ve been gone for five days. And it''d be an understatement to say I suffered all through those days.


    They were five days without contact, five days without proper sleep and five days without Eva Carson


    by my side. Each second, each minute, each hour and each day was spent reminiscing our moments


    together, and imagining how she''ll feel when I appear before her once again. What would be her first


    reaction? That''s the question I''ve been asking myself for days; a question which answer I dread.


    "Wouldn''t it be stupid of me not to be?" I respond to his question and he hums, "It would. You should be


    scared. Not for Mason, but for her. "


    I gaze down to the photocard I have between my fingers and hold a hand over my chest, rubbing it


    against where it''s been aching for days as I mutter, "I am. "


    "I have to ask, though. When you came to me at first; what was your n?" He questions and I say, "I


    had no n. "


    "You didn''t?" He repeats for affirmation and I nod. "What I knew was that I needed to get away from her


    until I prove Mason wrong about me. I had no idea what I was going to do, or how I was going to do


    exactly that. I just left, and maybe you''re right; maybe I did let dad shake up my entire world. "


    "What if I didn''t want to help?" He throws another question at me and I lift my gaze to him, "You


    wouldn''t do that. "


    "But what if I did? What would you do then? What would be your n?"


    I take a while before I open my mouth. "Begging. I''d beg Mason Ford until he listens to me. "


    "Isn''t that giving in to exactly what he wants?" He reminds me, and I nod. "Maybe it is, but I''d be left


    with no other choice. Look, I''m not you, Eli. I''m not influential, and I don''t have anything against dad.


    I''m aimless and the only sense of direction I have is her. If you weren''t here, I''d beg. And I will do it


    repeatedly until he listens to me. "


    "And what if he doesn''t want to? What''d you do after that? Will you let go of her just to keep her safe?


    Or will you defy all to keep her by her side? What''d be your choice if ites to that, little brother?


    Despite your refusal to break her world apart just so you could stay by her side; what''d you do if that''s


    the only way you have?"


    "Love is selfless. " I mumble and he nods. I tear my gaze away from him and lift the card in my hand.


    Staring at the gorgeous smile on her face here, I give my answer. "And that''s why I don''t want it to


    "That''s what I thought. " Elias ps my shoulder. "I have to know you''ll choose to break it all apart if


    there are no other options left. You..." He points a finger to my chest. "...have to know within you,


    because we''re heading there now, and I''ll try my best for you, Emerson. I promise. But you''ll have to be


    willing to do all it takes. No matter how tricky the path is, your result should always be her. That''s when


    I know it''s worth it. "


    "You aren''t aspletely clueless as you im to be. " I say and he chuckles, "Life is full of surprises. "


    I look at the photocard again before I close both of my hands over it and bring it to my chest, shutting


    my eyes as my anxiety grows stronger the more we edge closer to where it all began.

 E I G H T Y

    E I G H T Y


    EMERSON.


    "Why did you leave?" I let out a groan at the sound of her voice and when I turn around, Hanna is


    standing in front of me with a re attached to her face and her arms crossed to her chest.


    "What did I say abouting into my room without my approval?" I raise my brows at her, ignoring her


    previous question and she drops her hands as she steps closer to me, not removing her eyes from me.


    "Why did you do that, Emerson?"


    "Since when do I have to exin myself to you?" I ask and she says, "Since it includes you leaving the


    damn state without notifying anyone. "


    "Don''t raise your voice at me. " I warn her before I turn to the side and stalk towards my bed. "I don''t


    have to give you reasons for my actions, and you shouldn''t expect any from me either. "


    A scoff leaves her lips as she follows after me. "Really, Emery? Are we still ying the cold big brother


    game?"


    "Hanna, please, " I sigh. "I really don''t have it in me to argue with you right now. I left because I needed


    to; there you have it. "


    "And now you don''t longer need to stay away? Is that why you''re back?" I avert my gaze to the door,


    wondering why the fuck I didn''t bother to click on the lock when I know she''s around. When I give her


    no response, Hanna continues to speak; her next words are not ones I were expecting and ones that


    catch my interest. "I went to your ce, and I met her. "


    When I settle my gaze on hers, she whispers, "Eva. "


    I''m quick to move out of bed and stand in front of my sister again. "Why did you go there?"


    "I just wanted to check on her. " She answers and I nod, "And how was she? How is she? When did


    you go? What did you say to her and what did she say? Have you seen her after that? Did she say


    anything about me? Talk to me, Hanna. "


    She folds her arms to her chest and tilts her head, a yful smirk spreading to her face as she says, "I


    thought you wanted me to keep my mouth shut and leave your room. "


    "This is the time where I need you to be serious, Hanna. " I say and her smirk drops, a serious


    expression covering her face. "She didn''t look so good. "


    "What?" I arch a brow and she continues, "It was four days ago, and she told me she''s leaving your


    apartment. I think she went back home, but I''m not sure of that because I rarely see her around here.


    She''s mad at you, Emery. A lot. You hurt her so much. I could feel it when I look into her eyes and I


    heard it in her voice. "


    My voice trembles as I open my mouth, "She¡ª she isn''t fine?"


    Hanna shakes her head. "Not exactly as you thought she''d be. " Fuck no.


    "She said you left and she has to too. " What? No. No, she can''t do that. How the fuck¡ª why didn''t she


    understand my note? I know I made a hard decision, but I thought she''d understand.


    "I have to¡ª" I don''tplete my words before I leave Hanna and start to head to the door and her


    voice echoes behind me. "Emerson. Where are you going?" I don''t listen as I stroll out of the room, and


    down the hallway; making a stop at the front of the room where their voices areing from.


    "He ran to you? Of course, that''s what he''d do. What else was I expecting from a fucking coward?" The


    sound of dad''s chuckles follows those words and I drop my head, my hands folding into fists of their


    own ord.


    "I thought we agreed that you''d never disturb Emerson again. "


    "And are you saying you came from New York, and left your job just to lecture me about some boy that


    doesn''t deserve it?"


    "Please, dad. " Elias speaks up next. "We made a deal, and we both agreed to it. "


    "And that deal doesn''t involve me watching while he sleeps around with the daughter of the man I''m


    trying to eliminate. "


    I open the door at that, and both heads snap to me as I stride inside.


    "Emerson. What are you doing here? I told you to¡ª" I don''t listen to Elias as he moves from his seat


    and I walk directly to dad. His brows are furrowed as I stand in front of him and I open my mouth,


    "What will you have me do?"


    "What?" He says and I drop my gaze from his. "I will do anything. You can ask of anything from me, but


    please, just don''t ask me to harm Matt Carson. "


    "I don''t think you''re in any position to tell me¡ª" I don''t let him finish his words before I drop to my knees


    before him with my hands on my thighs. I keep my eyes down as I begin to speak again, "Please. I


    know you hate me for what happened with mom, and you probably hate me more because I''ve been of


    no use to you. You can continue to do that. I''ll stay away from this family if you want me to, but please,


    don''t try to create any more trouble between me and her. Let me have this one thing. "


    "God, Emerson. What are you doing? Get up. " Elias walks to my side and grabs me by my arm, lifting


    me to stand by his side. "I told you to stand by and I''ll handle this. "


    "You also told me I must be willing to do anything and everything. " I remind him of his previous words


    and he sighs, looking away from me to dad who stares between the two of us.


    "Tell me what you want. To keep you from making moves against that man. "


    "You can do nothing. Matt doesn''t deserve where he''s at and you know how much I hate having to


    share when ites to work. " Dad says and Eli responds, "But the man is working just as hard as you


    are if he manages to hold that position till now. You should be working with him, father; not plotting


    against him. "


    "I was fucking there first!" Dad snaps now, raising from his seat. "I held that ce first and Matt Carson


    came out of nowhere; taking more than he could chew. He''s arrogant and never listens. "


    "Is that what this is about? You hate him because he doesn''t dance to your tunes?" Eliasughs and


    when dad remains mute, he proceeds to say, "We''re talking about a grown-up man here, dad. A man


    who proved himself capable over the years, despite you being the problem. That''s right, father. I did my


    research beforeing here, and I know for a fact the only reason you''re being like this is because


    you think Matt Carson doesn''t deserve the percentage he holds. "


    I look away from Elias to dad, and the look on his face tells me he hit him at the right spot.


    "And that''s why I''ll make you an offer for you to stop trying to kick him off. I''m not saying you have to


    work with him, but you don''t have to work against him either, and you also don''t have to interrupt your


    son''s affairs with his daughter. I''ll give you a raise of twenty percent. "


    "What? No, you can''t do that. " I tell him but his gaze remains on the man in front of us and I turn my


    head to dad, "You can''t take that. He''s working as you want him to, and you take more than enough of


    the share. You can''t ask him to add more. "


    "I''ll think about it. " Dad responds,pletely ignoring my words and I let out a scoff, about to open my


    mouth again, only for Elias to p my shoulder and gesture to the exit.


    I give dad onest nce before I follow through and when we''re away from him, I say, "What the fuck


    was that? If you add twenty percent to what he takes from you, then you''ll be getting only thirty percent.


    You practically built thatpany, why the hell should you have to do this?"


    He merely smiles as he slips his hands into his pockets. "We''re in a world of give and take, little


    brother. You didn''t think he was going to back down without a good reason, did you? It was going to


    take more than just mere words, Emerson. "


    I shake my head as I pace around him. "I can''t believe he said that. I know he hates me, but you?


    You''re his fucking son and you have helped him in so many ways. "


    "You''re his son too. " He nods to me and I halt my steps, meeting his eyes. "I''m different. "


    "You''re not. You''re his son, Emerson and I know he gives you a reason to think otherwise but his


    resolve will be broken soon. Our father isn''t always a cold bastard as you see him as. "


    "You should have let me remain on my knees. " I mumble and heughs before he says, "You know it''s


    more than just the fact that he despises that man, don''t you? "


    "Yeah. He loves to see me suffer. He has it easy this time that it''s with a man who hates him just as


    much as he does. "


    "Have you seen her yet?" He asks and I smile. "Not yet. But I''ll soon. "


    EVA.


    The breeze blows past me and I rub my hands down my arms from the coldness that it brings with it


    before I slip my hands into my pockets and only then do I feel the vibration of the phone inside.


    Lifting the mobile to my face, mom''s name is across the screen and I decide to leave it at first, but


    knowing she wouldn''t stop calling until I take it; I swipe the button to the side and press the phone to


    my ear.


    "Eva? Where are you, baby?" Her panicked voice echoes through and I say, "I''m out. I was taking a


    walk. "


    "At this time? It''s sote, Eva. " She cautions and I respond with, "I''m not a kid, mom. I know my way


    around here and the darkness just settled. I''ll be home soon. "


    "Do you want to tell me where you are so I cane pick you up?" She suggests and I shake my


    head, "No. I''ll find my way home. You don''t have to worry about me. "


    "Eva¡ª"


    "Please, mom. " That''s all it takes for her to give in and she says, "Alright. Be careful on your way


    home, baby. "


    I give a hum as a response before the line disconnects and I throw the phone back inside my pocket


    before I take the path to her, and I soon view it a bit away.


    My gaze remains glued to the floor and I begin to count the steps that bring me closer to the house. I


    stop at the fifth and take a nce at the house that''s opposite me before I lift my head and attempt to


    walk into mine, only to stop at the sight that presents itself before me.


    "Eva. " My name falls from his mouth in a way that makes my heart throb at the sound of it, and I


    stagger backwards by a step as gorgeous brown eyes state back at me.


    He''s here. Emerson Ford is standing right in front of me. With dull eyes that only brighten when they


    meet mine, and my heart both thumps and aches at the same time.


    He moves closer to me, a small smile resting on his lips. "Eva, I¡ª" his hand shoots out to grab mine


    but I''m quick to step back, avoiding his touch and his smile fades.


    Looking past the hurt that covers his face, I say, "What are you doing here? Why are you here?"


    "For you, Eva. I''m back for¡ª" he attempts to grab my hand again but I hold out a hand to stop him,


    "Stop. Don''t try to do it. "


    "Eva, what''s going on?" He asks silently and a scoff leaves my lips, "What''s going on? You dare to


    stand in front of me and ask me what''s going on? After you left? After what you did, you dare to ask me


    that question?"


    "Eva, baby. Calm down and let''s¡ª"


    "Don''t fucking call me by that name!" I snap, my chest rising and falling rapidly with heavy breathing.


    "You have no right. Not after you left me without a fucking word. "


    "Left you?" He says the words as if he''s genuinely confused by them. As if he didn''t leave me for five


    fucking days without a goddamn reason. "I didn''t leave you, Eva. "


    "Oh, you didn''t? Then please tell me, Emerson. What would you call cutting offmunication for


    days, only to appear now out of the blue?"


    "I didn''t. " He insists, shaking his head as he takes another step closer. "Not like you think I did. I


    stayed away to resolve what I have with my... Did you not read my note?"


    "Stating what? That you''re leaving me without a proper goodbye?" I lift a brow, a sad chuckle leaving


    my lips and Emerson shakes his head once again, "No, that''s not what it said. I didn''t¡ª you didn''t read


    the note, did you?"


    "I didn''t think I had to if I knew what awaits me at the end. " I respond, and he sighs. "No, it''s not that,


    Eva. I wasn''t leaving you, not in that way. I was trying to protect what we have¡ª"


    "By leaving. " Iplete his words and a sad expression covers his face as he mumbles, "I had to. "


    "You had to. " The words slip through my lips and I press a hand to my forehead as I turn my face away


    from him to blink back the tears that threaten to fall.


    "Eva, " he calls behind me and I snap my head to him, "Can you listen to yourself, Emerson? You


    decided to leave me because you thought that''s what''s needed of you to protect what we have? Why


    and how the fuck would you do that? We were doing so fucking well! There was nothing wrong with our


    rtionship, so you don''t get to tell me that you left to protect something that didn''t need any goddamn


    protection from you! I''m done with that. I''m done with you always having excuses to justify your actions


    of hurting me repeatedly! I''m done, Emerson. "


    "But you''re wrong!" He matches the tone of my voice before he tears his gaze away. "Goddamn it!"


    When he turns his head to me again, he lowers his voice, "You are wrong, Eva. Maybe something


    didn''t seem wrong to you, but everything was wrong! My father. Yours. Your fucking world was falling


    apart, because of¡ª"


    "And I told you repeatedly that I didn''t give a damn fuck!" I yell, my fists staying by my sides as my


    breathinges out in short pants. "I told you I didn''t care if I had to leave everything behind for you,


    Emerson so what more assurance did you need?"


    "You don''t understand. You don''t know the graveness behind those words, and maybe you don''t care


    now, but you''llter. And I''ll rather not have you make a decision that you''lle to regret because of


    me, Eva. "


    "It''s my fucking decision. I got to make a decision and I chose you. Did you honestly think I''m that


    stupid to not understand the consequences thate with that decision? Is that what you think of me?


    A girl who needs to be protected every damn time because she can''t make her own choices. "


    "What? Of course not. " He protests and I say, "Then why, Emerson? Why did you leave? Why did you


    think it was upon you to make the decision for the both of us? Why did you think I was making the


    wrong choice by choosing you over my parents?" A tear rolls down my cheeks and I don''t bother to


    wipe it away as I lower my voice, "Why did you have to hurt me that way?"


    "Eva, no. Please, listen to me. " He speaks softly as he closes the distance between us and I allow him.


    I allow him to hold my hand in his and I allow him to raise his touch to my cheek, wiping my tear with


    his thumb. "In the note; I tried to make you understand that I''ll alwayse back to you. My dad... He,


    we talked and I got scared. You know how much you mean to me, Eva. You know it, and when he


    threatened this rtionship; I thought I had to stay away. I don''t know how he got to know about you


    and I, but I thought if I''m not by your side, then maybe our rtionship would be secure. Maybe we


    wouldn''t be forced to break it off. I¡ª God, Eva. You have to understand me, please. "


    "And how long were you going to stay away to secure this rtionship like you said?" I ask him and he


    strokes my cheek, his eyes boring into mine as he says, "Till I find a way. Which I¡ª"


    "You see, that''s the difference between you and I, Emerson. " I interrupt him. "You thought you had to


    stay away to keep what we have, and I thought I had to stay close to not lose you. I was open about


    what I wanted, and the decisions I was willing to take, but you weren''t. "


    "Eva¡ª"


    "No, let me speak. " I tell him and he keeps mute. "Ever since we got close, if I had something going


    on; I''de to you, not run away from you. Every step. Every choice and every trouble. You told me


    we were supposed to be the strength, Emerson not the weakness, so why does it always have to take


    my tears and my pains for you to finallye back?"


    "Eva. " He whispers and I take a step back, rubbing my hands across my face to wipe my tears. "It was


    hell. I felt like I was dying and you weren''t here to assure me that I''m not. You know me, Emerson and


    you know how I am without you by my side, so why didn''t that count as a factor when you were making


    that decision? If you had asked me, I''d have dly left everything. I''d have run away with you if need


    be. "


    "And where would we go?" He questions, his gaze softening and tears shining through his orbs. "How


    long would we have to keep running for, Eva? And what about school? Your future? Will you destroy


    that to stay by my side too?"


    "I don''t fucking care, Emerson!" My tears blur my vision and I swipe the back of my hand across my


    cheek, taking a sniff as I say, "We''d have figured out something! Anything! As long as you didn''t have


    to leave, but I guess I was the only one who wanted that, wasn''t I?"


    "You know that''s not true, Eva. I want to be with you just as much as you want to be with me.


    Everything I''ve done until now¡ª"


    "Were for me, yeah, I know. " I nod, rubbing my eyes again. "Except I didn''t ask you to do them, and I


    didn''t want you to either. " He remains silent and I drop my head, sniffing back several times before I lift


    my gaze to him, "You can''t keep doing this to me. You can''t keep hurting me because you thought your


    decision was right, only for it to be wrong in the end. I won''t allow you to do that anymore. "


    "Eva, " his bottom lips quiver as he lets out my name. "What are you saying?"


    I let out a shaky breath as I lift my head to the sky, holding back the tears before I let out my next


    words, "We didn''t get to do thisst time, but I''m doing it now. I''m making my decision. This is where it


    ends, Emerson. The pains and the tears. This is where we¡ª"


    "No!" He shouts, taking long strides to close the gap between our bodies and I watch him, my tears


    falling uncontrobly as he gets on his knees before me and wraps his hands around my legs, gripping


    them tightly. "No, you can''t do that, Eva. You won''t tell me you want to break up with me. " His head


    falls against my thigh and I turn my head away from the sight, the tremble in each of his words only


    making my heart ache the more. "You can''t leave me, Eva. Not now. Please you can''t do that to me.


    Tell me, Eva. Tell me you won''t say those words to me. Tell me you¡ª" his voice breaks at the end, and


    my own tears don''t stop.


    Then he speaks again. "Look at me, Eva. Tell me that you''re not leaving me. You promised. "


    I swipe my hand over my nose and when I turn my head to meet the eyes of the man on his knees


    before me with tears staining his cheeks, I see pain, I see sadness, I see fear, and most of all; I see


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    love.


    And my hands tremble by my sides with my breath getting heavier.


    ~


    AUTHOR''S NOTE: Every single day, I''m given reasons to drop this book, but your support is what got


    me this far, and what keeps me going. We''re in the rough part of the book, and I make sure to n my


    plot well enough so that every sentence spoken and decisions made solves the puzzle. For why


    Emerson left Eva when he had no n; if you pay attention to the conversation between him and his


    dad, or his brother, you''ll have your answer and for why Eva couldn''t find the note; if you go back to


    that particr chapter, you''ll find your answer. I always make sure I leave the details, so it''lle to


    make sense when the full story is revealed.


    After the negativements from the previous chapter because some of you couldn''t understand why


    it''s headed this way; I almost didn''t write today, but like I said, your support is what keeps me going and


    my thanks goes to Yubi and Pa cooper for rereading several times and sharing their thoughts just to


    understand the meaning behind the chapter. And to DD625, Gigi, Tiffany Schramm, Dana Zagaria


    Leshock, Teedu_b and Eliza Urbanik for their positive feedback because those are what got me


    through the negative ones. I''m thankful for you all, as well as to the rest who dropped gems despite the


    heavy chapter! Thank you for reading (^^)

 E I G H T Y - O N E

    E I G H T Y - O N E


    EVA.


    "I can''t let you hurt me again, Emerson. I can''t handle you breaking my heart again. " I whisper to him


    and he shakes his head several times before he opens his mouth, "I won''t. I promise you I won''t, baby.


    I¡ª I love you, Eva. Baby, please. "


    "You said those same words once, and look where we are. " I remind him of his once made promise


    and he says, "I told you, Eva. You''d never be in the pain alone. Look at me, baby. Does it seem like I


    find joy in this? "


    "I can''t, Emerson. I just can''t. "


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "Yes, you can. " He persists, his head falling against my thigh again, and he buries his face in it. "You


    can, baby. You have to forgive me. You have to give me a chance to make it right again. You¡ª you


    have to. Please. This will never repeat itself. I promise you that every decision I make for the both of us


    will be by the both of us. I''m willing to do anything, Eva. Just don''t take this away from me. Don''t take


    this away from us. "


    I bite down on my lips to stop the sobs that urge to break out, keeping my hands glued to my sides to


    avoid reaching out to him.


    Emerson removes his head from my leg to meet my eyes. "Please. " He adds, the one word that''s


    always powerful enough to turn everything around, but not this time.


    "We have to. I have to. For my health, and my mentality; I have to. You say you won''t do it again, but


    you will, Emerson. You''ll feel that need to make a decision on your own and you''ll give into it. A


    decision that''ll end up hurting me. End up¡ª" I take a pause to let out a breath before I continue, "I wish


    I could tell you that I regretted the day I fell for you. "


    His mouth opens but no words slip through.


    "But I can''t. " I shut my eyes to take away the sight of his face. "I can''t say it, because I don''t. You made


    me feel so many things, and it was beautiful. I wish I could tell you that I regret it all, but I can''t because


    you gave me the best moments of my life, Emerson. "


    I feel his grip loosening around my legs and then his hands cover mine. He presses his thumb to the


    back of my palm and I open my eyes as he speaks. "Don''t. Because I''ll give you so much more. This


    isn''t the end of us, Eva. This isn''t the end of Eva Carson and Emerson Ford. It can''t be. Our story can''t


    stop here. "


    "Emerson, please¡ª" I whimper and he shakes his head, "No, you listen to me, baby. I know I''ve hurt by


    doing what I thought was right and I''m sorry for it, but I can''t let you end us, Eva. I won''t. "


    "I don''t trust you with my heart anymore. " I tell him and he nods, "Then I''ll earn that trust again. I''ll


    show you that it''s safe with me. You can take your time to give it, and you can take your time to punish


    me in any other way you want, but I''m not breaking up with you, Eva. We won''t. "


    I remove my hand from his and swipe it across my cheek to wipe my tears away before I take a step


    back, letting his hold fall from me.


    "Eva, please. " He pleads in a small voice and I look away from him. "Say the words. Tell me you''re not


    breaking up with me, Carson. Tell me you''re not ending me. Tell me you''re not taking away the one


    thing that matters. "


    "Stop. " I murmur and his voicees again. "Then say the words, Carson. "


    I look back at him, on his knees and waiting for my response but I don''t say what he wants, and I don''t


    follow through with my earlier decision as I step away from him and head inside the house, not daring


    to take a look back.


    My legs threaten to give up as I saunter across the path but I don''t give in. Not until I''m in front of the


    door.


    "Baby. " Mom utters as she stands in front of me, no doubt that she has been here for long. She steps


    to the side and gestures for me to walk in. After clicking on the lock, she turns to me with a warm look


    in her eyes, "Do you want me to¡ª"


    I interrupt her before she can finish her words. "Can you hold me, please? I just need you to hold me,


    no words. "


    "Of course, baby. Of course, I can. " She smiles at me before she trudges closer and brings me into her


    chest, her hands moving around me. My chest drops shakingly and I move my head against her chest,


    breathing through my mouth as the image of his face fills my mind. So much hurt and so much


    sadness. The way his tears didn''t stop falling and the way his voice breaks every single time he tries to


    speak; it hurts my heart. And it doesn''t stop hurting. I don''t know how we went from being each other''s


    happiness to being the reason for each other''s tears, but I just want it all to stop.


    I need it to.


    EMERSON.


    I watch as she walks out into her house and I remain on my knees. Just before her framepletely


    disappears out of my sight, my eyes meet hers and she finally closes up on me.


    I hold a hand over my chest and drop my head, remaining in that position for seconds? Minutes?


    Hours? I do not know nor am I willing to move from there. Not until my knees turn numb and the tears


    turn into soundless sobs.


    I force myself up and turn away from her ce to head into mine.


    "Where were you?" Elias asks as I walk inside the house and I mumble, "Out. "


    "Oh, it didn''t go as well as you thought it would, did it?" He says as he moves from his seat and I hum,


    "I wasn''t expecting it to go smoothly, but I didn''t expect it to go this bad either. "


    "What did she say?" He stops by my side and my mind races through every word uttered in tears and


    every emotion felt. "A lot. "


    "You''ll be fine, Emerson. " He assures me and I nod. "I''ll be. We''ll be. These are just rough times and


    we''ll certainly get over them. "


    "You will. Stay strong, kiddo and I do think the issue with both men will be solved soon. " He says and I


    turn my head to meet his gaze, "Thank you, Eli. For everything. "


    "It''s my job. " He retorts and I let out a light chuckle, "Not everyone takes their job seriously. "


    He smiles. "You know I do. " I look behind him to where hisptop is set then look back at him and say,


    "Working still? Don''t you think you should get some rest?"


    "My rest is work. " He responds andughs when I scrunch my nose. He ps my arm once before he


    takes a step back, "You should head into your room. You look like you need some time alone. "


    I bob my head in agreement before I make my way towards my room, only to stop at the sound of


    Elias''s call behind me. Twisting my head to him, he says, "Do you want me to talk to her? I could do


    better. I have a talent for setting things right. "


    I''m quick to oppose the nice but distasteful suggestion. I did this to us, and I''ll be the one to fix it. This is


    my love. My woman and my responsibility. "No, don''t do that. You''re already doing more than enough. "


    "What are you scared of, little brother? That she''ll realize the older one is the hotter one?" He jokes and


    I throw him a re, "Don''t fuck around with me, Eli. "


    "Gee, tone down the possessive re. I wouldn''t really steal your girl. " He chuckles and I say, "I know


    that, but don''t speak about it. I don''t like the mere imagination. "


    "Even to your own brother?" He lifts a brow and I nod my head to him, "You''re a man, aren''t you?"


    He shakes his head, a smallugh leaving his lips. "You never fail to amaze me, Emerson. "


    "Get back to work, and sleep early. This is Washington, not New York. You don''t have to work hard


    every time. " I tell him and he yfully salutes me with two fingers, the action bringing a small smile to


    my face before I turn around and walk towards the room.


    "Are you okay?" Hanna asks the question she has answers to as she stands in front of my door and I


    say, "What will you do if I say I''m not?"


    "Mom was worried about you. " She utters and I stalk towards her, nudging her to move from the door,


    which she hesitantly does. "Let me know if there''s anything I can do to help. "


    "Go to sleep, Hanna. You have school tomorrow. " It''s the only response I give her before I walk in.


    Striding to my window, I drop my hands on the edge and stare at the window that''s a bit away. Her


    windows are closed, and there''s no reflection on the ss but I keep my eyes on them, her words


    ringing in my ears and neither am I able to stop the sting in my chest nor am I able to hold back the


    tears that fall.


    A heavy sigh leaves my lips and my grip on the edge turns tighter as her look of pure pain shes


    through my mind. I didn''t think it would do this much damage. I knew it would be hard when Ie


    back, but I never thought it''d be like this; enough for her to want to break away from me. Just the mere


    thoughts of that hurt so fucking much and I didn''t think a broken heart could break any further. I caused


    that: that pain, those tears and that hurtful decision. I caused it all, and I''ll be the one to take them


    away, and return that bright smile to her face.


    I fold my arms to my chest and lean against the wall next to me, keeping my eyes on her window and


    that spot only.


    "Goodnight, baby. "

 E I G H T Y - T W O

    E I G H T Y - T W O


    EVA.


    "Hey, why did you want me toe meet you here?" I call out to Aliya as I stroll toward her and she


    smiles when our eyes meet. "Hey, you. Why are you dressed that way?" She asks when I stop in front


    of her.


    "Because it''s cold, Lia. Why didn''t you want toe in?" I ask her my previous question and she


    throws me a wink before she steps to the side, revealing a new presence to me. My furrowed brows


    drop when my eyes catch Josh''s gaze, along with Sage by his side.


    "Um... Hi, guys. What are you two doing here?" I ask awkwardly as they move forward and Sage is the


    first to speak, "We were worried about you. Since you and your boyfriend decided to disappear without


    notice, we thought we''de to you, if you wouldn''te to us. This guy here especially refused to


    stop disturbing me about you. "


    I let out a smallugh. "Sorry about that. Thest time we saw, you¡ª " Sage doesn''t let me finish my


    words before she closes the gap between us and wraps her arms around me, her head resting on my


    shoulder. "I know. It was wrong to have ignored you, but I had a little bit of something going on too. "


    "I understand. You don''t have to apologize for that. " I assure her, giving her back a caress before she


    withdraws from the hug with a small smile on her face. Her hands move to my face and she cups my


    cheeks, "How are you doing?"


    "Fine. I''m good. " I tell her and she narrows her eyes, "Are you sure about that?"


    "A hundred percent. " I beam and she nods, giving my shoulder a rub before she steps back for me to


    His eyes roam across my body before they settle on mine and he sighs as he steps before me. "The


    Eva Carson. " He jokes and I respond with, "The Josh... Oh wait, I just realized I never got yourst


    name. "


    "You''re still as funny as ever, angel. " He throws me a smile before he engulfs me in a hug and I return


    his embrace, my voice muffled against his chest as I say, "When have I ever not?"


    He pulls back but keeps his hands around me as he speaks, "When I got back here, I thought I''d be


    seeing a bit of this face around, and then I got worried when I saw none. "


    "I didn''t think you care about me enough to be worried about my absence. " I tease him and he shakes


    his head, letting his hands fall off me. "I care about you enough to check in. "


    "Thank you. Truly, the both of you. This means a lot. " I say, looking between Sage and him and they


    both hum before Josh opens his mouth, "You don''t look like you''ve been enjoying your stay at home. "


    "I can honestly tell you that it isn''t as fun as I thought. " I answer and heughs, the sound swimming


    around us before I excuse myself to take Aliya to the side.


    "Are you guys fine now?" I mumble silently, and she shakes her head. "She''s only here because of you;


    not me. "


    "Are you sure about that?" I raise a brow and she nods, a sad smile covering her face as she says,


    "There''s someone new. "


    "Oh, " I let out, having no other immediate words to the information. "I don''t know what to say, Aliya. "


    "Say nothing, " she says as she meets my eyes. "I''m d she''s moving on like I want her to. "


    "Are you truly happy about that?" I question, lifting one hand to her shoulder and she stares at the hand


    before she speaks again, "I am, babe. Trust me. There''s no better way than this. By the way, I almost


    forgot this with me. " She takes her hand to her pocket and brings out a small piece of paper.


    Is that¡ª is that what I think it is?


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Aliya confirms my thoughts when she says, "I saw this at the apartment, and thought it was important


    so I took it with me, but I forgot to give you earlier. "


    "This¨C" my voicees out small as I lift my head to her. "Was with you?"


    "Yes. It seems important, so I¡ª"


    "And you didn''t think to give me this immediately you found it, Aliya?" I raise a brow, my voice turning


    harsh and she slowly drops her hand. "I couldn''t. You weren''t in the right state of mind. "


    "And you couldn''t leave it with me? Back at my ce? My room? Those skipped your mind too?"


    "No, I¡ª" she starts to say, then pauses. Angling her head to the side, she says, "Wait, are you mad at


    me for this?"


    "Damn right I''m mad at you!" I snap, mumbling curses under my breath as I pace back and forth before


    her. "You had the fucking paper, and you had the fucking time to show me, or leave it with me but you


    didn''t. "


    "Babe, I had it in my pocket and forgot all about it because I was worried about you. I didn''t think it was


    needed this much. "


    "It isn''t about the fact that it was needed. It''s the fact that you forgot about it. You said you thought it


    was important, and yet it skipped your mind?" I stop pacing across and Aliya lets out a sigh, "Please,


    Eva. It''s just a fucking piece of paper, and if it were that important to you; you would have kept it by


    your side. I thought you''d be grateful that I found it for you, but you''re being this way?"


    "Did you read it?" I ask her, ignoring her words and when she keeps mute for a while, I take another


    step forward till our faces are only inches away. "Open your damn mouth, Lia! Did you read it?"


    "Only by the first line. " She finally answers, and everything suddenly makes me angry; Emerson


    showing up again after days, his exnation that only makes me hurt the more, the words I said to him


    and Aliya showing up with the damn paper only now.


    "So you knew what''s in it?" Once again, my best friend decides to remain mute. "Answer my fucking


    question, Aliya!"


    "Stop raising your fucking voice at me, Eva! I found the fucking paper and how else was I supposed to


    know it''s important if I didn''t read it? Yes, I know what''s in it and you honestly can''t fucking me me


    for forgetting all about it just because I was stuck with taking care of you!"


    She drops her head, pping her forehead before she says. "I''m so sorry, Evie. I didn''t mean to say


    those words. I just¡ª"


    "I gave you a choice, Aliya. You didn''t have to be stuck with taking care of me; you chose to be stuck. "


    I cut her off and she nods, "I know that, Eva and I did that because I care about you and I¡ª I''m so


    fucking sorry I said that. I was never stuck. I just..."


    I don''t let her finish her words before I shift my gaze to Josh and Sage, who stands a few steps away


    from us with bewildered eyes.


    "Thank you for checking up on me, guys but I''m afraid I''ll have to leave now. I''ll see you guyster. " I


    tell them then move away from Aliya.


    "Eva, please. I didn''t mean them. " She calls out to me, but I don''t stop walking as I focus on the path


    that''s before me.


    I''m only a few steps further when a bike circles around me before it stops by my side, and the helmet is


    removed to reveal the familiar face.


    "You look like you need a peaceful ride. Do you want to hop on?" He jerks his head to the space behind


    him, and I look at the space before I avert my gaze to him.


    Turning my head to the direction in front of me, I know I''ll head directly to my room if I go home, and


    spending another night in my bed with a pounding headache because of another yet uncontroble


    tears sound like something I don''t want to do tonight, and that''s why I turn back to Josh.


    A nod is the only gesture I give him for him to understand and he gives me another helmet before he


    helps me up the bike.


    "You''ll fall that way. " He tells me as he moves my hands on his shoulder to wrap them around his


    waist. "Take a breath and forget about everything. Try to feel the air, wee it and let it flow through


    you, and trust me; you''ll have a smile on your face by the end of it. "


    I hum and do as he said. I keep my eyes shut while he drives off, and I wee the air, my hair


    blowing to the back from the wind. Slowly, I lift my body from the seat and spread my arms, relishing in


    thefort thates with the breeze and ignoring my worries for this moment.


    ~


    "Are you okay?" Josh asks as I climb off his bike and I smile at him as I smooth one hand down my hair


    while the other holds the helmet.


    Extending the helmet to him, I say, "Perfectly. Thank you for the ride. "


    "We always need one or two in our lives, don''t we?" He returns my smile as he takes the helmet from


    me and I let out a chuckle before I step back, turning my head to look at my house before I look back at


    him.


    "I hope you settle things with Aliya. " He mutters as he leans forward and I hum, removing my gaze


    from his, "Absolutely. " I might have let my emotions get the better of me over such a trivial matter and


    there''s no doubt that I hurt her.


    "What happened to you, Eva?" Josh''s voice makes me lift my head to him, and when I arch my brow,


    he proceeds to say, "You''ve lost your glow, and I just can''t help but to ask. "


    My chest drops before I answer him, my heart aching at the words that slip through, "I found out that


    sometimes love isn''t always enough. Sometimes, love isn''t always worth it and sometimes, we fall for


    the wrong people. "


    "It isn''t always great, is it?" He says and I agree with a nod, "It isn''t. "


    He''s about to speak again, when the sound of his phone beeping interrupts him, and I gesture for him


    to take it. He lifts the phone, and I watch his face slowly stretch into a grin as he stares at the screen.


    "It''s my girl. She''s waiting for me. "


    "She''s here?" I ask him and his fingers move across the screen before he throws the phone back


    inside his pocket. Then he meets my eyes and says, "No. We always facetime before going to bed. "


    "Aww, that sounds like such a cute thing to do. " I tell him and he smiles again, "I know. She''s worried


    because we''re a few minutes past the normal time. "


    "Then you should get back to her. You don''t want to keep her waiting for long. " I say and he drums his


    fingers against the handle of the bike, just staring at me. After a while, he voices out, "I don''t know what


    happened with you, Eva but I hope you''ll be fine soon. "


    "Thank you. " I throw him an appreciative smile and he lifts his hand to ruffle my hair over my head.


    "Take care of yourself, kid. "


    "Fuck off. " I groan, pping his hand away and heughs before he fixes the helmet over his head. He


    slides back and revs his engine, and just before he starts his ride, he opens the helmet and says, "But I


    do want you to know it isn''t always the people who are wrong. Sometimes, it''s the world we live in and


    the challenges thates with it. You should remember that when making your decisions, Eva. " He


    winks, and closes his helmet before he drives off.


    I stand there and watch his frame disappear out of sight with his words echoing around me, and my


    eyes unconsciously move to the house opposite mine.


    EMERSON.


    Walking inside the house, the warmness of the familiar space greets me; except a certain gorgeous


    face is missing.


    I shut the door behind me and walk further inside. I stroll to the couch and trail my fingers over the


    edge, the sound of herughs fading into the distance before I move away from there and turn the


    corner that leads to the rooms.


    I stop at hers and push inside the room, my heart dropping when there''s no Eva Carson sitting on the


    bed with a book in hand and sses on her face, waiting to wee me into her arms. Only when I


    walk across the room, my eyes running through every corner and opening her closet, do I realize most


    of her things are gone.


    She took them. She truly left.


    Her clothes. Her books. Her girls stuff by the other side of the room. Everything is gone, and I don''t


    think there can be any bigger pain than the one I feel right now, knowing she didn''t just end things with


    me but she''s also trying to erase herself.


    I grab the board by the side of the closet and slowly back away till I drop on her bed. It''s another one of


    my many drawings of her, and she said this one is her favourite out of all; the one she promised to


    always have with her.


    "I''ll fix this, baby. I promise you; I''ll fix us. "


    I''ve known some types of love. I''ve known a brother''s love and I''ve known one from a sister. I''ve known


    a friend''s love and unrequited love. And then there''s this type of love. The special kind. It''s the type that


    engraves itself into the depth of your soul and you just can''t run away from it, because you feel it


    everywhere. It''s the kind thates to be your home because no matter where you go or how long it


    takes, you''ll always want to return to your home. It''s the kind of love that have you weak in the knees


    and strong in the heart. That type... That''s the love I have for Eva Carson, and I might have made a


    mistake that cut her deeply and have her pull away, enough to want to take a step back, but I''ll never


    stop reminding her of the love that exists between us and why she was willing to tear the entire world


    down just to keep the mes of that love burning. I''ll never stop reminding her of how beautiful we were


    together, and how beautiful we''ll be again. I''ll never stop reminding her of why she gave her heart to me


    in the first ce.


    "You''re truly stunning, Carson. " I mumble as I caress her face. With a smile, I drop the board and


    move from the bed, slipping my hands into my pocket as I stride out of my room and down the path that


    leads to the living room.


    I''m pacing in the direction of the kitchen, only to stop at the sound of the knocks at the door and I halt


    my steps, wondering who it could be.


    "Eva. " The name falls from my mouth and my heart speeds in my chest as I hurry to the door.


    Opening the door, I''m weed with the sight of a big smile. "Missed me?"


    ~


    A big, giant thanks to you all for the kind and encouraging words from yesterday''s chapter. They truly


    warm my heart>.<

 E I G H T Y - T H R E E

    E I G H T Y - T H R E E


    EMERSON.


    A frown takes over my face. "It''s you. "


    I leave the door open and turn back into the house with Jaxon''s voice echoing behind me. "That''s so


    rude of you, dude. I thought you''d be happier to see me. "


    "You aren''t exactly the face I was expecting. " I tell him as I drop on the couch. But again, she was


    determined to break up with me that night, why the hell would she show up now? You truly love to get


    your hopes up, Emerson.


    "And let me guess the face you were expecting. " Jaxon''s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and he''s


    settling next to me. "Blue eyes and quite different hair. "


    "Shut up. " I tell him and heughs before he says, "Are things better between the two of you now?"


    "Not quite. They''re far from being better. " I say and he lifts a brow, "Why not? I thought you said your


    brother was going to help with it?"


    "I said he was going to help with the father''s issue. I didn''t say he was going to help with the girlfriend


    issue. " I exin and he nods, "So the other issue is solved?"


    "Let''s just say the problem between me and Eva right now is more important. "


    "Is that why you''re not showing up at school yet?" He asks and I hum as I sink back against the couch.


    "I don''t think school is the right choice at the moment. "


    There''s a moment of silence between us before Jaxon says, "Do you need my help with anything? "


    I turn my head to him and smile, pping a hand on his shoulder. "No, man. Thank you for offering,


    though. "


    He nods and I watch as his eyes move down my body. When he raises his head, he says, "You look


    like you lost weight. "


    I remove my hand from his shoulder and look down at myself, "Do I? "


    "You do. This love shit is really hard, isn''t it?" He says and I chuckle, "It isn''t always. "


    "Well, I''ve seen enough to know I wouldn''t want to fall into one. " He deres and I lift my gaze to him,


    "Everyone says that, until they eventually fall into it without realizing. "


    "Nah, man. I think the love I have for myself is enough tost me through my lifetime. " He states firmly


    and I snort at his words, "You never fail to say the stupidest things. "


    "There are no other truer words from men than mine. " He winks and then breaks into augh himself


    and I merely shake my head as I hold a cushion to my chest.


    "Will you be fine?" I meet his eyes at the sudden change in tone to serious and when I smile, he adds,


    "I''m serious. I know you said you can handle it, but I also know when you try to hide your pain. "


    "I''ll be fine. " I assure him and when he narrows his eyes at me, I say, "Promise. "


    "Good. " He mumbles before he proceeds to say, "I''d beughing my ass off if you turn out to not be as


    strong as you always im. " He jokes and I hit his shoulder, earning augh from him.


    "Do you want me to move in with you till your girles back? I can think of many different ways that


    we could have fun. " Jaxon throws his legs over myp and I look at the legs before I throw him an


    irritated look, "Fuck no. And get your dirty legs off me. "


    I throw his legs off, only for him to shift closer to my side. "I think I''ll be a pretty better boyfriend; you''ll


    forget about¡ª"


    "Say one more word and I''ll be throwing you out of here. " I re at him and he rolls his eyes as he


    moves back to his space. "Reject me, man. I wouldn''t want to leave those pretty boobs either. "


    "You''re insane. " I tell him and he smiles as he throws a leg over me again. "Why do you think I''m your


    friend?"


    ¡ÌTHREE DAYS LATER.


    "Fuck, I miss you. " I groan into the pillow as I fall on Eva''s bed, spreading my arms across the sheets


    and wishing I had her here to wrap them around instead. I''ve been trying to get to her, but all she does


    is ignore me or tell me to leave her alone. Not that I don''t deserve it, but I badly need her here.


    Standing by her window every night in hope of her opening up to me is starting to wear me out.


    The vibration of my phone makes me lift my hand to retrieve the device, and I''m quick to sit up on the


    bed at the sight of her name on the screen.


    She''s calling me. Eva is calling me. She''s fucking¡ª


    "Eva. " I''m quick to glue the phone to my ear with a heart that beats too fast than normal, only to pull it


    back a bit at the loud sound that echoes through.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Furrowing my brows, I recheck to ensure it''s her name across the screen before I press it back to my


    ear. "Eva?"


    "Emerson!" Her loud voice finallyes through, and the sound mixed with the cheerfulness with


    which she calls my name both calms my heart and makes it races.


    "Eva? Where are you? Why''s it so loud there?" I ask her and there are some giggles, and unfamiliar


    voices before she speaks again, "Emerson! I''m at the club and I''m having so much fun!"


    I move to my feet, tossing the pillow to the side, "The club? What the fuck are you doing at the club?"


    She ignores my question and says, "A club. Do you want toe? Should I let you¡ª get your hands


    off me!" Panic rushes through me at the change in her voice and I open my mouth again, "Eva? Eva?"


    "Oh, hi Emerson. " She responds and I let out a breath of relief. "Eva, tell me which club you are in. "


    "Why should I do that?" She chuckles and I say, "Because I want you to. "


    "But I don''t want to. " She argues and I pace across the room. "I want you to. Eva, please tell me the


    name. "


    "I''ll think about it. " She says and I rub my forehead in frustration. "Eva! Tell me which club it is. "


    "Will you beg me for it?" She asks and I nod, "Of course. Of course, I will ba¡ª Eva. Please. I want to


    know which it is. "


    She hums. "Not enough. " Oh fucking God.


    Closing my hand to calm the raging emotions inside me, I let out my next words in my softest tone.


    "Please, baby. Tell me the name. "


    There''s nothing from her end before she finally answers. "Echostage. " And that''s all I need to grab my


    keys and rush out of the house.


    ~


    I hurry out of the car, mming the door behind me as I stride inside the club. My vision is blurred by


    the lights that shine through every corner and I can barely hear a thing from the loud noises, but it isn''t


    long before I find her; her ash blonde hair standing out among the rest.


    Finding heres both as a relief and anger, and my hands form into fists, my teeth grinding against


    each other as I watch her dance with a strange guy in a short skirt and a quite revealing top. His


    hands... He has his hands on her fucking waist. He''s touching her. And she''s there. Seeming to enjoy


    his presence.


    I don''t waste another second before I march towards her, moving his hand off her with a firm grip and


    his wide eyes meets mine as he snaps his head to my view.


    "Who the fuck are you?" He dares to ask me when all I want to do is throw my fist into his face.


    "You have three seconds to run out of there. " I growl out and he looks back at Eva who''s still standing


    before he looks back at me, "Again, who the fuck are you to tell me what to¡ª"


    "One. " I let out, slowly twisting his hand in mine and I watch his face morph into one of pain. "Two. "


    "Okay, fine fine! I''ll go, you fucker. Let go of my hand!" He cries out and I release my grip on him. He


    hisses out and throws me a re before he turns around and walks away.


    My chest falls in a sigh as I watch his frame disappear through the crowd before I take my eyes to the


    dancing girl in front of me.


    I step to her side and grab her hand. When our eyes meet, I stagger backwards a bit at the look of pure


    excitement on her face; one I haven''t seen in a very long time.


    "You''re here. I didn''t think you would be here so fast. " She shouts over the music, turning her body to


    me as she begins to move against mine and I swallow down my throat to calm myself before I pull her


    along with me towards the exit without a word, despite her protests behind me.


    "What the fuck is wrong with you?" She frowns as I let go of her when we''re away from the crowd and I


    say, "You tell me what the fuck is wrong with you? Why the hell were you dancing with that guy?"


    "I can dance with whoever the fuck I want to dance with! It''s none of your fucking business!" She


    snaps, her breath falling in short pants and I step forward till my face is in hers. "Yes, it is. You''re mine.


    Do you get that, Carson? You belong to me, and only I have the right to touch you that way. "


    She holds my gaze for a while, blinking severally before she looks away, mumbling something under


    her breath.


    "What did you say?" I ask her and she lifts her head. "I said I''m not yours. "


    "Oh, yes you are. " I tell her with a smile. "You always were and you always will be, and the next time I


    catch another guy''s hands on you; you won''t like the oue, Carson. "


    "Fuck you. " She seethes and I chuckle, "So we''re back to this game now? I can remember it didn''t end


    so well for youst time. "


    "Fuck off. " She says again, taking a step back, only to almost trip on her feet and my hands shoot out


    to grab her, my grip staying on her waist as I steady her. She raises her head to me, and the echoes of


    my heart ringing in my chest are loud in my ears at the shift in the air between us. My eyes move over


    her features before it drops to her lips, and they look so fucking enticing than I remember.


    My head is moving closer, or maybe it''s hers, or maybe it''s the two of us. I don''t know and I don''t care


    to know as the gap between us slowly bes invisible and I''m this close to taking her plumps lips in


    mine, only for her to hup.


    I close my eyes and let out a sigh before I pull back and when I open my eyes, she hups again.


    "How much did you drink?" I ask her and she giggles as she closes a hand over her mouth. "Eva, how


    many sses did you have?" I ask her again and she says, "I don''t know. I wasn''t counting and you


    spoiled the fun. "


    "Why are you here alone? How about your friend?" I lift a brow and she giggles again, "My friend? Do


    you mean Aliya? I don''t know. She isn''t speaking to me. "


    My heart hurts as I watch her try to steady her feet again, huping and giggling several times.


    Outside, she looks happy and seems to be having the best time of her life, but I know she''s really


    hurting inside. Beneath all the excitement lies sadness and distress.


    Just as she''s about to trip again, I slide my hand around her waist and she rests against me.


    "Come on. I''ll take you home. " I tell her and she tries to move out of my grip, "No. I don''t want to go


    with you. "


    "Don''t be stubborn, Eva. We''re leaving here. " I insist and when she keeps struggling, I lift my hand to


    her face and turn her head to me. "You called me here for a reason, didn''t you?"


    She remains still after those words and I take that as my cue as I lead her to where my car is parked. I


    carry her inside and carefully settle her on her seat before I close the door and climb in through the


    other.


    I move over the divider to fasten her seatbelt and my heart skips a beat when she suddenly turns her


    head to me. God, she''s fucking breathtaking.


    "Why are you so close?" She mumbles, pressing her hand to my chest and I clear my throat before I


    move back to my seat. "Did you bring a purse with you?"


    "Yes. Here. " She shows me the small purse attached to her skirt and I check for her phone before I


    start the car.


    "Where are you taking me?" She murmurs after a while and I take a nce at her to see she''s leaning


    against the window before I look back to the front. "Home. "


    "No. " She says and when I look at her again, her gaze is turned to me.


    "Why not? You need to go home. " I tell her and she says, "No, don''t take me there. I don''t want to go


    there. "


    "Eva¡ª"


    "I don''t want to go there. " She insists in a firmer voice and I sigh, using both hands on the steering


    wheel. "I don''t know where else to take you other than there. I''d ask you toe to the apartment, but I


    know you don''t want to so¡ª"


    "Take me there. " She interrupts me before I can finish and I turn my head to her in surprise. "Uh? What


    did you say?"


    "The apartment. Take me there. " She repeats her words, meeting my eyes before she turns her head


    back to the window and a small smile touches my lips at that confirmation from her as I lean one hand


    arm against the side and press a finger to my lips.


    ~


    "We''re here. " I notify Eva as I stop the car in front of the house, and she raises her head, staring at the


    view in front of us without making a move.


    I look between her and the house before I let out the words that hurt my throat to speak, "You don''t


    have toe in if you don''t want to. "


    She doesn''t give me a response as she climbs out of the car, and I smile before I remove the key and


    follow after her, staying behind her in case she trips.


    "Are you okay?" I ask Eva as we sessfully get inside the house, and when I turn around to her view;


    she pulls me by the front of my shirt and yanks me towards her.


    "What do you think you''re¡ª" I start to speak but the rest of my words are silenced by her mouth on


    mine and my eyes widen by the startling action with my hands hanging in the air by her sides. She


    grips my shirt tighter as she tilts her head to the side to deepen the kiss, and the feel of her mouth on


    mine again sparks a need within me. The feel of her taste almost makes everything else non-existent¡ª


    including the situation we''re in but I manage to catch onto myself.


    Pulling back from the kiss, I let my hands fall on her shoulders and say, "Eva, what are you doing?"


    A tiny smile rests on her face and she looks me down as she swipes her tongue over her bottom lip


    before pulling it between her teeth, and Fuck¡ª she''s got to be doing this intentionally.


    "Eva. " I let out a groan of her name, the sound painful to my ears and she hums as her hands slide


    down my chest to the front of my pants. She hooks her fingers around the waistband before she meets


    my eyes and says, "I want you. "


    Three simple words that fucks with my entire senses and have me shaking on the damn spot. My chest


    thumps wildly in my chest, and the need for her within me intensifies at the sound of those words falling


    from her mouth after such a long time. How long has it been? A week or more? It feels like a damn


    year.


    However... "No, you don''t mean that. You''re drunk. " I tell her, knowing she''s in fact drunk and this is


    just the alcohol speaking. Sober Eva wouldn''t say those words to me. Not with what we have going on.


    She shakes her head, stepping forward as her thumb caresses the front of my pants and I hiss at the


    immediate reaction to her touch. Eva keeps her eyes fixed on me as she repeats the action before she


    leans on her toes to reach my ears, her breath hot against the skin as she whispers, "I want you,


    Emerson. "


    I don''t know if it''s because of theck of touch from her for a while, or because she''s being extra


    seductive in this way, but this dangerous game she''s ying is making me burn in all the wrong ces,


    and I''m watching my control slip off with each second that passes. Each second brings me closer to


    ignoring everything else, and giving into what she asks of me¡ª even when I know there''ll be


    consequences when she''s sober and aware of what took ce the next morning.


    "You don''t. " It takes every struggle in me to get those words out and Eva doesn''t help when she draws


    back and shifts her gaze to my lips. They suddenly burn under her intense gaze, and I need her to take


    the fire out. I need her lips on... Fuck, no, Emerson. You''ll not think about that.


    "You''re drunk and you need to¡ª" I''m unable to finish my words when Eva suddenly swats my hands off


    her and takes a step away from me, taking with her, her warmth and everything else that excites my


    nerves.


    Then she dares to look into my eyes and say, "Emerson. It''s either you fuck me, or I walk out of this


    ce and find someone who will. And something just tells me I have a lot of options to choose from. "

 E I G H T Y - F O U R

    E I G H T Y - F O U R


    EMERSON.


    "Are you threatening me, Carson?" My head spins at those words from her and she smirks, "Does it


    feel like a threat, Ford? I''m just letting you know what you would be missing¡ª"


    With one long stride, I close the small gap between us, wrapping a hand around her throat and


    silencing the rest of her words. "You dare mention fucking other men in front of me?"


    "Am I not allowed to?" She raises a brow and I move a hand between us, slipping it under her skirt to


    where her wetness awaits me, and goddamn, she''s soaked.


    "Oh, " she utters lowly as I close my palm over it and I say, "This is mine. Did you get that, Eva? You''ll


    not fuck nor will you mention fucking another man, because this fucking belongs to me. "


    She raises her head high. "Then prove it. "


    "What?" I mutter and she presses her lips to my temple. I close my eyes to the feel of her lips on that


    skin again, only for Eva to take it away and say, "Prove it, Ford. Prove that it''s yours. "


    When I remain still, she continues, "Unless you''re a coward, who only knows how to¡ª" I say fuck it all


    at that. I don''t care if I''m such a fool for it, or if I''m willingly ying her game; I just lose it and im her


    mouth.


    Her hands immediately find their stay around my neck and she jumps on me as she invades my mouth


    with the same burn and force. We kiss like we''ve been starved for years; tongue on tongue, sucking,


    biting and pulling. She kisses me like it''s the only thing she cares about at the moment and I devour her


    mouth like it''s the only thing keeping me alive. And we take each other''s lips like it''s the one thing we


    can finally have after such a long time.


    I keep my hands on the legs wrapped around my waist as I lead us in the direction of the room and


    Eva''s hands work on my shirt and my pants. Moved from sliding under my shirt to feel my skin, to


    caressing the front of my pants to feel the strain of my hardened cock¡ª one that she managed to


    cause within seconds.


    We find our way inside the room like we always do and Eva drops to her feet, as she struggles to get


    rid of my clothes while I do the same to hers.


    When we finally strip each other naked, we break the kiss to take a breathe, and the loud pants of our


    breaths surround us as we stare into each other''s eyes and there''s only a beat of a second before


    we''re back to taking what we crave, our hands moving through every skin, and I know then that I''d die


    to have more hands just to feel her skin on my fingertips at a time. Her hands are on my chest, my


    shoulders, my head, rubbing my cock then leaving it to wrap around my arms while mine moves to her


    chest, twirling the hardened buds just to hear her tiny scream in my mouth, cupping her face, finding


    her wetness and caressing her ass.


    Amidst the beautiful chaos, we lose our stand and Eva trips over the edge of the bed with me falling


    right over her.


    I take a second to adjust before I press my lips to the side of her neck, earning moans from her and


    she moves her hand to my back, her nails crawling down the skin as I filter kisses across her chest. I


    get to where her piercing is and I take the metal in my mouth, sucking on her belly button along with it.


    "Oh, fuck. Em. " The shortened form of my nameing from her sends a spark through my body and


    I press my lips to the tattoo by her hip, letting it stay there for a while before I move over her again.


    "Why did you stop?" Eva groans beneath me with eyes that tells me she needs me to take what she''s


    offering and I say, "This feels wrong, Eva. You''re drunk and it feels like I''m taking advantage of that. "


    "You''re not, " she hisses, her hands moving to my waist till my cock is pressing against her throbbing


    pussy, the tip stroking her wet entrance, and a muffled hum in the throat leaves my mouth with how


    good alone that feels. "I''ve told you I want this. "


    "In the wrong state of mind. Your decision is influenced by the alcohol you consumed. I don''t want our


    first time back together to be like this. " I tell her, moving my hands further from the sides of her head to


    keep my mind clear and she drops her hands from my waist, an annoyed expression covering her face.


    "So you''re not going to fuck me?"


    "I''m trying not to make a mistake that you''ll me me for in the morning, Eva. " I say and she rolls her


    eyes, "It''s just a damn fuck, Emerson. What''s so hard about sticking your cock inside me? I remember


    you didn''t have a problem with that before. "


    "I didn''t. " I agree. "Because I didn''t have to do it when you were drunk, and I won''t have to do it like


    this soon again. "


    "We''re not together. " She reminds me of that one hurtful fact, and I smile at her as I press a hand to


    her cheek, "We are. You''re only taking a breath. You love me; you can''t stay away from me for long. "


    "I don''t love you. " She says with a frown and I make a sound of disapproval along with a shake of my


    head before I part my lips, "Exins why your heart is beating this fast. And I see love in your eyes. "


    She looks away from me, hiding her face and I chuckle as she mumbles, "You''re both blind and deaf. "


    "I love you. " I tell her instead, pushing forward to press my lips over her forehead. "I love you so


    fucking much. "


    "You really won''t fuck me?" She asks when I withdraw, and my gaze drops to her lips. I wet my lips


    before I push my face closer to hers, and tease her lips with my tongue. When I pull back to look into


    her eyes, they are eager and dimming in anticipation, and I''m unable to hold myself back as I capture


    her lips in mine. Her hands are quick to move around my waist again, and that small feel of her is


    enough to take a grunt from me as I part her lips with my tongue before I leave it in her mouth, letting


    her suck on it.


    I bite on her bottom lip before I move my head to the side and whisper to her ear, "I''ll make you cum


    another way. How about that?"


    "I want you, Emerson. " That''s the response she gives me and my cock twitches between her thighs in


    response to those satisfying yet seducing wordsing from her.


    "I know. And I want you just as much. " I assure her before I move off her body. I grab both of her legs


    and throw them to either side of my shoulder before I lower my body, till my face is directly in front of


    her pussy.


    "Oh, damn¡ª" Eva moans above me as I blow air to her wetness, pressing my hands to her inner thighs


    and almost touching her core.


    "I''ve missed seeing this so much. " I say as I swipe my tongue from her bud to her entrance and her


    entire body shudders in response to my tease. "I''ve missed having a taste of this. " Her tiny whimpers


    and pleas for more ring above my head as I press my lips onto her sweet lips, and suck enough of her


    wetness to leave the lingering taste on my mouth.


    I raise my head to look at her, and she''s staring down at me with hooded eyes.


    "You taste exactly as I remember. " I whisper and she drops her hands to my head, her fingers tangling


    with my curls. "Emerson. "


    "Do you want me to suck more?" She nods instantly, "Yes. Please. I want you to. "


    I smile before I drop my head again, and I separate her folds with my fingers, giving me a clear view of


    the pink flesh that rests beneath then I give her my tongue.


    "Yes. Just like that. God, that feels so good. " She cries, gripping tight onto the end of my locks, and I


    thrust my tongue inside, my chest swelling at the sounds and whimpers of my name that falls from her


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    mouth each time I pull my tongue out, only to push back inside. She tastes like fucking heavens, like a


    reward I get to have after living through hell numerous times and I take everything that I''ve offered,


    burying my face into her pussy with my hands moving from her inner thighs to her ass, squeezing the


    flesh as I slowly lift her body a bit from the bed.


    I don''t stop sucking, stroking, teasing, taking and giving until Eva''s legs start to shake on my shoulders


    and her whole body goes into a fit of shivers, her relief washing over her in the cruellest way before her


    body falls in a sigh and I move my face from her thighs.


    Her legs drop from my shoulders and her hands from my hair as I slide over her body, bringing my face


    close to hers.


    She breaths heavily, making tiny sounds of bliss at the back of her throat and I let out a word, "Mine. "


    "Emerson. " She calls my name in that tone that just turns me into such a fool in her hold and I crush


    my lips against hers, sharing with her the heaven that we''ve both managed to get tonight after such a


    long time.


    When I pull back, she says no words and I smile at her as I fall beside her.


    "I love you, baby. " I tell her as I bring her head to my chest and wrap an arm around her. My heart


    drops when I''m given her silence as a response, but the fact that she''s here makes me move my other


    arm around her. It doesn''t matter if she doesn''t say it back now. I don''t expect her to say them instantly;


    I''m just fucking d that I have her like this, naked in each other''s arms and with her warmth


    surrounding me as we lie to sleep with our heartbeats matching the other, for the very first time in what


    feels like forever.


    This is what it feels like with her. Excitement and calmness. A moment that I wish she would never


    have to take from us.


    ~


    "Eva. " I groan, spreading my hand to the side to feel her, only to be met with a vacancy.


    "Eva. " I call again, and I open my eyes to the white ceiling before I drop my head to the side with no


    Eva beside me.


    I move to sit on the bed, and my eyes move in front of me, but she''s nowhere. Her clothes are gone


    too.


    She left. Eva left.


    I bury my face in my palms as I fall back to the bed. "What were you expecting, Emerson? Of course,


    she was going to leave. "


    And I lie there, regretting ever falling to sleep, when I should have stayed up all night just to have some


    more time with her in my arms.


    MASON.


    "You can leave. " I tell her and she bows before she walks away from my sight. The sound of her other


    greeting makes me raise my head from the paper in front of me to see none other than Matt Carson


    walking into my office.


    I fold my hands to my chest and lean back in my seat as I watch him stride to my front.


    "Isn''t it amazing that I''ve never been in here?" He says as he takes the seat in front of me, crossing a


    leg over the other before he raises his head to me.


    "Matt Carson in my office. Now that''s something I didn''t think would happen in this lifetime. " I say as I


    push my seat closer to the desk and he chuckles, looking around him once before he says, "It''s better


    than I thought. "


    "Why are you here?" I ask him and he sighs, dropping his hand on the desk before him as he brings his


    face closer. "Something tells me you know exactly what I''m here for. "


    "That depends. " I say and he shakes his head, "It''s about my daughter and your son. "


    "Oh, right. The trending topic. "


    "I know you know they are together. " He says then corrects himself, "Well were. "


    "And I know you wouldn''t want your daughter with my son, so why are you here if it happened


    ording to how you want. " I raise a brow and he chuckles, "Let''s get one thing straight, Mason. I


    hate you. "


    "The feeling doesn''t get any lesser from this side. " I raise my shoulder and he sighs before he speaks


    again, "But my daughter loves your son. "


    "They''re just kids. It''s a phase they''ll get over. " I tell him, returning my attention to the paperwork


    before me.


    "Love is never a phase, and I''ve seen the love between the two to know we shouldn''t take it from them


    just because of what we have. "


    I raise my head in surprise. "Are you doing what I think you''re doing?"


    "Leaving my pride behind for my daughter''s happiness? Yes, I''m doing what you think I''m doing. " He


    deres, takes a pause then continues. "The two love each other, and maybe I turned a blind eye to


    that at first, but not anymore. I do not want Eva to suffer any more than she already has because I


    failed to give her what she needs. "


    "What makes you think I''d want to agree to this?" I raise a brow and he says, "I''m guessing your son''s


    happiness means something to you too. "


    "Not as much as you''d think it does. " I let out and he says, "It should. "


    "My method of parenting is quite different to yours, Matt. You shouldn''t be surprised about that. " I say


    and he nods, "Maybe, but like I said my daughter''s happiness means the world to me, and let''s face it;


    these two are grown enough to do whatever they want. They''re adults, and they could decide they''ve


    had enough of all these. They could take judgments into their hands, and flee. What would you do


    then?"


    "Nothing. They neither add nor deduct anything from my life so I''d be unbothered about that. "


    "Well, I''ll be. I don''t know if you''ve noticed, Mason but Eva is the only one I have left, and I don''t know


    how your parenting works, but it''d drive me insane if I push my daughter to that point. What I''ve pushed


    her to at the moment is already doing more damage than good. " He looks away from me, and I take a


    swallow before I speak, "It''d be embarrassing if you break down in front of your enemy, Matt. "


    He chuckles and drops his gaze back to me. "How are you so calm about this?"


    I clear my throat and adjust in my seat as I change the topic. "You know mere words won''t do this. "


    "You want something in return for your son''s happiness?" He says the words as if he''s stunned by them


    and when I don''t give a response, he sighs, "I''ll give you what you want. I''ll leave here. "


    At those words, I furrow my brows and lean forward. "All these years, I''ve done everything for you to


    give this up, and this is all it takes? A rtionship between Emerson and your daughter?"


    "My daughteres first. " He says with a firm voice. "I made a mistake of letting go of that priority for


    a second, but not anymore. "


    He moves from his seat and adjusts his suit. "Expect the papers in your office by evening. " And he


    begins to move out of my office.


    Just before he walks out, I say, "I won''t deny the fact that you''ve been working hard since you got here,


    Matt. "


    He leaves the knob and turns his head to me and I swirl the chair to get a better view. "The way you


    handle things might be different from mine, but it works just as effective and you''ve managed to grow


    more over the years. " I push the chair back and move from my seat, "If only you weren''t such an


    arrogant b¨¢stard. "


    Heughs. "I knew you aren''t truly capable ofpliments. "


    "This does not mean that I like the way you do them, but you''re right about one thing: I''ve never seen


    Emerson vulnerable and determined like he is with your daughter. " That kid went on his knees just to


    keep that girl, and I might have let my bitterness for him blind the sadness and pain I saw in those


    eyes, but I don''t fail to see that he truly loves the girl. Every single time I''m reminded of the fact that he


    made me lose his mother, my dislike for him grows, but it''s like Elias said; J would definitely want


    me to take care of the kids she left me, than toss them to the side. And maybe I should start using the


    way Emerson reminds me so much of myte wife to keep her memories close, rather than to chase


    him away.


    "Mason. " Matt''s voice pulls me back to the reality where he''s standing across the room and waiting for


    my next words, it seems.


    "You can hold the power you have over thepany. " I tell him, and if he''s surprised by those words,


    the neutral look on his face definitely doesn''t show it, but the tone in which he speaks his next words


    doesn''t hide it either. "What game are you ying at?"


    I smile. "No game, Matt. If you had a change of heart, then why can''t I?"


    "Because you''re the most selfish bastard I''ve ever known, and just now, you didn''t care. " He states


    and I nod twice, acknowledging his words, "It takes a second to change a mind. This is no game; no


    win and no loss. I think you''ve proven yourself worthy, and you should get to keep the reward. And I


    don''t think I should interfere in their rtionship either, because it won''t just cost me one son. "


    He nods, and throws me a smile before he turns his head. Only to turn to my view again, and say, "This


    doesn''t mean I''ll stop trying to hold a higher percentage, Mason. " He proims with a stern face, then


    softens his voice, "But it definitely means I''ll stop trying to kick you out of here. "


    "You were never going to seed. " I snicker and he shakes his head twice before he finally walks out


    of the room.


    Just as I start to head to my seat, the door opens once again and walks in my son.


    "I just saw Matt Carson leaving here with a smile on his face, and that tells me your discussion wasn''t


    heated. " He says and I turn away from him to stride back to the seat.


    Elias takes the other seat. "Does this means I don''t have to increase your share?"


    "Why do you think I have the bigger share though you''re the one doing the work?" I question and he


    responds with, "At first, I thought you were being selfish, then I found out you weren''t. You aren''t


    always what you like to paint yourself as, and I saw through that over the years. You did that to see if I


    could manage to handle the work with such a small reward. "


    "But you kept quiet about it. " I note and he hums, "You aren''t the only one who knows how to y the


    game, father. Back to my earlier question; did you talk things out?"


    "We got on the same page, " I tell him and a small smile appears on his face. "Emerson will be so


    happy to hear that. "


    "I don''t understand why you love him so much. " I say and he leans back, "Try to get to know your own


    son, and you''ll realize what an amazing kid he is. Including what you''ve been missing all along. "


    "Don''t you think it''s toote for the father-son rtionship to start?" I lift a brow and he shakes his head


    in objection, "It''s never toote, and I think your change of heart came at the right time; the moment


    when he needed it the most. "


    "I don''t know anything about that kid, Elias. I med him for so long. " I mumble and when I lift my


    gaze to him, he''s smiling at me, "I told him our father isn''t always a cold bastard. It''s good to see I


    wasn''t wrong. "


    "When are you heading back to New York?" I ask him and he says, "There''s one more thing that needs


    to be taken care of. If it isn''t, then everything else would be for nothing. "

 E I G H T Y - F I V E

    E I G H T Y - F I V E


    EMERSON.


    "Why did you ask me toe home?" I ask Elias the minute I walk inside the house and he turns


    around to meet me with a smile, "You''re here. "


    "That doesn''t exactly answer my question. " I tell him and he chuckles before he gestures to the seat


    across from him. With a sigh, I walk to the seat and drop to it, keeping my eyes on him.


    "There''s someone who wants to talk to you. " He informs me, and when I lift my brows in silent


    questioning, he angles his head to a direction and I twist my head to see Dad approaching us.


    "Him?" I mouth when I drop my gaze back to Elias and he blinks once as a form of assurance before


    he grabs theptop in front of him when Dad stops at the table.


    "I''ll leave you two. " Elias says, throwing me a wink before he moves out of the room, and I watch him


    disappear through the corner before I shift my gaze back to the man who takes his seat across from


    me.


    I don''t say a word and neither does he as he lifts his hand to the table. I begin to tap my feet against


    the floor with my fingers drumming against my other thigh before he finally breaks the silence.


    "Did it hurt?" He questions and I raise a confused brow, "Uh?"


    "When I med you for your mother''s death. Did it hurt?" He exins, and I take a swallow at those


    words, the movement of my leg and hand immediately stopping before I say. "Why are you suddenly


    asking me that?"


    "I just want to know. "He responds and I look down to my thigh as I speak. "Didn''t you say it so I could


    hurt?"


    "Did you believe them to be true?" He questions further and I say, "I did. For a very long time I did, but


    then some people kept telling me it was destined to happen, and although at times I wish it wasn''t


    destined that way; I believed those people''s words. "


    "That''s better. Believing them would have done no good. " He mumbles, and I furrow my brows,


    wondering where he''s going with all these, and why he''s suddenly interested in talking about them to


    me.


    "When I told you to leave Matt''s daughter; did it hurt?" He asks another, lifting his head to meet my


    eyes and I look away from him as I mumble, "It did hurt. "


    "Hurt enough to make you hate me?" He surprises me by asking and I drop my gaze back to him


    before I hum, "That enough. "


    "You love her that much?" He raises a brow and I shake my head, a smile crossing my lips at the


    thought of Eva. "I love her that much. "


    "Yet you listened to me and left her?" He asks and I shake my head once again. "I didn''t leave Eva


    because you wanted me to. I left her because I thought I had to. "


    "Do you consider yourself without a father?" He inquires, changing the topic once again and I lean back


    in my seat at that question, my breathinging out heavy as I stare at the man in front of me, who


    doesn''t blink as he awaits my answer.


    "Do you think yourself lesser of one son?" I retort and he chuckles lightly, "I did. I''ve always. Since that


    incident, you were no longer my son. "


    Ice my fingers through each other and drop my head to keep myself together. I know that, and I''ve


    known that for years, but somehow, he manages to make it hurt just as much every single time he


    reminds me of that one truth.


    "That answers your question. " I mutter without raising my head, and there is a pass of a heartbeat


    before his voicees again. "But I shouldn''t have done that. I shouldn''t have treated you like that. "


    I lift my gaze. "What?"


    He smiles. For the very first time in years, my father smiles at me. And it''s not one of those smiles


    where I know there''s something terrible that awaits me behind it, it''s one of those calm smiles that


    makes me feel a bit lighter. It''s warm and it''s genuine.


    "Do you want to know something interesting?" He asks and I nod, unable to give a word and he


    proceeds to say, "Jane loved you so much. " I swallow at the mention of my mother; the very first time


    I''ll be hearing her name from him ever since she died.


    "On every trip, she''d always talk about you and how much you reminded her of so many good things


    about her younger self. I used to think you were her most favoured kid, " he chuckles then takes a


    pause before he continues again, "Your mother might have been too busy to be around you all the


    time, but she always had you in her heart. I''m sure she still does. "


    "Why are you telling me all these?"


    "Because I finally realized what a horrible father I''ve been. I do love your mother, Emerson. I loved her


    so much. More than I can even begin to exin, and I still do. My love for her made me me you for


    so long, so long till I didn''t realize what I was doing was wrong. Till I didn''t realize I was hurting you. I


    should have been there for you after she died, but instead, I kept you away and I''m sorry for that,


    Emerson. "


    My eyes widen just barely at hisst words. Sorry? Is Mason Ford, the man who sits in front of me, my


    father, saying sorry to me?


    "Why?" I mutter, my voiceing out low and I clear my throat for a louder one. "Why are you saying


    all these now?"


    "Because someone told me it''s never toote to start. "


    "Start?" I repeat and he nods. "To try and keep you close, instead of pushing you away. "


    I don''t say a word after that. I''m too surprised to say anything. Where are all theseing from? Why


    the sudden change of heart? Are you getting yed, Emerson? This feels too good to be true.


    "I''m sorry for all the pain I caused you, Emerson. " His voice pulls me out of my thoughts, reminding me


    that he''s still sitting across from me with his eyes on me and speaking to me. "You never deserved any


    of those, and I''m sorry if I made you feel that way. "


    "Dad¡ª" I call out, but no words follow and he smiles as he speaks again, "Matt and I talked. He beat


    me to it before I could make a decision. "


    "What did you talk about?" I ask him and he sighs, just staring at me for a while before he finally opens


    his mouth. "That you and his daughter deserve the happiness you give each other. " Dad''s words once


    again amaze me, as if I don''t have a hard time believing the previous ones.


    "What?" The word falls from my mouth before I can control it, and utter shockces through it at the


    thought of my dad and Matt Carson talking.


    "I made my decision when you came to me that night. I was going to let you have the one thing you got


    to keep. "


    "Why didn''t you say that?"


    "Maybe I was looking to see how far you would truly go, or maybe I just wanted to hold back a bit. Matt,


    however, made that decision quicker when he was willing to leave everything for his daughter''s


    happiness. " He smiles, as if he''s living through that moment in his head again, and I say, "He was


    going to leave thepany?"


    "Without a doubt. "


    "Why didn''t you take it?" I ask him and he lifts a shoulder, "I got bored of being the bad guy in this story.


    A little good doesn''t seem to hurt. " And that''s it? They both managed to get on the same page? But at


    the cost of what? The only thing that ever truly mattered to the both of us.


    "Emerson?" He calls my name and I meet his eyes. "I almost lost her. "


    "What?" He mumbles and I say, "Eva. I almost lost her. She was this close to throwing everything away.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Why did it have toe to that? Why did it have to happen? What if we had truly lost?"


    "Because some battles, you don''t win without a fight. And when you manage to make it through despite


    how tough the fight was, that''s when you know it''s all worth it. I''m sorry that we made you almost lose


    each other, but you should know now that her father and I are no longer a problem. "


    When I don''t say a word, he moves from his seat and my eyes follow as he strides closer to me. He


    stays by my side, seeming to be having an inner battle before he finally lifts his hand and drops it on


    my shoulder. My eyes go to the touch before it moves to his face and he wees me with a smile,


    "I''m sorry. "


    "And if I say I don''t forgive you?" I lift a brow and he drops his hand. "It''s alright to feel that way. I don''t


    forgive myself that easily either, but I''m willing to earn it. "


    "What if I don''t ever want to forgive you? What if you snatched too much than I was willing to give, and


    there''s no fixing how things are between us?" I ask and his voice is soft as he answers, "I''ll never stop


    trying. It''s all about the effort, isn''t it?"


    "Have you always been like this?" I narrow my eyes and he looks confused for a moment before


    realization dawns on him and he says, "There are a lot of things we don''t know about each other, isn''t


    there? We can start by learning those. "


    Silence swims around us and I don''t take my eyes off him until he makes the sound of a gasp as he


    looks down at his wrist. "I have an appointment. I need to leave now. "


    I hum in response and he ps my shoulder, giving me another warm smile before he begins to make


    his way out of the room, and just before his frame disappearspletely, I call out his name.


    He turns back to me with lifted brows and I say, "It was nice to hear you speak of her. "


    He nods, and seems to think about his next words for a while before he let them out. "This time; do you


    think we can leave together? I think she''ll very much love that. "


    "Are you finally letting go?" I ask him, knowing that he had never gone to mom''s grave ever since the


    funeral. At first, I didn''t understand. But then, I did. Going back there is like saying goodbye, and that''s


    something he doesn''t want to do.


    "No, " he voices out, catching my attention once again. "I''m finally embracing it. She''ll always be here,


    and it''s time I make peace with that. "


    When I hum, he says, "I should be on my way now. " And I watch as he turns around before he walks


    out of the room.


    "I told you he isn''t always such a cold b¨¢stard. " I flinch a bit at Elias''s voice before I turn my head to


    him. "Why didn''t you tell me this over the phone?"


    "I didn''t want to ruin the surprise. " He says, "Though there''s onest surprise. There''s something else


    he wants to do; I told him not to do it, but he seems pretty determined about it. "


    "What''s it?" I ask and he smirks. "It won''t be a surprise if I tell you now brother, will it?"


    "Smart. " I remark and heughs, causing me to follow through, before the sounds die down and Eli


    speaks in a much fluffier tone. "How do you feel?"


    I take a second before I answer. "Stunned. Shocked that the Mason Ford is having a change of heart,


    but I''ll take it. "


    "I meant about her. " He says and my heart drops at the reference. "We''re hanging by a thread, but


    we''ll survive. I see a little light out there. " I smile before I raise my head to him, "And you? Will you be


    returning to New York now that all is done?"


    "Why? Eager to have me out of here so soon, brother?" He jokes and I shake my head as I move to my


    feet. "If it were up to me, I don''t want you to leave. "


    "Easy there, Em. I might just think you love me. " He winks and I say, "I do love you. I''ve always done


    and something tells me that''ll never change. "


    He smiles and spreads his arms, "Come on. You won''t get this often. "


    I let out augh before I move into his arms and wrap my arms around his back, dropping my head


    onto his shoulder as I close my eyes to his embrace.


    "Thank you, Eli. For being here. For always been here. " I whisper and he strokes my back, "I always


    got your back no matter what, little brother. Always remember that. "


    And I tighten my hold after those words, knowing there are no truer words.


    "Am I permitted to join in or is that a brother''s thing too?" We break apart at the whining voice of Hanna


    and she''s standing a few steps away with her re on the both of us, before she averts her gaze to


    Elias. "I''m jealous. He never hugged me that way. Not even once. "


    "Oh, pouting baby. Come on in. " Elias says and she giggles as she moves in tiny towards us before


    she wraps both hands around us.


    I meet Elias''s eyes and shake my head before we press our hands to her sides, with the smile


    remaining glued to my face.


    ~


    I slowly climb up thedder and I press one hand to thest stair then raise the other hand to ce


    gentle knocks against her window. When there''s no response, I do it again until Eva appears at the


    other end. I throw her a small smile and gesture for her to open up, then I hold my heart and hope she


    doesn''t leave like she usually does.


    Her eyes move down before she strides away from my sight and my heart drops as I watch her leave.


    I''m about to turn back when she appears again, and my heart takes a leap as she draws the curtains


    "Hey. " I smile at her and she takes a step back, letting me inside. Immediately I step foot inside the


    room; my eyes run across every corner, remembering thest time I was there.


    "What are you doing here?" I turn my head to Eva and she''s walking back to her bed.


    "Why did you leave?" I ask her when she takes a seat on the edge, and she raises her head to me, her


    face deprived of a smile as she speaks, "I didn''t have any reason to stay. "


    "Being with me isn''t a reason good enough?" I lift a brow as I pace closer to her and she breaks her


    gaze away from me to grab the book by her side. When she doesn''t give a response for a long time, I


    sigh as I finally stop in front of her, "Are you alright? With what happened?"


    She meets my eyes again, and tilts her head a bit, "Are you?"


    "What?" I say, confused and she drops the book to raise to her feet. She averts her eyes to the floor as


    she speaks, "I mean I came onto you like that and I¡ª it feels wrong. I''m sorry if I made you


    ufortable. I had you in a difficult ce. "


    I shake my head as I take one stride to fill her space, and I press a hand to her cheek, lifting her gaze


    to mine. "No, don''t say that. You''d never make me ufortable, Eva. I did it because I wanted to. "


    "I prodded you into it. " She persists and I let myself be distracted by her lips for one second before I


    look into her eyes again, "And I went along because it''s what I wanted. It was under the wrong


    circumstances, but it was everything I wanted. God knows I wanted to do so much more, Eva. Besides;


    I''m yours and you can do with me whatever you want, anytime you want. "


    She turns her head at that and I chuckle before I say, "Let me take you somewhere tomorrow. "


    A grin spreads to my face when she doesn''t decline instantly, but instead, asks, "Where?"


    "You''ll see. Will youe with me?" I ask softly, stroking her cheek and she nods once. "Okay. "


    "You''re beautiful. " I whisper to her and I watch her gaze dart to my lips. I edge my face closer till our


    lips are almost touching before I angle my head to the side and mumble into her ear, "Can I stay with


    you tonight?"


    When I pull back, Eva says, "Why? You should go back to your ce. "


    "No, I want to stay with you tonight. Please, let me. I''ve missed having you in my sleep. Haven''t you?" I


    ask her, pushing her hair from her forehead and she swallows before she raises her hand to cover


    mine.


    "I''ll change my clothes. " She says, once again avoiding the question, but giving in to what I ask of her


    and I watch as she moves out of my arms and walks to the other side of the room.


    She removes her clothes, leaving her in her underwear and my eyes widen when she throws a shirt


    over her head¡ª one of my shirts. My heart flutters at the sight of her adjusting the shirt on her, and


    God, how long has she been in one of those? I''ve missed seeing her in them so fucking much.


    She gathers her hair to the side as she turns back to me, "What?"


    "Nothing. I¨C I just didn''t think you had any of my stuff with you. " I tell her and she looks down at her


    body, "I took it with me this morning because my top was torn. " She rifies and I hum. That exins


    why my shirt was missing earlier.


    "Are youing?" She motions to the bed as she walks to it and I nod with a smile before getting rid of


    my pants and my shirt. I remain in my boxers, and for a second, I don''t move. I stand still and watch as


    Eva prepares herself for bed and the sight is heartwarming, knowing this isn''t intoxication. This is just


    her. And not under the influence of anything.


    I stroll onto the bed, and climb on it before I turn toy on my side so my face is turned to her and she''s


    staring at me.


    "How are you doing with Aliya?" I ask her and she says, "Not so well. I haven''t seen her since the day I


    stormed away, but we''ll figure it out. "


    "What happened between you two to have turned out that way?" I ask again and she remains silent,


    seeming to think about her words before she settles with, "Nothing of worry. Let''s head to sleep now. "


    I hum and I start to lift my hand, but before I can wrap my arm around her, she turns to lie on her back


    with her hands on her stomach, and I start to retract my hand but give into the risk and wrap my arm


    around her waist, turning her to her view.


    I don''t say a word when she meets my eyes, and merely tightens my hold, using the grip to bring her


    closer to me and slowly close the space between us. She doesn''t move for a second, and then she


    surprises me by burying her face in my chest, her hands dropping to my back.


    I smile and press my lips to her forehead. "Goodnight, baby. "


    I don''t receive a response, but that''s alright. This much is enough, this much is more than enough;


    she''s letting me in her bed again, and her hands are wrapped around me¨C this much is more than I ask


    for.


    And as she tries to find her spot on my chest, I know the battle is no longer between us and our


    parents. The battle is now between me and her heart. It''s now with her trusting me again to give me


    what she once gave me.


    ~


    AUTHOR''S NOTE: Sweethearts, are you preparing to say goodbye to Eva and Emerson? We''re


    nearing the final moments of their story now (^^)

 E I G H T Y - S I X

    E I G H T Y - S I X


    EVA.


    "Hey, you''re here. " I smile at Aliya as I open the door wide for her and she strides inside my room,


    while I close the door, taking in several breathes for the conversation that awaits the both of us.


    When I turn back, Aliya is standing in the middle of the room, waiting for me and I pace closer to her


    side.


    "How are you?" She asks and I motion for her to move to the bed. She nods and climbs on, taking her


    seat by the edge while I throw a leg across the other at the center.


    "Did I stress you? You returned to school, didn''t you?" I ask and she says, "I did. And no, you didn''t


    stress me. I was happy to receive your call. "


    "You were?" I lift a brow and she nods, "I was waiting for you, Eva. "


    "Were you? Then why didn''t you call me? Or text even?" I question and she responds with, "That''s


    because I wasn''t sure if you wanted me to. Anytime I try to reach out whenever we fight, you don''t


    respond until you''re ready. "


    "I''d have appreciated it though. " I lift a shoulder and she smiles, "I know. " Then her face turns serious


    as her smile fades. "I''m sorry, Eva. For what I said that day. "


    I let out a sigh as I stare down at my legs. "Why are you sorry? You were right. "


    "No, I wasn''t, " she opposes. "I did what I did because I wanted to; not because I felt like I needed to,


    and I shouldn''t have said it like that. "


    "I shouldn''t have gotten angry over the letter. I was just¡ª I let my emotions get the better of me. " I say


    as I lift my gaze to her and she smiles, "I understand you. "


    "You do?" I say and she nods. "I do. You were stressed, and you had things going on with Emerson. "


    "I don''t think that justifies the way I acted, though. That''s no excuse for it, and I''m sorry. "


    "If you keep saying sorry, then you''ll make me feel even worse about myself. " She pouts and I chuckle.


    She follows through, before she stops and says, "How are things between the two of you? Better?"


    "You could say that. " I mutter and when she arches her brow, I continue to answer her unasked


    question, "We''re not exactly together, but we''re not exactly apart either. We''re in the middle, sort of?"


    "Is that your decision, or his?"


    "Mine. " I mumble with a swallow and when I feel Aliya''s touch on my legs, I raise my head to her


    again, "Do you want that to change?"


    "I don''t know. " I confess. "I''m scared of getting hurt again, but I also want him. "


    "Well, as far as I know; where there''s love, there''ll always be pain. " She says with a straight face and


    when I turn my head to the side, narrowing my eyes at her; she breaks into augh.


    I''m unable to contain myugh either. "You''re quoting me, Aliya Collins?"


    "I might have managed to pick a line or two from your book of love. " She teases, and I smile at the


    excitement on her face before I lift my hand to cover hers on my leg. "Are you okay?"


    "Of course, I am. More d that I''m here. " She answers and I shake my head, "I don''t mean that. I


    meant Sage. You get to see her every day now. "


    She nods. "I do, but surprisingly, I''m more okay than I was before it happened. It''s like I don''t have to


    feel much guilty for doing that to her now that she''s moved on. Trust me, I''m fine. "


    "I''m d to hear that. " I tell her and she hums. When she remains silent, I shuffle closer to her, and


    pinch her side. "Come on, bitch. Where''s my Aliya? This one is well too mannered for my preference. "


    "I thought you''d prefer this one. " She proims and I shake my head, "No, I want my loud and


    annoying best friend. "


    "That bitch never left. " She winks and Iugh before I move into her open arms, and let her wrap her


    arms around me.


    "I''ve missed you, Evie. " She says, her voice muffled against me and I smile as I stroke her back, "I


    know. And I''ve missed you just as much. "


    When she pulls back, she says, "I''ve been taking notes. For you, and you better have a reward for me


    because that shit is exhausting. "


    "Shouldn''t you be doing that for you?" I raise a brow and she frowns, "When have I ever done that?"


    "I''m honestly looking forward to seeing you graduate. " I tease her and she shows me her middle finger


    with a tiny smirk ying on her lips.


    "Oh, and I brought you something. " She announces and I move my head in curiosity as I watch her


    fiddle with the small purse by her waist before she brings out a paper¨C one that I recognize at first


    nce.


    "You still have it?" I say as she lifts it between us and she nods, "Of course, I still do. It''s yours and I


    have no right to dispose it. Besides, I thought it mighte in handy. "


    When I take the paper from her, she says, "I know how you feel at the moment, babe but I want to


    believe Emerson loves you, and deserve another chance to show you why you chose him in the first


    ce. I don''t know what that holds, but I''m hoping it''ll fix a thing or two between the two of you, and


    help you with your decision. "


    "He left because he thought he needed to protect me, and our rtionship. " I tell her and she slides a


    hand around my waist. When my head falls against her shoulder, I proceed to say, "And it''s no doubt


    that''s the exnation this note holds. "


    "Will you read it?" She asks and when I nod, she moves away from me and climbs off the bed.


    I raise my brows at her, "What are you doing?"


    "I just thought you might need some privacy reading that. You deserve it. " She smiles, pressing a hand


    to my cheek before she strolls out of the room and when her frame disappears, I return my gaze to the


    paper I have in hand. The one I never got to finish.


    I open the note and his handwriting res back at me as my eyes run over the words.


    ''Eva. Firstly, I want you to know that I didn''t want to do this. I truly didn''t want to do to us, baby. Not to


    you, but I had no other choice: I don''t want to lose you, but I also don''t want you to lose everything else


    that you have. My dad knows about you and I, and he''s everything but epting of it. I know, baby:


    you don''t care if they are against our rtionship, as long as we have each other and I honestly don''t


    care either. I don''t care if I have to lose everything else just to keep you, but then I realized I can''t be


    that selfish. I don''t know to what heights Mason would go just to keep us apart, but I know you''ll lose


    more than just your rtionship with your parents if I let him do that to us and I can''t. I adore the


    rtionship you have with your parents and I don''t want you to ever lose that. I know you said you don''t


    care, but I don''t want to be the one to take that away from you, and that''s why I have to leave. I want to


    be with you without causing any other chaos in your life, Eva. I want to be with you without having to


    worry about those that''ll do anything to break us apart. I want to be with you without having to wonder


    what trouble wille our way today or tomorrow, and cause us to drift apart against our will. I deserve


    to be with you in that way. We deserve that much after everything, and that''s why you''ll have to be


    strong without me by your side for a while. I''m leaving for New York to my brother, and in all honesty, I


    have no idea what awaits me there but if there''s anyone who always finds a way to make everything


    right then it''s my brother. So, I want you to see this as me sacrificing time apart from you now so we


    won''t have to do that for a longer time that awaits us. See this as me trying to change the oue of


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    what''s bound to happen, and I''ll be back there with you and then; it''ll all be worth it because we''ll be in


    each other''s arms again. And you probably think this coward of me, but I would never be able to do this


    if I had to look into your eyes, or hear your voice.


    ... I love you, baby. Never forget that. Yours, Always and forever. ''


    I don''t realize my eyes are full of tears until the paper is almost soaked with the drops and I sniff.


    "Emerson. " I call out his name as my eyes remain glued to the paper. Even after knowing everything,


    even after he exined his reasons; this doesn''t fail to make my heart hurt.


    I toss the paper to the side and dab the back of my palm on my cheek to wipe my tears before I grab


    my phone, and one nce at the screen is all it takes me to remember I have ns with Emerson


    today.


    I''m quick to move out of bed, and I stride to my closet, picking out a short dress. After dding myself


    in it, I fix my hair and ce my bag across my shoulder. I pause at my bed at the sight of the paper,


    and I move it between the pages of my book before I grab my phone and walk out of my room.


    When I reach the living room, mom is speaking to Aliya while dad stands next to them with a smile on


    their face.


    Dad is the first to sight me. "Princess. "


    Then mom and Aliya raise their heads, their eyes roaming down my body.


    I look down at myself before I raise my eyes to them, "Um. I have to¡ª"


    "We know. He has been waiting outside for a long time. " Mom interrupts me with a smile and I furrow


    my brows in confusion, "What do you mean?"


    "You have to be somewhere with Emerson, don''t you? He''s been waiting outside for hours. An hour


    Delh?" Dad asks Mom and she confirms by saying, "Almost two. "


    "You know I''m leaving to somewhere with Emerson? Emerson Ford?" I say the words for rification,


    and when they both nod with smiles on their faces, I look back to Aliya who raises her shoulders in


    cluelessness.


    "What''s wrong with you?" I ask dad as I return my gaze to him. "You know Emerson Ford is waiting


    outside for me, and you haven''t lost it yet?"


    Dadughs as he moves away from mom to walk toward me. When he reaches me, he grabs my


    hands as he speaks, "Yes, we know, Princess. We''re in full support of your rtionship. "


    "I¡ª I don''t understand. " I say as I look at mom who joins dad and presses a hand on my shoulder.


    "I spoke to Mason. " Dad reveals and I sigh, "Dad, I told you not to¡ª"


    "No, listen, Princess. " He starts and when I close my mouth, he continues. "I know you didn''t want me


    to interfere after what happened with Emerson, but I needed to. I couldn''t stand by any longer and


    watch you like that, knowing I was a part of it. So yes, I went to Mason Ford and spoke to him; only the


    oue wasn''t exactly what I expected. "


    "What happened?" I ask him and mom speaks next. "Mason had a change of heart. "


    "What?"


    "Yes, baby. Mason Ford had a change of heart, and no longer holds the hostility he held towards your


    father. They''vee to be friends. " Mom says, only for dad to oppose herst words. "I won''t say it


    like that, but we''re calm and we''re no longer at each other''s neck. I just want you to know that we''re no


    longer a force against your rtionship; I should have never been and I know that this might not


    change how things are between the two of you, but I''m hoping it influences your decision. You both


    deserve to be happy again. "


    "I¡ª I don''t know what to say. " I tell them and mom smiles, "You don''t have to say anything, baby. We


    only corrected our mistake, and I know it might be toote now, but I want you to know that whatever


    decision you make in the end, you''ll have our support through every step. "


    "Mom. " I call and she smiles again before nudging me forward. "Go now. He''s waiting. "


    Dad''s hands fall from mine and I stand there, just staring at the two of them and wondering how this


    whole thing managed to take a turn around.


    "I''ll be on my way. " I inform them and they both wave at me. When I look at Aliya behind them, she


    winks and gives me a thumbs-up, and I sigh, adjusting my bag before I turn around and stride out of


    the house.


    True to their words, Emerson''s car is waiting outside of our door, and I step forward.


    He''s drumming his fingers against the steering wheel with one hand pressed to the side of his face


    when I arrive at the car and I press my knuckles against the ss.


    He turns his head to the side, and a smile instantly stretches out to his face as he rolls down the ss.


    "Hey, you''re here. " He says in an excited tone before he opens the door from the inside and I climb in,


    shutting the door as I settle on my seat.


    "Why didn''t you text to tell me you''re here?" I ask him as I fasten my seatbelt and he says, "I just


    wanted you to take your time. I don''t have any trouble with waiting. "


    "Still. You should have. They said you''ve been waiting for almost two hours?" I frown as I turn my head


    to meet his eyes and the brown orbs are shining as he whispers, "I don''t mind waiting an eternity for


    you, Eva. "


    I turn my head away from him immediately and Emerson chuckles. Clearing my throat to tone down the


    sudden hotness, I say, "Why didn''t you tell me about dad and yours?"


    "They told you?" He asks as he fastens his seatbelt and when I hum, he says, "I didn''t think that was


    important at the moment. You are more important. "


    "You should have told me. Wasn''t that the whole reason why you left?"


    "And almost came close to losing you. " He mumbles under his breath, but I manage to catch the words


    as he starts the car.


    "You''re more important, Eva. " He repeats as he begins to drive out. "But yes, my father and yours


    resolved their issues. " And as silence takes over with Emerson''s focus on the road before him, I steal


    a nce at him. He might have done it in a way I didn''t want, and hurt me in his process of trying to not


    make them a problem to us, but he did it. He got what he was hoping for.


    When he starts to turn his head to my view, I''m quick to tear my gaze away and lean against the


    window.


    ~


    "We''re here. " Emerson says and I look out the window to see we''re at the garden.


    "The garden?" I ask him when I look back at him and he hums as he unfastens his belt, "I thought you''d


    love toe here. It''s been a while since we came to one. What do you think?"


    "You were thoughtful. " I tell him and his chuckles resound behind me as I climb out of the car. Emerson


    walks out through his side and moves to my side, and I watch his eyes dance down my body.


    "Have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?" He remarks and I avert my gaze from him to


    hide my face, "Let''s get inside. "


    "You brought a camera this time too?" I ask him when I notice it in his hand and he grins, "I love taking


    pictures of you. Especially when you do something you love. "


    "Thepliments again. " I mumble under my breath as we stride inside the pretty house and soon,


    we''re surrounded by flowers and their scents while Emerson stands behind me, clicking the camera at


    every other second he gets.


    "Emerson!" I gasp, swatting his hand away as he tries to pluck a flower before I look around us


    frantically and he puts on an innocent face when I meet his eyes, "I thought these are your favourites?"


    "They are there for looking and admiring; not destroying. " I scold him and he winks as he brings the


    camera up again. Heughs at something on the screen when he brings it down, "You look so fucking


    cute with your scolding face. "


    I shake my head as I move away from him, but I''m unable to hold back my smile.


    After a long time of staying around with Emerson being in his goofy mood than usual, we finally make


    our way back outside.


    "I love it when you smile. " He says suddenly as he moves around to stop in front of me and I halt my


    steps.


    "You have your ways of making that happen. " I mumble as I stare at the camera he has around his


    neck.


    "Do you want to know something interesting?" Emerson asks me and I raise my gaze to him. "What?"


    He looks around us with a smile on his face. "This is where I first fell in love with you. " When he meets


    my eyes, he says, "I might have fallen in love with you before our first time here, but this is where I


    realised that I fell for you. This was where I admitted it to myself. Seeing that bright smile on your face


    on that day; I just knew you got me within your grasp. "


    "Is this why you bring me here?" I ask him and he hums. "Because this is where it all started, without


    you knowing and this is where I want it to start again. I don''t want you to take any breath without me by


    your side again, Eva. I''m tired of staying away now. I want you back. I need you back here. "


    I take a while before I speak. "I read your note. " I take a pause and wet my lips before I continue, "I


    know you thought that''d change how things went if I read it, but after reading it; I don''t think it''d have.


    I''d have felt the same way I feel right now. Maybe I''d have understood your reason for leaving a bit


    better, but I''d have hurt regardless. "


    "I know, baby. I know. " He mumbles as he closes the space between us and lifts his hands to my face.


    I make a sound at the back of my throat and shut my eyes to the feel of his touch against my skin


    before I open them to brown eyes staring at me and Emerson opens his mouth, "I know you''d have hurt


    and I''m sorry for that. Away from you for those days made me realize maybe¨Cjust maybe we could


    have found a better way. I''m sorry that I had to hurt you to keep you, Eva. But I don''t want to do that


    anymore. I don''t want us to hurt each other anymore, so, please; put an end to the pain. I don''t want to


    walk any longer without you here. "


    I lift my hands to cover his and move them to stroke my cheek and he smiles, "Eva. "


    With a nod, I don''t say another word as I remove his hands from mine and turn away from him, heading


    in the direction of the car.


    As I shut the door to my seat, I look out the window to see Emerson standing there confused before he


    starts to move.


    As soon as Emerson closes the door from his side and drops the camera to the backseat, I don''t let


    him fasten his seat belt before I move from my seat to straddle hisp and his eyes widen as I drop my


    hands on his shoulders.


    "Eva¡ª" I slide my hands up his neck and close my lips over his. His hands immediately find their stay


    on my hips and when I withdraw from the kiss, he''s smiling at me.


    "Why are you smiling?" I ask him in a small voice and he shakes his head, "You just never fail to amaze


    me. Does this mean you''re mine again?"


    "I thought you said I never stopped being yours. " I call him out and he grips my hips tighter, "You know


    what I mean, Eva. "


    A small smile touches my lips and I grip the end of his locks as I crush my lips against his. He moans


    into my mouth, and I take what he gives me as I slowly start to grind to the hardness begging to break


    free from his pants, and Emerson swallows my sounds as I did to his as he takes over the kiss. He''s


    smiling against my lips, smiling into the kiss and then his tongue is lowering mine to press his to the


    back of my throat.


    My pants are heavy and the sounds fill the small space of the car as I pull back to take a breathe and


    look into his eyes.


    "I want you inside me. " I tell him and a smirk crosses his face, "Your ce?"


    "No, the apartment. My parents are back home with Aliya. " I say and he groans, his hands moving to


    the small of my back.


    "The apartment is a long journey. " Heins as he rolls his hips against mine once to show me the


    reason for thatint and I glide my hands down his chest, "It''ll be worth it. "


    "In what way?" He asks and I push my head to the side of his face, swiping my tongue down the skin


    before I whisper to his ear, "Because I want to be able to chant your name without having to worry


    about my parents in a room away. "

 E I G H T Y - S E V E N

    E I G H T Y - S E V E N


    EVA.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "You''ll be the fucking death of me. " He mutters and I chuckle, giving a rub to the front of his pants


    before I pull back and lean against the steering wheel. "Yes?"


    Emerson doesn''t respond as he wraps his hand around my throat and mashes his lips to mine,


    assaulting my mouth in a way that shows how badly he wants me.


    I push him by the shoulders, breaking away from the kiss. "Now, Emerson. "


    "Fucking now. " He agrees and I move back to my seat while he starts the car. I''m helpless against my


    needs and I fail to control myself as I rub his hardness at several intervals while he tries to focus on the


    drive.


    ~


    We reach the front of our apartment and Emerson is first to move out of his seat. I watch as he shuts


    his door and walks in front of me to my side. I struggle to undo my seatbelt as he yanks me out of my


    seat and pulls me along with him after a hard bang of the door.


    The instant we step inside, he backs me against the door with my legs glued around his waist and I


    "You taste so f¨´cking good, " he utters as he kisses down my face to the corner of my mouth and a


    moan falls from my mouth as I grip his locks. His one hand stays on my hips and the other is sliding up


    my side, moving my dress up along with it as he baths my neck with his kisses and his wet tongue. He


    pulls back and meets my eyes for a split second before he pushes his face to my chest and I mp my


    legs around him tighter as I arch my back to push more of my chest into his face with my hands locking


    around the back of the head.


    My heavy breathing floats in the air as Emerson sucks my chest through the dress before he pulls back


    and runs the hand from my side to my lower back, meeting my lips and taking them in his. I drop my


    hands to the top of his head and coil my fingers through his curls as he slips his hands on my buttocks


    to lift me slightly in his arms; a sound of satisfaction falls from my mouth when I feel his erect length


    pressing between my thighs.


    "Emerson¡ª" I moan out his name and he hauls away from the kiss, eyes filled with lust and eagerness


    before he leans forward and presses his lips to my throat.


    I grip his shoulders tightly when he flexes his hips, letting me feel how hard I have him and hot liquid


    burns through me, settling between my thighs and leaving my core a deprived mess for him.


    "Oh, " I breathe when his lips move to my earlobe and he pulls the flesh between his teeth before he


    releases it to whisper into my ear, "Do you remember what you said in the car?"


    I''m unable toe up with a coherent response and Emerson takes my hum as one, "You won''t hold


    back anything. Do you understand me, Eva?"


    When I drop my gaze to him, I take a swallow at how intense his eyes are and I nod.


    He shakes his head, his hand moving to my legs and gliding up my thighs, revealing more and more of


    my skin in the process. "Say the words. Say you won''t hold back. Say they are mine to hear. "


    "They are yours to hear. " I tell him what he yearns for and suck in a breath when I feel his right hand


    crawl closer to my inner thighs and my panties. "Louder, Carson. "


    "They are yours to hear. " I say again and he smiles, stilling the movement of his hands as he closes


    his lips over mine and then he''s moving us in the direction of the room. My heart pounds loudly in my


    chest and it echoes over the sounds we both make from the crush of our lips along with the burn of my


    body. At this moment, I''m burning under his mercy and I just need him to put that fire out.


    We soon reach inside the room with a struggle to get rid of the materials that cover our bodies, hiding


    them from the other. Amidst a tangle of tongues, crush of lips and sounds of heavy pants in the air; we


    manage to peel off our clothes, ripping some in the process but not giving a care at this moment as he


    brings me to the bed. He drops me on the edge and detaches his lips from mine, trailing the kisses to


    the middle of my chest and stopping at the low of my hips.


    His chin is against my stomach as he raises his eyes to me and I stare down at him, watching in


    anticipation as he edges closer to where it aches. He lowers himself onto the ground, on his knees


    before me as he presses his hand to either side of my thighs, leaving my legs open for him and giving


    him ess to what he wants.


    "You''re so fucking soaked, baby. " He states the obvious as he gives one hard swipe of his tongue and


    I shiver in response, "For you. Only for you. "


    "That''s right, " he muses, lowering his head to my pussy, his breath fanning my wetness as he speaks


    again, "Only for me. " A cry tears from my lips when Emerson takes my hardening bud in his mouth and


    flicks with his tongue.


    "Oh, God. Yes. Yes, Em. Right there. " I chant and he closes his mouth over mybia, with his tongue


    darting into my opening and I throw my head to the back, my hands fisting into the sheets as I writhe


    against his mouth and he takes that as a cue to suck harder. Mercilessly.


    The air in my lungs vanishes and my back arches up as he licks between my pussy lips, building up the


    pleasure and awakening my bundle of nerves, and God¡ª I can''t begin to put into words how fucking


    good it feels. I can''t remember thest time it''s felt this good: The memories of the previous night¡ª


    though they remain clear and fresh in my head¡ª I don''t remember thating as close to this. It''s like


    we''re letting everything go for the first time again. Taking what''s once ours, not by the words, but by the


    actions and reuniting our body, soul and mind. It''s just him and I. Him and his delicious mouth.


    "Go faster, Em. Faster, oh God..." I lift my legs to his shoulder to urge him. "Don''t stop. Yes. Yes. Yes!" I


    can''t help but mp my legs around his head as his tongue and mouthp at my juices greedily. My


    hands be weak, and moans and sobs of satisfaction leave my lips as my orgasmpletely


    consumes me. I feel his mouth leave my pussy and the tension begins to ease only for a moment then


    his fingers are rubbing against me.


    "Oh, FUCK!" I scream into the air, my hair a wet mess across my face as he swipes down my lower lips


    and finds my clit, pinching the flesh together before he slides two fingers inside my throbbing core at


    once.


    I twist the sheets in one hand with the other moving to his head and gripping the curls as Emerson


    works his fingers inside me with his mouth sucking at my bud.


    "Emerson, " I moan as I feel another orgasm knot in my stomach. "Too much. I can''t¡ª please. " I beg


    as his teeth scrape me and a rumblees from him when I feel myself begin to leak more juices. He


    removes his mouth and separates my folds with two fingers as his warm tongue captures my mess and


    drinks me up with a deep groan.


    "Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh. " I chant, my hands moving across my chest when he removes his mouth


    entirely and lets me take a breathe, my legs shaking endlessly around him.


    "Are you okay?" He smiles as he raises his head from my thighs, his mouth glistening with my juices.


    His tongue peeks out to dart across his lips before he crawls over me, and I wee him by gripping


    his shoulders as he presses his lower body to mine, giving a tortuous taste of his thick length.


    "I need you. " I tell him, locking my eyes with his and he pushes his face forward, his lips brushing


    against mine as he whispers, "Condom?"


    "No. " I object with a shake of my head. "No barrier. Bare. You. I only need you. " Emerson takes that


    as a guide and he pecks my lips before he turns to lie on the back with me moving on top of him, letting


    me take the lead.


    He remains unmoving with only his eyes following each movement I make as I lift myself a bit before


    good.


    "You''re doing great, baby. You''re doing just great. " He encourages me as I lift up ande down on


    him again. Emerson''s moan follows mine as my hips begin to roll on their own, and his hand slides


    around my back. He presses his head to my chest, skin rubbing against his with his cock sliding in and


    out of me and his deep groan filling the space around me. My body starts to tremble as my breath


    bes shorter, and Emerson lifts me before he pulls me down on him, controlling my movements


    and earning a whimper from me.


    "Oh, fuck. I can''t¡ª I can''t hold back any longer, baby. I need to move. I¡ª I can''t control it. " He hisses


    as his hips begins to move along with the movement of mine, thrusting up inside me each time Ie


    down on him.


    "Fuck!" He groans before he pushes himself off the bed in one movement, flipping us around and my


    back is pressed against the mattress with Emerson rolling on top of me.


    He ms inside my pussy harder and faster, and my body trembles along with each thrust as I slide my


    hands up his arms.


    "More. God, more. " I demand and he gives me what I want, grabbing one leg and throwing it over the


    other with his hand keeping them pressed as he rocks back and forth, and ck dots starts to appear


    in my vision as I feel my climax approaching.


    "Emerson¡ª Yes. Oh, I... I can''t. Please I¡ª" I don''t know if I''m pleading for him to stop or to go faster,


    and Emerson helps me out of my misery as he moves to capture my lips in his, swallowing every other


    sound that threatens to break out. His mouth is dominant against mine. iming. Possessing.


    He withdraws from the kiss and moves his face to the side of my face, gasping into my ear as he says,


    "God, I''ve missed this. "


    I lift my hands to his back and crawl my nails down the skin as he continues to whisper dirty


    pleasurable words into my ear, driving me closer to and over the edge, "You clench so nicely around


    me, baby. I can feel you all around my cock. Your warmth and¡ª oh fuck. " Emerson''s moan is myst


    straw and I let out a cry of his name as my release washes through me, blinding my sight and sending


    my body into a fit of shivers.


    When Ie down from the high, Emerson''s eyes are on mine and he presses a kiss to my chin


    before he lifts his body and removes the leg pressed to the other. He grabs the leg in his hand and


    raises it, supporting it with his shoulder as he looks down to where we''re joined.


    "So beautiful. So. Fucking. Beautiful. " He grunts as he pulls out then plummets inside me again in one


    hard thrust.


    "Eva, " he whispers when he raises his head to meet my eyes. "Say the words. " He demands, panting


    through each word and I know minees no lesser breathless as I open my mouth, "I¡ª I love you,


    Emerson. I love you. "


    And that''s all it takes for him to finally reach his final peak, strangled sounds moving from the back of


    his throat as he throws his head to the ceiling and fills me up nicely, his semen coating my pussy and I


    feel it leaking between my thighs, creating a mess of him between my legs.


    "Oh, fuck!" I sob, my fingers digging deeper into his upper arms as I feel his warmth surrounds me,


    making me sticky down there and then a sigh of pleasure both leaves our lips as Emerson slowly pulls


    out of me, letting my leg fall from his hold.


    I leave my legs open, unable to close them as my chest rises and falls, but if I thought that''s the end,


    then I have something elseing.


    No longer than when he pulled out, I feel the trace of his tip down my trembling entrance again, and I


    manage to lift my head to him in surprise with wide eyes.


    "Emerson, I¡ª God, that feels so good. " My earliering words of a plea ends in ones of whimpers


    when he pushes in by a tip then pull out entirely again. My heart is galloping in my chest as I move to


    my elbows, pressed against the mattress to look at him between my thighs, and he grips his cock in his


    hand as he teases it with my pussy.


    When I gaze up at him, his eyes are shining in desperation as he whispers, "Once more. Let me be


    inside you once more, Eva. " Then he slowly pushes the tip inside again, so painfully slowly that I feel


    every pulse and every shudder and my elbows give out as I fall t against the mattress.


    "Just once more, baby. I just need you to scream for me once more. " He exhales as hees over


    me, grabbing my hands and spreading them to the sides with his as he thrusts at an unhurried pace,


    and then, it''s me letting out moans and whimpers of his name, that soon turn into screams and cries.


    And Emerson Ford being the tempting bastard he is don''t just stop at once more.


    He keeps going. Not letting mee down from one climax before he snatches another from me. Over


    and over. Till I feel like I can no longer breathe and my body falls limp.

 E I G H T Y - E I G H T

    E I G H T Y - E I G H T


    EVA.


    "Baby. " Emerson whispers in the dark and I groan as I turn my ear away from him. He chuckles, "Are


    you still asleep?"


    "Yes. " I respond, gripping the pillow I''m pressed to without opening my eyes. "What time is it?"


    "It''ste now. " His voice is closer as he answers and I force my eyes open, twisting my head to meet


    his eyes and he''s leaning over my body from behind.


    "Hey, beautiful. " He smiles as he moves his head closer to press his lips to my nose and I hum, my


    eyes moving down his body when he pulls away and he''s still naked.


    "Why are you up?" I ask him when I meet his eyes again and he copses next to me, wrapping his


    arms around me. I remove my hands from the pillow to push back against him, moaning at the press of


    his cock to my ass. "I went to the bathroom, and realized it''s dark. I''ve been awake for a while.


    Watching you. " His voice sends chills through my body as he sticks his face in the curve of my neck,


    inhaling my scent; no doubt I smell of him and I mixed.


    "Do you want to go make dinner?" He asks and I shake my head, dropping my hands to cover his


    around me. "No. I don''t want to get up. "


    "Tired still?" He asks as he removes his face from my neck and I turn my head over my shoulder to


    nce at him, my eyes looking over his lips instead of his eyes. "You didn''t stop. "


    "I know. I couldn''t control it. " He confesses as he rubs his thumb over mine and I say, "I know, and


    that''s why I''m drained and can''t get up. Let''s head back to sleep. We''ll make something when next we


    wake up. "


    "Okay. Come here. " He whispers before he removes his hands around me, letting mine fall off his. He


    turns me to meet his chest and he brushes my hair from my face before he lifts me to settle on top of


    him.


    "I want you like this. " He tells me as his hand slides to the back of my head, guiding it to press to his


    chest and I drop my hands to his arms, rubbing them down the skin while I listen to the steady thumps


    of his heartbeat.


    Emerson makes a sound of satisfaction as his hands drop to my waist, and he slides further down to


    my buttocks and leaves it there. No squeeze and no p. Just the mere touch.


    "Goodnight, baby. " He says and I rub my head against his chest in response as I close my eyes, a soft


    sigh leaving my lips.


    EMERSON.


    I know Eva isn''t with me the second I open my eyes with nothing heavy resting against me and I


    spread my hand across the space around me in search of her. When I end up with nothing, I slowly


    open my eyes to a vacancy next to me and I''m about to start panicking when the sound of a door


    opening interrupts me, and lifting my head to the bathroom door; my girl walks out with a towel around


    her body and her hand in her hair.


    My heart swells in my chest and a smile lifts to my face as I watch her shut the door with her other


    hand. This feeling¡ª feels like I''ve been away from it for so fucking long and I''ve missed it. The feeling


    of excitement and satisfaction thates knowing that I went to sleep with her in her arms and I''m


    waking up to the sight of her face, without getting kicked out and having to climb out through her


    window the next second because she doesn''t want me around for long.


    This is really real. She''s back to my side. For me.


    I don''t say a word as I watch her stride across the room to get to the full mirror by the other side,


    merely admiring the sight of her before Eva breaks the silence, "How long are you going to sit there


    and watch me?"


    My smile grows. "For as long as I have to, baby. I can''t help admiring such gorgeous sight. "


    She meets my eyes in the mirror and shakes her head, a tiny smile showing on the corners of her lips.


    "Why are you up there? Come back to bed. " I say and sheughs, "I thought I''m supposed to be the


    one to say those words? Not you?"


    "I want you back here. " I say again, and she doesn''t give me a response as she gathers her hair to the


    back before she lets the towel fall from her body, revealing the art that lies beneath and my mouth


    waters at the sight, my heart pumping faster in my chest. Despite spending the entire afternoon to night


    making love, I still want her back here. I just can never get enough of this woman.


    "You should head to the bathroom. We''re making breakfast soon. " She mutters and I climb off the bed


    to stalk towards her. I press my front to her back and wrap my arms around her as I whisper to her ear,


    "Come with me. "


    Eva meets my eyes through the mirror, shaking her head gently. "I just got out. I''m not going back in. "


    "Why not? I want you there with me. " I insist and she swats my hands off her body. "I''m not exhausting


    water, Emerson. And stay away, you''re dirty. " She grabs her towel and turns away from me, heading to


    the closet now and I trail behind her. "I''ll pay the bills this time if you let me. Please, baby. "


    "How are you not tired?" She whines as I drop my head over her shoulder and I brush my lips over the


    wet skin, receiving a moan from her as I lift my head. "How can I be? I''ll never get tired of being inside


    you, Carson. I could stay there all day long if you let me. "


    She turns her head to meet my eyes, "Get to the bathroom, Emerson. I''m hungry. "


    I groan in displeasure but I don''t fail to follow through with her words. With a spank on her ass that she


    res at me for, Iugh and move back in the direction of the bathroom, leaving her in the room.


    ~


    After spending a longer time than necessary rxing in the shower, I finally walk back inside the room


    and Eva is absent.


    Dropping the towel around my neck, I notice she took care of our clothes from the previous night along


    with the bed and I smile before I walk back into the bathroom to get into my room and get dressed.


    Drawing the pants up my thighs, I make my way out of my room and in the direction of the kitchen. Eva


    is standing with her back to me as I lean against the entrance and my lips tug in a small smile as I


    stride toward her.


    "What are you making?" I wrap my arms around her, pressing my lips to her ear and she says,


    "Sandwiches. I thought you''d prefer some too. "


    I hum softly before I move away from her and tug her from the stove, and she yelps when I lift her to


    the counter.


    I drop my hands on her thighs as I move between her legs, "You stay here, and watch me. I''ll make it. "


    She lifts her hand to my hair and brushes the curls to the back before she cups my cheek in one hand.


    "You look lean. Have you not been eating?"


    I edge closer till my legs are pressing against the counter, "I''ve not been well fed. " I utter and she


    seems to catch onto my words quickly.


    I drop my gaze to her lips and Eva remains silent as I raise my hand to her mouth and brush a finger


    over her bottom lip. Popping the finger in my mouth, I hum before I look into her eyes and say, "I want


    to kiss you. Badly. "


    Her response is a stroke of her thumb to my cheek and I glide a hand to her waist, gripping her through


    the shirt as I push my head closer and take her lips in mine.


    I let it stay for three seconds before I pull away and drop my head to the back a bit, groaning at the


    familiar taste of her mouth and then they''re back on hers; clenching tightly onto her sides as I flick her


    tongue with mine, taking her mouth greedily in the only way I know how to.


    Eva is squirming in my hold as she shifts her hand from my face to my shoulder, her fingers digging


    into the flesh with her mouth attempting to dominate mine and it isn''t long before the wet smack of our


    lips mixed with her soft moans fills the space around us.


    I pull back to meet her eyes as my hand slips to the space between her legs to find her bare.


    "Eva?" I call out her name in surprise as my finger rubs over her pussy and she answers my unasked


    question with a moan before she says, "Didn''t want to put one on. "


    "Still sore?" I ask her and she nods once. "Still. "


    I take her lips in mine again, rubbing my finger over her pulsing bud before I withdraw both my mouth


    and my hand with a smile on my face.


    "I love you. " I whisper to her and she hooks her legs around my waist, sliding her hands down my


    chest, "I love you. "


    With another kiss on her lips, I finally move away from her and to the stove.


    "Do you want to sleep in after breakfast? Oh wait¡ª we can''t. We have to go get your stuff. " I say and


    her brows are furrowed when I turn my head to her, "My stuff?"


    "Yes. We have to go get your things from home. You''reing back here, aren''t you? " I raise my brow


    and she angles her head to the side, with a yful look on her face, "Am I?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    She raises a shoulder. "I don''t know, but don''t you think we''re better this way? I can continue to stay at


    my ce, and you can¡ª"


    "No fucking way. You''re moving back here. " I stop her before she can finish her words and she


    narrows her eyes at me, "And if I say I don''t want to?"


    "Why would you say that? We''re back, aren''t we?" I question and she nods, "We are, but I don''t think


    things have to go exactly to how they used to be?"


    "Eva, " I groan, taking a step towards her and sheughs as she holds out her hands for me. Sheces


    her fingers through mine and says, "I was just messing with you, baby. Of course, I want toe back


    here. It''s been hell without you. "


    "I hate you. " I say with a grin and she rubs her nose against mine. "And I hate you more. "


    I ce a hand on her face with my fingers coiling through her hair as I rest my forehead against hers


    and we bathe in each other''sfort before Eva breaks the silence, "I just realized I didn''t take my


    purse from the car. "


    I lift my head. "My phone too. "


    "You were in quite a hurry, Ford. " She teases and I say, "Don''t use that tone on me, Carson. It''s


    already more than hard trying not to bend you over this counter. "


    She looks down to the front of my pants and I hiss when she shifts her feet there and then brushes.


    "Eva. "


    "Let''s go grab my stuff after breakfast, yeah?" She suggests and I murmur in approval, stroking her


    cheek before I move away from her.


    ~


    Eva slides into her seat and I grab my phone from the side; numerous text notifications awaiting me.


    I open Elias''s first.


    EL: If you aren''t here by this time, then I''m guessing everything went well between the two of you?


    The time reads close to two; when I was busy burying myself in the warmth of a certain gorgeous


    woman.


    My fingers move across the screen as I type back a reply.


    ME: Everything did.


    I dump the phone in thepartment before I start the car and drive out of the spot.


    "Em. " Eva calls from her seat and I give her one nce before I turn straight ahead again. She''s


    staring into the rear mirror as she speaks, "Do you think I should shorten my hair? It''s getting longer. "


    I take another nce to her to see her shoulder-length is now moving down to her arms.


    "No, don''t. I love it that way. " I respond and she adjusts in her seat. "Really?"


    "Yes, baby. But if you do want to then you can go ahead. You''re gorgeous either way. " I throw her a


    smile and chuckle when she removes her eyes from me and hides her face. I keep my eyes between


    my front and her thighs before I take the hand that rests there, weaving it through mine.


    Eva meets my eyes as I lift our hands to press a kiss to the back of her palm. Then she drags them to


    the space between her legs, keeping them there while we bask in thefortable silence that takes


    over along with the soft beats of the songing from the radio.


    ~


    "We''re here. " I tell Eva, removing my seatbelt to grab my phone at the sound of its beep.


    EL: Well satisfied, little brother?


    I shake my head.


    ME: Not quite. Are you home?


    His responsees immediately.


    EL: No. I bumped into an old friend and got dragged away. It might take some time before I arrive.


    ME: How Elias¨Clike of you.


    "Are youing?" I drop my phone at the sound of Eva''s voice and move out of the car. We turn our


    heads to lock eyes as we stand in front of her ce before we walk inside.


    She knocks once before the door is opened and her mom wees us with a bright smile.


    "Baby!" She calls excitedly as she drags her into her arms while I step to the side, letting them have


    their mother-daughter moment.


    "Hello there, young man. " She directs her gaze to me when they pull away and I bow slightly,


    "Emerson, please. It''s nice to meet you, Mrs Carson. "


    She takes my hand with a smile. "Delh, please. And it''s nice to meet you too, Emerson. The one


    behind it all. "


    "And when was I going to get my invitation to this?" We all turn our heads at the new voice, and Matt


    Carson is standing in front of us. Thest time I saw the man was at thepany, and it''s safe to say


    he didn''te off as quite friendly.


    "Oh, baby. You''re here. Look who showed up. " Delh says and Eva moves from her back to greet her


    dad. "You''re home? I thought you left for the office?"


    "I thought I''d spend today with my wife. Don''t you think I deserve that, Princess?"


    "Of course, you do. " She says before wrapping herself around him.


    Once again, their gazes drop to me.


    "I''m ¡ª"


    "Emerson Ford. Yes, I know you and I believe this isn''t our first time meeting. " Matt says as he trudges


    forward and I take his hand. "With exchanging words? I believe it is. "


    "We''re off a good start. " He says as he strolls back, and leads us further inside, to the couch. "I believe


    the two of you resolved things if you''re both here. "


    Eva meets my eyes as her parents take one couch while we take the other across them. "Yes, we did


    and we''re here to take my stuff. I''m moving back with him. "


    They exchange nces before Matt speaks, "And why don''t you want to stay here? Why do the both of


    you need to live together?" Her dad asks and Eva''s straightforward response surprises me. "Because


    we need privacy. "


    "Privacy in terms of?"


    "Do you want me to answer that honestly, father?" Holy fuck. She''s bold.


    Even Matt is taken aback by her sharp response and clears his throat. "I prefer not. But yes, I believe


    you deserve what you ask of. "


    "Exactly. " She says, moving from her seat and ncing back at me to pull me out of mine. "We''ll go


    pack my things. "


    "He has toe with you?" He nods his head to me and Eva groans, "Dad. "


    "I was just pulling your leg, Princess. You can go on. " He chuckles and she drags me away from them


    as we walk in the direction of her room.


    "Wow! I can''t believe I''ming in here for the first time. " Iment when we enter the room and Eva


    "Am I pulling it off so far?" I close my hands around her, resting my head on her shoulder and she


    nods, "So far. If you manage to keep your hands to yourself for the rest of the time. "


    "I can''t assure you that, baby. That''s a quite difficult task, don''t you think?"


    She lowers her head to meet my eyes. "One you''ll have to do. "


    "Do I get a reward for it?" I ask and she shakes her head, blinking once.


    "Why not? I want one. Maybe I can try to do something here while your parents await us downstairs. " I


    take her earlobe into my mouth and Eva is quick to push away from me.


    "You won''t think of that. " She says and I fold my arms to my chest. "Why not? I don''t see you as one to


    be scared. Where goes my wild Eva?"


    "I''m still sore, Emerson. You''re lucky I can walk without my parents having to ask what happened. " She


    points a finger at me before she paces to her closet and I say, "You have a boyfriend. They shouldn''t be


    surprised to find out we had something to make up for¡ª" I don''t get to finish my words when Eva


    throws one of her shirts at my face.


    "Shut up and help me with this. " She orders when I pull it down. "Later, you can think of how you''ll fuck


    me to sleep again. "


    "I like the sound of that. "


    "You''re obsessed. " She mutters when I''m close and I press my lips to her forehead before I drop the


    cloth. "With you; yes, I am. "


    When I look back at her, a smile stays on her face as we rearrange the clothes in the bag; a smile that


    triggers mine.


    Her mom and dad are still in their seat when we reach the living room again, and I drop the bag next to


    me as I take my previous seat.


    "All packed?" Her mom asks and she nods. "All packed. "


    "Alright, give us a second. " She says, moving to her feet with her husband.


    I watch as they both walk away, and I lift my hand to Eva''s ass, giving it a squeeze. She turns to re


    at me, "It''s only been a few minutes. "


    "What?" I mouth, giving another squeeze. "I''m just trying to kill nervousness; nothing more. "


    "That won''t be the case when you''re¡ª" she doesn''t get to finish her words before her parents appear


    again and I''m quick to drop my hand, earning a teasing face from Eva at my action before she strides


    closer to them with me following behind her.


    Her mom drags her away to the corner, leaving me with her dad and I lower my head to avoid his gaze.


    "Emerson?" I raise my head at his call of my name.


    "Mr Carson?" I answer and he smiles as he lifts his hand to my shoulder and pats me twice. "Thank


    you. For turning out to be just what my daughter needs for her happiness, and I''m sorry we didn''t


    understand that at first. "


    I smile. "Thank you for giving me a chance. I assure you my happiness lies with her just as hers does


    with me. "


    "I''m pleased to hear that. The both of you managed to resolve a rivalry that''s been going on for years.


    Love truly is surprising, isn''t it?" He lifts a brow, dropping his hand from my shoulder and I nod. "It truly


    is. "


    He sighs and looks away from me to where Eva stands with her mom, nodding along to what the


    woman says. "I thought it was toote, but I''m happy I was proved wrong, and I get to see her smile


    like that again. You see that smile, Emerson?"


    "My favourite. " I mutter and he looks back at me with a smile. Then it drops as his tone turns serious,


    "If you ever make her lose that smile. If you ever hurt her¡ª"


    I interrupt his words. "I know. And I won''t. She knows that. "


    "Mason might have managed to do something right. " He beams before he walks over to his wife and


    his daughter, and my chest falls in a sigh before I trail after, dragging Eva''s bag with me.


    Eva steps to my side when I stop and I take my free hand in hers.


    "We''ll be leaving now. " She announces and they both nod. "Take care of yourself, baby. "


    "You too, mom. " She responds, dropping my hand to engulf her in a hug, followed by her dad then


    they do a big family hug and the sight makes my heart flutter. A one, big family. I''m so fucking d she


    didn''t get to lose this.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you. Mr and Mrs Carson. " I say to them when they pull away and Matt looks


    into his wife''s eyes before they both smile at me. "No lesser than it is here, Emerson. "


    They give another parting greeting before we walk out of the house.


    "You were so polite back there. " Eva nudges my shoulder as we stride back to the car and I slide a


    hand over her shoulder. "When have I ever not be, baby?"


    "Every other time. " She says with a straight face and I shake my head, "Now that''s a lie, Carson. I''m


    positive I''ve shown you some of this appropriateness. "


    "And how''s that?"


    I lean closer to her ear. "When I''m on my knees between your thighs. "


    Her face reddens instantly and augh leaves my mouth as she gives my chest a yful p.


    "Your dad seems kind of nice when he doesn''t hate me. " I tell Eva and she hums, "I told you he''s


    nothing to be scared for. "


    We move her bags into the backseat before we climb inside and I say, "I believe those words now. "


    "What did he talk to you about?" She asks and I smirk, "Don''t be nosey now, baby. That''s between me


    and him. " She rolls her eyes and Iugh.


    I cast a nce at my house as I drive out of hers and Eva says, "We can make a stop if you want to. "


    "No, they aren''t home. I''m just checking in. " I tell her and she looks out her window, "That''s such a


    shame. I was looking forward to meeting your brother. "


    "And why would you look forward to meeting him?" I ask her and her lips curve, "Am I not allowed to?


    He''s your brother. "


    "I don''t care. "


    "Jealous much, Ford?" She taunts me and I squeeze her thigh, "I am. I always am. You''re mine and


    you should only be eager to see me; no one else. "


    "Possessive. " She remarks, pauses for a second, then adds, "I like it. "


    "I know you do. " I wink at her, throwing her a flying kiss before I look back to the road and drive us


    home.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Eva teases me throughout the drive and my heart is filled with both happiness and fulfilment to see her


    like this again. To see everything right again. Back to how it used to be¡ª or even better. That bright


    smile that I was so eager to see on her face again? She had it on through the entire drive. Still does


    even as her attention is on her phone. And I''ll do anything and everything to see she never loses it


    again.


    My hands move from the steering at the sight that''s in front of us as I park the car.


    A redhead is standing in front of the door, and there''s only one person I know that goes with that.


    "Paige?"

 E I G H T Y - N I N E

    E I G H T Y - N I N E


    EMERSON.


    "Paige?" Eva repeats and I nod my head to the redhead who stands in front of our apartment, with her


    head turned to us now at the sound of the car.


    "She''s here. " Eva says and I hum, unfastening my seatbelt. "I''m just as surprised as you are. I didn''t


    expect to see her anytime soon. " Eva doesn''t respond as we both get out of the car, and walk to her.


    "Hey, you both. I was just about to leave. " Paige says as we stop in front of her, and I slide my hand


    around Eva. She''s looking more held up than thest time I saw her, with a smileplementing her


    features.


    "Eva. " She calls.


    "Paige. " Eva responds, letting my hands fall from her as they both hug, patting each other''s back for a


    while before they pull away.


    "You look... Well, you look like you, blondie. " Paige remarks and Eva says, "I can say the same thing


    about you, redhead. " And they bothugh. A smile stretches to my face as I watch them converse


    without wanting to throw hands at each other.


    "Is everything alright now?" Eva questions in a softer tone and Paige bobs her head, "Definitely better


    thanst time. I think you can tell by my face. "


    "Too bad. " My girl clicks her tongue teasingly and Paige res at her yfully, causing them tough


    again before they drop their hands, and Paige turns her head to me.


    "Hey. " She lowers her voice as she stands in front of me. "You don''t look like you''ve missed me, " she


    narrows her eyes and I say, "Are you back to school?"


    "More or less. " She responds. "Why? Don''t you want me back here?"


    "What? Of course not. It''s good to have you back. " I assure her and she smiles before she looks back


    at Eva. "Do you mind if I give your boyfriend a hug?"


    I meet Eva''s eyes as she nods in approval and I don''t take my eyes away from her as Paige steps


    closer, engulfing me in a hug.


    "You look good. It''s nice to see that. " Paige murmurs in my ear and I give her back a small caress


    before she steps back.


    "Jaxon is waiting for us. Do you think you cane with?" She asks and I say, "You called Jaxon


    before you came here?"


    "Yes, he made ns. We''re to meet at a restaurant. I thought it''d be nice to catch up on things. " She


    exins and I hum, shifting my gaze to Eva, "I''m not sure if I can. I don''t want to leave Eva alone. "


    "I''m not a kid, Emerson. I can take care of myself if you''re leaving to spend time with your friends. " Eva


    speaks and I turn my body to her as I grab her hands. "I know that, but I don''t want to leave you, baby.


    "


    "I''ll be fine, and you''ll be back soon. " She says.


    "Still, I don''t want to¡ª" Paige interrupts my words when she says, "I''ll leave you two to make a


    decision. " She chortles and I watch her step away before I gaze back at Eva.


    I cup her face with both hands. "Come with me. "


    She raises her hands to cover mine. "I honestly don''t mind if you leave with her. I have to catch up with


    school work anyway. "


    "I know, " I smile, stroking her cheek and she fondles my hand in return. "But I want you toe with


    me. Yes?"


    "Emerson¡ª" she starts but I don''t let her finish. "I''ll work with you when we get back. "


    She seems to think about it for a while and she looks over my shoulder to where Paige stands before


    she meets my eyes and blinks once.


    "Is that a yes?" I beam and she chuckles. "You always find a way to make me say it. "


    "It''s adorable. " I whisper and she removes my hands from my cheeks as we both turn to Paige, whose


    eyes are on us.


    "I take it as you found an agreement?" She lifts her brows and I take Eva''s hand in mine as I lead her


    to the car.


    "We just need to get the bags in and we''ll be out. " I tell her as I take the bags from the backseat and


    she nods, "As long as you don''t get distracted with something else. "


    "That isn''t assured, but I''ll try to get him to keep his hands to himself. " Eva jokes, nudging me with her


    shoulder before she grabs the rest of the bags.


    We stride into the house, and into her room. As we drop the bags in the room, Eva makes a turn and


    I''m quick to wrap my arms around her, hugging her from behind.


    "Are you sure you''re okay with it?" I whisper into her ear and she caresses my arm before she twists in


    my hold, turning to face me, "I am, Em. Why''d you think I''m not?"


    "After what happenedst time. I don''t expect you to be¡ª" she presses her lips to mine, silencing the


    rest of my words as her hands slide down my chest and when she breaks away, she says, "That was


    before. I believe she''s changed, and wouldn''t try something like that again. Besides, I trust you. "


    "Hmm, can you do that again?" I brush my lips against hers and sheughs as she moves out of my


    arms. "Don''t think about it, Emerson. We don''t want to keep her waiting now, do we?"


    "I honestly don''t mind. " I raise my shoulder and she shakes her head, gripping my hand as she leads


    me out of the room.


    "That''s two times now, Carson. " I tell her and she presses a finger to her lips as we walk out of the


    house, and back to the car.


    She takes her previous seat and Paige takes the backseat before I get into mine and drive out of the


    spot again.


    The drive is spent in silence with only the sounding from the radio interrupting the air along with


    Eva''s voice as she sings lowly along while rocking our entwined hands back and forth between her


    thighs.


    "I''m suddenly hungry. " Paige mutters from her seat when we arrive in front of the restaurant. She''s the


    first to climb out, followed by me and Eva, with me keeping her by my side.


    I drop my hand to the low of her back as Paige leads the way inside the restaurant and Eva throws me


    a smile over her shoulder as we walk through the door.


    Jaxon holds out his hand from the booth he is and we stalk towards him. He punches my arm as I take


    the seat in front of him, and I do the same.


    I slide a hand around Eva''s waist and bring her to myp, pressing my chest to her back to bury my


    face in her hair, sniffing her hair.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    "Hey, Eva. It''s been a long time since we met. " Jaxon is the first to speak as Paige takes the seat next


    to him and Iugh as she swats her arm, "Aren''t those words meant for me?"


    "You don''t deserve them because you don''t consider me a friend, I believe?"


    "Why would you say that?" She whines and he frowns, "Honestly Paige? You left without notifying me?


    "


    "You''re friends with Emerson. " I raise both hands in oblivion as both heads turn to me before they look


    back at each other, "I didn''t think it was needed for me to let you know if Emerson does. "


    "That doesn''t make me any less mad. "


    "But I did call you first. " She argues and he says, "You only called because you wanted to ask about


    Emerson. "


    "I didn''t realize¡ª" their voices fade into the distance as I focus on the woman on myp and she jerks


    in my hold when I pinch her sides. I drop my head to her shoulder and inhale her scent, keeping my


    hands firm on her waist.


    "Emerson. " She giggles as she turns her head to me, and I smile, "You smell so delicious. "


    "You''re being clingy again. " She says and I remove my head from her shoulder, angling it to her face,


    "I thought you love it when I am?"


    "We''re in public. " She states the obvious and I take a nce around us before I look back at her,


    "And? Who''s going toe to me andin about ying with my girlfriend?"


    "You''re blushing. " I tease her when she tears her gaze away from me. Lifting one hand to pinch her


    cheeks, I say, "You always blush when I call you that. "


    "I love the sound of it. Onlying from you. " She whispers and I lower my head to her ear, "My


    girlfriend. "


    When I pull back, she''s smiling at me and I close my hands around her, "My Eva. "


    "Stop. " She swats my chest before she turns her head again, and Iugh; pressing my nose into her


    hair for the second time before I look back to the people in front of me, and they''re staring at me with


    weird faces.


    "What?" I say and Jaxon responds with, "It''s as if we don''t exist at all? Are you trying to rub it in my


    face, you fucker?"


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about. " I shrug and he mouths something under his breath, shoving


    me his middle finger and causing me tough.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" I pull Eva back when she attempts to move out of myp and she


    says, "I need to use the restroom real quick. I''ll be back. "


    "Don''t keep me waiting. " I tell her and she says, "You have Jaxon and Paige with you. "


    "You''re the one I want. " I answer and she shakes her head, "You''re awesomely cheerful today. "


    "I know. I''m happy. " I wink and she ps my thigh before she moves out of my hold.


    "Hold this. " She passes me her phone, and just before she walks away from my sight, she presses her


    lips to my cheek, mumbling that she''ll be back soon and then she leaves.


    "He''s intoxicated, isn''t he? I know. That''s what I''ve had to live with for months. " I remove my gaze from


    Eva''s disappearing frame at the sound of Jaxon''s voice to say, "Seal that mouth. "


    "I see it though. " Paige says and I avert my gaze to her. She smiles, "You literally glow when she''s


    near. It''s weird to see you act like that, but I''ll take it. "


    "What a fool love has made him into, don''t you agree?" Jaxon chuckles and I throw the key in front of


    me at him. He manages to catch it and wave it in the air with a sense of aplishment. "Are you


    trying to flirt with me now that your girl is out of sight?"


    "I can think of many different ways to make you shut your mouth, and something just tells me each way


    will be equally effective. "


    "I''m touched, Emery. Such an aggressive love for your tight buddy. " He holds a hand over his chest


    and I sigh, shaking my head as I look back at Paige and she''s staring at me with a smile on her face.


    I drop my hands on the table before me and push my head closer. "So do you want to tell me why


    you''re back?"


    She drops her hands too. "Well, I received some messages that say a close friend of mine might be


    having a hard time, and me being the caring friend I am, thought I''d reach out to him. But turns out, it''s


    the actual opposite. He seems to be having the best time of his life. "


    I nce at Jaxon and he raises his head in cluelessness. Then I look back at Paige. Sheughs and


    continues, "Sage told me you were having some issues so I thought I''d check-up. "


    "You''re still in contact with Sage?" I ask and she nods. "Of course, I am. She''s my friend. I''d be with


    you too, but I know otherwise. "


    "I''d have responded if you did. " I tell her and she straightens her shoulders, dropping her gaze to her


    hand as she fiddles with her fingers, "I didn''t think so. I thought you might want your distance after what


    I did to make you hate me. "


    "I wouldn''t be here if I hate you. " I mutter and she lifts her head. "I don''t hate you, Paige. And I''ve


    forgotten about what you did. You should too; it''s what''s best. "


    "I feel like an outsider in this conversation. " Jaxon peeks in and we bothugh. He frowns, "Seriously,


    is there something I don''t know about?"


    "You didn''t tell him?" Paige raises her brows at me.


    "Tell me what?" Jaxonments and I sink back in my seat. "Nothing. Just a little misunderstanding


    we had. "


    "Protecting me still, Emery?" She smiles and I say, "I wouldn''t exactly call it that. "


    "I''m about to lose it here. " Jaxon groans and Paigeughs. When the sound dies down, and silence


    takes over again; I direct my gaze at her, "Did everything work out?"


    She hums. "There''s a lot to talk to you about. "


    "You can tell me here. " I say and she discreetly nces at her side.


    "Bitch, I saw that. " Jaxonins, and Iugh as they both fall into another argument.


    I fold my arms to my chest and lean back in my seat as I watch them while I wait for Eva''s arrival.


    "Why isn''t sheing back?" I mumble to myself when there''s no sight of Eva after a while.


    "Are you okay? You''ve been shifting that leg for a while. " Jaxon speaks from his seat and I grumble,


    "I''m waiting for her. "


    "Dude, keep it down. It''s only been a few minutes since she left. " Heughs and I jerk my head, unable


    to hold it any longer as I move from my seat.


    Paige''s head raises to me. "Where are you going?"


    "I need to go check up on her to make sure everything is alright. " I tell her, attempting to walk away;


    only for her to grab my wrist. I look down at her and she says, "I have to¡ª"


    "I''ll be back, Paige. " I interrupt her, removing her grip from my wrist before I take the same direction


    Eva took earlier. I take my phone out to text her, only to realize I''m holding hers and I groan in


    frustration.


    A scream resounds around me when I draw closer to where the restroom is and my heart jumps in my


    chest as I fasten my steps.


    "Eva!"

 N I N E T Y

    N I N E T Y


    EMERSON.


    I stand in front of the restroom as I pound on the door, calling out her name. "Eva!"


    It isn''t until a few minutes of yelling and pounding with almosting close to kicking the door down


    that she finally opens up, ducking her head through.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" She whispers, and I yank her out of the room, steadying her in front


    of me as my eyes roam across her body. "Are you okay? What happened in there? Why did you


    scream?"


    "I''m fine, Em. " She says, and I slide my hands to her face, cupping her cheeks. "Are you sure? " I


    nce back at the door before I look back at her, "I heard a scream and thought¡ª"


    "It wasn''t mine. " She interrupts me and when I arch my brows, she says, "The scream wasn''t mine.


    There''s someone else in there. Having a moment, it seems. "


    "Oh, thank heavens. " I let out a breath of relief and snatch her to my chest, lowering one hand to her


    back with the one to the back of her head. "You were taking long, and I thought something happened,


    and I¡ª I got so scared. "


    She pulls back with a smile on her face. "What could have happened? I''m fine, Emerson. " She


    reassures me as she drops her hands to my waist, "I promise. "


    "Thank you. " I take a whiff as I press my forehead to hers and she mumbles, "We should get back. " I


    agree and remove my forehead from hers, before we turn around.


    "See? We told you she''s fine. " Jaxon is the first to speak when we arrive back at the booth. "You truly


    need to take a chill, dude. "


    When I re at him, he chuckles and turns to Eva, "You need to see the way he rushed out of here. It


    was hrious. "


    "He was just worried. " Eva defends, rubbing her hand over mine and I throw her an invisible kiss,


    earning a groan from Jaxon. "Ugh. Now I get why you guys are together. "


    "You''re just miserable, dude. I can see clearly through you. " I respond and he shakes his head, "I''m


    not miserable. I''m sickened by the sight of you. "


    "Aren''t I generous? You get to see me more despite your clear revulsion. " I say with a hint of sarcasm,


    receiving augh from both Paige and Eva.


    "Okay, you two. Cut it out. I need to eat; do you want to order, Eva?"


    "You thought to call Eva first?"


    "I don''t see you ordering for something, Jaxon. "


    "Bitch, I knew you never loved me. " Jaxon answers and we allugh as Paige turns to call for an order.


    ~


    After spending more time conversing with my friends, I shift in my seat and push my face closer to Eva.


    "We should start to leave. " I whisper to her hair and she turns her head to me, "Are you sure?"


    I nod and lift her by the waist, causing both heads to turn to us.


    "You guys are leaving?" Paige asks and I say, "Yeah, we have things to attend to. "


    "Does that thing includes something in your pants?" Jaxon snickers and I shove him my middle finger,


    causing him tough.


    "Alright. I think I''ll stay a bit more with Jaxon. " Paige deres and I hum before I lean towards Jaxon to


    grab my keys from him, not without him taunting me by butting his head into mine.


    "I''ll kill you. " I sneer at him and he smirks, "You love me, Ford. "


    "I really don''t. " I say as I move back beside Eva, dropping my hand around her shoulder.


    "Eva. It was nice being around you again. "


    "You too, Jaxon. " She smiles with a wave before I lead us towards the exit with Paige trailing behind


    us. Eva gets into her seat before me, and I turn back to Paige.


    "So your dorm next?" I ask her as I slip my hands into my pocket and she nods, "Once I''m done with


    Jaxon. "


    "It''s nice to see you two actually growing closer. " I tease her and she chuckles, "He''s nicer than I


    thought he''d be. He isn''t so bad after all. "


    "You got caught in the Jaxon''s charm. " I say and she shakes her head, "Not yet. My heart ain''t


    avable yet. " When she goes silent, I tear my gaze away from her, only to bring it back when she


    says, "I um¡ª it was hard when I got back there. "


    "But you figured it out?" I raise a brow and she nods as she looks down, "I figured it out and we''re a lot


    closer than thest time. It''s all thanks to you. "


    "I don''t think I deserve that appreciation, Paige. I didn''t do anything, than pushed you away. " I tell her


    and she says, "Yes, you did. You did a lot more than you know you did. And also, she wants to meet


    you. "


    "Me?" I exim in surprise and she hums, "I might have mentioned a thing or two about you, and now


    she''s looking forward to meeting you in person. I gave her no promise, because I wasn''t sure if you''d


    agree, but if you¡ª"


    "I don''t think I should do that, Paige. " I interrupt her and she frowns, "Why? I mean I did think you


    wouldn''t want to, but why? It''s nothing more than meeting a friend''s mom. "


    "Does she knows that?" I ask and she furrows her brows in confusion before the meaning behind my


    words bes clear to say. "God, Emerson. I''m not that dumb. Of course, I didn''t mention our past


    rtionship to her. I only mentioned that you''re a close friend I wouldn''t be here without, and she


    knows that. Nothing more than a friend. "


    "Okay. " I smile. "I just don''t want to cause any more... " I trail off and sigh. "You know what. "


    "I know. And trust me, that''s not going to happen. Not again. " She assures me and I jerk my head to


    the car, "I should start leaving. "


    "Sure. " She smiles and I watch as she lowers her head to wave at Eva before she straightens up, and


    step closer, wrapping her arms around me. "And hey, I do know what you think. I still love you, but it''s


    now what you once wanted it to be. "


    I pat her back twice and she pulls away. "Take care, Paige. I''ll see you around. " She blinks once with a


    bob of her head as she moves away from the car and I walk to my side, climbing it with a shut of the


    door.


    "Ready?" I ask Eva as I fasten my seatbelt and she lifts her head from her phone, "Ready. " She


    confirms and I nce at her side to throw her a smile as Ice my fingers through hers and lift our


    hands to my lips.


    "Are you okay?" I ask her and she nods, giving my arm a once rub. "Perfect. " With another kiss to the


    knuckles, I drop the hand between us and start the car.


    ~


    "Come here. " Eva gestures to me with open arms as I walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped


    around me and I raise a teasing brow at her, "Why should I?"


    She drops her hands and huffs. "Don''t make me repeat myself, Emerson. "


    I chuckle as I drop the small towel around my neck to the chair by my side. "Are you trying to scare me,


    N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Carson?"


    "Are you scared?" She retorts with a smirk and I shake my head as I stalk toward the bed. "I''m not. It


    only makes you look cute with that pout and in no way threatening. "


    She frowns as I bend over the edge of the bed with my hands pressed to the mattress. "Don''t call me


    cute. "


    "Why not? You''re cute. " I tease her and lift my hand to her cheek, pinching the skin. Eva swats my


    hand from her face to grab my wrist and pull me over her, falling back to the bed with me on top of her.


    "Don''t repeat that word. " She whispers and I shift my gaze to her mouth.


    "Your heart is beating so fast. " I mumble when I look back into her eyes and she whispers, "So is


    yours. "


    "Your face triggers it. Along with many other things you do. " I confess and she giggles as she wraps


    her hands tightly around my upper arms before she tilts her head and takes my lips in hers. I ce a


    hand on her face, angling her head a bit more to the side as I deepen the kiss and one of her hands


    moves to the space between our bodies, down my chest, to the low of my hips and I break away from


    the kiss when she grips my hardness.


    "What?" She mouths as she tries to take my lips again, but I keep my head away. "You were


    "That was all day. I want you now. " She hisses and I chuckle, pressing my lips to her nose before I pull


    away from herpletely and she whines, "Emerson. "


    "Let''s cuddle, yeah?" I say as I remove the towel from my waist, and grab my boxers. Eva''s eyes travel


    down my body, just before it''s d with my boxers and she says, "Are you denying me of what''s mine?"


    "Of course not. " I grab the shirt and walk back to her, and she lifts her brows, "Then what do you call


    this?"


    "Letting you have enough rest. " I turn her body to my view, and motion for her to raise her hands.


    When she refuses to do so, I grab her hands and lift them. "Stop sulking, baby. You''ll have it tomorrow.


    "


    "I want it now. " Her voice is muffled as I pull her top over her head, and throw her in my shirt. It


    swallows her whole and she lifts her head to my face. "Emerson. I''m bare and soaked. "


    "Rest, Eva. " I insist, taking her hands and swinging them in front of us. "Then you can have me


    tomorrow. As long as you want. "


    "I''ll do a payback. " She threatens and Iugh as I move her to her side of the bed before I slide in next


    to her. "You can''t resist me. " I tell her, bringing her face to my chest and she drops her hand on my


    chest, near my heart, "Sure, I can; with enough will. "


    "You can''t, Eva. You''re addicted to me. " I whisper, giving small caresses to her back with my other


    hand holding hers over my heart. "Can I ask you something?"


    I tip my chin to meet her eyes and a small frown rests on her lips, "Why did you say it like that? Is it


    something bad?"


    "No. Just something I''m curious about. "


    "What''s it?" She asks and I look away from her, wetting my lips before I speak, "Do you think I''m


    actually good at something?"


    "Good at something how?" She says and I sigh, "I don''t know. I''m thinking about it now. I mean,


    everyone around me seems to have something they want to do. You want to go intow after this, and


    you seem to have this whole n after college, but now that I think about it; I don''t really have ns for


    after college including what I want to do. That makes me realize apart from you, my life has no other


    sense of direction and it''s starting to bother me. "


    "Emerson, " she calls and I look back at her. Smiling softly, I say, "I don''t seem to have a career that I


    want to invest my time in, or something that I love doing and that makes me feel worthless. "


    "Don''t say that. " She shushes me and I sigh, "But it''s true. "


    "It''s not. " She argues, moving her head from my chest. She keeps her other hand on me as she says,


    "I understand how you feel, because I''ve once felt that. There''s a time in our lives when we all feel like


    we have no idea where it''s going, or what we''ll do next, but that doesn''t mean we won''t figure it out in


    the end. You''re not worthless, Emerson. You''re more worthy than you think you are, and you should


    never think anything less. Besides, you love art. You love to draw, you love to read books and you love


    nature. Isn''t that saying something?"


    "But that''s more like hobbies than an actual career. " I tell her and she smiles, lifting her hand to stroke


    my face. "Oh, my dumb baby. It doesn''t matter if they started as a hobby, they could eventually develop


    into something you want to have as a career. You could look into painting, or publishing. There are a lot


    of options for you, babe because you''re that amazing, and I''m not saying that because I love you or


    because I want to cheer you up; I''m saying that because it''s the truth, and you can ask anyone else


    around you. You''re amazing, and you have incredible talents. It''s alright if you don''t know the exact


    direction you want to take right now, Emerson. You can take your time to figure it out, and just know,


    that I''ll be with you through every step. "


    "I''m so lucky to have you, aren''t I?" I murmur and she smiles, leaning down to press her lips to my


    chest before she tugs back and says, "Of course, you are. But I''m luckier, and I can''t believe you''ll think


    you''re good at nothing. "


    "Am I now?" I tease her, pulling her back to my chest and she hums, "You are. Other than those I


    mentioned earlier; you''re good at cooking. You take really great pictures, and the most out of all is that


    you''re good at making my heart flutter. I could go on, Em. "


    "Just your heart?" I raise my brows, looking down to her thighs, and sheughs, "That too. "


    "You admit it?"


    "I''ve always done. " She says, and I smile then push my face closer to press my lips to hers. It''s meant


    to be a short, sweet kiss to show my appreciation to her, but it turns heated when Eva moves over me,


    throwing her legs to either side of me as she slides her tongue between my lips, showing me that wild


    side of her that I just love so fucking much.


    "I love you. " I whisper to her when she detaches her lips from mine and she brushes her breathe


    against my lips, "I love you, Emerson. So fucking much. " And I im her lips after that, lowering my


    hands to her waist as she slowly rocks against me, making me go hard within seconds beneath her.


    When Eva pulls back with our heavy breathing taking the space around us, and her eyes moving down


    as she rubs her hand down my length, I know I can no longer hold back nor deny her what she wants.


    "You have your ways, Carson. " I groan and she smiles victoriously as she slips her hand in my boxers,


    gripping me bare.


    "Fuck, baby. " I cuss under my breath when her hands swipe down my length, and she only repeats the


    action once before she removes her hand to pull my boxers down my leg. I move against the


    headboard and watch her between my thighs as she tosses the boxers to a side before she moves up


    again. She presses her hand to my stomach as she holds my cock between her legs, teasing the tip


    with her wet entrance and sharp breath escapes us both at that slight touch; hersing as a silent


    whimper and mine as a groan.


    "I love you, Eva. " I whisper to her as I slide a hand around her neck and that''s all it takes for her to


    push down on me in one m, taking me whole with soft moans leaving her lips.


    "Fuck. " She hisses as she stills for a moment, taking her time to adjust before she starts to move,


    rocking her hips in a slow sensual movement and I press my chest to hers as I pull my shirt over her


    head, revelling in the beautiful fucking hot sight of her breasts bouncing along with each lift and drop of


    hers.


    I''m unable to hold myself as I push my face closer and take one in my mouth, swirling my tongue


    around her hardened nipple, my teeth scraping against the skin while my hand palms the other.


    "Emerson. " She cries as she grips the end of my locks, while trying to steady her rolls and it''s the


    sounds of our moans, and our gasps with our fast-beating hearts as we settle in our world ofplete


    bliss.

 N I N E T Y - O N E

    N I N E T Y - O N E


    EMERSON.


    "Hey, " I whisper as she drops her head on my chest. "Hey. "


    Adjusting against my body, she says, "How do you feel?"


    "Happy?" I say more of a question than an answer, then I settle with. "Happy. You''re in my arms. "


    A smile crosses her face. "Emerson Ford. " She lifts her hands to my face. "You know how to make a


    girl feel good just at the brink of slumber. "


    I show a proud smile. "You. Just you. "


    She hums and drops her chin to brush her lips against my chest. Then she tips it again to meet my


    eyes, "But I meant the other way. "


    "I know, baby. " I say, circling my hands around her waist. "And I''m happy. Maybe it''s because you''re


    here. Maybe it''s because I''ve finallye to ept that, and the fact that she''ll always be with me, or


    maybe it''s because everything else seems perfect. "


    "You have no idea how pleased I am to hear that. " She murmurs, pauses for the pass of a heartbeat,


    then adds, "Do you want me toe with you?"


    I groan loudly. "I''ll very much like that, Eva... But I can''t have you with me. You''ll have to let me go for


    today. "


    "You promise to take me there one day?" She pouts and I chuckle, leaning forward to kiss her frown


    away. When I move my head back against the pillow, I snake a hand around the back and say, "Right


    after yours. "


    "You first. " She insists, and just as I''m about to open my mouth to protest, the sound of a beep


    interrupts me and I angle my head to the side to grab my phone.


    Opening the screen, it''s a new text from Elias.


    EL: Are you on your way? Everyone else is almost ready.


    "It''s Elias. " I tell Eva when she starts to move off me and I bring the phone forward to type out a reply.


    ME: Almost. I''ll be there soon.


    "Where are you going?" I ask when I drop the phone to see Eva stripping out of my shirt. She turns her


    head to me, "You said it''s Elias; you should get ready. "


    I hum and she starts to walk to my side in just her panties with her bare chest. She throws a hand over


    my shoulder and brings my head to her thigh with her fingersbing through my curls. "Today isn''t a


    sad day, is it?"


    I lift my gaze to meet hers and shake my head.


    "Good. " She whispers and I drop my head to grab her other hand. Entwining it with mine, I say, "What


    will you do when I''m not here?"


    "I have to meet up with Aliya. But I''ll be back before you. " She assures and when I raise a brow at her,


    she says, "I promise. "


    With a nod, she drags me out of bed and pulls me to the bathroom, while she strides back inside the


    room.


    ~


    "He''s here. " Hanna is the first to sight me as I stride inside the house and they''re all on the couch.


    Elias looks away from his phone and walks to me. "Hey. "


    "Where is¡ª"


    He doesn''t let me finish before he answers. "In his room. He''s waiting for you. "


    I nod, and Hanna throws me a smile along with my stepmom as I walk out of the living room to where


    he awaits me.


    When I walk into his room, Dad is standing by the window and I stroll closer to his side. He looks at me


    at the sound of my footsteps and smile, "Hey, you''re here. "


    "I am. " I nod, and he ps a hand on my shoulder before he steps to the side with me following behind


    him. I stand still while he walks to his drawer and I watch as he takes out a small box before he closes


    it and turns to me.


    He turns around, making a stop in front of me and I gaze at the box in his hand.


    When I look up at him, he says, "This was the gift Jane wanted for you. She had me hold it with me so


    we''ll give it together. "


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I swallow at the mention of my mom''sst gift to me. "What''s in it?"


    "I never opened it. I couldn''t find it in me to. " He says as he pushes the box in front of me, "But you


    should. "


    I nod and take the ck box from him. Meeting his eyes, he nods for me to go ahead and I do. A white


    small card is the first I see when I open it, and I take it; revealing the ne that rests beneath.


    With a shaky breath, I grab the ne that holds my initial and tears pool in my eyes, remembering


    myst request to her and her promise to fulfil it.


    I hold the box in one hand to open the small card, and I instantly recognize her writing.


    ''Hey, baby. I got you the ne like you wanted, and I hope you love it. I know you wanted just an


    ordinary one, but because my handsome son isn''t just ordinary to me¡ª I thought I''d go out of my way


    and make this for you. You love it, don''t you? I know you''re angry at mom for not spending enough time


    with you, but I do want you to know that you''re always in my mind and in my heart, and I might not be


    physically beside you, but you''ll always feel my presence, baby and I promise to work and strive harder


    so I can have my resting moments with my beautiful boy and the rest of the family. Love Always, Mom. ''


    I don''t realize my tears are dropping until Dad squeezes my shoulder and I lift my head to him. He


    smiles at me, "You shouldn''t be in tears. "


    "I¡ª this is¡ª This is so beautiful. And she never got to see my reaction to receiving this gift from her. "


    "I''m sure she''s looking at you right now, Emerson and she must be so happy that you love it. " His


    voice breaks and I can feel the sadness in his words.


    "But to make her even happier; you have toe with me to make an appearance before her. "


    "Yes, " I agree with a nod as I fold the paper and close the box. "I have to. "


    "Good. Do you need us to give you a few minutes or¡ª"


    "No, I''m fine. I''m perfect. We can leave right now. " I assure him, and he squeezes my shoulder before


    he walks out of the room. With another nce at the box in hand, I slip it inside my pocket and take the


    same path he did.


    Everyone is waiting for us when we arrive in the living room, and Elias moves to my side, holding a


    hand over my shoulder. "Are you okay?" He asks softly.


    I turn my head to him, and nod, "I am. "


    "Are you sure?" He asks again and I throw him a small smile as I slide a hand around his shoulder.


    "Perfect. "


    We all walk out of the house with Dad and Eliza taking one car, while Elias, Hanna and I take another.


    "Why are you smiling?" I lift my brows at Hanna when I meet her eyes in the mirror and she shakes her


    head, "It''s nice to see you back to normal. "


    "When have I ever not be?"


    "When Eva was¡ª" she''s quick to shut her mouth when I re at her, and Eliasughs next to me as


    he starts the car.


    I look down at my phone, and rub my finger across her face with a small smile before I drop the mobile


    and look out the window.


    ~


    "Jane. I''m here. " Dad speaks first, his eyes on the sight in front of him. "You''re probably mad at me for


    staying away all these years, and no excuses nor reasons can justify that so I''ll ask for your


    forgiveness, rather than trying to do those. "


    I gulp and hold my hands in front of me as he continues, "I''m so sorry that it took me this long toe


    to you. And I''m so sorry for all the mistakes I''ve made ¡ªones I''m sure haven''t gone beyond your notice


    ¡ª all in the name of my love for you. I''m sorry for making our son suffer and ming him for what was


    nothing but fate. I''m sorry for a lot of things, Jane and I hope you''ll forgive me for them. I got remarried,


    Jane. " He holds out a hand to his wife as he speaks those words, and she grips him tight. "I''m not sure


    what your reaction would be to that, but knowing you; you''d probably say I made the best decision that


    was there. You''d say she''s beautiful, and I deserve a shot at happiness again. I do want you to know,


    though, that you''ll always be in my heart and nothing will ever take that away from us. "


    Dad looks at me, and holds out his hand. With a smile, I take it before I extend my other hand to Elias,


    who takes mine and extends his hand to Hanna. "We''re all here for you. My family. Your family. We''re


    here to thank you for being an amazing woman. An amazing wife. An amazing mother, and an amazing


    person in all. Thank you for giving us your love, and your care, Jane. You''ll always be in our hearts, and


    we''ll always love you. "


    After those words, he drops his flowers before he steps back and the rest takes turns speaking.


    "Let''s give him a moment. " Dad says when it gets to my turn, and I throw him an appreciative smile as


    they step away. Standing in front of my mother, I hold out the box.


    "I just received this, " I chuckle as I open the box. "And it''s beautiful. Thank you. I don''t know what you


    thought I''d say about it, but I love it. "


    Closing the box again, I move it to the front and sigh. "I¡ª he already said everything I wanted to say. I


    ¡ª I''m sorry, mom. For not understanding you, and for being angry over a lot of things that I was never


    meant to be for. I''m sorry for never getting all these sooner and I''m sorry for not telling you this before


    you left, but I do want to say it now: you''re an amazing mother, mom. And I''ve always loved you. I will


    always love you. Thank you foring into our lives, and giving us all you did. And I also want you to


    know that I''m happy, mom. Right now, I''m the happiest I could ever be. There''s someone. " I smile and


    drop my head. "Eva. You don''t know her, do you? I''ll bring her to you one day. She''s beautiful. Very


    pretty. She''s the most beautiful, and I''d never be here without her. You''ll like her too. Just wait for me to


    bring her here. "


    I slip the box back into my pocket, and drop my flowers. "I''m leaving this here, and I''ll be back soon. I


    love you, mother. "


    With a swipe across my face, I turn away and dad surprises me by instantly wrapping his arms around


    me as I turn to him.


    He pats my back. "She''s happy. She''s happy, Emerson. "


    And as I wrap my arms around him, receiving my father''s warmth for the first time in years with smiles


    on my family''s faces as they stand a few steps away from us; I know my birthday is no longer a day of


    sadness for me. I no longer have to feel alone, nor me myself for taking my mother away from us on


    that very day. I now see that day as her day. A day to honour her memories and let her know that she''s


    always with me... With us. Every. Single. Time.


    ~


    "Will you be returning to your apartment tonight?" Dad asks as Hanna brings the cups and Elias beats


    me to speak."I don''t think he can spend anothersting second without Eva. I''m sure he already sees it


    as torture that you have him waiting here. "


    "I won''t. " I respond, ignoring his taunts. "She''s waiting home for me. "


    "Aww, it''s your home now. " Hanna speaks and I say, "You shouldn''t open your mouth when your elders


    are speaking. "


    "How long have you been with her?" Dad asks, interrupting my interaction with my sister and I raise my


    gaze to him, "A few months. It wasn''t always love between us. "


    "That''s understandable. " He smiles as he takes a sip from his drink. "And how long have you known


    about us?"


    "Not too long after I called you. " He says and I ask, "How do you even know?"


    He grins. "I told you the world is too small for Mason Ford. "


    When I narrow my eyes, he says, "Someone I know saw you both, and informed me about it. You


    weren''t that discreet about it, son. "


    "I didn''t n to be. Not when I was away from here. " I say with a shrug and he hums.


    "When do we get to meet Eva by the way? I feel like I''m the only one who hasn''t met her yet?" My


    Stepmom speaks and Hanna says, "You''ll love her! She''s so polite and so kind. I was stunned by her


    personality the first time I saw her. "


    "I don''t think you''ll be meeting her soon. " I respond to her question and she frowns, "Why''s that?"


    "Probably because he won''t be able to keep it in his pants in front of us all. " Elias butts in, and I re


    at the side of his head while the others break into fits ofughter.


    When he turns away from hisptop, and winks at me; I shake my head, unable to hold back my own


    smile.


    And we spend some more time messing around, from personal matters to business matters and it''s the


    first time I feel like we''re a whole family. The first time I feel like I actually belong here.


    ~


    Pulling in front of our apartment, I climb out of the car and shut the door; stilling at the sight of the light''s


    reflection and I know there''s someone in there¡ª waiting for me.


    Pocketing my keys, I pace forward to the front door and push through. Closing the door gently, it


    somehow doesn''t go behind her notice and she raises her head to me. She''s sitting on the couch, with


    her eyes previously on the screen, watching one of her favourite shows and when she raises to her


    feet, my eyes drag down her body; drinking in the sight of her in just a thong and a bra.


    "Hey. " I greet her and she doesn''t respond as she closes the distance between us and wraps her arms


    around my neck. I clutch her to my chest tightly and bury my face in the side of her neck, inhaling her


    scent and sighing at the feel of her again after a long, yet eventful day.


    When Eva pulls back, she doesn''t say a word still but jumps on me, and I immediately steady her legs


    around me before I drop my hands to her ass.


    After a brush of her lips to the corner of my mouth, she finally speaks, "Tell me. "


    "Thank you. " I mumble, knowing those are not the exact words she''s expecting but ones I want to say


    to her.


    "Why?" She questions and I repeat her action by brushing my lips to the corner of her mouth before I


    speak, "For always been in my life. For deciding I''m worth more than just someone you despised. For


    showing me what an amazing person you are, and for staying here. For giving me your everything,


    despite what we''ve been through and for always loving me. I don''t know how I would be without you,


    Eva. "


    "You''ll be the same amazing person you are right now. " She says and when I part my lips to speak,


    she shushes me, "You shouldn''t thank me because you gave me more than what I gave you. "


    "That''s not right. "


    She smiles and closes her lips over mine for a second before she takes her sweetness with her. "It is. I


    needed you more than you needed me; I still do. "


    "No. " I shake my head, disagreeing with her words. "I needed you just as much as you needed me,


    and I still do. Without you, I would have never made it through a lot of things, Eva. My rtionship with


    my father. My mom. Everything. I''d be miserable if you didn''t love me; probably sleeping around like a


    whore, and trying to figure out the next girl I''ll stick my cock into. "


    Eva grimaces at myst words, and I chuckle, "Sorry. But you know what I mean. It had to be you, Eva.


    If it weren''t you, then I don''t know how I would be, but I''m so fucking thankful that you let it be you. So


    thank you, Eva Carson. "


    "It had to be you too, so thank you, Emerson Ford. " She says and I smile, nudging her nose against


    mine and bringing her head to my shoulder again. We stay like that for several minutes, hoping our


    silence will speak everything else we want to say before Eva pulls away, and I begin to move us further


    into the room.


    "Did you miss me?" I ask her as I grab the remote to turn off the TV and she says, "You know damn


    right that I did. "


    "How much?" I lift my brow and she makes a thinking gesture before she speaks, "I came close to


    walking out of that door, anding to you. "


    "You''re a sweet talker, babe. " I frown and sheughs. "I mean it. "


    "Did you eat already?" I ask as I make a turn to the kitchen and she shakes her head. "I was waiting for


    you. "


    "To ease your mind or toe to make food for you?" I tease her and she pinches my chest, causing


    me tough. She drops her head to my chest and I move a hand to her back as I use the other to open


    the refrigerator.


    Closing it back with a bottle in hand, I''m startled when Eva pushes back against it, pulling me with her


    and I hear the creak of the door.


    She licks her lips, "Emerson. "


    "Hmm?"


    "Please kiss me. " When I look down between us, she says, "Just kiss. "


    I smile and move to drop the bottle I have in hand before I ce my lips over hers, our mouths moving


    against each other in a slow-paced kiss in the beautiful silence of the night.


    And like she wants, it''s just a kiss before we move into an embrace again with the confessions of our


    love floating in the air around us.

 N I N E T Y - T W O

    N I N E T Y - T W O


    EMERSON.


    "Give me that!" Eva whines as she strides inside the living room, and Iugh as I dodge her attempt to


    grab the te from me.


    "Emerson. Give it to me. " She insists and I shake my head, "I let you have the two other slices; I''m not


    giving you thest one. "


    She frowns. "I thought you don''t love cakes. You wouldn''t have bought it if I didn''t insist. "


    "But we did, and I''m having this one now. I''m not giving it to you, babe. " I state firmly and she drops


    next to me, "You''re so petty. "


    "Not any lesser than you, Carson. " I tease her as she grabs the remote in front of her, and she shoves


    her middle finger in my face.


    Chuckling, I take my attention back to the te and lift the fork to my mouth. I don''t see iting when


    Eva suddenly grabs my jaw, turning my head to her and biting the cake out of my mouth.


    She wipes the corner of my mouth with her forefinger, and slips it inside her mouth as she leans back


    with a grin on her face, "I told you I''d get it. "


    "That''s cheating. " I say as I swallow the rest in my mouth, and she beams. "I did it anyway. "


    "I''m taking your chocte. " I tell her and she throws me a re, "No, you won''t. "


    "Never be too sure, baby. " I chuckle as I take another bite in my mouth. I drop the te to the table,


    and turn my head toward her.


    "What are you¡ª" the rest of her words fall into silence when I grab the back of her head, and share the


    cake with her. She moans and locks her hands around my neck, taking more than I offer before she


    pulls away with another yet cheeky grin. "Why do you fight me when you eventually give in?"


    "I''d ask you the same question. " I whisper and she smiles, her hand rubbing my neck before she slides


    one down to my chin and meets my lips again. I drop my hands to her waist as I slowly lift her from her


    seat, and move her over me, slipping my hand beneath the top she has on to her bare skin.


    She pulls away for a split second to meet my eyes before she lowers her mouth to my neck, and a


    sound leaves my throat at the touch of her lips to the skin. Teeth scraping against the flesh and leaving


    another mark on her favourite spot.


    "Emerson. " She detaches her mouth to moan and I smile as I rub my finger across her d pussy, "I


    might just get you pregnant one of these days. "


    "What''s wrong?" I furrow my brows when Eva pulls away from me, her whole expression changing.


    "You said pregnant. " She repeats my words and I nod, "Yes, and what''s wrong with that?"


    "You meant that as a joke, didn''t you?" She lifts a brow, and I lift my body off the couch to shift to her


    side. "I did, and wait¡ª what if I didn''t mean it as a joke?"


    Eva holds a serious expression as she speaks, "What do you mean by that?"


    "That''s exactly what I''m asking you. What if I didn''t mean it as a joke? Like I actually want to get you


    knocked up?" I question and she chuckles, "You''re kidding?"


    When I don''t follow and give her no response, her smile fades, "You''re not? Em? Pregnant? Like this?"


    "Yes, what''s wrong with that?" I lift my brow, and I watch her move off the couch, her voice loud as her


    next words slip through her lips, "What do you mean what''s wrong with that? I''m fucking neen. "


    "You''ll be twenty soon. " I remind her and she shakes her head, "Almost twenty and still in college. This


    is definitely not the right time to think about getting me pregnant. "


    "I was joking, babe, " Iugh, grabbing her hand to pull her back to me and she sighs as she falls on


    myp. Lowering my hand to her back, I add, "But what if it actually happens? What if I actually want to


    get you pregnant? Don''t you want that?"


    "I don''t know how to feel about it. " She confesses in a small voice, dropping her head.


    I tip her chin to raise her gaze to mine. "Eva, you''re my woman. You''ll be the one to carry my babies. "


    "I''m not so sure about that. " She mutters and I frown, "What do you mean?"


    "Come on, Emerson. Let''s be realistic. It''s still a long journey. " She raises her shoulder, and I slide my


    hand to her face, pushing her hair behind her ears before I cup her face with my hands, "No, it''s not.


    Why are you saying things like that?"


    "Like what?"


    "Like you don''t want to be with me forever?" I say and she shakes her head, "That''s not what I meant. I


    just mean¡ª"


    "If I go down on my knees right now, and ask you to marry me; will you reject me?" I query and she


    sighs again, "Emerson, I¡ª"


    "No, answer the question, Carson. Will you reject me?" I persist, and she wets her lips before she


    answers, "Right now, maybe I won''t. Butter¡ª"


    "You will reject me if I ask you to marry meter?"


    "No, I don''t mean it like that. God, Emerson. We still have a long journey ahead of us, anything could


    happen. You might not want to get married to meter on. " She says the words as if she doesn''t have


    me in the back of her palm. As if I''m not the same guy that''s so fucking crazy over her. As if I never


    promised always and forever with her. As if she doesn''t know the extent to which I''d go just to keep her


    like this.


    "No. I''ve never felt that way and I''ll never feel that way. And neither should you. I thought you wanted


    me to spend the rest of your life with you? What changed?" I stroke her cheeks and she drops her


    hand to my chest.


    "Nothing. I''m just being realistic here, Emerson. There''ll be more challenges and troubles, and we


    might not be as lucky as we are at the moment. We might eventually break apart. I don''t want to spend


    these moments thinking we''re endgame, when we might not be. You might get bored of me, and decide


    you want to¡ª" I stop her before she can finish.


    "No. Don''t say those things to me. We are endgame and I''ll get married to you. You''ll carry my kids and


    you''ll give me one beautiful family. How the hell could you possibly think I would get bored of you? Are


    you saying that because you don''t want what I want?" I ask her, ensuring she doesn''t tear her gaze


    from mine as she mumbles, "No. "


    "Then why¨C baby, are you scared? Are you scared to be those things?" I narrow my eyes at her,


    and when the uncertainty clears from her face to be reced with an expression of fear, I know she is.


    "Yes. I almost lost you once and there''s no assurance that I won''t again. We don''t know what awaits us,


    Emerson. " She says the words softly, and my chest drops at the thought that, that once urrence


    has her entire mindset changed about us.


    "Forever awaits us, Eva. You won''t lose me again. Ever. " I assure her with a smile.


    "You said those words once. " She says and I drop my hands from her face with a frown, "I thought you


    said you trust me?"


    "I do. " She nods, and I grab her hands from my chest toce my fingers through hers.


    "Then why can''t you trust me with this? I don''t see myself spending anothersting minute with any


    other woman that isn''t you, Carson. Yes, troubles mighte our way. I don''t expect it to be all


    sunshine and rainbows from now on, but what I''m saying is that I''ll be by your side no matter what. " I


    tell her, caressing her hands and when she opens her mouth, the words that fall aren''t ones I fancy.


    "What if you stop loving me? What if¡ª"


    "No what-ifs, Carson. I''m yours till the second I take myst breath, and so are you. Why''d you ever


    think I''d stop loving you after everything? " I leave her hands to squeeze her sides and a small smile


    lifts to her lips. "Okay. Okay, I believe you. "


    "Say it. " I demand and she lifts a brow, "Uh?"


    "Say the words, Eva. Say you''re mine till forever. " I repeat and lift my hand to her mouth, "Say this, "


    And her heart. "And this, " Then her chest. "And this. " To make the final stop between her legs. "And


    this is mine till we take ourst breath. "


    "Emerson¡ª" sheughs.


    "Don''tugh. I''m serious. I want to hear the words. " I say in a serious tone and she chuckles, rubbing


    herself against the hand that stays between her thighs as she says, "Okay, fine. They''re yours. "


    "Till?" I raise my brow, and she moves her hands to my head as she knocks her forehead against mine.


    "Till we take ourst breath. "


    "Good, now move here so I can fuck you to seal that promise. " I blink at her and she says, "I still don''t


    want to be a mother right now. "


    "Why not? It''s easy, baby. You just have to give birth to the beautiful one and leave the rest to me. " I


    say as I move us off the couch toy her back against it, and she immediately locks her legs around my


    waist, her hands finding their stay on my shoulders as I move over her.


    "Including the breastfeeding?" She taunts me with a yful look on her face and I go along with it. "Do


    you want me to grow titties so we can make things easier for you? I''ll find a way. There''s got to be


    some scientific method for that. "


    "Stop. God. " Sheughs, her entire body shaking along with the sound and a smile climbs on my lips


    at the sight of it. "I can''t believe we''re having this conservation. We''re yet to finish college. "


    "It''s nice to have these types of conservations. I would have never known you were scared if I didn''t


    bring it up just now. " I nt my hands by her sides as I brush my lips over her forehead, down to the


    line of her nose.


    "I''m not scared. I''m just apprehensive, aren''t you?" She says as she pushes me back on my shoulder.


    "Scared of being a father?" When she res at me, Iugh and say, "No, I''m not. I love kids. They''re


    adorable little creatures. "


    "You don''t exactly show your deepest love to Hanna. "


    "Hanna isn''t a kid, baby. She''s sixteen. " I bury my face in her chest, and kiss her through her shirt. She


    hums, pushing her chest forward as she says, "So you''ll stop showing our children love once they''re


    grown?"


    "No, that''s not what I meant. I mean¡ª wait. " I lean away from her chest with an excited face.


    "What?"


    "Do you realize what you just said?" I ask her and a look of confusion covers her beautiful face,


    "Showing love?"


    "No, you said our children. Ours, baby. So I did seed in changing your mind. " I beam, revelling in


    the way her cheeks redden after those words. "Shut up, Hell!" She tries to hide her face, but fails.


    "I love it when you blush. " I confess when she meets my gaze, then lower my voice, "I love you. "


    "I love you. " She smiles before she presses me down to her, "Will you give me your cock now? I''m


    soaked. "


    "I thought we were speaking about serious issues? How can you be soaked?" I arch my brows and she


    says, "You were rubbing against me the entire time, and you''re hard. "


    "That''s because I was staring at your face. Your face gets me hard. Especially when there are those


    red tints. Yes, just like that. You''re blushing again, babe. " Iugh and she looks away from me, "God,


    shut up and move. "


    "What will you give me in return?"


    "Pleasure. You get to run your hands all over this sexy body. Don''t you think that''s reward enough?"


    She answers as she drags my hands down her sides to where she badly needs me.


    "No, babe. I need more than that. " I mumble, letting her hands fall from mine before I rub a finger


    across her wetness and she moans lowly, "What do you want?"


    "What can you give me?" I retort, slipping her panties to the side. "Should I¡ª oh, fuck. " she cusses


    when I glide my finger between her folds, gripping my arms tightly. "Should I pole dance for you?"


    "Hmmm. "


    "You''re thinking about it. " She calls me out when my finger remains still and I say, "I still haven''t gotten


    over thest one you did. I swear it''s like you grow even more perfect each time you do it. "


    "Don''t tter me. " She hisses and I shake my head, "I''m not. I''m saying the truth, babe. "


    "Then you get to see another if you fuck me hard enough. " She jerks her head to the space between


    our bodies.


    "Hard? I''d think you''ll want slow after our conversation. "


    "Let''s leave the slow for after I give you that show. " She throws me a wink, and I look down between


    her legs, moving my finger against her throbbing pussy. "You drive me insane, Eva Carson. "


    "I know. And I love it. " She whispers, and I start to slide further down her body, only to stop midway


    when Eva says, "You''re really really handsome. "


    "What?" She mouths when I lift my head to her.


    "That just came out of nowhere. I wasn''t expecting it. "


    "Why? I tell you you''re handsome all the time. " She says and I nod. "Yes, but not when I''m about to


    stick my cock inside you. "


    "You tell me I''m beautiful every time you move between my legs. " She reminds me of my favourite


    tradition and I smirk, "Yes, and that''s kind of my thing. Like a guy''s thing; you''re not supposed to say it


    to me, baby. "


    "I don''t care. I''llpliment you in any way I want to. " She deres and I mouth, "Stubborn. "


    "You love me. " She states as a matter of factly and I groan at the biggest truth. "Damn right I do. "Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "So move, Em. I want my next words to be moans of your name. " And I move down, dragging her


    panties down her legs to toss it across the room. I shift her legs from my waist to my shoulders,


    spreading her thighs with my fingers separating her pussy lips as Itch my tongue on her juices, and


    suck¡ª hard enough to give her what she wants and make the next sounds that fall from her mouth,


    nothing but moans and whimpers of my name as she grips my head tight.

 N I N E T Y - T H R E E

    N I N E T Y - T H R E E


    ALIYA.


    "Hey!" I flinch at the loud sound behind me and Evaughs as she moves around me to my side,


    holding me by my arm. "You''re such a coward. "


    "Shut up, bitch. You scared me. " I throw her a frown, adjusting the strap of my bag and she wiggles her


    head as she straightens against me, "Why were you lost in thoughts?"


    "I was not. " I roll my eyes and she narrows hers at me, "Yes, you were. Were you thinking about


    Friday? You don''t have toe up with something heavy, you know. "


    I smirk at her at the mention of her birthday. "No chance in hell, bitch. Everyone ising. "


    She furrows her brows, "Aliya, what do you mean by that? Please tell me you didn''t go overboard with


    this. "


    When I don''t give her a response and keep the smirk on my face, she screams, "Aliya!"


    "Fuck sake, we''re on campus. Tone it down forter. " I hiss as my eyes move across us to see people


    are barely paying us any attention. When I look back at her, I say, "I was just fucking with you. There''s


    no one other than our circle. "


    "Good. I''d kill you if it turns out otherwise. " She threatens and I shake my head as we proceed to move


    forward, "Where''s your boy?" I ask her, looking behind her with no sight of the familiar brown-eyed, and


    Evie interrupts my search by saying, "He had to go somewhere. He should be here soon. "


    "Probably nning something for Friday, " I tease her and watch as she tears her gaze away from


    mine. With a chuckle, I say, "Do they want you toe tomorrow?"


    She shakes her head, and I lower my voice as I squeeze her shoulder, "Will you be alright for it?"


    She turns her head to me and smiles. "I will be. I''m no longer at that ce, Lia. You don''t have to worry


    about me. "


    "Yeah, but you say that every year and end up doing something very concerning. " I frown at the


    remembrance of her days over the years and Eva says, "That was then. This is now. I mean those


    words now. "


    "You better, because if¡ª" the rest of my words catch up in my throat when I see Sage. She''s talking to


    the same girl, and her smile disappears when she meets my eyes. She turns her head away, saying


    something to the girl and she nods before she takes the other direction. I''m about to look away from


    her when she suddenly turns her head to me, holding my gaze as she begins to walk toward us.


    "Why did you stop?" I hear Eva ask beside me, but I''m unable to give her a response as Sage draws


    more and close.


    My hand falls from Eva''s shoulder and I keep it by my side as she steps in front of me with a smile


    directed at Eva, "Hey, you. "


    "Hey, Sage.?" Eva answers while I simply stand there with closed lips.


    "I don''t see Emerson. " She notes and Eva says, "He should be here soon. "


    She hums and they fall into silence, and I don''t realize both gazes are on me until I lift my head to lock


    gazes with Sage.


    "Hey, " she whispers, and I give her a small smile. "Hi. "


    She jerks her head to the side, "Do you think I can steal some seconds from you? I need to talk to you


    about something. " To say I''m shocked will be an understatement. Even after everything, and being


    within a close distance to each other every time on campus; she doesn''t spare me more than five


    seconds of her time.


    "Sure. Of course, why not?" I stammer helplessly and I think I catch a low snicker from Eva as I step


    forward. Sage nods and leads me away, and just before we disappear out of sight; I meet Eva''s eyes


    and throw her a re. She gives a salute with two of her fingers with a smug grin before she walks


    away.


    Sage finally stops when we reach a safe sight from the rest of the world, and when she doesn''t speak


    for a while; I break the silence and say, "You wanted to talk?"


    "Yes. " She confirms with a nod, lifting her head to me. She keeps my gaze for a few seconds then she


    looks away, "Um... I want to talk about us. "


    "About us?" I repeat and she nods for affirmation then she opens her mouth. "It''s been pretty awkward,


    don''t you think?"


    "I don''t think so. " I say softly. "I think we needed the space. Might still do. "


    "Yes, but I think it''s kind of unnecessary?" She suggests, and when I arch my brows, she proceeds to


    say, "Look, Aliya. We met, we hooked up and we had a beautiful thing for a while. It was fun while it


    any different. And since we''re on the same campus, with the same circle of friends; I think it''d be pretty


    stupid to keep avoiding each other every time we meet. It''s awkward for me, and I don''t want to do that


    any longer. "


    "You don''t? " I raise a brow and she nods, "I don''t. Do you?"


    I sigh. "Honestly, I don''t what that between us either. I just thought you might need some more time


    before you would want to interact, but I''m pleased to hear you think the same as I do. Again, Sage, I''m


    sorry for how things went between us and I know that''s probably ame thing to say, but I still want to


    do it. I''m sorry, and I''m also happy for you. "


    "Happy for me?" She says with a confused face and I smile, "Happy that you found your happiness in


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    someone else. I can tell she treats you just the way you deserve to be treated. "


    "What are you talking about?" She asks and I take a while before I answer, "I meant... The girl?"


    "What girl?" She sounds genuinely confused and it confuses me even more. "The girl. The one you''re


    with. "


    "The one I''m with?" She holds her confusion before realization finally dawns on her. "Oh, you mean


    Brielle. "


    "Yes, that one. I thought¡ª" I don''t get to finish my words when Sage interrupts me, "You said the one


    I''m with. I''m not with Elle. "


    "You''re not?" I lift a brow and she nods. "I''m not. She''s just a friend. We met the other night, and I found


    out she school here. "


    "Oh. " It''s the only word that leaves my mouth, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment at the thought


    that I read the whole situation wrong the entire time.


    Sage chuckles, "What were you thinking?"


    "Nothing, " I shake my head. "I just thought¡ª you two are so close, so I thought you were with her. I''m


    sorry. "


    "It''s fine. " She waves her hand. "You don''t have to apologize because it''s understandable. Elle is pretty


    friendly. "


    "I can tell. " I smile and she hums as we fall into silence again. This time, Sage is the first to break it, "I


    can''t be in one that fast. " She murmurs, but I manage to catch it, "What?"


    "A rtionship. I can''t be in another that fast. Yes, I''ve gotten over what happened between us, but not


    in that way. "


    "It''s not? People say it''s easier to get over when you''re in a new one. " I tell her and she jerks her head


    to me, "Then why aren''t you in one? Unless that''s just something I don''t know about. "


    "No. " I''m quick to say. "I''m not. It''s different for me. I can''t do that again. Not until I understand my own


    heart, I can''t be with anyone; I can''t hurt anyone else as I hurt you. "


    "You don''t have to beat yourself up for it. " She assures me, and when I open my mouth to speak, she


    beats me to it, "I''m serious, Aliya. I''m fine, and you don''t have to feel guilty for how things went. If you


    do, then it''ll be hard for me to leave us in the past, and that''ll only make things worse. "


    I nod in agreement. "I won''t. I don''t. "


    "Good, " she gleams, and she seems to think about it for a moment before she paces forward and


    ps my arm lightly. "Thank you. I should be on my way now; ss already started. "


    My eyes move to the spot she touched before I lift my head to her, a smile ying on my lips. "You too.


    And will you be there on Friday?"


    She nods and steps back. "I''ll be. I''ll see you around, Aliya. "


    I hum, and she gives a wave before she turns around and begins to walk away. Just before she moves


    out of sight, she swerves her head to me and says, "You look great with your hair straightened by the


    way. "


    I look down at the hair that falls down my shoulder, and when I raise my head to her again; she''s gone.


    My chest falls in a sigh and I pull on the straps of my bag, a feeling offort washing over me¨C d


    that we finally had the conversation we both truly needed.


    I might have yed a massive role in what happened to us, and I did me myself for it, but I''ve let


    that go now.


    Sometimes, love doesn''t always end with forever. Sometimes, the first time isn''t always thest. We


    love, and learn as well as we love and fail. Things don''t always work out the way we want them to, and


    that''s just the bnce of life.


    I loved Sage and I failed, but more than that¨C I learned.


    EMERSON.


    "So what''s your n for her?" Jaxon asks as he takes the seat next to Paige whose eyes are also on


    me, anticipating my answer and I say, "I don''t know. I''m trying to think out of the ordinary, but that just


    seems impossible. "


    "Do you have any gift in mind at least?" Paige asks, and when I shake my head, she sighs and takes a


    sip of her drink. Iugh and say, "I do, but I don''t want to do what I have in mind. I want to do


    something else; I just haven''t figured out what that is yet. "


    "Well, you should. And soon. You don''t have much time before it''s Friday. " She says and I nod.


    "Are the gifts necessary? Like, I don''t get the whole gist about it? Isn''t the fact that she''s getting


    balloons and a party enough?" Jaxon speaks and Paige snorts out augh. "It''s honestly not a wonder


    that you fail to keep a girl. "


    "Shut the fuck up. I don''t fail to keep them, I just don''t want to keep them. " He hisses and Paige


    smirks, "Are you sure about that? I doubt any girl would want to be kept by you if you don''t think it''s


    necessary to get her something special for her day. "


    "Just because you would like that doesn''t mean every girl is like you, Red. " Jax retorts and Paige says,


    "I''m not. I''m teaching you what you need to know. "


    "And why are you suddenly interested in the way I want to treat my girl, Red? Are you nning to hit on


    me or something?" Jaxon says with a confident grin and she scrunches her nose, "Ew. Fuck no. You


    aren''t even on thest of my list, asshole. "


    "That exins why you were throwing yourself at mest night, and begging me to fuck you. "


    "I was drunk!" She says loudly. "And it was dark! I would never willingly do that. "


    Jaxughs and I shake my head as they continue to exchange words. Turning my head away from


    them, I look out the window to see a boy running by and a smile slowly lifts to my face at the thought


    that hits me.


    "I have it!" I announce, and they both turn their heads to me. "Have what?"


    "The surprise. I know what I want to do for her now. " I beam excitedly, looking to my side to grab my


    keys and Paige says, "What''s it? And where are you going?"


    "I need to start it now. I''ll talk to you guyster. " I wink at them before I move out of my seat, and head


    towards the door with Paige''s voice echoing behind me. "Wait, Emery! You can''t leave me with this


    asshole. "


    "Bitch, I know you''re happy he left me with you. "


    ~


    My eyes move across the field in search of Eva, and I''m astounded when I''m weed with the sight


    of another familiar, but very unexpected face.


    "Elias?" I call in surprise as I walk toward him and he smiles when I reach him. "I thought It''d take you


    longer. "


    "What are you doing here?" I ask him and he looks around us before he says, "What else? Checking


    out my brother''s school, of course. "


    "El. " I drawl and he calls my name in the same tone, earning augh from me with him following after.


    When the sound dies down, I say, "Seriously, what are you doing here? I wasn''t expecting to see you


    here. "


    "I just wanted to check this ce out. I was bored at home. " He says, takes a pause and adds. "And to


    tell you I''ll be leaving tomorrow. "


    "What?" I exim and he cackles. "And I think that reaction is another one of the many reasons I


    thought toe here. "


    "You''re leaving tomorrow? I thought Dad said you should spend some more time with your family. " I


    remind him, and he nods, "The man did say that, but I can''t spend any more time here, little brother. I


    need to go back to my ce. There''s a lot that awaits me there. "


    "They can''t wait?" I propose and he shakes his head in opposition. "They can''t. And why are you


    bothered? You spend your seconds and minutes with Eva anyway, I don''t think you''d notice my


    absence. "


    "Of course, I will. I know you''re home, but now I know you''re leaving. There''s a difference. " I tell him,


    and he smiles, his eyes moving behind me. He answers my unasked question when he says, "And


    where''s she? "


    "Should be here somewhere. I texted her a while ago, and she said she''ll be here. " I inform him,


    looking around for her.


    "You''d think the two of you would¡ª oh there she is. " I turn my head at Elias''s words to see Eva in the


    distance with Aliya and her roommate beside her. I wave at her and when she catches my hand, she


    quickens her steps.


    "Who''s that girl?" Elias voices behind me and when I look back at him, he''s staring ahead of him with


    focused eyes.


    "Uh? Which one?"


    "The one by Eva''s left. "


    "Maria?" I say and he meets my eyes, "Maria? That''s her name. "


    "Yes, and why are you..." I trail off when Elias tilts her head. "No fucking way. You''re interested in her?"


    Heughs and averts his gaze. "I''m not. She just caught my attention, I guess. "


    "She isn''t for you. " I tell him and he turns his head to me again with lifted brows, "And you say that


    because?"


    "Because it''s the truth. And she goes nowhere near the women you y with. "


    He clicks his tongue just as they stop in front of us, and Eva''s eyes immediately move to Elias.


    "Eva. " El says, stretching his hand, and Eva looks between me and him before she takes the hand,


    returning the greeting.


    I watch as they converse with Elias being attentive when it turns to Maria and me nudging him with my


    elbow.


    "I''ll text youter, babe?" Aliya says to Eva and she nods before she walks away with Maria.


    "Can you wait for me in the car? I''ll be back. " I say to Eva and she nods, waving at Elias before we


    both head to his car.


    "You''re leaving tomorrow. Don''t think about it. " I say to Elias as we stop in front of his car and he


    seems to catch onto my words quick, "Are you doubting my abilities to get a girl within a night, kiddo?"


    "El. " I call sternly and heughs, "Why are you so bothered about her? Are you cheating on Eva with


    her?"


    "That''d never happen in this life or the next. "


    "I know. I was fucking with you, but seriously; why are you bothered? What if I do want to fuck her?"


    "Why''d you want to do that? "


    He raises his shoulder. "I don''t know. I guess something about her just draws me in. "


    "I thought you hate them when they''re younger. " I say and he responds with, "I was wrong. The


    younger they are; the better. "


    When I don''t say a word, he ps my arm and says, "I don''t have time for that. I''d probably not see her


    again. "


    "I can never really understand you. " I sigh and he winks before he turns to unlock his car door. Just


    before he slides in, he speaks in a gentle voice, "Take care of yourself, kiddo. "


    And I watch as he starts the car and drives off.


    "Brother. " I mouth before I walk to my car, and when I realize Eva isn''t in; my eyes move around and I


    easily find her standing next to a guy, talking to him, it seems.


    I hold back the urge to march up to her and climb inside the car, my eyes watching them as I drum my


    fingers against the steering.


    It isn''t long before Eva spots me and she says something before she starts to stride toward me.


    Leaning against the window, she ducks her head to meet my eyes. "Hey, you. "


    I smile and move over the seat to peck her lips. She makes a sound of satisfaction as I pull back before


    she opens the door and climbs into her seat, throwing her bag into the backseat.


    "Who was that guy?" I ask her the instant she turns her head to me and she furrows her brows, "What


    guy?"


    "The guy I just saw you with. What were you doing with him?"


    "Oh, him. He was next to me in ss. " She says as she fastens her seatbelt and I say, "That''s all?"


    "Yes, Emerson. That''s all. What else would be there?" She chuckles and I turn my head away. "I don''t


    like the way he stared at you. His eyes were on you. "


    "We were talking, Em, so of course, his eyes were on me. "


    "I don''t like it. " I insist and she sighs as she holds her hand over mine on the brake with her body


    pressed towards me. "He was lost in ss earlier, so I helped him and he was just thanking me for it.


    Which wouldn''t have happened in the first ce if you were with me. Where did you go?" She frowns at


    herst words.


    "I was with Jaxon, baby. Did you miss me?"


    "I thought you''d arrive earlier, but you didn''t. " She says as she turns back to the front and I lean toward


    her to press a kiss to her cheek. She turns her head just in time to steal a kiss from me and Iugh as I


    fall back to my seat. "Lunch?"


    "Yes, please. " She groans in an excited voice and I drop my hand to her thigh, fingers rubbing across


    the skin as I start the car.


    "Did your brother leave?" She asks as we move out of campus and I nod, "Yes. He''s leaving tomorrow.


    "


    "Why do you sound sad about that?"


    "It was nice to have him around, but he can''t really stay for long. " I murmur, then look at her with a


    smile and say, "But I have you to get my mind off that. "


    My hand slips further to her inner thigh and she turns her head to the window, causing me tough.


    ~THURSDAY.


    "Babe, your phone. " Eva calls to my notice at the sound of my beeping phone and I gesture for her to


    take it.


    "It''s Hanna. And she''s trying to facetime me. " I voice out and she turns her head from the TV to say,


    "Why aren''t you picking?"


    With a sigh, I swipe the button and angle the phone to the side, in a direction that takes the view of me


    and Eva cuddled on the couch perfectly.


    "Hey, big brother!" Hanna says cheerfully as her facees into view and I roll my eyes, "Why are you


    calling me, Hanna?"


    "Ouch. You break my heart, Emery. I thought you''d be happier to see me. "


    "Hanna. " I scold and sheughs, taking her attention to Eva. "Hi, Eva! It''s so nice to see you again. "


    "Hi, Hanna. You too. How are you doing?"


    "I''m good. Happy as always, you know. How''s the cold one treating you?" Hanna asks and Eva looks at


    me with a smile, "Better than I thought he could ever. "


    "He pulls up the surprises when they''re¡ª" Hanna doesn''t get to finish her words when I turn the phone


    back to me, "What do you want, Hanna? You didn''t call just to chit chat, did you?"


    "And what if I¡ª" my re doesn''t allow her to finish her words. "Fine. Mom wanted me to check in


    since you refuse toe home. "


    "I left only days ago?" I state the obvious and she shrugs, "Tell that to the woman, not me. "


    Her face bes small as the said womanes into the bigger view, and her smile brightens at the


    sight of me. She opens her mouth to speak, only to take her eyes to my side when she sees Eva.


    "Eva?" She calls with a bit of uncertainty, and Eva straightens against my chest to bow, "Hello, Ma. "


    "Oh, please. Call me, Eliza. It''s good to finally talk to you. " When they continue to exchange words, I


    pass the phone to Eva and move out of the couch.


    Turning off the TV, I get a ss of water from the kitchen before I walk back to the living room, and


    when I start to move in the direction of the bedroom, Eva''s head snaps to me.


    "My room. " I mouth to her and she nods before she looks back to the phone while I walk to my room.


    I stride inside and fall on my bed, my eyes on the ceiling as I count the seconds I have to spend here


    before she walks through that door.


    And it isn''t until some minutes. Very long minutes.


    "Hey. " Eva pulls me out of my thoughts as she walks to my side and I pull her to my chest. "Did they


    finish?"


    "Yes. " She says, throwing her leg between mine and dropping my phone next to me. "Eliza seems


    pretty nice. " Shements and I smile, "She''ll be nicer once you meet her. She has been wanting to


    meet you for a while. "


    "I can''t wait to meet her either. I have a feeling I''ll have a really great time with her. She sounds like one


    of those fun moms. " She grins and I shake my head, pressing my lips to her nose before I smooth my


    hands down her hair and she moans. "When are you telling me?"


    I drop my hands to her back as I lower my head to her face, "Tell you what?"


    "What you''re getting me for tomorrow. "


    "Tomorrow?" I repeat and she nods. "My birthday. "


    "Oh, right. Your birthday. " I mumble and she frowns, raising her head from my chest. I lift my brows,


    "What''s it?"


    "Why did you say it like that?" She asks and I say, "Like what?"


    "Like you''re genuinely uninterested by that detail. " Sheins and I chuckle, attempting to bring


    her back to my chest, and when she doesn''t budge; I say, "Babe. I know it''s your birthday tomorrow,


    and of course, I''m interested. "


    "Are you sure about that? You didn''t seem so. " She pouts and I lift her chin with my forefinger to press


    my lips to hers before I say, "I am, baby. You know I''m always interested when ites to you. "


    Her smile appears again. "Will it be weird if I tell you I''ve never been delighted with it? But with


    tomorrow, it seems... Better, I think? Like I can finally get to do that again?"


    "She''d be happy to hear that. I know that''s exactly what she wants. " I assure her and she hums,


    rubbing her chin against my chest and after a second, I say, "Will it make you mad though..." I trail off


    and when she lifts her head slightly, I continue, "If I tell you I have nothing prepared for you tomorrow?"


    "Uh?"


    "If I don''t have any surprise for you? I''ve thought about it, and I think being here is enough for a gift,


    don''t you think?"


    I watch as Eva seems to still for a second, trying hard to notugh but she surprises me by saying, "Of


    course, it is. You''re more than a gift. "


    "You''re so freaking adorable!" I coo as I pinch her sides and she falls to the side in a fit ofughter.


    "Come here. " I tell her, and she hums, moving to sit on the bed as she gathers her hair in a bun before


    she falls back to my space, curling herself in a ball and I smile, wrapping an arm around her to take her


    warmth, and share mine, knowing I can''t wait to see the look on her face tomorrow.

 N I N E T Y - F O U R

    N I N E T Y - F O U R


    EVA.


    Emerson holds my hand as I stand in front of her grave, and I smile at him before I drop the flower I


    have in hand.


    Straightening up, I say, "Today is our birthday. Though, physically you aren''t here to celebrate it with


    me. I know you''re watching me with a smile, and I just want to thank you for being such an amazing


    sister. And for taking care of me the best way you could have ever. I''ve always thought it''s selfish to


    celebrate and be happy on this day without you, but recently, I''ve found out that what''s truly selfish is


    refusing to celebrate this day with beautiful memories of you, so I promise to never do that from now


    on. "


    With a heavy sigh, I speak myst words, "Thank you, sister. For your sacrifice; I''ll never forget all that


    you did for me, and I''ll always love you, Lena. Always. "


    I rest my head against him when Emerson moves to my side and slides a hand around my shoulder.


    "You did amazing, baby. " He whispers, and I hum, letting him stroke my hair before I give onest


    wave to my sister and turn back.


    Standing in front of me is mom and dad, and they both smile at me. Mom is the first to speak as she


    snatches me into her embrace. "I''m so proud of you, baby. So damn proud!"


    "Are you okay?" I ask her when she pulls me back, and she caresses my cheek. "I am, baby. We both


    are, and it makes us happier to know you are too. "


    "Are you sure you don''t want toe home with us, Princess?" Dad asks and I nod, looking at


    Emerson. "I am. I have to go meet my friends. "


    "Then we shouldn''t stop you. Go have fun, Eva. You deserve all of it. " Dad says as he squeezes my


    shoulder and I nod, giving him a hug before I move back to Emerson''s side.


    "Take care of her, and if anythinges up¡ª"


    Emerson doesn''t let Dad finish. "Trust me to take care of her always. "


    He smiles and ps his shoulder before we stride back to the car with them trailing behind us, taking


    their car.


    "What do you think is in there?" Emerson asks as he nces at the boxes in the backseat¡ª the gifts


    from my parents.


    "I''m not sure, but I can''t wait to find out. " I respond and he holds a hand over mine, his thumb


    caressing my knuckles. "Light?"


    "Never been lighter. " I say and he gleams before he starts to drive.


    ~


    "Here?" I ask Emerson as we stand in front of the ce and he nods, "ording to her description; it''s


    here. "


    "She''s so unpredictable. " I sigh as I take out my phone to text Aliya.


    "She said the roof. " I say to Emerson and he nods, gesturing for me to move. I drop my phone back


    inside my purse as we take the steps that bring us to the rooftop of the cocktail lounge and I jump in


    surprise at the sudden scream of wishes.


    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Holding a hand over my chest, a smile slowly spreads to my face at the sight of


    familiar faces. Aliya, Sage, Paige, Maria and Jaxon. Aliya did keep to her words of making it just our


    circle.


    "We thought you two wouldn''t show up! We''ve been waiting for long! " Aliyains as she steps


    forward. "What do you think? Do you love it?"


    "How?" I ask as I stare around the rooftop, realizing there''s no one here other than my friends and


    Aliya confirms my thoughts by saying, "We rented the entire ce. "


    My mouth drops. "You did what?!"


    "We rented the entire ce. " She repeats with a cheeky grin and my words fail me as she continues,


    "Since you didn''t want to celebrate at your ce for reasons best known to you, I thought it''d be more


    fun to do it at a ce like this, and we don''t want strangers interrupting our party or questioning our


    actions so we rented the ce. "


    I turn my head to Emerson. "You knew about this, didn''t you?"


    "She said to keep it a secret. " He says and I look back at Aliya, "Tell me you love it, please. "


    "I¡ª God, you guys. This is so heartwarming. Thank you. I can''t¡ª just thank you. " I stammer and she


    giggles as she pulls me into her arms, rubbing my back as she murmurs into my ear. "Happy birthday,


    babe. You have no idea how fucking excited I am to celebrate this with you. "


    "What''d I do without you?" I sigh as I wrap my arms around her and when she pulls back, she says,


    "Absolutely nothing. You''d be miserable without me. "


    I shake my head and pull her into another hug. "Thank you, bitch. Why a cocktail lounge, though? Why


    not a restaurant?"


    She draws back. "Because we''re all addicted to alcohol and it''d never be fun without it. " She answers


    and I give her a yful hit before she steps to the side and Sage steps forward. She hugs me. "Hey,


    Eva. Happy birthday. "


    "Thank you. I''m so d to see you here. " I tell her, and she pulls away, leaving her hands on me.


    "Josh couldn''t make it, but he sent his regards, and he''s sorry he can''t be here. "


    "No, I don''t expect him to sit through hours just to celebrate my birthday. It''s more than enough that he


    remembered. " I assure her, and she pecks my cheek before she steps away, and Paige moves


    forward.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    After thest wishes from Paige, Jaxon and Maria, I drop my purse on the sofa and take a drink from


    Aliya, a bright smile on my face as I watch everyone. We''re not much, but it''s more than I ask for. Both


    ones I''ve always been fond of, and ones I never thought could grow this close. And something about


    that just makes my heart flutter. Though I knew something like this wasing, the reality of it actually


    happening fascinates me in the right ways.


    I look to my side and Sage''s hand is on Aliya''s shoulder as she whispers some words to her. Seeing


    them no longer awkward with each other is such a beautiful sight to watch.


    I settle on the sofa, and shake my head as I watch Jaxon and Paige argue about yet another thing with


    the soft music ying in the background.


    EMERSON.


    I sneak up behind Eva, my hands moving around her neck and she immediately holds hers over mine,


    a smile on her face as she tilts her head to meet my gaze.


    "Hey, " she mumbles and I lower my head to press my lips to the corner of her mouth. Withdrawing, I


    say, "Enjoying the party?"


    She removes her gaze from me to look around us. "I shouldn''t have believed Aliya when she said she


    wasn''t going to go overboard. "


    I chuckle. "It''s fun, though. Don''t you think?"


    She meets my eyes again. "Can we have yours like this too?" She questions and I shake my head,


    "No. I''ll not be sharing that day with anyone else other than you, baby. "


    "Selfish. " She remarks with a grin and I agree, "Only for you. "


    She smiles before she looks back at our group of friends. "Everyone looks like they''re having a great


    time. "


    I angle my head to her ear and whisper, "And how about you?"


    She jerks her head to my face, her eyes lowering to my mouth before she looks into my eyes and


    whisper, "I can''t tell, but something tells me it''s about to get sexy. "


    With a small on my face, I lower my chest against the sofa and slide a hand to the back of her head as


    I meet her lips. She opens her mouth for me, and I slide my tongue inside while she gives gentle


    caresses to my back. I make a sound of excitement against her lips and she''s dragging her hand down


    my back, attempting to lift my shirt when I pull back with a smirk.


    "Not just yet, Carson. " I tell her and she opens her eyes slowly, her wordsing out in a heavy


    breath when she speaks. "Not yet?"


    I nod, and let her hold my hand as I move around the sofa to get in front of her. "I have to show you


    something first. Will youe with me?"


    "Right now?" She asks, and I look around us to see everyone either dancing, talking or taking a drink.


    Looking back at Eva, I say, "Yes, right now. We''ll be back before they know it. "


    When she doesn''t say anything still, I twist my hands to hold hers and drag her out of her seat. "Come


    on, baby. It''ll be quick. "


    She nods and lets mece my fingers through hers as I guide her to the exit and just before we walk


    through the door, I turn back to signal to Jaxon. He''s standing next to Paige with a mischievous look on


    his face, and just as he turns his head; he catches my wave. He nods and gives a thumbs up before I


    walk out.


    "The car?" Eva speaks when I lead her to the car, and I nod, opening the door for her. "Get in. "


    She frowns. "We''re leaving here? Em, isn''t that rude? They¡ª"


    I don''t let her finish before I lower her to her seat with a hand over her head. I slide my head inside to


    fasten her seatbelt and when I draw back a bit to the view of her face, I say, "Aliya is inside, and so is


    Jaxon. "


    She hums and I pinch her cheeks before I move out and shut the door to walk to my side.


    Starting the engine, Eva speaks again. "Where are you taking me, though?"


    "Home. There''s something waiting for you there. " I wink at her and her cheeks redden, "We could just


    do it here though. " She mumbles, and catching onto what she thought I meant, I y along, "I want us


    to be in thefort of our ce. "


    She doesn''t say a word after that and I cackle before I drive out.


    ~


    "Why did you stop?" Eva asks as she looks around us and I say, "Because we''re here. "


    "This isn''t home. " She states the obvious and I nod as I climb out of the car. When I arrive at Eva''s


    side, she''s standing outside, and her face lightens in recognition when she looks ahead, "The beach?"


    She turns to me. "You brought me to the beach?"


    "Yes. And now, I want you to close your eyes. " I tell her and a small smile rests on her lips as she


    says, "You nned a surprise?"


    "No questions asked, baby. Close your eyes. " I repeat my request and she nods before sheplies


    with it. Ensuring her eyes are shut, I grab her hands to pull her in front of me, and slide my hand over


    her face to cover her eyes.


    "My steps. Move where I move. " I order and she nods again. With one hand around her waist, and the


    other covering her eyes, I begin to move forward and the evening breeze blows our clothes as we step


    closer to the beach.


    Stopping in front of the surprise I have for her¨C one I hope she''ll love¨C I take my hand from her face


    and say, "You can open them now. "


    I move to stand in front of her and when she opens her eyes, I spread my arms and say, "My surprise!"


    EVA.


    A gasp slips through my lips, my hands immediately flying to my mouth at the sight that''s presented


    before me when I open my eyes. My heart warms in delight and tenderness, and tears burn the corners


    of my eyes at the scenery.


    "Emerson. " I mutter under my breath as I look at him and he smiles as he steps in front of me. Holding


    my hands in front of us, he says, "Do you like it?"


    "You said there''s no surprise. " I mutter, blinking back my tears and he nods, leaving his hand from


    mine to cover my face. "I said that, only because I didn''t want you to expect anything from me. It


    sounds all the more exciting that way. " He confesses and I shake my head as I look behind him to the


    table that''s set.


    "What do you think? I didn''t think about it until thest minute, but I tried to make it look good. I''m not


    sure if you prefer the¡ª" I don''t let him finish his words before I close the small gap between us and


    lock my lips with his. His other hand slowly falls from mine, moving to my hips and I grip tightly onto the


    front of his shirt as I feel my tears drop; roll by roll, my heart drumming fast in my chest.


    I taste my tears on my lips, and I share it with him before he pulls away. A frown settles on his features


    when he catches a glimpse and he cups my cheeks, his thumb swiping across the skin to wipe my


    tears. "Why are you crying, baby? Don''t you like it? I did something wrong, didn''t I? I''m so fucking


    sorry. I tried to learn all I could, but I¡ª" I press a finger to his lips, silencing the rest of his words and I


    giggle through my words, "You worry too much, Emerson. "


    Dropping my finger, I proceed to say, "It''s just so fucking beautiful, and I couldn''t help my tears. I can''t.


    More than the fact that I truly wasn''t expecting anything, this is beautiful, Emerson. Truly. Fucking.


    Beautiful. I can''t¡ª I can''t begin to put my excitement in words. I love it. I don''t just love it; I fucking love


    it. I must have saved a country in my past life to deserve someone like you. You sweep me off my feet


    yet again, Emerson Ford. "


    A grin appears on his face, and he guides my hands to his shoulder while his falls to my hips.


    "Truthfully? You do? It doesn''t look awkward, or¡ª"


    Once again, I shut him. "No, it doesn''t look awkward. This is the most beautiful sight I''ve ever seen,


    Em. The most beautiful gift I could ever receive. "


    "Should I be jealous now? I thought we agreed I owe thatbel. " He whines and I jerk my head,


    "Excluding you. This is perfect. It''s more than perfect. "


    "Well, I''m d you love it. I didn''t think you would; I was afraid of doing too little or doing too much. "


    He says and I turn in his hold, realizing that we''re standing in the middle of circled lights thates to


    form a heart.


    Turning back to him, I say, "How?"


    When he arches his brows, I continue, "How do you know all these? Are you sure I''m your first


    woman?"


    "The first andst. " He grins and I smile, standing on my toes to press my forehead to his. "You''re


    perfect. " I whisper.


    "I''m not, " he argues. "But you make me want to be. Happy birthday, baby. I know you said you feel less


    burdened this time, and I truly... Truly truly hope this one makes up for all those years you''ve had to live


    through¡ª for all those years you had to be strong. "


    I shake my head against his, "Why didn''t I see what an amazing person you are sooner? "


    "So it could be perfect this time. And it is. " He answers and I lock my hands to his head as I pull my


    head back by an inch, "I love you, Emerson. I don''t know how many times you''ll have to hear it, but I''ll


    always love you. Thank you. For being the person you are, and for bringing up that agreement that day.


    "


    His smile grows. "Thank you for not turning me down, despite how you felt about me. I''m not sure if it


    would have turned out like this if we didn''t make that benefits deal, but I''m d we did. That''ll forever


    be one of the most beautiful decisions I''ve ever made. "


    "I love you. " I tell him again and he says, "I love you. " Then it''s his mouth on mine, with my tears and


    his smile.


    When we break apart, Emerson holds my hand and leads me to the table. Chairs with a table clothed in


    white and a bowl of roses resting in the middle of the table. It''s so fucking beautiful, elegant, and pure


    at the same time. And the shadow that''s slowly lifting from the clouds just makes it the more surreal. I


    know Emerson Ford is capable of a lot of things, but he still doesn''t fail to surprise me with this one.


    And everything else he manages to do.


    He pulls out a chair and have me settle on it before he leans over me with one hand pressed to the


    back of the chair and the other to the edge of the table.


    "There''s no menu, is there?" He says and true to his words, there''s nothing on the table except for the


    roses.


    "There''s not. " I confirm and Emerson presses his lips to my cheek before he says. "Look again, baby.


    There is. "


    I look at the table and back at him. "There''s not? There are roses, but we don''t eat them?"


    Heughs, shaking his head before he moves from my side to stand by the table with both hands


    pressed to it this time. "Now look again, baby and tell me if there is. "


    I take several nces between him and the table before the hidden meaning behind those words


    bes clear to me, and a smallugh leaves my mouth. "Emerson. "


    "Figured it out yet?" He raises a brow and I nod. "There is. "


    "And what''s it?"


    I peek out my tongue to wet my lips and I make sure his eyes follow the movement as I call his name,


    "Emerson Ford. "


    He smirks and leans away from the table. "And what do you think of this menu?"


    I watch as he walks back to me, and I turn in my seat, moving my legs from under the table and out in


    the front as Emerson drops his hands on my knees, bending to the level.


    I moan as he rubs my knees, his hands moving dangerously closer. "A special menu, it seems but


    definitely my favourite. In all senses. "


    "It''s sexy, don''t you agree?" He lowers his voice, the tone he uses sending a shiver across my body


    and I nod, "I do. So fucking sexy. "


    With a smirk directed at me, his hands spread my legs and he rests his palms on my knees as he


    ducks his head between my thighs, his hot breath fanning against my thighs and I grip onto the table as


    the familiar ache burns through me.


    One of his hands snakes around me and he tugs me closer, bringing me to the edge of my seat and


    creating more room for him.


    "Emerson. " I moan out his name when he traces a finger across my throbbing entrance and he


    chuckles as he raises his head to me. "I''m yet to start, baby. " He teases, lifting my dress to expose my


    thighs and he rubs his hands across the skin before he drops his head again.


    "Oh. " The sound leaves my throat as he shifts my thong to the side to slide a finger across my folds,


    exciting my nerves in all of the hot ces.


    "You''re so fucking wet, Eva. So fucking ready. " He whispers, looking into my eyes once more as he


    tugs at the material and I lift my ass a bit from the chair for him to pull it down my legs. After he


    disposes it, he throws each leg over his shoulder and my grip on the edge of the table gets tighter, my


    other hand slipping to his head, fingers curling through his hair as he blows air on my pussy before he


    closes his mouth over me, and a tremble rolls over me at the contact.


    Fucking. Hell. I can never¡ª Never get over how good he makes it feel with his mouth alone, and how


    much I fucking love it when he licks me dry of my juices.


    Emerson sucks, and licks and bites, not letting me catch a breath between each action and my moans


    and whimpers for more echoes back at us, floating in the beautiful atmosphere, and staining it with our


    filthiness. Yet, he continues and yet, I can''t get enough. I can never get enough.


    Another sink of his teeth against mybia along with the swipe of his tongue, I feel iting and it isn''t


    long before my orgasm ripples through me, and my head falls to the back, my grip on the table


    loosening along with the one on his hair as my chest rises and falls rapidly.


    When Emerson drops my legs, I manage to lift my head to him again and in front of me stands one of


    the sexiest looks I''ve ever seen on Emerson Ford. The one where his face glistens with my juices and


    he swipes his finger across it, only to pop it inside his mouth. Incredibly. Sexy.


    "Come here. " My voice is thick with lust as I pull him to his feet and I struggle with the front of his pants


    as I attempt to undo his zipper, only for Emerson to stop me.


    "Not so fast, baby. " He chuckles as he swats my hand away and I frown, "Why? You won''t fuck me?"


    "No. Not yet. We have to get wet first. " He says and when I look down between my thighs, heughs


    and says, "A different kind of wet, baby. "


    Still in confusion with his words, I watch as he steps away from me and walks to the other side of the


    table. He lifts the white fabric that''s dressed with it, and realization dawns on me when he brings out a


    surfing board.


    "You want to surf?" I ask the obvious and I don''t get a response as Emerson pulls me out of my seat. I


    stand before him as he snatches his shirt over his head before he cleans me with it. His pants move


    down his legs next, letting him remain in his boxers and my mouth waters at the sight of him.


    When I catch his eyes roaming down my body, I say, "I don''t know how to surf. "


    He smiles and lifts his board. "I''m here for you, baby. "


    "I have nothing under my dress other than my bra. You got rid of my thong. "


    "That''s exactly the point. " He moves forward, taking my hand in his and I let him drag me along with


    him.


    "Is it safe to surf in here? The tides don''t seem as high. " I tell him and he says, "It is, Eva. Trust me. "


    I nod and let him lead the way, and he begins to jog away with his front to me and our hands stretched


    between us.


    "Be careful. " I warn him and he says, "I can''t trip when my eyes are on you. "


    "Cheesy. " I tease him and he throws me a kiss, ourughs mingling as we finally stop. Emerson drops


    the board and guides me to it first before he moves in front of me with his hands on my hips, steadying


    my feet.


    "Don''t be afraid, baby. I won''t let you fall. Bnce your feet, and push out your knees. " He assures me


    and I hum, following his words, knowing he truly won''t. The board starts to move, going slowly at first


    before it goes fast, the water rolling over us, wetting us with the sprinkles and the sound of my screams


    and myughs is loud as I grip him tightly.


    We get back to thend and Emerson drops his board to the side as he turns back to me. Water drips


    down his chest, and my dress is soaked, wet against my skin and I''m d I went with the stretchy one.


    "How was it?" Emerson asks, his hands sliding down my sides and I wiggle my head, shaking the


    drops from my hair. "Fun. It was fun. "


    "Then you want to do it again?" He queries and I mutter, "Absolutely. When I''m not in a dress. "


    He pushes my hair to the back and then says, "I have something for you. "


    "Another surprise?" I ask him and he nods. "Stay here. I''ll be back. "


    I hum and watch as he walks away to the table while I squeeze the water from my hair. It isn''t long


    before Emerson arrives, and my eyes widen when he lifts a ne to my face; one with his initial.


    "Emerson. "


    "This was my mom''sst birthday gift to me. I got it from Dad the other day, and I want to give it to you


    now. " He exins and I shake my head, "No, I don''t think you should do that. It''s yours, and¡ª"


    "And now I want it to be yours. " He interrupts me. "I want you to have it, around your neck every time


    as a reminder to me always that I found my peace with you. "


    "Baby. " I mutter, my voice cracking through my word and he says, "Please have it, Eva. "


    With a sniff, I turn my back to him, gathering my hair to one side and he locks it around my neck before


    he turns me back to him, his eyes on my neck. "It looks really beautiful on you. "


    I hold it out, and trace my thumb over his letter. "I love it. And it''ll always be with me..." I take a pause to


    meet his eyes. "Forever. "


    "She should be happy, right?" He whispers, eyes brimming with tears and I pace closer to him. Holding


    his face in my hand, I say, "She should. She is, baby. They both are. They really are. "


    "They are. " He repeats, pressing his lips to my forehead before he brings me to his arms and my head


    drops to his chest as I close my eyes.


    My giggles swim around us, echoing into the air when Emerson starts to spin us before we fall to the


    ground with me beneath and him on top of me.


    "I hate you. " I frown as he rolls us around in the sand and when he pulls back, he lifts a brow, "You


    hate me?"


    I drop my hands on his shoulders, and beam. "I love you. "


    "Always?" He starts.


    "Forever. " Iplete, and he takes my lips in his again, his hand disappearing between my thighs.


    It started from hate. Turned into desire. Turned into uncontroble want. Turned into love, and ends at


    that.


    Forever. For me, and Emerson Ford.

 Final Authors Note

    Final Author''s Note


    We''re at the end!!! Woohoo!


    Where do I begin? So far, Hatred turns out to be the most challenging book I''ve written. Not just with


    the trope and the content, but both emotionally and physically. There were a lot of challenges along the


    way, but I made it. WE made it, and I know you''re probably tired of hearing me say this now, but I truly


    wouldn''t be here without your support. Hatred isn''t just a step out of thefort zone for me, it''s a book


    that I found myself so attached to along the way and one I learn a lot from, so thank you all, for letting


    me write Eva and Emerson''s story, for believing in me and for staying with me until the very end.


    I still find it hard to believe at times when I look at how far I''vee, and how many of you have


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    travelled with me through this journey. I recognize some of you from my very first book, A Night With


    The Billionaire, and you have no idea how d it warms my heart to see you up till now. Thank you


    very much for enduring and for staying.


    I know. I''m not in any way perfect. I have a lot of things to learn, but I promise you that I''m always


    working hard to broaden my knowledge and bring quality stories to you all. You are the reason I''m


    always trying harder, and I hope you''ll continue with me throughout each journey.


    Now, I know some of you wanted to see Eva pregnant and the couple as a parent, but I don''t think it''s


    time for them yet. You''ll get to see it, though. But not here. I''ll be writing Elias''s story (yayyyyyyyy!) and


    there; we''ll see more of Eva and Emerson, including how they continue to grow. It''ll be a different


    period from here, so they''ll be older and possibly, more.


    To the next project: Haha, I know I just mentioned that I''ll be writing Elias''s story, but it isn''t the next. I


    didn''t n for his story until recently, so I won''t be taking it now, but it''s definitelying soon.


    For our next journey, we have... CRAVE!


    God, I''m so excited for this one. It''s a journey I''ve been looking forward to and I can''t wait to start


    writing it. As usual, you know I don''t reveal the blurb, but I''ll drop something small for this.


    Here''s a snippet:


    ''I know this is wrong, and it goes against my every moral, but for this time; I plead to do wrong just to


    feel his mouth worshipping every part of me. That''s how good Alex makes wrong feel. '' ¨C Arabe


    Leovough, CRAVE.


    This is the journey of Arabe and Alexander, and yes, you read that right! It''s Arabe! Sinir''s sister


    (for readers of SIN, you should know her. ) I''ll begin her story, and we get to see Sinir and Ashley


    again! Are you as excited as I am?


    It should go live by the Friday after tomorrow''s, the 3rd or 4th of June, depending on where you are in


    the world, and before that, I''ll be uploading the final bonus chapters for SIN so the timeline can meet


    up.


    I''ll upload an announcement here immediately after it goes live, so if you forget to mark your calendar


    (lol) you can keep Hatred in your library so you get the notification for when it goes live. But before


    then, if you want to get more snippets; you can follow me on Ins @filthy.imaginations. (I know it''s a


    weird name, but don''t judge me? Haha. )


    So there it is on Hatred''s goodbye and CRAVE''s anticipation!


    Once again, thank you for following me through this journey. For my dailymenters, gem givers,


    those who left reviews and each of you who read to the end¡ª You are my motivation and the reason I


    keep going. (^^)


    Before you leave, If you are yet to drop a review; you can click anywhere on the screen, you''ll see the


    three dots by your right, click on it then on about the book, and it''ll take you to the front page of the


    book¡ª there, you can drop a review and your thoughts about the book. It''ll really help to move the


    book forward so I hope you''ll grant me that. Also, I know we''re leaving here, but please do always


    That''ll be all! See you all on SIN (For those who haven''t read it, you can check it out under my writer''s


    icon. It''spleted and I''m just adding bonus chapters. )


    Thank you!>.<


    Oh, and P.S: Who''s your favourite couple? Ashley and Sinir? Or Emerson and Eva? Haha, just for


    fun(^^)

 CRAVE

    CRAVE


    Hey, Sweethearts!(^^)


    I''m back! Who''ve missed me and my daily notifications? Haha.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    So this is the announcement I promised to makest Friday. CRAVE is now out for your reading. There


    are currently three chapters avable, and you can click on my author''s icon to read or simply search


    for it.


    And while you''re at that, please remember this is a new book and will be needing your support in terms


    of gems,ments and reviews. I hope you''ll be willing to give that:-)


    That will be all, and this will possibly thest notification on Hatred. I''ll see you guys on CRAVE.


    Btw, how many have reread while waiting for the new book? Haha.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!