《Heat》 Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction Ashley sat bored out of her mind as she waited to see her mother''s appearance for her and her stepfather''s wedding that was about to start in like 25 minutes. Sitting alone in an apple-white, mid-thigh silk dress thatplimented her skin tone. Her maroon red hair was styled in a bun with a few curled strands falls in front of her face that stained with light-make up which made her already beautiful features more beautiful. Staring into space, theugher of the other bridesmaids echoed in her empty mind as she just sat there staring. ¡°Ashely, sweetheart, how do I look?¡± Her mother''s fainted voice echoed in the mix of gasp. ¡°Ashely, are you alright? ASHLEY!¡± Snapping out of her trance, Ashely turned to her mother, who looked stunning in a beautifulce white gown that tugged gently behind her. Her face was covered by a see-through veal and her ck hair was curled stylishly whichid gently on her shoulders. ¡°Are you alright, darling?¡± Her mother asked slowly, approaching her daughter who''s eyes filled with unknowing tears. ¡°Yes, I''m just d, you''re happy mom, ¡± she replied as her mother pulled her into a motherly hug. ¡°I love you, sweetie, ¡± her mother whispered in her ear. ¡°I love you too, mom, ¡± she whispered back snuggling more into her mother''s embrace. 1 yearter... Ashely jogged downstairs in her tracksuit as she got ready to go for a run. On her way, she entered the kitchen to fetch a bottle of water. ¡°Hey, honey!¡± Her mother greeted her while having breakfast with her husband. ¡°Good morning, mom, good morning, Roger, ¡± she greeted back while searching for a bottle of water. ¡°You know, you can call me dad, right, ¡± Roger said with a reassuring smile. ¡°I know, but it''s just so foreign to me ever since, you know, ¡± she said, ncing at her mother who sent her an ''I''m sorry'' look. ¡°It''s alright, Ashely, call me whatever you want as long as it makes youfortable, ¡± he said as she gave him small a smile. ¡°Thanks, Roger, now I gotta go, enjoy your breakfast, ¡± she said, getting ready to leave. ¡°Okay honey, have fun on your run and be safe, ¡± her mom yelled as Ashely jogged towards the front This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. door. ¡°OKAY MOM! I WILL!¡± she yelled back before opening the front door. As Ashely was about to rush out she abruptly stopped when she saw a young man who was about to ring the doorbell. The sight before her instantly made her weak in the knees leaving her speechless. The guy stood before her in a white t-shirt with a ck leather jacket over it, ck pants that fit perfectly over his thick, muscr thighs, and ck shoes. He had ck hair nicely parted with fades to the sides and back of his head. He wore tinted sunsses blocking his eyes and the right side of his noseid a sexy nose piercing. His lips were thin but still plumped and he had the sharpest jawline she has ever seen, his neck was covered with different designs of tattoo and so was his hands. In his hand was a green army duffle bag that caught Ashley''s attention. ¡°Is he from the army? Who is this guy?¡± Clearing his throat snapped her out of her thoughts. ¡°Uh, does Roger James live here?¡± He asked as his deep, husky voice sent chills down her spine. Without taking her eyes off him, she yelled. ¡°ROGER, THERE''S SOMEONE AT THE DOOR FOR YOU, ¡± both Ashley and the guy stood there waiting for Roger''s arrival. Soon his footsteps were heard. ¡°Ashely, I thought you left- Roger''s words trailed off as he saw the guy in front of the door. Ashely stood in between them in confusion. ¡°Jake!¡± Roger said in a breathy tone. ¡°Hey, Dad!¡± Chapter 2: Heat Chapter 2: Heat (Ashley''s POV) "William Shakespeare during his life wrote at least 37 ys, 154 sos, and several poems, that we know of, also, there are many "lost ys" and ys that Shakespeare coborated on, which means Shakespeare wrote an average of 1.5 ys a year since he first started writing in 1589," as our professor continued exining about Shakespeare and his legendary work a paper ball suddenly strike the back of my head causing me to immediately snap my head towards the person who dare distracted me. Having a disgusting smirk on his face was Daniel, the college''s pretty boy who likes to break the girl''s heart. I red at him with a ''What the hell you want'' look as his smirk widened. "Go on a date with Me," he mouthed as I rolled my eyes. "Mr. O''Brien!" Both Daniel and I flinched at our professor''s sudden outburst. "I think Ashely has better things to do than go on a date with you so pay attention, it''s thest day until your summer break, might as well learn something," she said as everyone giggled at the professor''s choice of advice. I mouthed ''thank you'' to the professor as she winks at me before resuming her lesson. Soon the bell had ranged and everyone was ecstatic about going home to spend time with their families. I on the other hand wasn''t one of them. I mean, I was happy to go home to my mom but now things will be different, now I wasn''t just going home to my mom but I was going home to her and her new husband aka my stepfather. Ever since my dad died, my life hadpletely changed and it changed even more after my mom found love again. Don''t get me wrong, I was extremely happy that my mom falls in love again and I''m sure my dad is too, but I don''t think I''m ready for someone else to fill in my Dad''s shoes. I don''t hate my stepfather, I''m thankful that he''s making my mom happy but I just can''t ept him as my father. My professor''s voice immediately snapped me out of my thoughts as she was bidding her goodbyes. "Goodbye everyone, have a good summer, I''ll see you guys after two months," she said as the students greeted her back. As I continued packing my stuff someone suddenly approached my desk. "So, Ash, have you thought about my proposal?" He asked and to be honest his voice makes me wanna run into a brick wall. I sighed and finally finished packing away my stuff before facing him. "First of all, don''t call me Ash, only my friends call me that, and second, yes, I''ve thought long and hard about your proposal," I said as he bit his bottom trying to prevent a smirk. "And?" He asked impatiently. "And, I will not go on a date with you," I simply replied, watching his face fall. "What do you mean, you''re not going on a date with me?" He asked in an annoyed tone which made my eyes roll. "I meant it as I said it, Daniel, I will not go on a date with you," I said exiting the ssroom with him hot on my tail. "Please, Daniel, just leave me alone," I desperately pleaded. "What''s your problem Ash, why are you always turning me down?" He asked, trying to keep up with my pace. "Don''t call me Ash, you''re no friend of mine and I''m not going to be another one of the girl toys you just use within a week and then throw away," I replied, earning a heavy sigh. "Look Ashley, you''re not like the other girls, you''re something special and that''s why I want to settle down and be with you, " he confessed, stopping me in my tracks as he held onto my hands. "Really Daniel, you mean that?" I asked feeling shy all of a sudden while I squeezed his hands biting back a smile. "Of course, princess, so what do you say, can I take you out?" He asked with a smirk as I shyly looked All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. away. "Oh, Daniel, in your dreams, I''ve heard you call a dozen girls ''princess'' you''re disgusting, have a good day," I spat before walking away leaving him dumbfounded. As I exited the building the bus had just arrived. "Just in time," I mumbled before hopping onto the bus. The journey on the bus was pretty loud but luckily for me, I had my headset. Leaning against the window as Billie Eilish ''Lovely'' drowned out the chaos in the bus my eyes slowly began to close before it was lit out. God knows how long I''ve been asleep on that bus because after a while I felt someone shaking my body. Slowly my eyes opened as I sat up before facing the person who woke me up. It was the bus driver. "Come on kid, this is your stop," he said as I looked out the window and he was right. "Home sweet home," I mumbled before heading off the bus. I sighed deeply as I clenched onto my bag. "Let''s do this," I prep myself before walking towards my house. Standing in front of the door I took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. After a few minutes, I heard the opening before I saw the person behind it. "Ashley, wee home, it''s good to see you," the person said as his voice really makes me cringe. I cast a small smile upon my lips as I greeted him back. "Hello, Roger, it''s great to be back and it''s good to see you too, " I said, almost forcing those words out. "Well,e inside kiddo, you''re mom just finished making dinner and is excited to wee you home, " he said moving aside as I entered awkwardly. "HONEY! ASHELY''S HOME!" He shouted right behind me which made me flinch. Soon I heard footsteps of someone running and there she was, my crazy ass mother, screaming as if she won the lotto. "ASH, MY BABY, WELCOME HOME!" She screamed, running to pull me into her embrace. "Thank you, mom, it''s great to be home, " I said holding onto her tightly breathing in her scent. "Oh, sweetheart, how about you go upstairs and unpack, freshen up, and thene down to have dinner with me and your stepfather," she suggested as I simply nod before going upstairs. As I reached upstairs to my bedroom a smile instantly reached my face seeing how everything in my room never changed. I walked up to my nightstand where a picture frame of my dad and me. I picked up the frame and caressed my father in the picture as tears welled up in my eyes. "Hello, daddy, I miss you, " I mumbled before resting it back down. After unpacking and freshening up I decided to join my mom and Roger for dinner. "Oh, there she is, " Roger said with a wide smile as I stood there ufortable. "Don''t just stand there, honey,e and tell us how school was, " I quickly joined my mother''s side taking a seat beside her. "Mmm, this smells good, thanks guys, " I said as they both smiled. "So, Ashley, what are you studying right now?" Roger asked, causing my mom to smile while nudging me. "Well, I''m studying Literature, I love writing, " I replied with a proud smile on my face. "Oh, so you want to be an author?" He asked as I nod. "Yes, I want to be an author just like my dad, " I said as my mom gave me a side-hug. "Your dad would be so proud of you, Ash, " my mom said as Roger nods in agreement. "Thanks, guys, " I mumbled before we all continued to eat our dinner. After dinner, everyone went up to their rooms as we were pretty exhausted. I, myself was exhausted as Iid in bed. "Summer break, here Ie, " TO BE CONTINUED - - - Chapter 3: Heat Chapter 3: Heat *Beep* *Beep* The sound of my rm clock had awakened me from my slumber. ¡°Argh!¡± I groaned, still very sleepy. My rm continued to go off slowly bringing me back to my consciousness. I sat up rubbing my eyes as a yawn escaped my mouth. ¡°Good morning, world, ¡± I mumbled after giving my body a good stretch. I hopped off my bed sliding on my angry bird puff slippers before walking into my bathroom. I stood in front of the mirror staring back at myself as I passed my hand over my bare face. ¡°I really need to get rid of these eye bags, ¡± I mumbled running my fingertips across the dark, saggy bags underneath my eyes before continuing with my morning routine. After my morning routine, I exited the bathroom to change into my tracksuit since every morning I usually go for a run. Tightening my ponytail as I checked myself out in the long mirror before grabbing my phone and ear pods. Jogging towards the kitchen to fetch a bottle of water, I met my mom and Roger having breakfast acting all lovey-dovey. ¡°Hey, honey!¡± Her mother greeted her with a warm smile. ¡°Good morning, mom, good morning Roger, ¡± I greeted back while searching for a bottle of water. ¡°You know, you can call me dad, right, ¡± Roger said with a reassuring smile. ¡°I know, but it''s just so foreign to me ever since, you know, ¡± she said, ncing at her mother who sent her an ''I''m sorry'' look. ¡°It''s alright, Ashely, call me whatever you want as long as it makes youfortable, ¡± he said as she gave him a small smile. ¡°Thanks, Roger, now I gotta go, enjoy your breakfast, ¡± she said, getting ready to leave. ¡°Okay honey, have fun on your run and be safe, ¡± her mom yelled as Ashely jogged towards the front door. ¡°OKAY MOM! I WILL!¡± she yelled back before opening the front door. As Ashely was about to rush out she abruptly stopped when she saw a young man who was about to ring the doorbell. The sight before her instantly made her weak in the knees leaving her speechless. The guy stood before her in a white t-shirt with a ck leather jacket over it, ck pants that fit perfectly over his thick, muscr thighs, and ck shoes. He had ck hair nicely parted with fades to the sides and back of his head. He wore tinted sunsses blocking his eyes and the right side of his noseid a sexy nose piercing. His lips were thin but still plumped and he had the sharpest jawline she has ever seen, his neck was covered with different designs of tattoo and so was his hands. In his hand was a green army duffle bag that caught Ashley''s attention. ¡°Is he from the army? Who is this guy?¡± Clearing his throat snapped her out of her thoughts. ¡°Uh, does Roger James live here?¡± He asked as his deep, husky voice sent chills down her spine. Without taking her eyes off him, she yelled. ¡°ROGER, THERE''S SOMEONE AT THE DOOR FOR YOU, ¡± both Ashley and the guy stood there This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. waiting for Roger''s arrival. Soon his footsteps were heard. ¡°Ashely, I thought you left- Roger''s words trailed off as he saw the guy in front of the door. Ashely stood in between them in confusion. ¡°Jake!¡± Roger said in a breathy tone. ¡°Hey Dad, ¡± the guy says leaving me speechless. I turned to stare at Roger but he just looked at the guy named Jake. ¡°Wait a minute, did he just call you Dad, Roger?¡± I was still shocked, but I got no answer. ¡°Hello, is anyone home?¡± I asked trying to get their attention before my mom walked in. ¡°Hey, is everything alright?¡± She asked snapping the two guys out of their staring contest. ¡°Katie, Ashely, this is Jake, my son, ¡± he introduced earning a soft gasp from me and my mother. Jake stood there with a smirk while checking out both me and my mom. I scrunch my face in disgust before my mom greeted him. ¡°Hey, Jake, I''m Katie, your father didn''t mention he had a son, it''s nice to meet you, ¡± she said while ring at Roger before Jake chuckled bitterly. "How could he when he''s busy cheating," he mumbled but loud enough for my bat ears. My mom invited him in as we all headed towards the living room. I wasn''t even in the mood to run anymore. I was beyond pissed, first, it was the stepfather bullshit now he has a son, oh no, that''s crossing the line. We all sat there in silence, rather awkward silence before Roger cleared his throat. "Uh, girls, could you give us some time alone?" He asked and before I could open my mouth to protest my mom dragged me to the kitchen leaving them alone. "Mom, could you believe this," I said as my mom sat holding her head in her hands. "How could Roger not tell me he had a son," she said followed by a sigh. "That''s because he''s a secretive bastard," I thought, which was interrupted by shouting. Both my mom and I rushed to the living room to find both Roger and Jake on their feet staring intensely at each other. "Is everything okay, Roger?" My mom asked, feeling the tension between them. "Everything is fine, Katie, but Jake will be staying here for a while," he said causing my jaw to drop. "WHAT!" I yelled, earning Jake''s attention as he smirks. In my mind, I just wanted to wipe that smirk off his stupid, good looking face. "Is he really staying here?" I asked, desperately wanted an answer. "I''m sorry, Ashely, but Jake has no choice but to stay here," he said, sending my blood pressure up. "Unbelievable!"I mumbled while exiting the living room. "Ashley, where are you going?" My mom askeding after me. "I''m going on my run, I honestly don''t want to be here right now," I said as my mom sighed. "You know I wouldn''t be acting this way if he had told us, he had a son in the first ce," I argued, "I know honey but," she said but I quickly cut her off. "I''m sorry mom, but I don''t want to be here right now," I said before leaving. Walking around the neighborhood just listening to music, minding my own business when suddenly someone shouting my name. Since the music was sting in my ears I couldn''t quite hear the person so I continued walking. Out of nowhere, I was tackled to the floor. "Ow, what the," I winced before a familiar voice caught my attention. "Ashley are you deaf or something, I''ve been shouting your name for God knows how long," she scolded while I just stared at her with widening eyes. "ANNA!" I screamed, pulling her into my embrace as she giggled. "Hey, bestie," she said as we both got up from the floor. "Girl, I miss you like hell, how''s college without me?" She asked as I sighed linking our arms. "Girl, I have some much to tell you, I don''t know where to start," I said as she chuckled, "Well, let''s get some coffee because I want to hear some tea," she said as we walked to the nearest cafe. (AT THE CAFE) "So how''s it been girl, we haven''t talked since you left for college after your mom''s wedding," she said as we both sat down drinking our coffee. "Yeah, sorry about that bestie, school has been so hectic and annoying," I said remembering how annoying Daniel was. "Why? What''s wrong?" She asked in a concerned tone. "Nothing really, it''s just this guy keeps bothering me," I exined as she smirks. "Ooooo!" She teased. "More like E," I said back as weughed. "Come on, he can''t be that bad," she said, causing my eyebrows to raise. "Seriously, he''s the worst, he almost slept with all the girls in our college," I exined as she scrunched her face in disgust. "You''re right that''s so E," she said as bothughed again. "So how''s your mom and your new stepdad?" She asked as I sighed, cing my coffee down. "I thought everything would have been okay, but this morning made me hate their marriage," I said causing her to frown. "What happened this morning?" She asked. "Turns out that he has a son named Jake and he will be staying with us," I exined as she gasped. "No way, is he hot?" She asked as I rolled my eyes. "That''s not the point Anna," I annoyingly said. "I know but is he?" She asked again. "Yes, he''s smoking hot, but I can''t believe Roger hasn''t told us about him having a son," I said shaking my head. "Well maybe Roger and his son had a bad history, you could never know," she said. "Maybe because he''s a secretive bastard," I mumbled. "Come on Ash, give this a chance, maybe you and Jake might get along," she said as I sighed. "Maybe you''re right," I said as she smiled flipping her hair. "Of course I''m right, I''m always right," she said as we bothughed. Anna and I spent the entire day just talking and catching up until we went our separate ways. (AT HOME) I had just arrived home to meet an empty house. I sighed, "At least I had quiet and peace," I mumbled. "Roger and Katie left, they''ll be back tonight," A scream immediately escaped my lips as I suddenly heard his voice. I turned around and there he was leaning up against the door frame. " So, you''re my step sister huh?" He asked, causing me to roll my eyes. "No shit, Sherlock," I said as he chuckled. "Oh, she has a potty mouth," he said while walking towards me. "Look, I know you hate me staying here and I hate it as much as you do so let''s make a deal, you stay out of my way and I stay out of yours," he said as I nod. "Deal!" I said before he walked away. "Maybe this wouldn''t be so bad," TO BE CONTINUED - - - Chapter 4: Heat Chapter 4: Heat (Ashely''s POV) Ever since the incident between Jake and me, we have been pretty much avoiding each other. Anna suspected something going on between us but I was always reassured that there was nothing. But, it¡¯s Anna, she¡¯ll never let this go especially with some as hot as Jake. ¡°Hey, girls!¡± Mom eximed as she entered the kitchen with a grin stered on her face. ¡°Hey, mom!¡± I greeted, ¡°Hello, Mrs. K!¡± Anna greeted as we both spared a quick small smile before refocusing our attention back to Anna¡¯s phone. ¡°What are you girls looking at?¡± She asked as Anna and I immediately faced each other, trying to think of an excuse. ¡°Um!¡± I stumbled as Anna rolled her eyes before answering. ¡°Hey, Mrs. K, you know, how Ashely loves those vampire romance fairy tales- ¡°Hey! There¡¯re not fairytales,¡± I eximed, nudging her as she red at me. ¡°Anyway, Mrs.K, I was just showing Ash that instead of buying those waste of time books, she could just read off her phone,¡± she said as mom nods in agreement. I looked at both of them in disbelief. ¡°Uh, excuse me, books are not a waste of time, it¡¯s better than reading a book online where you have to wait for an author to publish chapters when you can have it all in the palms of your hands,¡± I said as Anna scoffed, ¡°Yeah, whatever, how about we go upstairs so I can try to convince your boring behind otherwise, bye Mrs.K,¡± she said dragging me out the kitchen as mom giggled. We stopped at the staircase as a sigh of relief escaped from our lips. "Damn, you''re a good liar," I said as she scoffed, "And you''re a terrible liar, Mrs.K could''ve seen right through you," she said as I rolled before continuing my way upstairs. "Yeah, whatever, hurry up so we could discuss this online reading in my room," I said as I climbed the stairs but suddenly stopped when I didn''t hear any footsteps. I looked behind me to find a confused Anna, who stared at me with a frown. "What online reading?" She asked as I stared at her in disbelief but she cracked augh. "I''m just kidding," she said before jogging after me. "You y too much," I scolded, smacking her arm as she reached the top of the stairs. "OW! What was that for?" She said as I rolled my eyes. We continued to discuss this online reading all the way to my bedroom door before the sound of another door caught our attention. Jake walked out of his room shirtless with simple grey basketball shorts, his hair was messy as he ran his tattooed hand through while his eyes were glued to his phone. Anna and I were in a trace. His bare tattooed chest was so hard not to look at especially since it was so built, his pierced nipples were so intriguing and the way his body would just slouch in such a sexy way made shivers run down our spine. Jake felt the two intense stares burning holes through his body as he looked up from his phone. Both Anna and I''s eyes widened as a smirk slowly stretched upon his lips. "Do youdies like the view?" He asked, giving us his full attention. "Hell, ye- "No, we don''t, goodbye," I quickly said, cutting Anna off as Jaked rolled his eyes before I dragged Anna inside. "What the hell was that Ash, I was loving the view," Annained as I scoffed, "Don''t feed his ego, Anna, he''s a total asshole," I said as she plopped herself on my bed. "I thought you say nothing was going on between you two," she said as I took a seat beside her, "There is nothing between us," I answered back as she raised an eyebrow. "Then, why do you hate him so much?" She asked as I was caught off guard quickly changing the subject. "Um, can we not talk about my asshole stepbrother?" I asked as she chuckled, "Fine, but this conservation is not over," she said with a yful re before we continued our conversation about the party. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "You remember the n, right?" Anna asked as I nod, "You''re doing all the talking, got it," I repeated before mom called us down for dinner. We entered the kitchen to find Jake and Roger setting up the table while mom was organizing the All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. food. I took one look at Jake before turning to look at Anna, who blushed at the sight of Jake. I furrowed in disgust before nudging Anna who looked away embarrassed. "Ah, girls, so d you could join us," mom said as both Jake and Roger looked our way. Jake had an annoying smirk stered on his lips as he stared at Anna. The moment his eyes met mine, I red at him but the smirk still satfortably on his lips. "Ashely, Anna, could youe and help me with the food?" Mom asked, "S-Sure, Mrs.K," Anna stuttered, still feeling Jake''s intense stare. After we helped mom with the food, we all sat at the table, said grace before digging in. Everyone sat in silence before mom cleared her throat catching everyone''s attention. "Ashely, aren''t you going to introduce your stepbrother to Anna," she said as Anna blushed and Jake smirked. "Yeah, Ash, aren''t you going to introduce this beautiful girl beside you," Jake said as Anna blushed hard almost resembling the tomato in our sd. "Actually, no, I don- "Hey, I-I''m A-Anna," she stuttered while stretching her hand out for Jake to shake. I watched as Jake wore his best sweetest smile before holding onto Anna''s hand before pressing his lips against her palm. I gagged as I pulled Anna''s hand away from his which made him re at me. "Flirt much," I said as he scoffed, "Jealous much," he said as I rolled my eyes. Everyone went back to eating silently before I nudged Anna underneath the table. She looked at me from the corner of her eyes as I nodded. I felt eyes on me as I looked up to find Jake eyeing me suspiciously. "Mrs.K!" Anna called out trying to contain herself, "Yes, Anna?" Mom answered as all eyes were on Anna, "Is it okay if Ash spends the night at my ce?" She asked as Jake looked at us with raised eyebrows. "Sure, why not, it''s been forever since you girls had a sleepover," she said as both Anna and I smiled. "Thanks, mom," I said before we continued eating our dinner. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After dinner, both Anna and I rushed to my room to get our stuff ready. "You got everything right?" Anna asked as I nodded, "I can''t believe we''re really doing this," I said as she giggled, "I know it''s going to be really awesome," she said before we left to go downstairs. "Mom, we''re leaving," I announced as we were heading to the front door, "Alright, have fun, girls," she yelled from the living room before we exited through the front door. "You''re up to something," Jake unexpectedly said as he startled us. Anna and I instantly turned around to find him leaned up against the wall while smoking a cigarette. "I don''t know what you''re talking about," I said as he scoffed, "You may be able to fool your mother but you can''t fool me, I was 18 once," he said as I folded my arms, "Okay, you were 18 once the only differences are that I''m nothing like you," I said as Anna nudges me while Jake shook his head before letting out a breathyugh. "You''re right, you''re nothing like me," he said, putting out his cigarette before heading back inside the house. "What was that?" Anna asked as I sighed, "Nothing, let''s just go," I said before we headed to her house. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Ashely, are you ready?" Anna asked as I double-checked myself in the mirror, "Yeah, I''m ready, is your cousin here yet," I asked as she came to stand beside me. "She''s on her way," she replied while fixing her hair until a honk caught our attention. "Oh, she''s here," Anna said before we gathered our stuff to leave. We met Anna''s cousin Tatiana in the driveway as her car was pumping loud music. "Hey, would you turn that down, there are people in the neighborhood sleeping," Anna said as we entered Tatiana''s car. "My bad, cuz, but what''s up, haven''t seen you in ages," she said as they both hug it out. "Girl, I''ve been around, by the way, this is my best friend, Ashely," she introduced as they both turned to face me. "Hey, Ashely, I''m Tatina, but you can call me, Tati," she said as I shook her hand, "Nice to meet you, Tati, you can call me, Ash," I replied as she smiled. "Yo, Tati, races started," Anna asked, as we pulled out of her driveway, "Naw, but there''s this new racer, he''s really fine," she said with a smirk painted on her lips. "Who is he?" Anna asked and the thing Tatiana said made my heart stop. "His name is Jake, do you guys know him?" Chapter 5: Heat Chapter 5: Heat Previously _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "WHAT!" Anna shouted as my face went pale. Tatiana flinched from her cousin''s sudden outburst. "Yo! what the hell, girl," Tatiana winced while caressing her left ear. "Did you just say, Jake, as in hot, muscr, tatted, Jake?" Anna asked as Tatiana nods with a smirk stered on her lips. I wish I could smack that smirk off her face and I had no clue why I mean I could care less about Jake or whoever is crushing over his yboy ass. I watched as Anna sunk in her seat, mumbling a few curse words under her breath. Tatiana nced at her cousin wondering what she''s tripping over before ncing at me through the rearview mirror. "What''s up with you guys, you know the dude or something?" She asked as I rolled my eyes, "He''s Ashely''s stepbrother, Tati," Anna answered as Tatiana''s eyes widened. "You mean, you get to see that spiro walking around your house?" Tatiana asked as I didn''t bother to answer her stupid question, focusing my attention outside the window. "Damn, Ash, I''m sorry, I didn''t know Jake would be there, I- "Take me home, Anna," I said, not bothering to take my eyes from looking out the window, "What?" She asked as I finally looked in her direction, "I want to go home, Anna," I repeated before Tatiana butt in. "Want to go home, we''re almost there," she said as Anna quickly turned to scold her. "Look, Ash, we can''t turn back now, we''ll just avoid him, okay," Anna said as I sighed before nodding. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After the short, silent journey, we finally arrived at the racing grounds. The ce was packed with people. It gave off an intriguing and exciting vibe, which caused a small smile to crack against my lips. "Damn, today''s packed," Annamented as Tatiana smirked, "Mhm, they''re probably here to see my man," she said as I furrowed at her statement, "Your man?" I asked as she hummed, "Mhm, my man, I''m going to make him mine tonight, " she said with a smirk stered on her lips before ncing at me through the rearview mirror. "You don''t mind, do you?" She asked as she tried to be genuine but it only blew up in her face as Anna harshly nudged her, ''Why would I, I don''t give two shits about Jake and his fling," I replied as her jaw dropped but I could care less as I exited the car. Anna followed right behind me and she was followed by Tatiana, who angrily mmed her car door. Anna came up to me with a regretful look that made me roll my eyes. "I''m really sorry, Ash, I know how much you hate Jake and- All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. "It''s not your fault, Anna, let''s just get this over with and go home," I said before walking away with my arms folded across my chest. My body jolted forward as I felt a heavy weight on my body and arms wrapped around my waist, "I love you, besties," Anna said as she tried to smooch my cheek causing me to giggle, "Get off of me, you weirdo," I joked as we bothughed. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After greeting all the people that Anna knew, we finally found a spot where we had a clear view of the racers. I had never experienced anything like this before and to be honest I loved it. Everyone was in their own world conversing with their peers when the roaring sounds of engines caught their attention. Everyone cheered for their favorite racers as they gathered at the starting lines. There were different brands, colors, and designs of cars lined up but the one that caught my attention was the one that drove up in the center, Jake''s car. To be honest, he looked so hot as he focused on doing one thing and one thing only. To win. I saw as he red at the driver beside him, who smirked in return. Soon his attention was stolen by a particr girl who slid into his car. "Holy shit, is that Tatiana?" Anna asked in disbelief as my blood began to boil. Jake smirked at the driver, who rolled his eyes before setting his eyes on me as a smirk slowly stretched upon his lips. "HEY MA! YOU WANNA ACCOMPANY THE WINNING RACER?" He yelled causing everyone''s attention to turn to me. Anna excitedly turned towards me while shaking her head excitedly, "Dude, you gotta go, it''s definitely getting under Jake''s skin, just look at him," she said motioning me to look at Jake, and if looks could kill, I''d be dead. I nced back at the guy, who was holding the door open for me before making my way towards him with a smirk on my lips. I passed Jake''s car as his re followed my every move. "Thank you!" I mumbled before sliding into his car. I quickly fastened my seatbelt as I began to feel nervous. The guy entered the car as he shes me a sweet smile that makes me melt. "I''m Jay," he introduced as I smiled, "I''m Ashely, thank you for this experience," I said as his smile widened, "This is your first time?" He asked as I nod, "Yes, I''m a little nervous," I replied as he chuckled, "Don''t be, you''ll love it," he said as his engineer roared causing me to flinch. My attention was suddenly caught by the half-naked woman that walked in front of the starting line with a g. "On your marks," The woman said as the cars began to roar. "You ready?" Jay asked as he focused on the woman, "I think so," I replied. "Get set," she said as Jay changed his gears, ''Don''t worry, beautiful, you''ll be fine," he said causing me to blush. "GO!" The body jolts forward as the car takes off at full speed. I looked behind us to see all the cars way behind. "WHOOO!" I screamed earning augh from Jay, beside us was Jake as he caught up. I managed to make eye contact with Tatiana. "KEEP UP, HONEY!" She yelled as Jake passed us. "Bitch!" I mumbled as Jayughed, "Don''t worry, baby, we''ll catch them," he said as he sped up, as we were passing their car, I stuck my head out, "SEE YOU, HONEY!" I yelled as Jay''sugh echoed. I sat back inside enjoying our victory when. "JAY! LOOKOUT!" TO BE CONTINUED - - - Chapter 6: Heat Chapter 6: Heat Previously. I sat back inside enjoying our victory when. "JAY! LOOKOUT!" _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Everything happened so fast. Police cars started appearing out of nowhere trying to surround Jay as he tried his best to dodge them. I held onto the seatbelt that was warped around me for my dear life. I nced through the side mirror to see police cars trying to surround Jake but miserably failed as he dodged them. I was really confused as I nced at Jay, who seemed calm the entire time. ¡°Jay, what the hell just happened?¡± I asked as we were free from the police cars, ¡°Those were the cops, sweetheart,¡± he replied as I rolled my eyes, ¡°Uh, I kind of figured that part out myself,¡± I said as he chuckled softly, ¡°Why were they chasing after us?¡± I asked as he shrugged, ¡°Because, we¡¯re breaking thew, Ashley,¡± he simply replied as I sat confused before my eyes widened. ¡°You mean, this is illegal? I asked in disbelief as he just nods, ¡°Yup, this really is your first time, huh?¡± He asked as I mmed my back against the car seat, ¡°What have I gotten myself into,¡± I mumbled, before sighing heavily, ¡°Rx, ma, at least we won, you¡¯re kinda like my lucky charm,¡± he said as I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Yeah, it really was fun,¡± I admitted, as Jay cheered causing me tough, ¡°See, I told you, how about we go celebrate?¡± He suggested as I nce at him with a hesitant look, ¡°I think that¡¯s a good idea, I¡¯m not even supposed to be here,¡± I said as he started to whine, ¡°Come on, Ashley, I promise you won¡¯t regret,¡± he pleaded as I sighed, ¡°Fine!¡± I said as he cheered before changing direction. _ _ _ _ _ _ "SO what''s your deal with Jake?" I asked as we both sat down eating at a fast-food restaurant Jay was familiar with, "What about him?" He asked as I shrugged while munching down on some fries, "I don''t know, you seem to enjoy pissing him off," I replied as he chuckled, "Everything is just fun and games, and the fact that he takes everything seriously is fun," he said as I rolled my eyes followed by a giggle. "But what about you?" He asked as I furrowed while sipping my drink, "What about me?" I asked as he leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table, "You don''t look like the type of girl to be around ces like the racing grounds and besides, I''ve never seen you around," she said as I pointed one of my fries at him, "That''s because I''m not that type of girl," I replied before shrugging, "Besides, school has me busy," I said as he nodded deeply with his mouth slightly open, "Oh, so you''re that type of girl," he said as I furrowed. "Hey, what''s that supposed to mean?" I asked as heughed, "I mean, you''re one of those girls, who eat, sleep, and breath books, the innocent and quiet type," he exined as I mmed my hand against the table clearly offended, "I''ll have you know that I''m my own person, so don''t ce me in any kind of category," I said as he raised his eyebrows in amusement before smirking mischievously, "Oh... so you''re really that type- "Jay!" I warned as heughed while raising his hands in surrender, "Chill out, I''m just ying," he said as I cracked a smile before checking my watch, "Crap!" I mumbled which Jay heard as he asked, "What''s wrong?" he asked as I showed him my watch, "I didn''t know it was thiste, can you take me to my friend''s ce?" I asked as he nodded, "Sure,e on," he said while standing up from his seat, "Thanks!" I said as he shot me a sweet smile before we left. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Thanks again Jay, tonight was fun," I said once we pulled up in front of Anna''s house, "No problem, thanks for being my lucky charm," he said as I giggled, "Anything, Jay," I said before opening the door, "Hey, wait, I was meaning to ask you something," he said causing me to halt in my ce before turning to face him, "I was wondering if you''d like to this again something?" He asked as I raised my eyebrow, "Come on, you know, go somewhere and chill out like tonight," he nervously said as I smiled, "Sure, Jay, I would love to, why don''t you hold onto this and give me a call when you''re ready," I said passing him my number before hopping out of his car. "Goodnight, Jay, or more like good morning, " I said as he chuckled, "See youter, Ashely, I''ll text you," he said before pulling off leaving me there smiling like an idiot. "Ashely! Where the hell have you been, girl?" Anna unexpectedly popped up yelling, startling me, "Sh! What the hell do you think the time is?" I whisper-yelled as she ced her hands on her hips. "Exactly, where the hell has you been during this time after the cops showed up everyone ran for their lives," she exined as I furrowed wondering what happened to Jake and Tatiana. I had totally forgotten them during my time with Jay and speaking of Jay, he seemed cool, down-to-earth, funny, and really good-looking. I can''t wait to see him again. I''m just hoping he''s doesn''t turn out to be like the guys that tried to get inside my panties or turn out to This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. be an asshole like Jake. "Ashely!" Anna''s voice snapped me out of my thoughts as she stared at me worriedly, "I''m sorry, what were you saying?" I asked as she signed, "I was asking you, your whereabouts after the cops burst down at the racing grounds, what happened after the race started?" She asked as I smiled proudly as I re-think back to the time of the race. "Oh, we won and it was awesome," I said as her face lit up, "Really?" She asked as I nodded, "Yup, but after the race I- "What were you doing with him?" TO BE CONTINUED - - - - Chapter 7: Heat Chapter 7: Heat Previously "Oh, that we won the race and it was awesome," I said as I watched her lit up causing me to giggle, "Really, what happened after?" She asked as I smiled before continuing, "Well- "What were you doing with him?" _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Ashely POV) I spun around to face a furious Jake, who stood there with his hands tucked in his pockets, and no too far behind was Tatiana, who gave me a bitchy look, "What''s it to you?" I asked crossing my arms across my chest as Jake clenched his jaw, annoyed with my attitude, "Look, I''m not in the mood for your bullshit, what the hell were you doing with him?" He asked gritting through his teeth as I shrugged, "He was being a gentleman and took me out," I said as he scoffed, "Took you out, are you stupid Ashely, you don''t even know him," he gritted through his teeth as his fists clenched at his sides. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. "Why do you care, Jake, weren''t we the same individuals who hated each other?" I asked as my eyebrows furrowed with my arms spread apart trying to prove a point, "The only reason why I can''t tolerate your ass is that you''re rted to the bitch that ruined my family, " he spat as I stepped back, startled by his words. Anna''s gasped was heard behind me before everything went silent. "My mother didn''t know your father was an unfaithful bastard and if she did, she would never have married him," I said in a low tone breaking the silence before he scoffed, "Please, your dead father literally gave your mother a free ticket to being a- "SHUT UP! TAKE IT BACK!" I yelled as tears welled up in my eyes, "YOU KNOW NOTHING, DON''T BLAME YOUR PROBLEMS ON MY DAD," I continued to yell as my tears slide down my cheeks and my breathing be uneven, "Hey, Ash, calm down," Anna said trying her best to calm me down but I just shook her off. "This is all your father''s fault, nobody told him to be greedy and step out of his marriage, and because of him, my mom felt the need to rece my dad, so next time learn the truth to both sides before using people and ming other for you and your family''s problems," I said before walking away leaving them behind as Anna yelled after me. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "He, Ashely, wait, where are you going?" Anna asked as she ran after me while I stomped my way home, "I''m going home, Anna, leave me alone," I said as I continued to walk but was suddenly pulled back by the arm, "Ashely, I''m sorry, I feel like this is my fault since I forced you toe down to the racing grounds with me," she said as I sighed, "This isn''t your fault okay, you were just looking out for me, I just want to go home," I said as she nodded before pulling me into a tight hug, "Don''t listen to him, he''s just being an asshole, I can see why don''t like him," she said as I chuckled before pulling away, "Thanks Anna, I''ll see you tomorrow," I said as she gave me a weak smile before nodding. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I finally reached home after walking all the way from Anna''s house. Jake''s car came into sight as I got closer to the house and there he was leaned up against the car while smoking a cigarette. I took a deep breath in before walking past him as if he never existed. I sessfully made it inside the house and up to my room without being heard as I sighed in relief. I plopped down on my bed as Izily cuddled my pillow. "What a long morning," I mumbled slowly drifting off to sleep before my phone went off, "Ugh! Who''s texting me this hour?" I questioned in an annoyed tone as I reached for my phone. I''ll pick you up at 3 ;) I smiled at the text before drifting off to dreand with a slight grin on my face. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jake''s POV) Iid shirtless in my bed as I stared emotionlessly at the ceiling. Memories of how I actually ended up here came flooding in as I continued to gaze off. shback... I finally came back from having a long scroll as I couldn''t stay in that house much longer. I really needed to think and get some fresh air. When I arrived back, I saw my mom in the driveway, loading some luggage in the trunk of an unfamiliar car as I furrowed. "Ma, what''s going on?" I asked as she stopped to face me, "I''m leaving Jake, but just for a few months," she replied as I stared at her usual state of appearance. Exhausted, messy hair, untidy clothes, red eyes. I was currently standing in front of my alcoholic, and drug addict mother... I guessed when that asshole abandoned us, he broke something in my mom in the process. "Leaving? Where are you going?" I asked as she sighed before loading thest bag, "Rehab," she replied leaving me stunned because we have had arguments over her going but she refused because she''d stubborn, "Really? But what about me, what am I going to do?" I asked, "You''re going to stay with your father, Ja- "Naw, f**k that, I''m not to stay with that asshole," I hissed as I starting to get pissed," Look, Jake, I know you''ll never look at your father the same after what he''s done, but I''ll only be in rehab for a few months, so you''ll have to put up with him until I return, please," she pleaded as I sighed before pulling her into my embrace, "Fine! But I''m only doing this for you," I said as I embraced her tightly. "I''m trying to be good, for you, for me, for us," she said, "I know," I said as she pulled away, "I love you, Jake, always remember that," she said as I gave her a weak smile, "Love you too, ma," End of shback... I ran my hands down my face as I thought about my mom, I miss her. I remembered the emotions I felt when I pulled up in front of his house. I remembered the feelings I felt when I saw him, with them, his new family. Anger. Pain. Sadness. That''s all I felt as I began staying here. But I guess I wasn''t the only person that felt the same way. Looks like I''m sharing the same boat with another individual. TO BE CONTINUED - - - Chapter 8: Heat Chapter 8: Heat Ashely''s POV I woke up this morning still very exhausted. A couple of minutes had passed and I''m stillying in bed staring nkly at the ceiling. "ASHELY! COME DOWN FOR BREAKFAST," my mom yelled from downstairs as I sighed in annoyance, "Great! Now I gotta see the two people I hate most in this world," I mumbled while frustratedly tossing the covers off me. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I walked into the kitchen to see the devil and his son eating their breakfast in silence not acknowledging each other''s presence. "Goodmorning, honey," my mom greeted catching the attention of both men in the room, "Goodmorning, mom," I greeted back as I walked past the tablepletely ignoring their existences before pecking my mom''s cheek before grabbing my te that was filled with pancakes, strawberries, whipped cream, and syrup before making my way out the kitchen. "Ashely, don''t be rude, aren''t you forgetting something?" She asked stopping me in my tracks, "I don''t think so, mom," I replied without turning around to face her, "Well, thest time I checked your stepfather and brother was present in the room also," she said as I scoffed still with my back facing her, "And thest time I checked, I was an only child and that my father was dead," I said as she gasped, "Ashely!" She eximed, pissing me off to the point where I quickly spin around causing them to flinch at my sudden action. "You know what, mom, I''m so tired of pretending, pretending to be happy because you''re happy," I said catching her off guard as she stared at me in shock, "You know, I really wished you had sat down with me and asked how I felt about another maning into our lives, but I guess my feelings doesn''t matter," I said before shaking my head as a weakugh escaped my lips. "Ashely, I suggest instead of using your mother of something you know nothing about, you should- "Funny you say that Mr.Abdonment because that''s the same thing I tried to tell your son when he used my mother of being a b**ch, who broke up your happy little family," I said staring at Jake, who stared nkly back at me as my mother gasp again, "You should really enlighten him on how you were a greedy, selfish, bastard, who ran away from his resp- SLAP!!! My head was now facing the other side of the room as my cheek stung from the previous p I received from my mother. I didn''t cry nor did I feel angry or shock, I just stood there emotionless before slowly turning my head to face her. As I looked into her eyes, I saw a glimpse of guilt before it was consumed by anger. I gently shoved the te of food towards her as I didn''t have an appetite anymore, "I''m not hungry," I mumbled before leaving the kitchen, heading back up to my room. _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ (Jake''s POV) After Ashely left the kitchen, I stood up with my te in my hand as I walked over to the sink as if this entire argument didn''t happen. "Jake, what Ashely just mentioned, was it true?" Roger asked in a stern tone as I walked past both of them on my way out of the kitchen. "Don''t walk away from me, boy, I''m speaking to you," he said stopping me in my tracks, "Why would she lie, and don''t talk to me as if you''re my father because you''re not," I said before walking away as the sound of a chair knocking over was heard. I scoffed at the thought of him getting angry, ''he doesn''t scare me, he never did and never will.'''' I thought before exiting the house. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Ashely POV) I entered my bedroom mming the door behind me as I felt some sort of heavyweight being lift off my shoulder. I sat on my bed before running both hands through my hair as I sighed, "I can''t stay in this house, "I mumbled before fishing my phone. I scroll through my contacts before I stopped on Anna''s but I decided not until Jay''s name came into sight. I debated whether or not I should call him and why should N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. I call him? I shoved all questions aside and pressed the call button but immediately regretted it as I heard it began to ring. "Hello?" My heart skipped a beat as I heard his voice and since the phone was on speaker, I quickly replied, "Hey, Jay, it''s Ashely," I replied trying my best not to stutter, "Oh, hey, Ashely, what''s up?" He asked as I sighed, "Um, I know it''s not three yet a-and I''m sure you''re busy, but I don''t want to be at my house right now," I said as there was silence before he spoke, "Is everything okay?" He asked as I sighed again, "Could youe to pick me up, I don''t want to talk about this over the phone," I said as I heard the sound of the keys, "I''m on my way," he said as I smiled, "Thanks, Jay," I said before hanging up. _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ (Jake''s POV) I stood outside the house smoking a cigarette as it somehow brought me relief. I stared into space not noticing a car that pulled up in front of the house. I tossed the burned-out cigarette as I stepped on it while staring at the car with a furrow. "What the f**k is he doing here?" I murmured as I stared intensively at the person that came out of the car. I was about to approach him but was stopped by the sound of the front door opening which caught my attention. There was Ashely exiting the house dressed nicely. As she noticed my presence, she gave me an annoyed look before walking past me, "Ashely, where are you going and why is he here?" I asked as I followed behind her, "Mind your business and my whereabouts don''t concern you and neither does the people I hang out with," she said in a cold tone as my jaw clenched while watching her approach him. For some reason, my blood began to boil as I watched them embrace each other before they got into his car before driving away. The thought of him being alone with her makes my blood boil for some unknown reason. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 9: Heat Chapter 9: Heat (Ashely''s POV) After Jay and I embraced each other, we both entered his car, "Where to?" I asked with a grin on my face as I fasten my seatbelt, "Don''t worry, I got the perfect ceI was having a st with Jay, he instantly made me forget about this morning and I definitely don''t regret calling him. After we left, Aunty Jackie''s restaurant, I started to get anxious about this special ce Jay wanted to take me to, he said that he was meant to take me at 3 just like he nned, but ns changed. "Come on, Jay, just tell me where we''re going?" I pleaded for the millionth time causing him to scoffed, "Man, quit asking where we''re going, damn," he said as I huffed falling back into the seat as I crossed my arms with a visible pout on my lips, "Hurry up, my food is getting cold," I said in a whining tone causing Jay to chuckle, "Don''t worry, we''re almost there," he said as I nce outside noticing that he took a right turn onto a bumpy road that was surrounded by trees. "Jay, where the hell are you taking me?" I asked sitting up to take a closer look outside the window as heughed, "Chill, I''m so murder," he said followed by a deep chuckle as he continued to drive. Maybe this was a bad idea. I thought until we began to get closer to our destination. As we got closer, I gasped before turning to face Jay with my drop jaw as he smirked, "Surprise, how do you like it?" He asked as we finally parked. "Like? Jay, I love this," I said excitedly exciting the car, "Well, I''m d that I didn''t disappoint,e on, let''s go," he said frapping a nket from the backseat while I held our food before we walked towards the dock. I really loved Jay''s surprise, it really warmed my heart. I stood there in awe staring at the twinkling waters while Jay spread the nket. "You seem to enjoy it out here," Jay said as we both sat down on the nket, "I loveding to the river, my dad used to take me all the time," I said with a wide smile on my face, "Really, when was the here was 2 years ago before my dad died," I said staring out in the waters as I sighed again, "He used to bring me out here to teach me how to swim," I exined bringing my knees up to my chest as I smiled softly, "I remember how terrified I was, but he would always say that he would never let me fall and that he would always protect me," I said as my tears slowly began to fall before an airyugh escaped from my shaky lips, "And that''s exactly what he did," I said as my voice slight cracked before I locked eyes with Jay, who smiled softly at me, "He sounds like a good man and father," he said as I smiled, "The best," I said as we both chuckled. "After he passed away, it pained me toe back to this ce, but now that I''m actually here again made I realized how much I missed being here," I said smiling brightly at Jay, who blushed trying to avoid my stare while shaking his head, "If this ce will always put that beautiful smile on your face then I''ll take you here anytime you want," he said making me blush as he cracked up, "Shut up!" I whined before shoving some fried in my mouth, "You look really cute when you blush, Ash," he said as I immediately covered my burning face. _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jay''s POV) I was having a great time with Ashely, she such a sweet girl and after hearing about her father, I felt the need to protect her. I was falling for this girl and I was falling hard. "Hey, Ash, I really wanna ask you something but I want to make things awkward," I said as she stopped sipping her drink, "Shoot!" She said with a small smile as I took a deep breath, "It''s about when I came to pick you up, I noticed that Jake from the racing grounds was also there," I said as she sighed while cing her drink down, "Oh, I thought you didn''t notice," she mumbled but loud enough for me to hear, "Is there something going on between you two?" I asked feeling anxious with her response, "Jay, if you think me and Jake are in some sort of rtionship then you''re clearly mistaken," she said as I sighed in relief, but not for her to notice, "Then what was he doing there, he wasn''t harassing you, right?" I This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org. asked, "You see after my dad died, my mom ended up finding love again and well, her husband turned out to be Jake''s father," she exined as I nodded, "Was that the reason why you didn''t want to stay at your house?" I asked as she nodded, "Yeah, there was an argument and I just needed to get away because god knows what could be happening right now," she said as I hummed. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "ROGER! STOP IT! GET OFF OF HIM!" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 10: Heat Chapter 10: Heat (Jake''s POV) After Ashely left with that son of a b- I couldn''t stand staying at this house with those two, so I went to my car immediately remembering that I had left my keys inside. "F**k!" I mumbled, running my hands through my hair, "There''s no way, I''m going in there, f**k that, I need some air," I said before walking wherever my feet took me. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I walked the streets with my head low and my hands shoved down in my pockets just minding my own business until. "Hey, Jake," A voice beside me called out catching my attention as I looked at the person, "Hey, Tatiana, right?" I asked as she smiled, "Look, I and the girls are going down to Aunty Jackie''s ce, you wannae with us?" She asked as I thought for a second before shrugging, "Yeah, sure," I said before getting in the backseat with Tatiana. _ _ __ _ _ _ (Tatiana POV) Ever since I firstid eyes on Jake at the racing grounds, I wanted him and I''m going to get him even if I have to get rid of that b- "Hey, Tati, we''re here, girl," one of the girls said snapping me out of my thoughts. Soon everyone started exiting the car until I noticed Jake had stopped. My eyes furrowed as I followed his gaze which I looked back at Jake to notice his hardened expression and his tight fists, "Hey, Jake, let''s go," I said snapping him out of his daze as he slowly nodded before following behind me. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jake''s POV) I noticed that we had arrived at the ce, Tatiana mentioned but I also notice that she seemed lost in thought, but who am I to care, I know exactly what this girl is about. She wants something that I can''t give her. I mean she''s f**kable, but I''m not the rtionship type of guy. One of her friends called out to her causing her to wake up from her thoughts as we started exiting the car. The moment I exited the car, I recognized a car that made me tense up. My fists clenched as I felt my face hardened. It was them. Ashely and that piece of s- "Hey, Jake, let''s go," Tatiana called out, distracting me from pulverizing that asshole as I nodded before following behind her. As we entered the restaurant or more like a diner or maybe both, this ce was really packed so I''m guessing it''s really popr, "So I''m guessing this is like a hot-spot?" I asked as Tatiana smirked, "Yup, everyonees here, the food is the bomb," she replied as I nodded while looking around before she pulled me over to a booth. Soon a waitress came to hand out our menus before asking, "Hey, guys, how about we start with the drinks?" I furrowed skimming through the menu before asking, "Do y''all serve beers?" She nodded, "Then, I''ll have a beer, thank you," I said as she nodded before taking the rest of the girls'' orders, "I''ll take a beer also," Tatiana said causing me to internally roll my eyes. "So Jake, what are you ordering?" she asked as I shrugged, "Well, I''d rmend the fish and chips, it''s really good," she said as I shrugged again, "Sure, sounds good, but let me ask you something," I said turning my body towards her as her face lit up, "Sure, anything," she said as I smirk, "Tell me about Jay." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Ashley''s POV) My face heats up as a giggle escaped from my lips as I watched Jay take off his clothes, "Jay, what are you doing?" I asked as he smirked, "You really think I would bring you here and not bathe in the water?" He asked while removing hisst piece of clothing leaving him in his ck kelvin boxers. "But Jay, I don''t have any change of clothes," I said as he shrugged, "So do I, but I did bring two towels, it''s in the car," he said as I nodded before walking towards the car to only hear the ssh of water followed by Jay''s voice which made me giggle, "HURRY UP, ASH, THE WATER FEELS GREAT!" Soon, I reached the car, where I decided to change before wrapping one of the towels around my half- naked body. I walked back to the deck to find Jay peacefully enjoying the water with his eyes closed as his head leaned back on the waters. He looked effortlessly handsome, "Quit staring, girl, ande join me," he suddenly said causing me to flinch in surprise. I hesitantly removed my towel while keeping an eye on Jay before jumping into the water, "CANNONBALL!" _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jay''s POV) Ashely thought I wasn''t watching her but I did take one or two glimpses as she removed her towel and do I regret it? Hell no! Ashely''s beautiful and in my eyes she will always be beautiful. "CANNONBALL!" I chuckled at her silliness before swimming towards her as she floats up to the surface, "So, how''s the water?" I asked as she smiles widely, "Wonderful!" She said as her eyes sparked causing my heart to race. Without noticing I slipped into a daze before I was stung across the face with water followed by Ashely''s famousughter. "Oh, you think that''s funny, huh?" I asked sshing her back with water as she screamed in joy. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jake''s POV) "And that''s pretty much all I know about Jay," She said as I stared at her with a furrow, "So what I''m hearing is that this asshole is a yboy, who lures girls in from the racing grounds?" I asked as she nodded and that''s when my mind started to think of all kinds of things. Maybe that''s why he asked Ashely to drive with him and that so-call date he took her to this morning. I bet, he probably is trying to get in her panties right- "Jake! Jake, are you listening?" Tatiana asked interrupting my thoughts, "I gotta go, Tati, thanks for the info," I said before rushing out of the restaurant with Tatiana calling after me. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Ashley''s POV) Jay and I were on our way back to my ce. Today was honestly the best day of my life and I wished it didn''t have to end. Jay was the sweetest and I really hope I get to do this with him again. The car came to a stop, signaling that I had arrived home. Jay parked in front of my house as we both sat there in silence. I looked out the window to notice that the devil and son''s car was still parked in the driveway, "I guess this is it," I said looking back at Jay, who smiled gently, "I guess so," he said as I sighed, "I had a really great time, Jay, thank you," I said leaning forward to peck his cheek as he blushed, "No problem, Ash, hopefully, we''ll get to spend more time with each other," he said as I smiled, "Definitely!" I said before opening the door, "Bye, Jay!" I said, "Bye, Ash, I''ll text you," he said as I nodded before closing the door. I watched as he drove off before jogging to the house bracing myself for what''s to happen. I stood near the front door I heard yelling. N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. "ROGER! STOP IT! GET OFF OF HIM!" I rushed into the house and ran towards where the sound wasing from to find Roger on top of Jake punching him mercilessly while Jake tried to get him off. I looked towards my mom to find her standing there shaking like a leaf with tears running down her cheeks. "WHAT THE HELL ROGER, GET OFF OF HIM," I yelled trying to pull him off of Jake with the help from my mother. Jake managed to push Roger off of him as I helped him up while my mom held back Roger. "CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" I asked looking back and forth between the two men, "This doesn''t concern you, Ashely, this is between me and my so- "I''m not your motherf**king son, Roger," Jake growled, "That''s it,e with me, Jake," I said dragging Jake upstairs to my room. __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Sit your ass down," I instructed as I went to get the first aid kit I keep in my room, "So, how was your date?" He asked as I rolled my eyes, "It wasn''t a date and why do you care?" I asked as he scoffed, "Can''t I ask a question?" He asked as I made my way back to him, "No, you can''t ask a question especially if it involves my personal," I said as he chuckled. "Well, what if I had some information on your loverboy, will you then listen to me?" He asked as I furrowed, "What are you talking about?" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 11: Heat Chapter 11: Heat (Ashley¡¯s POV) "What are you talking about?" I asked, approaching him with a furrow as he did the most thing I hate about him. Smirk... "Oh nothing, I think I''ll save it for a more appropriate time," he said as his smirk widened until my hand reached out to clean his wounded eyebrow, which was stopped by his cold hand, "Thanks, but I don''t need your help, I hate people who pity me," he said getting up from my bed before making his way towards the door as I scoffed, "You''re such a dick," I said as he chuckled bitterly, "Whatever!" He said before opening the door revealing a pissed Anna. "What''s up to your ass?" Jake asked, pissing Anna off more, "Get out of my face, ass-wipe," she said as I''m guessing Jake rolled his eyes while passing her, "Someone''s got their panties in a knot," he mumbled but loud enough for us to hear. "Asshole!" She mumbled before entering the room shutting the doors behind her. We stood there facing each other as silence filled the room. I stood there with curious, innocent eyes while Anna red at me with her arms crossed. "So- "Where have you been?" She asked, cutting me off and also catching me off guard, "Huh?" I asked watching her slowly walk towards me, "Where have you been, Ashely, I called your phone but there was no answer, I came to your house but your mother had no idea where you were, so where were you?" She asked as I began to get annoyed. "I went out," I simply replied turning away from her as she scoffed, "Out, huh, did you go with him, why was he in your room?" she asked pissing me off, "Okay, let me stop you there, why would I go anyway with him, you know I can''t stand him and why does it matter, I didn''t want to stay here so I left to get some space," I said as she looked at me with doubt in her eyes. "Really, so why weren''t you answering my calls?" she asked, "Because I don''t have to answer to you so don''te in here demanding answers as if you own me, I don''t owe you anything Anna," I argued as she waved me off, "Whatever!" She said before walking out. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Anna''s POV) I walked out of her room pissed and irritated. I knew she was lying, I bet she was out with Jake, probably sucking off each other''s face. Why should I care, right? But I do because I like Jake, he may be an asshole but he was a hot asshole and Ashely was lucky to have him. Maybe Tatiana was right, maybe Ashely was trying to take Jake away from me. "Finish checking me out? A voice suddenly asked, snapping me out of my thoughts, "J-Jake, you-you wish," I stuttered while blushing hard. Jake narrowed his eyes at me before they were filled with Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. amusement. A smirk grew on his face as he walked towards me. My heart started pounding in my chest as he got closer until his chest was pushed up against mine. Our eyes locked as he leaned in and before I knew it my eyes closed waiting for something to happen but nothing did. Soon I heard a chuckle which made my eyes open. Jake was still inches away from my now burning face as he scoffed, "I knew it, pathetic," he said as my heart broke causing me to quickly push him away before running out of the house. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Ashley''s POV) Iid down on my bed while staring up at the ceiling. Today has been the worst and best day since summer break started. I wished I had nevere home. I should''ve stayed with Jay, he made me feel happy and special. Why did it have to end? Speaking of Jay, I wonder what he''s doing? I reached out for my phone that was on the nightstand before switching it on. I waited until it finally came on. 6 missed calls from Anna. I rolled my eyes in annoyance before searching for Jay''s contact before taking a deep breath. "Hey, Jay!" I texted as I nervously waited for him to reply, "Hey, Ash, wassup? ;)" he replied as I blushed. (Gosh! he''s such a flirt) "Nothing much I''m just bored as hell," I replied while watching the bubbles move indicating that he''s texting, "I guess you''re regrettinging home?" He asked as I nodded although he couldn''t see me. "Yup!" I said, "Trouble in paradise?" he asked as I rolled my eyes, "Shut up!" I replied, "Hey, I''m just teasing," he said as I smiled, "But I really hope we can repeat today''s event," I said, biting my lip, waiting for his reply, "Definitely!" He said before my door opened. "Honey, can we talk?" My mom asked, entering my room, making things awkward, "Uh, sure," I said before telling Jay goodbye. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jay''s POV) I was currently down at the racing ground texting Ashely before she had to go. I wasn''t racing tonight so I just thought why note down to watch. I had girls being through at me left, right, and center but I immediately turned them down because the only girl I had in mind was Ashely. "Yo, Jay!" I turned my head in the direction of the voice that called my name to see Tatiana, "Wassup Tati?" I asked as she got closer to me, "What''s up, aren''t you racing tonight?" She asked as I shook my head, "Nah, not tonight," I replied as she nodded, "So wassup with you and my cousin''s best friend?" She asked as I furrowed, "You mean Ashley?" I asked as she nodded, "What is it to you, she''s just a meaningless fling," I replied as she suddenly smirks, "Really, because she seems attached," she said as I shrugged, "Her problem then," I replied, "Yeah, well I gotta go, see youter," she said as I nodded before she walked away. "Well, isn''t it the yboy," a voice suddenly said as I turned around facing Jake, who had a smug look on his face, "Well, isn''t it the step-brother," I said returning the smug look as he walked closer to me, "I need you to stay the f**k away from Ashely," he said as I smirked, "Why, want to keep her all for yourself? " I asked as we stood face to face drawing attention from everyone, "You know, Jay, I wonder what Ashley would do, if she finds out that all this time you''ve just been ying her," he said as my face hardened and my fist clenched. His smirk widened, which pissed me off even more, and before I could swing a perfect punch. "IT''S THE POLICE, EVERYONE RAN!" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 12: Heat Chapter 12: Heat (Ashely''s POV) My mom closed the door behind her as she walked further into the room. I sat on the edge of my bed waiting for her to get on with it but she just stood there awkwardly looking around. "Look, mom, I''m really tired," I said as she sighed, "I know, but I want to make things right between us," she said before taking a seat beside me, "This morning, I was wrong for hitting you and I regret it so much, but I wish you''d be nicer to Roger as it will make me happy," she said as I stared back at her in disbelief before shifting away from her and before I could speak, she continued. "And I know, I was being selfish, I am being selfish and I know I should''vee and discussed this with you and hear your concerns and opinion before I made this big decision, but I didn''t and I regret it so much because you''re suffering and I promised your father that I would take care of you in the best way I could," She said as we both began to tear up. "Why didn''t you, mom?" I asked as she sighed deeply, "Because it was thest thing on my mind, after your father died it broke something in me and I hated the pain it brought with it," she said as I stared at her in awe. I never really knew how much my mom suffered when my dad died and now that I know, it stabbed me right in the heart. "Ashely, I love your father and I could never rece the type of love he gave to me but I couldn''t bear the pain anymore so I went out and found myself a distraction, and then the unexpected happened, I fell in love,'' she said as we smiled weakly at each other, "But no other man could rece your father and no other man could ever give me what your father gave to me and you know what that is, sweetheart?" She asked as I shook my head. "You, my love," she replied and that did it. I threw myself into her arms as I sobbed into her chest while she stroked my hair, "I''m sorry, mommy," I cried as she softly shushed me, "I''m sorry too, sweetheart, she said as I moved back with a smile on my face while wiping my tears. "Let''s make a pact, mom, no more secrets, no more enduring feelings alone," I said as she smiled before nodding, "Shall we seal it?" I asked as her eyes widened, "You remembered?" She asked as I nodded, "Of course I remembered, it was our thing," I said as she smiled before we did our mom and daughter handshake. We created this handshake when I was 9-years-old and we still got it. Laughter filled my room and honestly, I missed my mom, she''s my best friend. I ended up telling her about Jay. "Uh, uh, Ash, he sounds like trouble, but I''m d he''s making you happy, and don''t ever go down to that racing ground, what on earth was Anna thinking?" She asked while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "Don''t worry, mom, I''m never going down there again," I said before my door opened revealing Roger. "Jake''s been arrested," _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Jake''s POV) IT''S THE POLICE, EVERYONE RAN!" F**k! That''s not good. I grabbed that idiot by his t-shirt and began to drag him with me, "Come on, dumbass, I''m not letting you get caught by these pigs no matter how much I hate you, because that''s f**Ked up," I said as he nodded before we began to ran. "HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" A police officer yelled as he and a few other police officers tried surrounding us. Shit! Shit! I began to panic as the cops began to surround us, "Shit, man, what are we going to do?" Jay asked as I rolled my eyes. Coward ass! I looked around thinking of a way to escape but in the end, I eventually gave up, slowly putting my hands behind my head. Jay looked at me in disbelief as his eyes widened, "What the hell are you doing?" He whispered-yelled as I sighed, "There''s no use in running now, they already caught us," I said as the officers walked towards us as they shined that bright ass light in our faces. "Ugh!" I groaned as the officer harshly pinned me to the floor before handcuffing my wrists. I looked to my side to see Jay getting the same treatment, "You boys just can''t stay out of trouble?" the officer asked before taking us downtown. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Soon, we reached the police station as we were annoyingly shoved in. I hate the police station and this wasn''t the first time I''ve been in one. "What do we got here, officer?" Asked another officer, who had a smirk on her face. She thinks this shit is funny, huh? "Street racers," the officer replied as the female officer smirked before getting closer to my face, "Oh, we got a special ce for young men like you," she said breathing in my face as I scrunch in my nose, "Bro, you need a f**king breath mint," I said before being dragged to a jail cell. "Man, my papas is going to kill me," Jayined, annoying the hell out of me, "Yo, would you shut the hell up," I said before trying to get an officer''s attention. "Hey, officer, can I get a phone call?" I asked as the officer looked at me unamused, "And why would I do that?" He asked, "Because it''s my right, that''s why," I replied as he came to unlock my cell, "One call," he said as I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I get it," I said before Jay yelled out, "I WANT A CALL TOO!" Dumbass! _ _ _ _ _ _ All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. (Ashely'' POV) Soon we had arrived at the police station, "Girls, please, stay in the car," Roger said before exiting the car. Tck! He''s so dumb to get himself arrested. Minutes after Roger entered the station, another man entered at well looking pissed. Damn! I wonder who''s his child? It was getting really boring in the car as we waited for Roger and Jake to return. But after a few minutes, Jake and Roger exited the station followed by Jay and I''m guessing that was his father, who was dragging him by the back of the neck before my attention was caught by Jake entering the car. He gave me a bored look before asking, "What are you doing here?" he asked as I shrugged, "Why were you in prison?" I asked instead as he scoffed before leaning back, "None of your business," he said in a dry tone as I chuckled, "Then, my reason for being here is none of your business," I said as he groaned, "God, you''re so irritating," he said as I giggled, "Right back at you, brother." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ We entered the house and almost immediately, Roger began to lecture Jake, who was already making his way upstairs. "Jake, I''m not done with you," he said as Jake stopped before groaning, "Why are you acting out like Jake, is it because of my rtionship with Katie?" He asked as Jake turned to face him, "Man, I''m not having this conversation," Jaked said but Roger kept on pushing it. My mom tried her best to calm Roger down while I stood near the front door taking in everything. "No, we''re having this conversation," Roger said as Jake sighed, "Look, things between your mother and I wasn''t working, I fell out of love and didn''t see the point in staying so I left," he said as I saw something sparked in Jake''s eyes. "Then, what about me?" Jake asked leaving Roger speechless, "What about me, dad, what about my feelings and my life?" Jake asked and the way he called Roger ''dad'' came out bitter and emotionless. "You''re out here trying to be someone else''s father when you''re already a f**king father, my father," he continued getting slightly emotional but was too stubborn to show his weak side. I looked at my mom and guilt was written on her face as she stared at Jake. "I get that you and mom were falling apart, but that shit got nothing to do with me, I needed you and you left me, so don''t ask why I''m acting out because if you had raised me like a father supposed to raise his son, then I wouldn''t be acting this way, "he said before leaving. The atmosphere was awkward and thick, no one moved from their ces after Jake left. The way how he expressed his true feelings made me feel a type of way and I don''t quite understand why. Both of us lost something precious to us. I lost my father by chance. And he lost his father by choice. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 13: Heat Chapter 13: Heat That night, Ashely sat in her room debating whether or not she should go check on Jake. It wasn''t that she petty him and she surely didn''t want to make a fool of herself, but she knew how he felt. The longing for that fatherly love and care, Ashely knew exactly how Jake felt. "Come on, Ash, you can do it," she said trying to boost her confidence before heading over to Jake''s room that was right opposite hers. Ashely stood in front of Jake''s bedroom door before taking a deep breath, but as she did so, she smelt smoke and to be precise, cigarette smoke. She furrowed before sniffing the air to confirm that the scent was right before knocking on the door, "Jake, are you in there?" she called out but there was no reply, "well, here goes nothing," she mumbled before opening the door, which was surprisingly open. As she entered, Ashely quickly fanned away the smoke that filled the room, "Jake, open a goddamn window for Christ''s sake," she said walking over to open his window causing the smoke to fade away. The moment she turned around, her breath got caught in her throat as her sinful eyes scanned his half- All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. naked body thatid on his bed. His right arm restedfortably behind his head causing his bicep to pop, while his bare, tattooed chest hovered gently as he breathed. Ashely''s eyes traveled down to his defined chocte abs that made her mouth watered. "Are you done staring?" Jake suddenly asked startling Ashely, who quickly looked away, "Uh, I just came to check on you," she said but Jake maintains his gaze that was focused on the ceiling. "I don''t need your petty, Ashely," he said finally turning his attention to her, "And that''s not why I''m here, Jake, can you seriously not be an asshole for once," she said feeling slightly annoyed, "Then, why are you here, Ashely?" Jake asked before sitting up facing her as Ashely stood there ufortable. I-uh!" she stumbled, "Don''t do that, you came here to say something, then just say it," he said growing irritated which pissed Ashely''s off, "Yeah, I would if you didn''t hate me so much," she said as Jake stared back at her and believe or not his eyes softened, "We hardly know a thing about each other yet we can''t stand each other and I''m sick of it," she said as Jake tilted his head staring at her in amusement. "Look, I don''t know why all of sudden I want to be close to you, but I do know that this situation has affected both of us, I mean I lost my dad and out of the blue, this man appeared trying to be a father to me, who happened to be your father and I- all I''m trying to say is that you''re not alone and that I know how you feel," she said before walking towards the door. "Ashely... I don''t hate you," Jake suddenly said stopping Ashely in her tracks, "It''s just when I- Ashely turned around as she heard Jake sighed. The way he leaned forward on his knees while frustratedly running his hands through his hair made Ashely slightly smile. He was opening up and she was willing to listen. "It''s just when I look at you and your mom," he said as Ashely sat beside him, "It reminds me of when my dad walked out on me and when I see him trying his best to be a father to you, it made me think that I wasn''t good enough to earn his love and his care," he said as I looked at him with sadness in my eyes. "I''m sorry, Jake," I said as he chuckled, "Don''t apologize and don''t get all soft on me, Lil sis," he said as Ashely rolled my eyes, "God, you''re irritating," she said making her way towards the door as Jake smirked, "Right back at me, sister," he said as Ashely opened the door, "And Ashely, thanks," he said as Ashely smiled, "No problem," she said before leaving. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake and Ashely were currently in the living room. Jake was engulfed in his phone while Ashely was enjoying her morning cereal. Both Roger and Katie were attending some business leaving the two young adults alone. It felt weird for both of them to be in the same room and not say anything horrible to each other or annoy each other. Ding! Dong! "Hey, could you get that?" Ashely asked as Jake shrugged his shoulders before going to answer the door. As Jake opened the door, there stood was Anna, "Hey, Jake," she greeted as Jake nodded, "Hey, what are you doing here?" Jake asked, "Oh, I heard that you were arrested and I wanted to make sure that you were okay," she said as Jake raised his eyebrows in confusion. "How did you know I got arrested?" He asked, "My cousin told me," she said so innocently, "Ah, thanks, but I don''t need your petty," he said, "Oh, well, I actually came to see Ashely," she said as Jake raised his eyebrows again, "Oh, cool," he said before letting her in. They both walked into the living room, where Ashely shot them a confused look, "Hey, Ash," Anna greeted while sitting beside her, "Hey!" She greeted back in a low tone before continuing with her cereal. "So, Jake, are you going to Tatiana''s party?" She asked as Jake looked at her, "Uh, yeah, I am," he replied earning a wide smile from Anna, "Cool, you aren''t going right Ash?" She asked as Ashely looked at her for a moment before answering, "Nope!" She replied as Anna''s smile widened, "Cool!" "Well, I''m leaving and this is awkward," Ashely said catching Jake''s attention, "Where are you going?" He asked catching Anna''s attention, "Out, don''t worry, you can keep Annapany," She said in an annoyed tone before leaving. Jake stood up as well as Anna, "Uh, look, you gotta leave," Jake said as Anna furrowed, "But, Ash said- "Yeah, but I don''t need or want your attention, so you can leave," he said guiding her to the door, "Ok, well, see you at the party," TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 14: Heat Chapter 14: Heat Ashley entered her room annoyed, "What the hell is wrong with Anna?" She questioned herself as she searched through her closest looking for something to wear as Jay was heading over to pick her up. "Hey, you still haven''t answered my question," Jake unexpectedly asked, startling Ashley, who quickly turned around, "When the hell did you get in here?" She asked as Jake shrugged while taking a seat on her bed, "You didn''t answer my question," He repeated as Ashley rolled her eyes, "Out, and speaking of out, you need to leave," she said as Jake scoffed before walking over to her draws. N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. "Out where and besides, you''re the one who said we should end our childish feud, so I''m just looking out for my little sister," he said as Ashley cringed, "Ew, don''t call me that and get out of my underwear draw, you perv," she said as Jake began to crack up, "First of all, I didn''t know this was your underwear draw and second, damn, your tits are swollen and- wait a minute, is this a vibrator?" He asked in pure shock while holding up the tiny, pink device that caused Ashely to gasp, "Hey, give that back!" She said in a stern tone while trying to wrestle Jake causing them to tumble onto the bed. Jake''sughter echoed in Ashley''s ear as she tried to deny that the vibrator wasn''t hers, "Liar, you aren''t that innocent Ashely," he said as she groaned, "You know Ash, I can make my mouth vibrate against your- Before he could finish his sentence, Ashley quickly grabbed the vibrator out of his hand, but it left them in a very sensual position. Jake smirked at Ashley before cing his hands on her waist as Ashley blushed, "I see you, As- A familiar honk caught Ashley''s attention, causing her to quickly climb off of Jake as he rests on his elbows, "Shit, he''s here," she mumbled while pacing around the room, leaving Jake confused, "How''s here?" He asked as Ashely continued to organize herself, "Jay!" She said unknowingly as the name made Jake''s blood boil, "What the f**k is he doing here?" He asked standing upon his feet. "He''s taking me out, Jake," she replied turning to face him, "Hell, he is, Jake said before exiting Ashley''s room, with her hot on his tail, "JAKE! STOP!" She yelled, but at this point, Jake had muted her out as he exited through the front door. As Jake furiously exited the house, Jay too exited his car expecting to meet Ashely but locked eyes with Jake, who stormed towards him, "DIDN''T I TELL YOU TO STAY THE F**K AWAY FROM HER?" Jake yelled storming towards Jay, whose eyes widened as he wasn''t expecting this, "JAKE, GET BACK HERE!" Ashleymanded trailing behind Jake, clearly annoyed. Jay looked between Ashley and Jake as confusion was written on his face, "Ashley, is everything okay?" Jay asked, "Yes, Jay, everything is fine, please go back in the car and wait for me," she said as Jay nodded glimpsing at Jake before getting back inside the car. Ashley turned back to face Jake, who crossed his arms, "What?" She asked as he scoffed, "You seriously aren''t getting in that car with him?" He asked, "Yes, I am and I know we agreed to be on good terms but Jay''s a good guy, so give him a chance," she said as Jake rolled his eyes, "And I strongly disagree with that," he said as Ashley crossed her arms, "And why is that?" She asked as Jake avoided her stare. Ever since they decided to give each other a chance, Jake didn''t want to hurt Ashley intentionally, so he didn''t say what he had heard from Tatiana causing a smirk to grow upon Ashley''s lips, "I thought so, see youter Jake," she said before jogging towards Jay car as Jake watched them drove away as his jaw clenched. As they drove off, Jay glimpsed at Ashley, "Is everything okay?" He asked as Ashley turned to him with a smile, "Yup, is perfect," she replied making the ''p'' as Jay chuckled, "Alright then, are you hungry?" He asked as Ashley nodded, "Starving!" She dramatically replied as both she and Jayughed, "Okay, anything you''re in the mood for?" He asked as Ashley made a thinking face, "Oh, can we go back to Aunty Jackie''s, the food from there was the bomb," she replied, "Yeah, sure, we can go there and catch up on things since we didn''t talk- "Since you got arrested, which by the way you have some exining to do,¡± she said, getting _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Soon, they arrived at Aunty Jackie¡¯s as Jay parked before they both got out, ¡°Damn! It¡¯s hot today,¡± Jay Jay eyed her up and down while licking his lips, ¡°And who said I was talking about the weather,¡± he said as Ashley rolled her eyes, ¡°Boy, you y too much,¡± she giggled as they both entered the restaurant. Ashley¡¯s giggles died down as I entered the restaurant and saw Tatiana, her crew and Anna, which caused her. Anna stared back at Ashley before glimpsing at Jay until Tatiana whispered something in her ear that made her look away in disgust. As they were passing their table, Tatiana greeted Jay, who greeted her back, ¡°Hey Jay, wassup,¡± she glimpsed at Ashley, who seemed ufortable before reaching over to whisper something in Jay¡¯s ear, ¡°Don¡¯t get her too attached Jay,¡± she whispered catching Jay off as he nervouslyughed, ¡°W-Well, I¡¯ll see you lter Tati,¡± he said before leading Ashley to a table. ¡°What was that about?¡± Ashley asked as Jay looked at her with a questionable look What?¡± He asked as Ashley rolled her eyes, ¡°Nothing,¡± She replied before skimming through her menu. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ¡°Tatiana stared at the two individuals as theyughed and whispered amongst each other as her eyes narrowed, ¡°I thought you said that Ashley was interested in Jake and was trying to steal him away from me?¡± Anna asked her cousin while staring at the two, ¡°Well, it¡¯s obvious that she¡¯s trying to get Jake¡¯s attention, you know how protective he is about her,¡± she said as Anna nodded. ¡°But she¡¯s so dumb, Jay is obviously ying her,¡± she said followed by a chuckled as Anna started to feel guilty while watching her friend, ¡°You remembered the n, right?¡± Tatiana sternly asked as Anna nodded, ¡°Good, because tonight, you¡¯ll get what you want,¡± she said before smirking at Ashley. TO BE CONTINUED¡­ Chapter 15: Heat Chapter 15: Heat Ashley arrived at home after her little date with Jay. Today seemed a bit off and Ashley couldn¡¯t seem to brush it off. Before she had exited Jay¡¯s car, she asked him if he was free to have one of thosete- night calls they used to have but he quickly said that he was busy tonight, but the way he said it made Ashley a bit suspicious but she left it alone and exited the car. As she entered the house, she was greeted with silence. ¡°Hello, is anyone home?¡± She called out, but there was no reply. Ashley made her way upstairs as she stood in front of Jake¡¯s bedroom door. ¡°Jake, are you in there?¡± She asked while knocking on his door until he finally opened it with an annoyed look on his face. ¡°What?¡± He asked, sounding as though he just woke up. ¡°Oh, sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to wake you up, I thought the house was empty,¡± she said as Jake stood there with a nk look. ¡°Okay, is that all?¡± He asked as Ashley stood there awkwardly not knowing what to do. ¡°Uh, yeah,¡± she replied, earning a door in her face, leaving her dumbfounded. Ashley silently walked towards her room, where she entered, and immediately plop down on her bed. She stared at the ceiling wondering if Jake was still mad at what happened earlier, she didn¡¯t understand why Jake hated Jay so much, but what she didn¡¯t understand was Anna¡¯s sudden change of attitude. Thest time she remembered Anna saying that she couldn¡¯t stand her cousin and know she literally following her around like a lost puppy and not to mention, what had happened when she showed up this morning, she was drooling over Jake, which confused the hell out of Ashley because thest time Anna was over to her house, she looked like she could¡¯ve killed Jake. Ashley found herself overthinking to the point where she had fallen asleep. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jakey back down in his bed as his peaceful slumber was interrupted by Ashley. Just seeing her face made him remembered what happened when she left with Jay and that just pissed him off all over again. After Jay drove off, Jake went back into the house to release some stress by smoking. After almost covering his entire room with smoke, he fell asleep until Ashley came and ruined it. Jake sighed loudly before a familiar ping caught his attention. He reached for his phone that was underneath the covers. It seems that Tatiana had sent him a text. ¡°Hey, Jake, are youing to my party tonight, I hope to see you,¡± she texted as Jake rolled his eyes, N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. ¡°Hey, Tati, yeah I¡¯m ma swing by your party,¡± he replied as the bubbles on the screen appeared almost immediately, ¡°Yay, see you then, Jakey,¡± she replied as Jake¡¯s nose scrunch at the sudden nickname before tossing his phone. He plopped down on his bed as a sigh left his lips. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Tatiana watched the text and smirk. It¡¯s showtime, she thought before towards her friends, ¡°Is everything ready for tonight?¡± She asked as they nodded, ¡°Yup, but I don¡¯t see why you¡¯re doing this, especially to your cousin?¡± One of her friends asked, ¡°Well, both of them think they can get what¡¯s mine and that¡¯s not the case,¡± she said as the same friend frowned, ¡°But that Ashley girl, doesn¡¯t even like Jake,¡± she said as Tatiana scoffed, ¡°Duh, I know that but she¡¯s trying to take Jay and I¡¯m having it,¡± she said as all of her rolled their eyes with an expression that said, ¡°Here we go again.¡± ¡°Tatiana, you and Jay broke up 6 months ago,¡± she said as Tatiana started getting annoyed, ¡°Why do you care anyway, all you guys have to do is host this dump party and make sure everyone is here,¡± she said getting irritated with her friends, ¡°Whatever,¡± they said before walking away. Tatiana took a deep breath before heading upstairs to talk with her cousin. As she reached upstairs, she wasted no time in entering through her door to find Anna pacing nervously. ¡°Woah, whats¡¯s wrong with you?¡± She asked followed by a chuckle, ¡°I can¡¯t do this, Tatiana,¡± Anna said as Tatiana furrowed, ¡°What do you mean, you can¡¯t, you want Jake, don¡¯t you?¡± She asked as Anna sighed, ¡°Yeah, but this is my best friend,¡± she said as Tatiana rolled her eyes, ¡°F**k her!¡± She eximed, ¡°She¡¯ll never forgive me,¡± Anna mumbled before taking a seat beside Tatiana on the bed, ¡°Who cares, you¡¯ll have me, we¡¯re blood-rted and blood is much thicker,¡± she said before pulling Anna into a hug, but behind her back Tatiana was smiling wickedly, ¡°Thanks, Tati,¡± Anna mumbled, ¡°No problem, cuz.¡± _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake was currently on his way to Tatiana¡¯s party, but before he did so, he went to check on Ashley, who was sound asleep. A soft smile made its way to Jake¡¯s lips before he left the house. As he arrived at Tatiana¡¯s ce, he was stunned to see so many people. As Jake entered the party, he caught the eyes of many girls, who winked, seductively waved, and sweetly smiled at him. Jake walked further into the party until he saw Jay surrounded by a group of other girls, which made Jake smirk before walking in their directions. ¡°Well isn¡¯t it the man-whore,¡± Jake said catching their attention as Jay gulped before smirking, ¡°That¡¯s funny because you¡¯re no better than me, Jake,¡± Jay said as Jake chuckled, ¡°Well, at least I don¡¯t take b**ches on fake dates just to tell them I wanna f**k,¡± Jake said as the girls around Jay gasped before walking away from him. Jay¡¯s jaw clenched as he stepped into Jake¡¯s personal space, ¡°What the f**k is your problem, huh?¡± He asked as Jake smirked, ¡°I wonder what Ashely would do if she found out that you were ying with her?¡± He asked as Jay¡¯s eyebrows raised and a smirk stained his lips, ¡°She would never find out and what are you going to do, tell her because she will never believe you,¡± Jay said pissing Jake off until Tatiana stepped in between them. ¡°Woah, Woah, chill boys, we came here to party not fight,¡± she said before turning to face Jake, ¡°Hey, Jakey, thanks foring,¡± she said pulling him into a hug, ¡°You invited this asshole, Tati?¡± Jay asked, still very pissed, ¡°Jay, take a chill pill, here take this drink, it¡¯s mine, I just got it and Jakee with me,¡± she said handing Jay the drink before pulling Jake with her. ¡®Don¡¯t worry about him, Jakey,¡± she said leading them to the couches where Anna and her crew were, ¡°Hey, guys, look who I found,¡± she announced while smirking at Anna, who blushed, ¡°Hey,dies, I¡¯m off to get a drink, enjoy y¡¯all night,¡± he said before walking away. One of Tatiana¡¯s friends passed her a drink before she sat down next to her cousin. ¡°Here, drink this, it will calm your nerves,¡± she said handing her the cup, ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡± Anna asked while glimpsing inside the cup, ¡°Orange juice and vodka,¡± she said as Anna nodded before gulping down on the drink, ¡°You good?¡± Tatiana asked with a grin on her face as Anna nodded, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m great.¡± After a few minutes, whatever Tatiana and her friends put in that cup started to affect both Jay and Anna. ¡°What the hell did you put in this drink, Tati?¡± Anna asked feeling a bit dizzy, ¡°Nothing, but look, Anna, there¡¯s Jake, go shoot your hop,¡± she said as Anna tried to focus on where Tatiana was pointing, ¡°Where?¡± She asked, ¡°Dance floor,¡± she said before Anna nodded, ¡°Okay, wish me luck,¡± she said before heading to the dance floor, ¡°Good luck!¡± Tatiana mumbled before turning to her friends, ¡°You know the n, I¡¯m going to look for Jake,¡± she said before leaving. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ashley was awakened by the sound of her phone ringing. She sat up rubbing her eyes until she realized it was night. ¡°Damn, how long did I slept?¡± She questioned until her ringing phone caught her attention. She picked up the phone and frowned, ¡°Unknown number,¡± she mumbled before answering the call. ¡°Hello?¡± She greeted, ¡°Hey, is this Ashley?¡± The unfamiliar female asked as the sound of music was sting in the background, ¡°Yes, who¡¯s this?¡± She asked, ¡°Look, you need toe get your step- brother, he drunk and causing a scene,¡± she said as Ashley¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°What! Okay, I¡¯m on my way,¡± she said before hanging up. ¡°Shit, Jake, why are you so careless?¡± She asked herself before heading to Tatiana¡¯s party. As she made it to the party, her jaw dropped at the number of people, who attended. She squeezed her way inside looking for Jake. As she squeezed through the crowd, she suddenly heard Jake. ¡°Stay the hell away from Tatiana,¡± he said walking through the crowd, ¡°JAKE!¡± Ashley yelled but identally bumped into a couple that was making out, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sor- Anna! Jay!¡± She called out in pure shock as they both turned in her direction, ¡°Ashley!¡± They both said before Anna turned towards Jay before gasping. ¡°And here I thought you were my best friend,¡± Ashley said as her eyes welled up with tears, ¡°Ashley, I- By now, the music was cut off and everyone¡¯s focus was on Ashley, Anna, and Jay. ¡°Save it, whatever we had is over, don¡¯t ever talk to me again,¡± Ashley said as Anna¡¯s eyes filled up with tears. ¡°And you,¡± she said looking towards Jay, who had guilt written all over his face, ¡°Ash, let me expl- ¡°I should¡¯ve known, I should¡¯ve listened when I was told that you were nothing but a no good, piece of shit,¡± she said with tears streaming down her face as she turned to leave but Jay grabbed her hand, ¡°DON¡¯T F**KING TOUCH ME, stay the hell away from me and go to hell,¡± she before running out of the party. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake saw everything and immediately ran after Ashley. ¡°ASHLEY!¡± He shouted as he tried to catch up with her. There she was, sitting with her knees up to her chest as she sobbed. ¡°Ashley!¡± He called out causing Ashley to raise her head, ¡°J-Jake, w-what are you d-doing here?¡± she asked in between her hups, ¡°I saw everything Ashley, what are you doing here?¡± He asked, ¡°I was- Before Ashely could exin, she broke down again as Jake sighed, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go home,¡± He said helping her up, ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to go home,¡± she said as Jake frowned, ¡®Then, where do you want to go?¡± He asked as she took a deep breath. ¡°Can you take me to the river?¡± TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 16: Heat Chapter 16: Heat ¡°Can you take me to the river?¡± She softly asked while looking into his eyes as they softened. ¡°Sure, The party was clearly over now as people began to flee. Anna ran outside as fast as she can to catch up with Ashley but it was toote. Anna broke down in the driveway in front of Tatiana¡¯s house before storming back inside the house. Tatiana and her girls were busy giggling amongst themselves when Jay walked up to them. ¡°Tatiana, what the f**k did you put in that drink you gave me?¡± He asked as his eyes darkened. Tatiana shrugged innocently at Jay¡¯s question, ¡°Nothing,¡± she said as Jay walked closer to her, ¡°Cut the bullshit, Tati, I know you,¡± he said as Tatiana smirk before crossing her arms, ¡°Why do you even care about that b**ch anyway, I did you a favor,¡± she said as Jay blew up. ¡°BECAUSE I F**CKING LIKE HER, TATIANA, AND YOU JUST RUINED IT,¡± he yelled as both Tatiana and his girls were startled by his sudden outburst. ¡°But, Jay, how could you like her?¡± She asked as Jay scoffed, ¡°Because she didn¡¯t just want a simple f**k unlike some people,¡± he said as Tatiana gasped and before she could argue with Jay. ¡°TATIANA! WHERE ARE YOU, YOU DISGUSTING BITCH?¡± Anna angrily yelled as she rushed towards Tatiana, but was held back by Jay, ¡°YOU SON OF A B**TCH!¡± Anna yelled trying her best to grab Tatiana, who smirked. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Cuzzo?¡± She asked followed by a giggle, ¡°You did this on purpose,¡± Anna said as Tatianaughed, ¡°Obviously, you think I was going to let you take what¡¯s mine?¡± She asked as Anna¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°You nned all of this, you got Ashley toe down here?¡± Anna asked as Tatiana rolled her eyes, ¡°Duh and now she knows not to mess with what¡¯s mines,¡± she said as Anna scoffed, ¡°You know what Tatiana, I¡¯m not going to kick your ass right now, because karma is a b**th and she¡¯s going to f**k you really hard in the ass,¡± Anna said before storming out of Tatiana¡¯s house. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake and Ashley arrived at the river as Jake parked his car. Neither of them moved from the spot as the car was filled with silence but not an awkward one. Jake nce at Ashley, who seemed lost outside the window. This is what he wanted to prevent, her getting hurt over some scumbag. But then again, he wasn''t any better and wondered if he actually gave it a chance if he would hurt her as well. Jake always believed that Ashley deserved so much more and he couldn''t give her that even if he tried. "Are you okay?" Jake asked as Ashley sighed, "Yeah, I''m fine, I just wish I wasn''t so stupid," she replied as Jake scoffed, "You''re not stupid, Ashley, he just took advantage of your kindness," he said as Ashley turned to face him, "Was this the thing you wanted to tell?" She asked as Jake gave her a questionable look, "What thing?" He asked, "When we were in my bedroom, you said something about some info on Jay," she reminded as Jake nodded, "Yeah, but I decided not to tell you because since we decided to give each other a chance, I didn''t want to hurt you because you seemed to like him," he said as Ashley scoffed, "Yeah, well, I got hurt anyway, and that''s my own fault, I should''ve listened to my mom when she said he was trouble, and I shouldn''t have treated you that way when you were only looking out for me," she said staring down at her fingers, while Jake admired her. Ashley was a good one, as he thought. Not a lot of females he knew were able to point out their mistakes, admit their faults, and learn from them. She was mature and this was really sexy in his eyes. Jake unknowingly bite his bottom before raising her chin with the gentle pinch of his thumb and index finger. "Stop ming yourself, he was an asshole for taking advantage of you and any guy would be lucky to have you so don''t study him," he said staring into her hazel brown eyes. Jake''s words caused an eruption of butterflies in Ashley''s stomach as she smiled shyly. "Thanks, Jake," she said as Jake smiled, "No problem, little sister," he said followed by a chuckle as Ashley''s face scrunched in disgust, "Stop calling me that, but seriously though thank you for bringing me here," she said as Jake nodded, "No problem, is this sort of special to you or something?" He asked as she nodded, "Yeah, it''s me and my dad''s special ce," she said as Jake''s mouth formed an ''O''. "Are we staying in the car while we''re here?" Jake asked, "Hell, no, Let''s go take a swim," she said getting out of the car followed by Jake. "Take a swim?" Jake asked a little bit dumbfounded, "Yeah, The sound of water sshing was heard as Ashley jumped into the water as Jake chuckled before stripping. Ashley stalked him from the water before he eventually jumped in. "Damn, Ashley, this water is freezing," heplicated as Ashleyughed, "Where are you going?" Ashley as she watched Jake try to get out of the water, "I''m getting out of here before my balls freeze," he said as Ashley continued to crack up, "No,e here, I''ll warm you up," she said pulling him close to her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, while his arms wrapped around her waist holding her close to his body. They both stared into each other''s eyes and unknowingly they both started to lean in until their lips began to caress each other. They both held onto each other as if the other was going to disappear while kissing ever so slowly, smoothly adding each other''s tongues. Secretly behind Jake''s car was another car. The person in the car stalked the two individuals with tears Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. in their eyes until he left with the intention of revenge. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 17: Heat Chapter 17: Heat Both Ashley and Jake pulled away from the kiss as they were running out of air. Staring into each other¡¯s eyes as they pant, Jake suddenly smirked as Ashley raised one of her eyebrows. ¡°You''re a good kisser, Lil sis,¡± he said, before being pped across the face with cold water. Ashley¡¯s face turned sour after Jake¡¯s remark causing him to chuckle before swimming back to the deck. ¡°Come on, you¡¯re shaking like a leaf, we should really head home,¡± he said, pulling himself out of the water before helping her out. Ashley stood there shaking like leaf while holding onto herself. "Maybe, t-this w-wasn''t a good idea," she stuttered while shivering uncontrobly as Jake slightlyughed, "Here, take this," he said handing her his t-shirt as she looks between the t-shirt and him, "But what about you?" She asked as he shook his head with a small smile stered on his slightly pale lips, "It''s okay, don''t worry about me, go on take it," he said, gently shoved the t-shirt towards her as she sighed before taking it. After they both got ready, Jake led them to his car as they both got in. Jake immediately put on the heat as he saw Ashley still shivering a bit. "Why don''t you rest for a little bit, I''ll wake you when we arrive home," he said as Ashley smiled, "Thanks, Jake, you think Roger and my mum are home yet?" She asked as he shrugged, "Maybe, and if they were, your mum would have called the police," he said followed by a chuckled while Ashley gave him a questionable look, "Why do you say that?" she asked as he shrugged again, "Your mum seems like one of those parents that would file a missing chile report," he said as Ashleyughed, "Yeah, she''s super protective and tends to over-exaggerate," she said as Jake chuckled, "It means she cares and worries endless about you," he said as Ashley silently studied his side profile. Jake noticed the silence as he quickly nces at her before refocusing on the road. "Why you so quiet, Ashley?" He asked as she shrugged, "I just realized that you''re really not that much of an asshole," she said as heughed, "Thank you, Ashley, and you don''t seem like the uptight, spoiled brat that I thought you were," he said as it was Ashley''s turn tough, "Thank you, Jake," she said before yawning, "I think imma take you up on that offer," she said as her eyes slowly began to close down. _ _ _ _ _ _ Soon Jake arrived in the neighborhood and as he got closer to the house, the shing of bright red and blue lights came into sight. Jake gently shook Ashley awake, "Hey, Ash, I think you wanna see this," he All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. said as Ashley sat up rubbing her eyes, "What is it?" She asked as Jake began slowing down in front of the house as he pointed, "Unbelievable!" She mumbled as both she and Jake exited the car. "ASHLEY! JAKE! WHERE ON EARTH HAVE YOU TWO BEEN?" Ashley''s mom asked running them, "See what I told you?" Jake whispered before nearly getting tackled by her mom. "Mom, what''s going on?" Ashley asked as watching over her mom''s shoulder as Roger speaks to the police officer. "When we came home, there was no one at the house, I tried to call your phone but it was here at the house, so I called Anna, thinking you were there but she said you weren''t, she seemed upset," Ashley''s mom exined, but as Ashley heard Anna''s name her mood immediately changed and Jake seemed to notice as he stepped in. "Mrs- "Please, Jake, call me Kat," she said with a reassuring smile as Jake returned a small one, "Something happened between Ashley and Anna, and she wanted me to take her to the river, and that''s where we were," he exined not giving away any details. Ashley''s mom looked at her as Ashley tried to avoid it. Katie realized that her daughter didn''t want to talk about it and considering that Jake had to take her to her favorite ce in her whole world, it must''ve been really bad. "Alright, well you two look exhausted, how about you go get some sleep," she said as they both nodded before making their way inside. _ _ _ _ _ _ As they entered the house, Ashley immediately made her way upstairs. "Hey, are you okay?" Jake asked as Ashley stopped with her back facing her, "Yeah, I''m just tired," she said before quickly going up to her room. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The morning had soon taken over the night and Ashley still didn''t get a goodnight''s sleep. Her phone was constantly ringing and beeping with unwanted missed calls and text messages from unwanted people. Ashleyid on her bed, staring at the ceiling emotionless until there was a knock on the door. "Ash, sweetheart,e down for breakfast," Katie said as Ashley sighed before getting out of bed. She felt like a walking zombie and just wanted to lock herself in a room. After getting dressed, she made her way downstairs and into the kitchen, where she was greeted by her mother, Roger, and Jake. "Goodmorning, everyone," she greeted with a small, fake smile that went unnoticed by her mother and Roger, but not Jake, who stared at her intensively. Ashley took her breakfast and made her way back to her bedroom. A few minutester, Jake came bargaining, "You know, there''s something called knocking," she said not looking up from her breakfast, "You look terrible," he said as she scoffed, "Gee, way to make it obvious," she said sarcastically as Jake took a seat on the edge of her bed, "Why did you sleep like you said you were going to?" He asked as she rolled her eyes before pointing at her phone, "Because unwanted people were blowing up my phone," she as Jake looked at her before squinting his eyes, "Ashley, you still didn''t tell me how you got to that party," he said as Ashley stopped eating. "I woke up to a phone call saying that you were drunk and was making a scene, the person told me to drunk or tipsy," he said as Ashley nodded, "So I was set up?" She asked, "Had to be, but who?" He asked as Ashley already had an idea of who it was. "Ashley, Anna is here." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 18: Heat Chapter 18: Heat "Ashley, Anna is here," her mom said as both Ashley and Jake looked at each other. Ashley''s blood began to boil at the name of the girl, who betrayed her. Ashley really didn''t want to see Anna''s face right now, and the fact that her mom still allowed her in here, after Jake told her something happened between them really pisses her off. "MOM, I- Before Ashley could finish her sentence, the knob on her door turned before opening revealing Anna, who looked 10 times as horrible as Ashley. Jake''s eyes couldn''t help but widen in amazement as he scanned her appearance. She looked like she cried the entire night, plus the hangover was already beginning to take an effect on her. The room was filled with silence, rather awkward silence as Anna stood there staring at anything but Ashley''d deadly res. She was nervous, terrified, and depressed. All she wants is forgiveness, but judging by the death re she was getting, forgiveness was thest thing on Ashley''s mind right now. "What are you doing here?" Ashley asked in a cold, harsh tone as Anna forced the saliva down her throat before answering, "I was wondering if we can talk?" She asked before ncing at Jake, who smirked, "Alone," she said as Jake''s smirk widened, "Why can''t you just say it in front of me?" Jake asked as Anna sighed frustratedly, "Because, it doesn''t concern you," she said as Jake folded his arms, "Actually, it does concern me, so start talking," he said this time in a serious tone. Anna looked at Jake and then Ashley, she thought Ashley would at least tell Jake to beat it but she didn''t budge. Anna took a deep breath before pleading her case, "Ashley, I swear I didn''t know Tatiana was nning this," she said as Ashley scoffed while folding her arms, "What do you mean, you didn''t know and why would you do this Anna, I thought you were my best friend," Ashley said guilt tripping Anna, who indeed felt guilt. "I''m sorry, it''s just she m-made me think that you were," she stuttered unable to finish her sentence as she nces at Jake. "What Anna, spit it out," Ashley said growing frustrated, "S-She made me think that you w-were trying to t-take Jake from m-me," she said looking down in shame as the room went silent. Ashley stared at her best friend in shock while Jake''s body tensed up. he knew Anna had a thing for him, but he didn''t know that she would go this far. "Why would you think that?" Ashley asked as Anna sighed again, "Because I liked Jake and then Tatiana found out, she filled my head with all these lies and made me think that you take Jake away from me," she said as Jake quickly stepped in. "Look, first of all, nobody is taking me away from anybody because I don''t belong to anybody, so get that out your head and secondly, tell your cousin if she thinks, she could ever drug me again and get away with it, then she got another thinging," he said before leaving the room. Anna stared at Ashley, who nkly stared right back at her, "Ash, I- "Is that all you came here for?" She coldly asked, "No, I came to say that I''m sorry and I hope you can forgive me," she said Ashleyughed before standing upon her feet. "Forgive you?" Ashley asked in disbelief as Anna nodded while her eyes were pleading, "Forgiveness is thest thing on my mind right now, Anna, you don''t deserve my forgiveness, what you deserve right now is an ass-whooping. Anna looked into Ashley''s eyes as hers filled up with tears, "I''m really sorry, Ash," she said as Ashley shook her head, "No, you''re sorry that you got caught," she said as Anna quickly shook her head, "No, I swear, I''m truly sorry, I feel so guilty and I wanted to back out, I swear," she said, "When did you want to back out Anna?" She asked as Anna looked away. "That''s what I thought, please leave Anna, I''ve had enough," she said as Anna began to panic, "But- "No, buts Anna, please leave," she said as she was getting tired of the drama as she walked towards her bed before getting in it. Anna knew she couldn''t do anything else to convince Ashley to forgive her, so she did what she told and left but not before apologizing again. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After Anna left, Katie came to check on Ashley, who was cuddled up in bed. "Ash, sweetheart," she called out while walking through the door and further inside her bedroom. "Why did you let her in?" Ashley asked while staring at the ceiling, "What do you mean, honey, Anna is your best friend, she wanted to talk to you," she said not getting why her daughter was so upset, "Well, I didn''t want to talk to her and she''s not my best friend," she said as her mother sighed, "Ashley, what is going on, why are you acting like this?" She asked, "It''s nothing, Jake told you something happened between me and Anna, and yet you still allowed her toe up here," she said as her mother crossed her arms. "Ashley, I don''t know what happened between you and Anna and if I did then I would have never allowed her, so don''ty down there and try to argue with me," she said as Ashley sighed. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. "I''m sorry, mom, but can I be left alone?" She asked as her mom''s face softened before she sighed, "Fine, but this discussion isn''t over, remember our pact," she said before leaving. After her mom left, Ashley snuggled back into her warm sheet, closing her eyes before the sound of her door opening caught her attention. She didn''t bother to open her eyes thinking that the person would leave. Soon her door closed as she rxed but then there footsteps moving towards her bed. She silently gasps as she felt soony down behind her before wrapping their arm around her waist. "Jake!" She whispered as he hummed, "W-What are you doing?" She asked as he shifted closer to her, "Just rx, all this drama is exhausting me out," he said snuggling into her hair as she tensed up, "I said rx, stop tensing up," he said, "I''m trying, I can''t help it, this feels weird," she said as he sighed before turning her around until her head rests under his chin. Ashley remained quiet as her face felt hot. "Jake," she called out as he hummed, "Did you know that Anna liked you?" She asked as Jake pulled her closer, "I had my assumption," he said as she nodded before her eyes began to get heavy. "Ashley, I promise, I will never let anyone hurt you, I''ll protect you." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 19: Heat Chapter 19: Heat Jake woke up with Ashley in his arms. His heart softened at the sight of Ashley in his arms, it felt almost natural as if she belonged in his arms. But then his face dropped as she snuggled into his chest. This is what he didn''t want, for her to get toofortable with him. He''d be damned if he hurt Ashley and although he wasn''t good for her, he still found himself allowing her in. Ashley shifted herself out of Jake''s arms as he slowly sat up. He ran his hands down his face before carefully lifting himself off the bed. As he was about to leave, something on Ashley''s nightstand catch his attention. It was a picture frame of her and her father when she younger than now. She looked really happy in the photo and that brought a smile to Jake''s face. He examined the photo not knowing that Ashley was wide awake, following his every move. "That was taken on my birthday," Ashley said startling Jake, who quickly turned around, "I''m sorry, it just caught my eyes," he said cing down the frame as Ashley sat up, "It''s okay to be curious, Jake," she said in a soft tone while staring into Jake''s eyes as he unknowingly bit his bottom lip, "You seemed really happy in that picture," he said taking a seat in front of her, "Yeah, that was the best day of my life," she said staring out in space as she thinks back on that day. "That day, my dad got a promotion on at his job and he wanted to celebrate, so he took my mom and me to the river and we had a huge pic with all our favorite foods," she said smiling at the memory that was still fresh in her head, "All we did on that day was eat and y in the water and after that my dad and I spent time tossing pebbles across the water, watching them bounce until my mom took that picture," she said as Jake tuck a strand of hair behind her ears as she looks up into his eyes. "I wanna take you somewhere," he said as Ashley raised her eyebrows, "Where?" She asked as Jake grinned before standing up, "That''s for me to know and for you to find out,e on, get dressed," he said walking towards the door as Ashley got up from her bed, "But, Jake, I''m hungry," she whined as Jake rolled his eyes, "Fine, we''ll get something to eat first then I''ll take you to the ce," he said as she smiled before skipping to her bathroom leaving Jake with a smile on his face before he left. After waiting for Ashley for almost eternity, Jake finally left the house with Ashley close behind. Ashley''s mother was really happy that they were getting along and she hopes that he would give her a chance to care for him and one day he would ept her. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Anna was currently at Aunty Jackie''s ce. After she left Ashley''s house, she came here alone. Anna was always a stressed eater, so that''s what she was doing at Aunty Jackie''s, eating her pain away. "Is this seat taken?" Someone suddenly asked as Anna looked up to lock eyes with Jay, "Yes, this seat is taken," she quickly said as Jay chuckled, "You''re right this seat is taken by me," she said before sitting down as Anna rolled her eyes, "What do you want Jay?" She asked as Jay shrugged his shoulders, "I just want to talk," he said, "Yeah, well I don''t want to talk to you," she said as Jay furrowed, "What''s your problem, it wasn''t like I ruined that little friendship of yours," he said as Anna narrowed her eyes at him, "No, but you were ying my best friend," she said as Jay groaned, "I wasn''t ying, I actually like Ashley, but that Asshole wanted to take her away from me," he said as Anna furrowed, "What are you talking about?" She asked, "Hey, stepbrother," he replied. "Jake?" She asked as he scoffed, "Yeah, that asshole, every time I tried to take her out on a date, he kept pulling up telling me to stay away from her," he said as Anna looked down disappointed, "Well, he knew what he was doing because you still hurt her," she said as Jay started to get irritated, "Because of Tatiana, it''s all her fault," she said as Annaughed bitterly, "Please, Jay, everyone knew you were going to sleep with some chick, so don''t go ming your problems on other people," she said getting up from her seat before leaving. On her way out, she unexpectedly bumped into Jake with Ashley behind him. Anna tried avoiding eye contact which led her to nce at their hands that were tightly interlocked with each other. Anna felt her heart shattered but she knew that it wasn''t all about her so she gave Ashley a weak smile before walking past them. Ashley and Jake both looked at each other before Jake shrugged. They both entered Aunty Jackie''s diner to meet Jay sitting at one of the tables. Ashley sighed, "When will the drama end," she mumbled as Jake gently squeeze her hand. Jake held Ashley close to him as they passed Jay''s table, who immediately locked eyes with Ashley. Ashley quickly looked away until she felt someone grabbed her wrist. "Ash, can we talk?" Jay asked while having a firm grip on her wrist, "Let go of me, Jay and only my friends called me Ash," she said in a cold tone, while Jake behind her tried to calm himself down, "Ashley, please, I didn''t mean to hurt you, it was Tatiana''s felt, I- "Ok, let me stop you there, don''t go ming your faults on other people because thest time I remembered you lied to me about being busy that night and went to Tatiana''s party and she didn''t make you kiss Anna, you did that on your own and even if it wasn''t Anna, you would''ve been kissing Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org. another girl, so don''t approach me with that bullshit," she said trying to pull her wrist from his hold that only tightened. "Jay, let go of me, you''re hurting me," she said trying to take back her hand, "Please, Ashley, I didn''t mean it, give me another chance," he said as Jake explode. "JAKE! STOP IT!" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 20: Heat Chapter 20: Heat Everything happened so fast, all Ashley felt was a rush of cold air against her body as Jake threw the first blow causing Jay to stumble back. The diner went silent as Ashley stood there in shock. She looked at Jake, who stood there breathing heavily with his fists clenched at the side of him. She turned her head towards Jay, who didn''t expect a thing as he gently touched his bruised bottom lip. Ashley immediately stood between the two men just in case anything happened. "You son of a bitch," Jay eximed as he rushed towards Jake with Ashley in the middle as her eyes widened. Jake acted fast, moving Ashley out of the way just in time to receive a forceful blow from Jay. Jakeunched himself at Jay as they both stumbled to the floor with Jake on top of him. "JAKE! STOP IT! GET OFF OF HIM!" Ashley yelled from afar as the two men wrestle on the floor, "GET OFF, YOU F**KING ASSHOLE," he yelled trying to block Jake merciless punching. "JAKE! THAT''S ENOUGH!" Ashley yelled until Jake was pulled off of Jay, whoid there breathing heavily. His arms wereid beside his body and his eyes were shut. Ashley held her mouth as she watched Jay''s state, his face was bloody and swollen. She had tears in her eyes as she never witnessed anything like this and she wasn''t a person of violence. Ashley turned to face Jake, who was held back by two guys. His breath was heavy and his eyes were glued to Jay. This wasn''t Jake, this was apletely different person and this person scared Ashley to death. Jake realized his surroundings as he slowly calmed down. He turned to face Ashley, who stared back at him in horror. His face immediately softens, "Ash, I- Ashley held up her hand before storming out of the diner. The sound of her name being called slowly drowned out as she walked further and further from the diner. It was cold, dark, and she was scared. Soon drops of rain were felt as she shivered. The further she walked, the more the rain poured down on her until she was soaked. She hugged her body as she walked. The sound of a car was heard, but she kept on walking until the sound of someone calling her name caught her attention. "ASHLEY, STOP, GET IN THE CAR!" Jake yelled as Ashley continued to walk, but at a quicker pace. "STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME," She yelled as her heart sped up as she heard footsteps rushing towards her until she yelped as a firm grip found her arm, quickly spinning her around to lock eyes with Jake''s fierce ones. Her heart stopped in fear, she was trembly like a leaf and it wasn''t only from the cold, rainy weather. Jake breathe heavily as hot air came out of his mouth, "Get in the car, Ashley," he demanded very slow and clear as his grip loosens on her arm causing her to yank it away, "I''m not going anyway with you," she whispered as Jake''s jaw clenched, "GET IN THE F**KING CAR, ASHLEY, WHAT THE F**K IS YOUR PROBLEM?" He yelled, startling her as she backed away, "You are my problem, what you did back there to Jay, was wrong and you know that," she said as Jakeughed bitterly, "Yeah, well if protecting you is wrong then guess what, Ashley?" He asked invading her personal space as her breath got caught in her throat, "Then I never want to be right, now get in the car," he whispered in her ear as his hot breath and sudden deep voice sent chills down her spine. Ashley stepped back as she folded her arms, "I said I''m not going anyway, Jake, what part of that don''t you under-AHH!" She screamed as Jake squatted down before tossing her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. "JAKE, PUT ME DOWN, RIGHT NOW!" She yelled annoying Jake as he spanked her ass hard leaving her a whimpering mess that caused him to bite his lip. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. Jake walked back to his car with Ashley on his shoulder as she quietly stared at his ass. The rain was still pouring but either of them cared as they were already soaking wet. Jake walked towards the backseat door as he opened it before almost tossing her in, "HEY! WATCH IT, YOU DUMBASS!" She yelled as Jake mmed before going over to the front door. As he entered the car, he immediately turned on the heat before starting the engine. Ashley sat in the backseat with her arms crossed while she watched outside the window. Jake nced at her through the rearview mirror before he started to drive. Inside the car was awkwardly silent and it suffocated the two individuals. "I''m sorry you had to see that," he apologized but Ashley ignored him and continued looking out the window, "Ashley, did you hear what I said, I''m sorry, okay," he said, ncing at her through the rearview mirror as she continued to ignore him. Jake began to grow irritated and angry as his grip on the steering wheel tightened, "FINE, F**KING IGNORE ME THEN!" He yelled startling Ashley, whose eyes filled up with tears. She hates when Jake yells at her because it hurts when he does. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After the long and most painful ride, they have ever experienced was over as Jake parked his car, Ashley wasted no time in exiting the car as she stormed into the house, ignoring the stares from her mother and Roger, who was cuddled up on the couch. Jake stared back in the car as he leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed as he sighed deeply. He honestly could take this anymore, he was so tired of the drama and he wished he had gone back to where he came from. He missed his mom and he hated being here. Without Jake knowing, a single tear slides down his cheek as he slowly falls into a deep slumber. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 21 Chapter 21 The sun had taken over the night as Ashley woke up. A groan left her lips as she slowly sat up. Her head was pounding as she gently ran her hand through her semi-damp hair. Memories ofst night ran through her head as her headache got slightly worst. "Ugh! Stupid idiot," she mumbled while getting out of bed. She felt weak but she brushed it off before heading towards the bathroom. After a while, Ashley N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. came out dressed in her morning run outfit, although she felt like crap, she wasn''t going to stay in this house with Jake, her mother, and Roger after what happenedst night. Ashley carefully walked down the stairs with her hand firmly gripping the railing. She had a slight wobble in her step as her vision was a bit blur, she felt like someone was continuously beating her in the head. Her mother came out to call her for breakfast but immediately stopped in her tracks as she watched her zombie-like daughter weaklying down the stairs, looking like she could fall anytime soon. Her eyes widened as the realization hit her before rushing to Ashley''s side. "Oh god, Ashley, you look terrible, let me help you back upstairs and I''ll bring you breakfast," she said trying to change their direction but Ashley weakly shook her head. "No, mom, I''m fine, I''m just going on my morning run," she said getting out of her mother''s hold, "But, baby, you don''t look too good, you should be in bed," she said trying to convince her stubborn daughter, but Ashley didn''t change her mind and continued on her way to the front door. "I''m fine, mom, I''ll see you in a bit," she said before opening the front door as she left. Katie stood in the spot where Ashley left her as concern filled her insides. This year had been really tough on Ashley and she didn''t want to lose her daughter. She promised herter husband that she protect and take care of his daughter as best as she could. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The bright sun did nothing but weaken Ashley''s already weak body as she walked instead of running. It began to get more and more difficult for her to catch her breath as continued. Not too far from where she was, a group of girls secretly stalked her, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Ashley stopped to catch her breath as she bent down with her hands on her knees. She ced her hand on her chest as she groaned before someone shouted in her direction. "HEY!" Ashley turned her head to see a group of girls, four girls to be exact walking towards her with a cold, angry look on their faces. Ashley gulped as she straightened her weak body, she pointed to herself, "Me?" She asked as one of the girls gave her a sarcastic look, "Yeah, you," she replied as Ashley licked her chapped lips while eyeing the girls, "What''s the problem?" She asked as the same girl chuckled, "We got a message for your step-brother, Jake, tell him that Jay''s big brother is looking for him and that he should watch his back," she said as Ashley''s eyes widened, "Then maybe we should take this to the authorities then," Ashley said turning to leave before the girl grab onto her hair causing her scream out due to the headache she was still getting. "Listen here, you little b**h, you and your step-brother are going to pay for what he did to Jay, now be a good messenger bird and deliver Jay''s big brother''s message before I- "Before you what, Penelope?" Asked a familiar voice as it caught everyone''s attention. There stood Anna with a thick branch as she red at the girl named Penelope, who still had a tight grip on Ashley''s hair making her whimper from time to time, "Stay out of people''s business, Anna," Penelope said as Anna chuckled before pointing the branch at Ashley, "She is my business and you know not to f**k with me, Penelope, remember what happened thest time?" She asked as Penelope''s jaw clenched as she red at Anna, who smirked. "Remembered what I said, pretty girl," she whispered harshly in Ashley''s ear before tossing her weak body in Anna''s direction. Penelope gave Anna onest re before signaling her girls to follow her. Anna rushed to Ashley''s side, dropping the branch to take her in her arms. "Thanks," Ashley mumbled as Anna helped her up, "Just because you hate me doesn''t mean I don''t consider you as my best friend," she said as Ashley sighed, "I don''t ha- "We really should get you home," Anna said cutting her off as she wrapped Ashley''s arm around her neck before helping her home. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Anna and Ashley finally made it to her house at the same Jake were leaving. Ashley was so happy to see him and immediately remembered what happened at the park. "Jake!" She weakly called out catching his attention as he was about to enter his car. Jake froze at the sight of Ashley in the arms of Anna. Worry washed over his face as he stared at her weak figure until the memories ofst night shed before his eyes. The fight, the rain, they both arguing, him apologizing, and she ignoring him. His face suddenly hardened as he shook his head before entering the car. Ashley began to panic, she tried calling his name and getting his attention by gently knocking on the ss of his window, but he simply ignored her as he quickly drove out of the driveway. Ashley stood there with tears in her eyes. She was scared, she didn''t know what was going to happen to him after what that girl said to her. She was worried and angry that she couldn''t do anything. She let out a shaky breath before she turned to face Anna, who had a worried look on her face, "What are you going to do?" She asked as Ashley shrugged, "Nothing," she replied before everything went dark. Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Ashley woke up as a groan ripped from her throat. Her vision was a blur as she squinted her eyes. "Omg, honey, are you okay?" A faint voice asked as Ashley tried to sit up but a pair of hands gently pushed her shoulders back. "Oh, no, Ash,y back, my love, " said the voice as Ashley recognize it to be her mother''s, "Mom, what happened?" She weakly asked as her vision became clear as she looked at her extremely worried mother "Honey, you passed out, your body was too weak to function on its own so it shut down, it''s a good thing Anna was with you, " she said as Ashley furrowed, "Anna?" She asked as her mother nodded, "Yes, Anna was there when you copse, you don''t remember?" She asked as Ashley touched her head. "My head is pounding unbearably, " she replied as her mother nodded, "Yeah, that makes sense since I remembered youing homest night soaking wet, you probably have the flu, " she said caressing Ashley''s head as she closed her eyes trying to remember all the things that happened before she passed out. "We got a message for your step-brother, Jake, tell him that Jay''s big brother is looking for him and that he should watch his back." "Listen here, you little b**h, you and your step-brother are going to pay for what he did to Jay, now be a good messenger bird and deliver Jay''s big brother''s message before I- "Remembered what I said, pretty girl." "What are you going to do?" "Nothing!" "Nothing!" Before everything went dark. Ashley''s eyes snapped open as she remembered what had happened and what was going to happen. "Woah, sweetheart, calm down, " her mother said trying to calm Ashley down as her breath was unsteady and her chest hovered strongly. Her eyes slightly widened as it searched for something around her room before it met her mother''s worried ones. "Jake''s in danger." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake was currently at the river, where he had taken Ashley before. It always seemed to be peaceful here so Jake came here to kill some time before he leaves to the ce he always goes when he''s stressed. He really felt guilt for leaving Ashley, especially in that state but he was stubborn and decided to act childish by letting things from the past get to him. He thought, she was still angry with him but the way she was wanting his attention, made him wonder what was so important that she needed to tell him. Jake sighed, pushing his thoughts aside as he bent down to pick a pebble up from the floor. He remembered when Ashley told him about her and her father''s favorite thing to do when they would the water. Jake sighed again as he felt his pocket vibrate. He pulled his phone out of his pocket as he watched the missed calls from Ashley and his Dad. Jake sighed annoyed before switching off his phone. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Goddamit, pick up, " Ashley said frustratedly at her phone as her mother paced in front of her, "Okay, Ashley, you got to tell me what exactly is happening?" She asked as Ashley sighed, "This morning I was ganged up by a group of girls, who wanted me to deliver a message to Jake, " she said as Roger walked into the room, "What message?" He asked as her mother nodded as she wanted to know as well, "The girl said that Jay''s big brother was looking for him and that he should watch his back, " she said as her mom''s eyebrows furrowed as she ces her hands on her hips, "Jay''s big brother, why would he be looking for Jake, Ashley?" She asked as Ashley gulped nervously, "Jake kind of beat up Jay,st night, " she said as her mother''s eyes widened, "What, why did Jake beat up Jay, Ashley?" She asked as Ashley groaned, "He was trying to protect me, " she said, "Really, Ashley, from what?" Her mother asked while folding her arms across her chest, "It''s a long story, " she said as her mother hummed, "Yeah, I bet it is and you got a lot of exining to do youngdy, god, Ashley, what happened to us having a pact, " she said while walking out the door as Ashley sat there with a guilty look on his face. "Mom, I''m sorry, " she said but her mother already left, leaving Roger and Ashley, "What about Jake?" She asked as Roger sighed, "Jake''s strong and I know I may not have raised my son, but ever since he was born, he always has been strong, he''ll be fine, Ashley, " he said before leaving the room. Roger''s words didn''t exactly make Ashley less worried, she was still very worried about what was going to happened to Jake. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The sun was setting as Jake was driving to the ce where he always goes when he''s stressed or felt creative. He found it when he first came here, it was abandoned so he used it. It was probably illegal to spray paint but Jake didn''t care, he was the type to always break the rules anyway. He parked his car in a ce where no one can find it before exiting the car. He pulled his hoodie over his head before walking towards the abandoned building. Not too far behind him was a group of guys. Their faces were covered but they looked dangerous and angry especially since Jake was in their sights. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Jake felt like someone was watching him, but as he turned and saw a familiar person amongst the group of guys that were following him, his eyes widened before he did the mostmon thing possible. He ran¡­ TO BE CONTINUED Chapter 23 Chapter 23 The group of guys realized that Jake took off running at full speed, ¡°HEY! COME BACK HERE!¡± Jay¡¯s brother yelled as they ran after him. Jake¡¯s heart was pounding in his chest as he elerated his pace. He constantly looked behind him to see if they were still following him and indeed they were. The guys behind Jake grew tired as they began to slow down. Jay¡¯s brother pointed in different directions instructing the guys to split up while he and another familiar guy continued to run after Jake. Jake¡¯s lungs began to burn and his legs grew tired. He panted heavily as he looked behind him to see two guys running away from him, but he was way in front for them to catch up to him. Jake sighed in relief, thinking that he was out of danger''s way, but he had anothering when he was suddenly forced to the ground by a harsh tackle. Jake groaned while trying his best to shake off the guy that was still on him, but it was no use as two other pairs of rough hands harshly held onto his arms bringing him up to his feet. The mockery of pping was heard as two other guys appeared in front of Jake¡¯s helpless body. Jake red at a particr individual with such hatred in his eyes as the individual smirked. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t it Jake,¡± the leader of the group eximed with a smirk on his face, while Jake red at him before chuckling, ¡°Always knew you were a coward piece of shit, Jay, but now you have really proven it to me,¡± he said before receiving a punch from Jay as his brother quickly held him back. ¡°You¡¯re all talk Jake, but look at you now,¡± Jay said, getting out of his brother¡¯s hold. ¡°Now, Jake, my man, you beat my Lil bro, you embarrassed him for a little b**tch,¡± he said as Jake began to feel aggravated by the way Jay¡¯s brother was talking about Ashley, aggressively trying to break from the guys that were holding him back. ¡°And now, you gotta pay for the consequences of your actions,¡± he said massaging his knuckles before throwing the first punch causing Jake to stumble but the guys held him up. Jake spit blood out of his mouth that was from his busted lip before smirking at Jay¡¯s brother, ¡°Is that all you got?¡± He asked as Jay and his brother¡¯s jaw clenched in anger before they looked at each other before nodding. Jake eyed the brother suspiciously before he screamed out as pain shot right up his right leg. Everything happened so fast that Jake didn''t see iting. Jay within seconds managed to stump onto Jake''s right knee cap pushing it back with such force. Jay''s brother silence his cries with two solid punches breaking his nose. The guys that held him up, dropped him on the floor as he groaned while holding his leg. Jay smirked at Jake''s condition before squatting down to his level, "And don''t you worry, I''ll take good care of Ashley," he whispered before signaling the guys to finish the job. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Back at home, Ashley was extremely worried. It was reallyte and there was still no sign of Jake. He hadn''t returned anyone''s calls or texts which didn''t help the situation. Ashley asked Anna to do her a favor, which she did without hesitation and apparently, Jake was nowhere to be seen at the racing grounds, not even Tatiana saw him. Katie and Roger were in the kitchen drinking some wine as they waited for Jake to return home. They both were really worried but this wasn''t new for Jake, since he has been disappearing at night since he got here. They both knew how worried Ashley was, but Roger kept reassuring her that Jake was fine which really pissed Ashley. Roger and Katie were currently having a conversation when his phone began to go off. He furrowed, wondering why his ex-wife was calling. Katie saw the confusion written on her husband''s face as she ced her hand on top of his. "Is everything alright?" She asked as he nodded, "Yes, dear, please excuse me," he said before walking out of the kitchen. Roger entered the living room, immediately epting the call, "Monica, how are you?" He asked in a calm tone, "I''m not fine, Roger, but what I do want to know is why in the hell is my son in the hospital?" She asked in a harsh tone taking Roger back on her question. "I''m sorry, what?" He asked pacing around, "What do you mean, Jake''s in the hospital?" He asked as Monica sighed in frustration, "Roger, I''m in rehab trying to get my life together for my son only to get a Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. call from a stranger stating that he found my baby in an alley almost beaten half to death," she exined as her voice began to crack, "I sent him there for you to be with him, bond with him, protect him and now he is in the hospital," she continued as Roger stayed silent, by now Katie had walked in the living room and she felt extremely guilty. "What kind of father are you or have you forgotten that you had responsibilities to take care of, is your new family more important than your damn son, Roger?" She asked growing angrier than before, "Go to my son, Roger or so help me god, I''d be spending a lifetime in the government''s prison," she said before hanging. Roger harshly tossed his phone before running his hands over his face, "What''s wrong, my love?" Katie asked, slowly walking towards him, "Jake is in the hospital," he replied as she gasped, "That was his mother, she got a call about Jake, he was found in an alley, almost half beaten to death," he continued as Katie held her hand up to her mouth watching how her husband struggled to contain his emotions. She pulled him into a confronting hug before a familiar voice caught their attention. "You said he would be fine," there stood Ashley with hot tears running down her face, "Ash- "YOU SAID HE WAS STRONG!" She yelled as her tears couldn''t seem to stop, "But you still didn''t care to go out and look for him, and now Jake is in the hospital. "If his mother didn''t receive that call then Jake would''ve been dead." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Ashley, her mom, and Roger were on their way to the hospital. Neither of them said a word and the tense around them was thick and suffocating. Ashley was still silently crying in the back as she could only imagine what Jay¡¯s brother could¡¯ve possibly done for Jake to end up in the hospital. She knew this would¡¯ve happened, but no one listened to her. Katie slightly turned to check on her daughter. She was still very worried about Ashley¡¯s condition and to see how worked up she was getting over Jake¡¯s incident made her more worried. Everyone was worried about Jake, but for some reason, Katie felt guilty and maybe it was because she was viewed as a home wreaker, not only by the child of her husband but by the mother of his child. Katie couldn''t even imagine what Jake¡¯s mother had to go through when she received a call from someone saying that her child was in the hospital for almost being beaten to death. If she was in Jake¡¯s mother¡¯s position, no thought of how she would¡¯ve reacted came to her mind. She just hoped that Jake would be fine and have a speedy recovery and that he gets justice. Roger was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. He was sad, angry, nervous, scared, and guilty. He had incident really opened his eyes, but he hopes and prays it wasn¡¯t toote and that his son doesn¡¯t permanently hate him. As Roger continued to drive while trying his best to not lose focus and crash until a small hand was ced on his left thigh giving it a gentle squeeze. His nerves slightly calm down as he quickly nces at his wife, who smiled gently at him. ¡°Everything is going to be alright, my love,¡± she mouthed as he sent her a small smile before refocusing on the road. Soon everyone arrived at the hospital. Ashley took a deep breath while wiping her tears before exiting the car. Her mother silently came beside her pulling her side into hers while wrapping her arm around her waist. A reassuring smile was stered on Katie¡¯s lips as she petted her daughter¡¯s hair. They walked towards the entrance of the hospital with Roger leading. As they entered the hospital, Ashley looked around at the people, who had both worried, relieved, and scared look on their faces. Roger walked up to the front desk with the girls close behind. The nurse looked up from her paperwork and smile calmingly at Roger, who seemed anxious. ¡°Hello, good night, sir, how may I help you?¡± She asked as Roger forced the saliva down his throat before speaking, ¡°My son was brought to the hospital, I¡¯d like to see him,¡± he said as the nurse furrowed before reaching for a clipboard, ¡°And what¡¯s your son¡¯s name, sir?¡± She asked flipping a few pages, ¡°Jake Stephen James,¡± he replied as the nurse began searching for the name before smiling at Roger, ¡°Your son is in room 158, but we only allowed 1 visitor at a time,¡± she said noticing Ashley and Katie behind, sending them a gentle smile, which Katie responded to with a small smile. N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. The nurse took a nce at Ashley, who seemed weaker and paler. Her eyes were focused on the floor as she clenched her mother¡¯s arm. ¡°Mrs, may I ask if the youngdy is alright, she looks very pale?¡± The nurse asked catching Ashley''s attention as she smiled weakly at the nurse, ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ashley replied as the nurse tilted her head not really buying Ashley assurance, ¡°Are you sure?¡± She asked as Ashley nodded, ¡°Yeah, I just really want to see my step-brother,¡± she said as the nurse sent her a small fake smile, ¡°Alright then, hope everything goes well,¡± she said before they left to Jake¡¯s room. Roger stopped in the corridor causing the girls to stop as well, ¡°Um- I¡¯ll go first,¡± he said as Katie nodded, ¡°Ok, Ash will go after and I¡¯ll just stay here,¡± she said as Roger looked at her with guilt in his eyes before nodding, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said before leaving. Ashley and her mother sat on the beach in the corridor. "Why didn''t you tell the nurse you weren''t feeling very well, Ash, she could''ve helped," her mother said as Ashley sighed, "I need to see if Jake''s alright and I''m not going to let the simple flu stop me from doing so," she replied as her mother sighed, "Alright, well, since we''re waiting, how about you tell me why Jake''s in the predicament in the first ce?" She asked as Ashley licked her chapped lips, "Well, you remembered Jay, right?" She asked as her mother nodded, "Well, I really liked Jay and I thought he was different, so I started going out with him," she said as her mother''s eyebrows raised, "You went out with him, I thought it was a one-time thing?" She asked as Ashley shook her head, "No, we went out a couple of times, and Jake wasn''t really please with that, he kept trying to tell what a snake Jay really was and I didn''t listen and continued to let Jay in," She said as her mother''s eyes widened. "You had sex with him, Ashley?" She eximed as Ashley''s eyes widened, "No, mom, god no," she said as her mother sighed in relief before raising her hands in the air, "Oh thank, the lord," she mumbled as Ashley rolled her eyes, "Are you done, mom?" She asked as her mom surrendered with her hands in front of her chest, "Sorry, honey, please continued," she said as Ashley yfully rolled her eyes, "One day, Jay took me out to eat at Aunty Jackie''s, it was the day after Jake and I decided to be more considerate about each other''s feeling and be more open with each other and he wasn''t happy about me going out with Jay, after eating at the diner, Jay dropped me home and I asked him if he was going to call me tonight, but he said that he will be busy tonight so I brushed it off," she said getting a bit emotional. "He lied to you, didn''t he?" Katie asked as Ashley nodded, "There was this party that Anna''s cousin, who hates me by the way, she threw the party," she said as her mother furrowed, "Why does Anna''s cousin hate you?" She asked as Ashley scoffed, "Apparently she likes Jake, and with me being the step-sister, she thought that I would prevent Jake from seeing her and apparently Anna felt the same way because she was helping her cousin plot against me," she said as her mother''s eyes widened. "Was that problem going on between you and Anna, that Jake was talking about that night?" She asked as Ashley nodded, "Yeah, the night of the party, I got a call from someone saying that Jake was drunk and making a scene, so I went down to get him to only find Anna and Jay''s tongue down each other''s throat," she said as her breath came out shaky before her mother softly petted her hair, "I''m so sorry, my love," she said trying tofort her daughter as best as she can. "Jake''s been there for me all this time until we went down to Aunty Jackie''s, where Jake and Jay fought because Jay wouldn''t leave me alone," she said wiping away her tears before looking right into her mother''s eyes, "Mom, do you think I could''ve prevented this, I mean I tried to tell him, but- "Ashley, Ashley, there was no way you could''ve prevented this okay, so stop ming yourself," her mother said as Ashley nodded before Katie brought her in her arms. Minutester, Roger came out while wiping his face, his eyes and nose were red and he lookedpletely miserable. Katie and Ashley stood up as he approached them, "Honey, is everything alright?" Katie asked but Roger ignored her words and look right at Ashley, "He wants to see you," he mumbled before taking a seat on the bench. Ashley turned to her mom sort of asking for permission as she was nervous, "Go on ahead, sweetheart, we''ll be right out here," she said as Ashley nodded before walking towards Jake''s room. Her heart pounded in her chest and she felt lightheaded, her palms were sweaty, and she found it somewhat difficult to swallow. Standing in front of the door, she took a deep breath before opening it, but that was the biggest mistake that she could''ve ever done because the next thing she saw was darkness. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 25 Chapter 25 As Ashley opened the door, the sight before her made her already weak body weaker. She couldn¡¯t believe the sight in front of her. This wasn¡¯t Jake, she had no idea who this person was, but when he whispered to her, reality smacked her right in the face, ¡°J-Jake!¡± She weakly stuttered before everything went dark. Ashley¡¯s body hit the floor with a loud thud noting both Roger and Katie¡¯s attention as they rushed to the sound. Katie cupped her mouth as Roger rushed to Ashley¡¯s side to check to see if she had a pulse. Katie nced around before her eyes locked with Jake¡¯s one, which made her gasped while taking a step back. Jake''s eyes flooded with worry as he watched Ashleyid unconsciously on the floor. His heart ached more than his severe bruised body as he watched and couldn¡¯t help. Soon, two male nurses came to escort Ashley¡¯s body out of the room causing Jake to slightly panic, ¡°W-Where are they taking her?¡± He asked as his voice came out raspy and weak. Katie looked at Roger, asking him for permission as he nodded before leaving the room. Katie sighed before turning to Jake, who stared back at her with depressing eyes which made her heart ached. ¡°Ash is going to be fine Jake,¡± she reassured while taking slow, cautious steps towards his bedside, ¡°How did you guys know I was at the hospital?¡± Jake asked as Katie furrowed, ¡°Your father didn¡¯t tell you?¡± She gently asked as he shook his head, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t want to talk to him,¡± he replied as Katie sighed before sitting on the chair close to his bed, ¡°Your, your mother called Roger and told him you N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. were here,¡± she said as Jake snapped his eyes towards hers as his eyebrows furrowed, ¡°My mother?¡± He asked as Katie nodded while avoiding his gaze feeling guilty. Jake seemed to notice the guilt she was feeling as he sighed, ¡°Katie, I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered but loud enough for her to hear causing her heart to skip, ¡°Why are you apologizing?¡± She asked as he sighed again not being able to look her in the eyes, ¡°Ever since I got here, I did nothing but me you for my family falling ap- ¡°Jake sto- ¡°No, please, let me finish,¡± he said cutting her off, ¡°That night, I heard you and Ashley talking, I promise I wasn¡¯t eavesdropping, but the things you told her, about yourte husband and about falling in love with my dad, I realized that you can¡¯t help who, you fall in love with,¡± he said catching Katie off guard, ¡°Jake, you¡¯re a good kid and what has happened to you is something I wouldn¡¯t wish apart anyone not even my worst enemy, you didn¡¯t deserve this,¡± she said as Jake sighed, ¡°Maybe, I did deserve it,¡± he whispered as Katie looked at him with sadness in her eyes. ¡°Jake- ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± He asked, sounding a bit hesitant, ¡°Of course,¡± she said causing Jake to raise his good arm to let his hand gently massage his throat as he cleared it before speaking, ¡°If you identally fell in love with someone you can¡¯t have, what would you do?¡± He asked as he looked into her eyes. Katie stared back at Jake in shock before gathering the right words to say to him, ¡°Well, if I really love that person and I found myself feeling lost without them, then it¡¯s okay to be selfish, Jake, if you really in love with this person, give it a try and if it doesn¡¯t work out then at least you tried,¡± she replied as a small genuine smile to stained her lips causing Jake to feel somehow at ease. Katie noticed how drowsy Jake looked as she got up from her seat, ¡°You should get some rest Jake, Roger and I wille visit you in the morning,¡± she said as Jake hummed, ¡°What about Ashley,¡± he asked as Katie smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll check on her before we leave,¡± she said as he nodded, ¡°Katie, if she¡¯s awake, please tell her, I¡¯m fine,¡± he said as Katie nodded before walking towards the door, ¡°Goodnight, Jake, be safe,¡± she said with a smile on her face, ¡°Goodnight, Katie,¡± Jake mumbled before drifting off the sleep. Katie exited Jake''s room before walking down the corridor until she spotted Roger leaning up on the wall, ¡°Roger!¡± She called out catching his attention, ¡°Katie, how¡¯s Jake?¡± He asked as she smiled, ¡°He¡¯s asleep, how¡¯s Ash?¡± She asked as they both walked to Ashley¡¯s room, ¡°The doctor said that she has a head cold and since she wasn¡¯t resting as she should, her body grew weak and copsed, she¡¯d be fine in a few days,¡± he exined as he opened the door revealing a fast asleep Ashley. Katie walked towards her daughter before gently caressing her hair, ¡°Are they keeping her?¡± She asked while maintaining her attention on Ashley, ¡°Just for a few days, her blood pressure was low, the doctor said probably due to stress, they want to monitor her for a few days,¡± he said as Katie nodded as a sigh left her lips, ¡°I love you, sweetheart,¡± she whispered before cing a gentle kiss on her forehead before leaving. Soon Roger and Katie left the hospital with intentions of visiting in the morning. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Tatiana paced up and down her living room and her friends watched her weirdly, ¡°I need to see him,¡± She said as one of her friends scoffed, ¡°See who, Tati?¡± She asked as Tatiana stopped pacing to face her, ¡°Jake, you idiot, him being in the hospital is spreading like wild-fire,¡± she replied as another one of her friends rolled her eyes, ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not the reason why he¡¯s in there, Tati, because Jay¡¯s dumbass didn¡¯t go back and tell his brother that Jake whooped his ass in front of the girl he loves,¡± she said as Tatiana rolled her eyes while waving her off, ¡°Whatever, I thought Lucus was just going to shake his ass up, not send him to the hospital,¡± she said throwing her hands up in the air as it came down and pped her thighs. ¡°Whatever, so what are you going to do, you aren¡¯t rted to Jake, so how are you going to see him?¡± Another one of her friends asked as Tatiana smirked, ¡°It¡¯s simple, girls, I¡¯ll just say I¡¯m his girlfriend, easy.¡± TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Ashely woke up in a different environment and surprisingly her head was skyrocketing, which was good since she got sick. The continuous beeping sound began to annoy Ashley as she tried to reach for her rm clock but felt nothing but air, Ashley furrowed as she felt nothing before the sound of a high- pitched chuckle caught her attention. Ashley slowly opened her eyes as her eyelids squinted trying to adjust to the bright light before fully opening them. Ashley frantically scanned the unfamiliar surroundings until itnded on the nurse, who continued to do her work. Ashley suddenly gasp as she realized something, ¡°It wasn¡¯t a dream,¡± she mumbled before the nurse walked up to her bedside, ¡°How are you feeling, my dear?¡± She asked as Ashley furrows, ¡°Confused, what happened?¡± She asked as the nurse gave her a small smile to reassure her that everything was going to be fine, ¡°Yesterday you fainted, so we took you to take a look Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. at your condition and it seems that you had caught a head cold and because you weren¡¯t taking care of yourself it had gotten worst which is why you fainted yesterday,¡± the nurse exined as Ashley nodded, ¡°And my mom?¡± She asked as the nurse nodded, ¡°Your pare- ¡°My mom,¡± Ashley interrupted as the nurse gave her a smile, ¡°Your mother said she¡¯lle to visit this evening,¡± she replied as Ashley nodded, ¡°I¡¯m fine, by the way, much better than I was before,¡± Ashley said as the nurse smiled, ¡°That¡¯s good, we¡¯re monitoring you for a few days and then you¡¯ll be free to go,¡± she said getting ready to leave before Ashley stopped her, ¡°Wait, can I see my step-brother?¡± She asked, ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to wait until his girlfriend leaves,¡± she said as Ashley furrowed, ¡°Girlfriend, what girlfriend?¡± _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ¡°Tatiana- what are- you- doing?¡± Jake asked as he tried to push Tatiana off of him, but at the moment she was stronger than due to his condition. ¡°Oh, baby, I was so worried about you, look at what they did to you,¡± she said frantically examining his body and face, annoying the hell out of him, "What the f**k is wrong with you?" He asked but Tatiana ignored him as she tried to kiss him again and yet again Jake tried to push her away but this time she seeded. Jake''s eyes widened as his good arm reached to grab onto her shoulder. The sound of a door opening caught their attention as Tatiana pulled away. There was Ashley in a wheelchair, who stared at them with a nk expression. Tatiana slowly stood up with a smirk on her face. Jake stared at Ashley in awe but the way she was looking at him scattered his heart, "Ashley!" Jake softly called out to her as she ignored him while turning towards the nurse, "Is this the girlfriend, you were talking about?" Ashley asked as the nurse nodded, "Girlfriend, what the hell are you talking about, Ashley?" Jake asked looking back and forth between Ashley and Tatiana, who folded her arms while ring at Ashley. "Well, look at who we have here, hey Ashley, what happened did you purposely get injured to be close to my Jakey?" She asked as Ashley scoffed, "Please, Tatiana, I''m not like you, who has to pretend to be someone else, just to see the guy that doesn''t want you," she said as Tatiana smirk faded and was reced with a thin line. Her tiny fists balled in anger as she stomped her way towards Ashley. "You little bi- The nurse pulled Ashley''s wheelchair back to prevent the impact from Tatiana before another male nurse walked by, "Miss, I''ma need you to calm down and exit the room, please," he said as Tatiana froze in her ce before looking back at Jake with pleading eyes, "Jakey, tell them that I''m here for you," she said as Jake scoffed, "The hell you are, I don''t even know why you''re here or how you even knew I was here," he said as Tatiana started whining, "What do you mean, I was the reason why you ended up in here, I was the one who told Lucus about- Tatiana''s words faltered as she realized what she was confessing, "what the hell did you just say?" Jake asked in a furious tone which caused Tatiana to gulp, "You''re the reason why Jake was almost beaten half to death?" Ashley asked in a semi-shock tone as Tatiana groaned, "Are you deaf?" She asked as Ashley red at her, "Get the hell out of here before I make you regret stepping foot in this f**king room," Jake said as Tatiana grew pale, "B-But, Jakey- "GET THE F**K OUT, WHAT PART OF THAT DON''T YOU UNDERSTAND?" Jake yelled startling everyone in the room as Tatiana rushed out of the room before turning back, "This is over!" She said before leaving. Jake seemed to calm down a bit as he sunk back down into the hospital bed. Ashley signaled the nurse to push her inside before the nurse left both Ashley and Jake in the room. Ashley examined Jake''s condition with a heavy heart, "Don''t stare too much, Ashley, you''ll break me even more than I already am," Jake said as he maintained his gaze on the ceiling, "You look terrible," she said as Jake chuckled, "Well, it''s better than looking dead, right?" He asked in a joking tone as Ashley scoffed, "Don''t joke around like that, Jakey," she said back in a joking tone causing Jake to groan, "Please, Ashley not right now," he said as Ashley sighed before standing up from her wheelchair. She slowly walked towards Jake''s bedside as he watched her every move. Taking a seat on the edge of his bed, Jake snaked his good arm around her waist pulling her closer towards him. They both stared into each other''s eyes, "I''m d you made out alive," She softly said caressing his cheek as he gave her a small smile, "I''m strong, Ashley, always have been and in time I''ll bounce back from this," he reassured as she looked while nodding, "Who did this to you, Jake?" She asked looking back into his eyes, "You know who did, Ash," he replied as Ashley shook her head, "I know it was Jay''s brother, Jake, but who else?" She asked as Jake looked away, "Who helped him do this to you, Jake?" She asked as Jake looked back into her eyes, "Jay, Ashley, Jay helped him," he replied as Ashley''s eyes widened, "Jay did this?" She asked in disbelief, "Yes, and I need you to stay away from him, Ashley, promise me," Jake said as Ashley immediately nodded, "I-I promise, I promise, I''ll stay away from him," She said as Jake sighed in relief. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake and Ashley spent the entire day together, but their parents couldn''te to visit them in the evening as they said so they wereing tonight. It''s been a long day and Ashley was finally resting in her room while Jake was doing the same. Ashley was currently gazing outside of her window as she was in her own world to notice that her door had opened. The person snuck into Ashley''s room trying their best not to interrupt her as they walked towards her bedside. In one of their hands was a bouquet of roses. Ashley still has noticed the person in her room until their icy cold hand caresses her cheek which made her flinch in shock before she turned towards the person. Her eyes widened at the sight of the person, who had a wide smile stered on their face. "J-Jay!" Her voice faltered as Jay bit his lip trying to bite back the smile that was eager toe out. "Hey, baby girl, did you miss me?" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Ashley was inplete horror as she watched Jay ce the roses in the vase that was on the avable table, "What are you doing here, Jay?" She asked as normal as possible but when Jay turned around with a furrow on his face, her heart skipped a beat, "Tatiana told me that she saw you in the hospital when she came to visit Jake, so I came to visit you," he said mentioning Jake''s name with such ease, which angered Ashley. "Okay, but Jay, how did you get in here?" She asked watching him circle her bed, "Oh, that was simple," he said as Ashley rolled her eyes, "Let me guess, you came as my boyfriend?" She asked as Jay smiled, "Bingo, princess!" he eximed as Ashley furrows, "Why did you lie, Jay?" She asked as Jay furrowed, "I didn''t lie, sweetheart, I am your boyfriend," he said as Ashley slowly sat up getting a creepy vibe from Jay, "You''re not, Jay, and you never were," she said as Jay''s face suddenly went nk scaring the hell out of her, "I could''ve been, if it wasn''t for Jake, how is he by the way?" He asked in a mocking tone. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. "You should know, you''re the one who did those horrible things to him," she said in a disgusted tone as Jay chuckled, "Oh, he told you," he said walking to sit on the edge of the bed, "Well, he had iting," he said with a widen smirk on his face, "How could you talk like that Jay, you and your brother almost killed him," she said as Jay scoffed while standing up from his seat, "Whatever, but why do you care anyway, Ashley, I thought you hated him?" He asked walking towards her as she moved back, "You know, Ashley, I didn''t appreciate you taking him to our spot," he said as Ashley gasped, "You were stalking us?" She asked in disbelief and horror, "I sure did and you know what I hated the most when I sat down in my car and watched you both, huh?" He asked suddenly grabbing onto her neck which caused her to scream out. "I hated to watch him f**king kiss what''s mine," he whispered deeply in her ears as her eyes filled up with tears, "Tell me, Ashley, why do you let him in so easily, why do you always give him a chance, tell me," Jay demanded as Ashley shivered in fear while tears ran down her cheeks as she bit back her sobs. Jay began to get impatient as his grip tightened around her neck, "J-Jay, you''re h-hurting me," she said struggling to breathe as she held onto Jay''s wrist. "Tell me, Ashley, why?" He asked again as Ashley couldn''t take it anymore and blurted out, "B- Because, I love h-him," she said as Jay quickly let go of her neck taking a step back. Ashley held her neck as she gasps for air. Jay stood there staring at her with so much hatred, "What did you just say?" He asked in a deadly tone causing Ashley''s heart to speed up in fear. The assistant monitor caught Ashley''s attention as she slowly reached for it without Jay knowing, "WHAT THE F**K DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME, ASHLEY?" He yelled as Ashley stared back at him with cold eyes, "I said I love him, I love Jake," she said as Jay suddenly charged towards her, but Ashley was too quick as she pressed the button on the assistant monitor before leaping out of the bed, so that it was now in between them. Ashley stared back at Jay with eyes still clouded with fear and heavy, unstable breaths. Jay smirked as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "You sneaky little vixen," he said walking back towards the door, "This isn''t over, Ashley, it''s just the beginning, I''ma keep a close eye on you and tell Jake that if he doesn''t stay away from what''s mine then I''ma make sure and finish the deed, "I''ll see you around, baby girl," he said with a wink before leaving. The assistant monitor slipped out of Ashley''s hand as Jay''s words began to register in her head. Her heart once again sped up as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Before you knew it Ashley''s body copse on the floor as she finally let out the sobs that were begging for release. The nurse had finally rushed into the room to find Ashley on the floor sobbing, "Ashley, oh my," she said rushing to her side pulling her into aforting hug. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Katie and Roger rushed towards Ashley''s room after receiving a call from her nurse. As they entered, they found Ashley sound asleep with her nurse at her bedside gently stroking her hair, "Nurse, what happened to my daughter?" Katie asked walking to stand on the other side of the bed, "I don''t know, she was fine after I brought her back to her room after spending time with her step-brother," she said as Katie stroked Ashley''s hair, "She pressed the assistant monitor and when I came, she was on the floor sobbing," the nurse said as Katie look back at her with sad eyes, "What''s happening to my baby," Katie mumbled as her eyes filled up with tears, "Can we have Ashley move into Jake''s room, we want them together," Roger said as Katie nodded, "Sure, no problem," the nurse said before leaving them alone. "Roger stood beside Katie before taking her into his arm, "Why is all this happening, Roger?" She asked breaking down in his chest as he stroke her hair, "I don''t know, my love," he said before kissing her head. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake''s door opened catching his attention as he watched a male nurse push Ashley''s bed into the room causing him to furrow. Soon he saw Katie and Roger entered the room, "Katie, Roger, what''s going on?" He asked, "I don''t like Ashley by herself, the nurse said she had a panic attack," Katie replied as Jake furrowed, "Panic attack, but she was fine earlier," he said looking at Ashley, who slept peacefully. "I don''t know why this happening, but I don''t want Ashley alone," Katie said in a stern tone as Jake continued to stare at Ashley, before something on her neck caught her attention. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Ever since the encounter with Jay, Ashley has been really distant. Jake has noticed it and so did Ashley''s mother. Katie tried to find out what had happened to Ashely, but her daughter didn''t budge and only replied with, "It was nothing, I just had a nightmare that left me paranoid." Katie had left Ashley''s situation alone as she realized how ufortable Ashley was about the situation. Jake had studied Ashley''s attitude as she moved into his room and Ashley never acted this way. Both Ashley and Jake were currently chilling in their room. The room was silent with the only thing being heard was the heart monitor recording their heartbeats. Ashley stared out of the window with a nk expression as Jake stared up at the ceiling. The silence was killing him as he craved for the sound of Ashley''s voice. He didn''t understand why she was so distant especially in his presence, it bothered him. Jake sighed heavily breaking Ashley out of her trance but she still didn''t face him which frustrated him. Jake turned his head to stare at Ashley as she felt his strong gaze. "Are you going to continue to pretend that I don''t exist?" He asked in an annoyed tone causing Ashley to shut her eyes. "What the hell is going on with you, Ashley?" He asked as he began to get impatient but Ashley didn''t Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. budge wishing that he would just leave her alone for his very own good. "Answer me when talking to you, Ashley," he demanded which caused Ashley to quickly reply out of anger, "Would you just leave me the f**k alone!" She hissed taking Jake back on her sudden outburst, "The f**k is your problem, why are you acting like this?" He asked slightly sitting up as she red at him. "It''s none of your business," she said as Jake''s jaw clenched at her rude attitude, "You think I bought that ''nightmare'' bullshit, I''m not stupid, Ashley," he said getting on Ashleyst nerve, "Really, because now you''re being f**king stupid, why can''t you understand that I''m doing this for you own good, I can''t see you get hurt again, Jake, I just can''t!" She said as Jake''s hardened expression soften. "What happened, Ash, talk to me, I thought we understood each other," he said in a gentle tone, "Yeah, well this is different, Jake," she said avoiding his stares, "Then help me understand, please Ashley, I hate seeing you like this," he pleaded as Ashley''s eyes filled up with tears. She knew Jake wouldn''t leave this alone, he''s too persistent, which was one of the things that she hated about him. "Three days ago, Jay came to visit me," she said as Jake shot up before groaning as he held onto his arm, "What the f**k do you mean he came to visit?" He asked in a furious tone as Ashley sighed, "He pulled a Tatiana special," she said as a chuckled left her lips but that was in no way funny to Jake as his jaw clenched, "He kissed you?" He asked as Ashley turned towards him while shaking her head. "No, that''s not what I meant, Jake, I asked him how he got into my room and he said that he came to visit his girlfriend," she said as Jake stared at her in disbelief, "WHAT THE F**K IS WRONG WITH THIS HOSPITAL?!" He yelled as his arms were thrown up in the air, "Jake, calm down, alright," Ashley said as Jake gave her a questionable look, "Calm down, Ashley, this asshole snuck into your room iming to be someone he''s not, god knows what could''ve happened, he could''ve hur- wait, did he hurt you, Ashley?" He asked as Ashley went silent angering Jake. "I asked if he hurt you, Ashley, tell me now," he demanded in a deadly tone which caused Ashley''s heart to skip in fear, "Shut up, don''t speak to me in that tone of voice, you sound just like him," she quickly said as Jake calmed down a bit, "I''m sorry, Ashley, I just need to know if e hurt you," he said in a more gentle tone, "He-He," she stuttered while holding onto her neck with tears rolling down her cheeks. Jake''s blood began to boil as he thought of Jay''s filthy hands-on Ashley, "Did he do that to your neck?" He gritted through his teeth referring to the bruise on her neck as she nods, "Why did he do that to you, Ash," He asked as Ashley wiped her tears, "He got angry after I told him how I felt about you," she softly said as Jake raised his eyebrows, "And what did you tell him?" He asked as Ashley quickly turned on her side, "Nothing," she replied as Jake smiled, "But- "I''m tired, Jake, please let me be," she said before closing her eyes. The room went back silent as Ashley wondered what Jake was doing until she heard a groan. She quickly turned around to see if Jake was already but what she saw made her eyes nearly popped out, "Jake, what the hell are you doing?" She asked as she watched Jake trying toe off of his bed, "I''ming toy with you," he said attempting to move again, "No, Jake, stay where you are," she said as Jake stopped moving, "Theney with me, I want you close to me," he said as she bit her lip, trying to chew back her smile, "Jake, I- "Please, Ash, I need you close to me," he said, and the way he spoke sent shivers down her spine. Jake spread his arms apart inviting Ashley in as she slowly got up from her bed with a smile on her face before she snuggled into his arms. Jake sighed deeply as Ashley slowly drifted off to sleep, "You''re right where you belong, in my arms." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jay was currently at Aunty Jackie''s ordering lunch when Tatiana sat in front of him, "Hey, Jay," she greeted as he nodded causing her to furrow, "What''s up your ass?" She asked as Jay scoffed in annoyance, "I went to visit Ashley yesterday only to be told that she loves that f**ker," he said as Tatiana stared at him with an amused look, "Really, that''s interesting," she said as Jay looked at her with anger in her eyes. "What do you mean interesting, Tati?" He asked as Tatiana smirked, "I got a n, Jay, you get what you want and I''ll get what I want, what do you say?" She asked as Jay watched her skeptically before smirking, "Alright, Tati, I''m with you." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Ashley had finally been discharged from the hospital and Jake was let off as well as he refused to be separated from Ashley. Ashley didn''t feel safe at all when Jake was not by her side, so she was relieved that Jake got toe home with her. Katie and Roger were ecstatic that their children were feeling going home. They were currently on their way home. Ashley and Jake sat in the backseat with their hands intertwined with each other as Ashley''s headfortably rested on Jake''s shoulder as he rested his own on the car seat. Katie had nced at the two for a moment before returning to her original ce with a smile slowly growing on her lips. It was currently night as the family was traveling, Jake noticed this root and immediately lifted his head causing Ashley to do so as well. Soon they passed the racing grounds and it was as if things had slowed down just in time for them to recognize Jay and Tatiana making out while leaning up against a car. As they pulled away, Jay seemed to recognize Jay''s father''s car as his eyes followed its every move with a nk expression on his face. Ashley felt chills run down her spine as she shivered, Jake pulled her closer in his arms as he stroked her hair. After the long journey, they had finally arrived at home as Ashley was fast asleep. Jake gently shook her as he whispered sweetly in her ear, "Ash, you gotta get up, we''re home," he said as she began to stir in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes. After adjusting her eyes, she turned towards Jake, who grinned at her, "Good night, sleeping beauty," N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. he greeted as she rolled her eyes with a smile on her face before yfully smacking his thigh, "Your such a dork," she said as her mother opened the door for her, while Roger did the same to Jake as he got his crunches. Ashley exited the car as she stared at her home with a small smile, "It''s great to be back home," she mumbled as everyone walked ahead of her, "Ashley, hurry up and get in the house," her mother said as Ashley realized that she was the only one left behind. Jake snickered as he watched her try to keep up, Ashley red at him before smacking his ass which caused him flinched as she was the one to snicker, "It''s okay, Ash, youugh right ahead," he said before leaning down towards her ear, "Let''s see what you would do if I returned the deed," he whispered before leaving her dumbfounded and flushed. Ashley entered her room and closed the door behind her as she leaned up against it. She examined her bedroom as if she had been missing from it for years until her gaze shifted to her bed, "My baby!" She eximed before running and divining onto her bed, "Oh, how I miss you," she said as her voice was muffled by her pillow as she patted her bed before drifting off the sleep. Jake had also settled into his room as he sighed. He ced the crunches down before sitting on the edge of his bed. He ran his good hand through his hair before pulling his shirt over his head leaving him bareback. The vibrating sound of a phone caught Jake''s attention as he reached for his phone, answering it without being aware of who''s calling. "Hello?" He answered and as soon the person began to talk, his eyes widened, "Mom!" _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The morning sun had arrived rather quickly as Ashley''s slumber was suddenly interrupted by her mom, "Ashley, Jake,e down for breakfast!" She called as Ashley groaned while stirring in sleep. Her door suddenly opened revealing Jake, who grinned at her sleep state, "Hey, wake up, sleeping beauty," he said as Ashley groaned again, "Come on, Ashley, you gotta get up," he said again, "I''ll meet you down there, just give me a minute," she mumbled as Jake sighed before leaving. Jake entered the kitchen, where Roger sat reading the papers and Katie stood finishing breakfast, "Goodmorning," he greeted catching their attention, "Goodmorning, Jake," Katie greeted back with a warm smile that makes Jake automatically smile back, "How did you sleep?" Roger asked as Jake turned to him, "Great, better than when I was in the hospital," he replied with a smile as Roger nodded. As Jake sat down, he started recalling all the things that happenedst night until he turned back to face Roger, "Mom called mest night," he said as both Roger and Katie stopped what they were doing, "Is everything okay?" Roger asked as Jake sighed, "She wants me toe back home early," he replied as Roger ced down his papers while Katie looked slightly over her shoulder, "Well if that''s what your mother wants then you have to fulfill her wish," Roger said as Jake looked down slightly nodding. "You''re leaving?" Ashley suddenly asked, catching the three individuals in the kitchen. Jake turned to face Ashley, who stood at the entrance of the kitchen with both disappointment and sadness written on her face. Jake stared back at her with guilt in his eyes and before Katie could address Ashley''s statement the doorbell ringed. Ashley sighed looking down before looking up at her mom, "I''ll get it," she said before leaving to go answer the door. As Ashley opened the door there stood Anna, who looked nervous, "Hey?" Ashley greeted as Anna shot her a nervous smile, "Hey, Ashley," she greeted as Ashley let her in. They both walked back to the kitchen where Jake, Roger, and Katie waited for them. As they stopped by the entrance of the kitchen, Anna hissed while looking at Jake, "Damn, you look terrible," Anna said as Jake rolled his eyes, "Thank you, Anna but Ashley can we talk?" He asked while looking at Ashley, who avoided his stares, "Not right now, I have someone patching up to do with someone," she said, taking Anna''s hand before leaving. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Both Anna and Ashley entered her room, "So why did youe over?" Ashley asked taking a seat on her bed followed by Anna, "I just wanted to see how you were going, I heard you were in the hospital," she replied as Ashley rolled her eyes, already knowing who spread the news about her being in the hospital, "I''m fine, just happy to be home," she said as Anna nodded before the room went silent. "I miss you," Ashley unexpectedly said startling Anna, who quickly looked at her with a shocked expression, "You do?" She asked in disbelief as Ashley nodded, "Wow, I thought you hated me," she said as Ashley sighed, "I don''t hate you, Anna, I just hated the decisions you made that almost cost our friendship," she, as Anna sighed, "I thought, it was already over," she said as Ashley reached to hold her hand, "It''s not, I still consider you as my best friend, I just wished you hade to me instead of listening to your psychotic cousin," she said as Annaughed before it was reced with a serious look. "Ashley, I have to tell you something," she said as Ashley furrows, "What is it?" Ashely asked as Anna sighed, "Remember that I''m staying with my cousin, right?" She asked as Ashley nodded, "Well I overheard her conversation with Jay on the phone and what I heard was shocking," she said as Ashley began to get nervous, "What did you hear?" She asked as Anna turned to face, "They''re plotting against you and Jake." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 30 Chapter 30 After Anna left Ashley began to panic. She was scared for her life and although she didn''t like Tatiana, that girl was crazy and could do almost anything. Ashley didn''t know what to do, she kept pacing around in her room before she thought about Jake, but then she remembered what she heard Jake said in the kitchen. She sighed before plopping down on the bed, she furrows, "I can''t believe he''s leaving," she mumbled to herself as she felt her heartache. She was afraid that Jake would leave and not know about her feelings but she was even more scared about telling him how she feels. She wonders, "What if he doesn''t feel the same way?" or "What if he finally epts the fact that he''s kind of like a step-brother." Those types of saying pushed over the N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. confidence she was building up. But her feelings didn''t matter at the moment because Jay and Tatiana were currently writing their death wish and Ashley had to warn Jake. Ashley made up her mind before exiting her bedroom. She stood in front of Jake''s bedroom deciding whether or not she should approach him, "Ugh! Get your act together, Ashley!" She practically yelled before quickly covering her mouth. She sighed before knocking on the door but there was no answer. She furrowed before walking towards the stairs, "Mom, is Jake down there?!" She asked as her mother immediately replied, "No, honey!" "Jake''s leg was broken, where could that boy be," she thought as she went back to his door-knocking again, "Jake, I know you''re in here, stop ying games," she said but there was still no reply which frustrated her, "Jake, I''ming in," she before barging in to only find a dark, empty bedroom. A sudden yelp left Ashley''s mouth as a handgrip onto her arm harshly pushing her against the door that mmed shut. Another hand quickly went over her mouth to silence any sound that came out. Ashley''s eyes were shut tight as her heart pounded in her chest. A hot, heavy breath fanned her face as it sent shivers down her spine, "Open your eyes, baby girl," a deep voicemanded as Ashley''s eyes slowly opened to lock with a pair of dark ones. Ashley immediately recognized those eyes as she instantly shoved him off of her, "What the hell, Jake!" she eximed in an angry tone while Jake stood there staring back at her with a dangerous and lustful gaze, "I''ve been knocking on your door and you''re in here ying games, I have important shit to discuss-," Ashley ranted on before pausing as she watched Jake take slow steps towards her without saying anything. Ashley began to get nervous as she stepped back but collided with the door. Jake continued to walk towards her until his naked chest was pressed against her clothed one, her breath hitched as she stared into his eyes. Jake leaned down until his forehead touched hers, "Jake, what- Jake immediately silence her with an aggressive and hungry kiss that she immediately responded to. So naturally, Ashley''s arms wrapped as Jake wrapped his around her waist. They were so into the kiss that they didn''t even notice that someone was knocking on the door until Katie''s voice was heard, "Jake, Ashley, are you guys in there?" She called out as Ashley pulled away causing Jake to groaned, "Why did you stop?" He asked as Ashley rolled her eyes, "Because my mom is on the other side of the door," she replied as Jake leaned in slowly pecking her lips, "Just ignore her and she''ll go away," he whispered against her lips as she pushed him away. "No, Jake, put a shirt on," she said as Jake red at her before limping away as she turned around to answer the door. There stood Katie with a curious look on her face, "I''ve been knocking and calling, why have anyone of you answered?" She asked as Ashley sighed before pointing behind her, "Mr.Lazy back there didn''t want to put on a shirt," she said as Jake came out, "I heard that Mrs.Moodkiller," he said sneaking an ass grip caused Ashley to jump. Katie looked back and forth between the two individuals with a weird look before shaking her head. "Can you bothe downstairs, Roger and I would like to speak to you both," she said before walking away. Jake and Ashley exchanged looks shrugging before following Katie down the stairs. Ashley and Jake entered the living room after Katie, as met Roger waiting patiently, "Thank you both foring," he said as Ashley and Jake took a seat beside each other, "What''s going on?" Jake asked as Ashley nodded, "Well, our second wedding anniversary ising up and we wanted to take a trip," Katie said as Ashley raised her eyebrows, "Where?" She asked as Katie looked at Roger, "Hawaii," Rogger replied as Jake tilted his head, "Hawaii, cool," he said as Ashley just sat there, "How long are you guys going to be gone for?" She asked as Jake leaned forward, "Just until Jake is ready to return to his mother," Roger replied as Ashley bit her lip at the thought of Jake leaving. "Okay, well, have a good trip," Ashley said before getting up and leaving the room. Jake sighed before going after Ashley. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ashley entered her bedroom plopping face down on her bed, "Hey, what was that back there?" Jake asked entering her room closing the door behind him, "I don''t know what you''re talking about," she replied sitting up on her bed as Jake joined her, "Look, Ashley, I''m sorry that I didn''t tell you that I''m heading back home early, I received the newsst night," he said as Ashley sighed, "I''m not mad, Jake, I''m just disappointed," she said as Jake took her hand in his, "Me too, Ash, me too," he said before lifting her chin, "Ashley, I like you," he confessed as she smiled, "I like you too, Jake," she said but then her smile suddenly faded, "I have to tell you something," she said as Jake furrowed, "What is it?" He asked as Ashley took a deep breath. "Jay and Tatiana are plotting against us," she said as Jake''s eyes widened, "What!" He eximed in shock, "They''re nning something, something to spread us for good." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Today is the day that Katie and Roger were leaving for Hawaii. Ashley didn''t really like the idea of her mom leaving her especially when things were about to get messy but she wanted her mom to be happy and if that''s being with Roger then she has to ept it. "I''m going to miss you, Ash, honey," Katie said hugging Ashley as tight as she can, "I''ll miss you too, mom, but I can''t breathe," she said as Katie immediately let her go with a sheepish smile on her face, "Sorry, honey," she apologized before turning to Jake, who rubbed behind his neck nervously, "I guess this goodbye, Jake because when I return you''ll be getting ready to leave," she said as Jake nodded with a small smile on his face, "I guess," he said as Katie chuckled before pulling him into a hug. Roger smiled as he watched his son and wife interact until he nces at Ashley, who stared back at him before she walked towards him, "Uh, have a safe flight," she said awkwardly as Roger chuckled before pulling her into his arms, "Be safe Ashley, I may not be your dad, but I want your father to rest knowing that his little girl is being well taken care of," he said as Ashley held onto him tightly, "Thank you, Roger, please take care of my mom," she whispered as Roger smiled before pulling away, "Of course," he said before turning to Katie, who smiled at them with tears before mouthing ''thank you to Roger. Ashely walked back to her mom as Roger walked towards Jake. "I want you to be safe and take care of Ashley," he said as Jake nodded, "Dad- "Now Jake, I know that I abandoned you, but I just want you to know that I don''t regret bringing you into this world and calling you my son, the decision I made to be happy was selfish and I hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive your old man," he said as Jake emotionally chuckled before pulling his dad into a hug, "Safe trip, papas, I promise I''ll take good care of her," he said as Roger smiled, at least this was a start. It was finally time for Roger and Katie to leave as they both waved from a taxi while Ashley and Jake waved back at them. After the taxi was no longer in their sights, Ashley turned to Jake, who looked down at her with a smirk, "Alone atst," he said as Ashley giggled, "Come on, let''s go inside I''m starving," she said as both she and Jake entered the house. Not too far from Ashley''s house was a car that secretly stalked their house. Two familiar individuals sat in the car watching Ashley''s and Jake''s every move as they furrowed in and anger and frustration, "I''m gonna kill him," Jay mumbled in an angry tone as Tatiana sighed, "Be patient, Jay, the parents are gone this is the perfect time to began our n," she said as Jay smirked, "dly, they wouldn''t know what hit them," he said before driving away. Ashley and Jake entered the house as Ashley went straight to the kitchen. Jake followed her close behind as he also entered the kitchen. Leaning up against the door frame, he admires her prepares breakfast with a smile on his face as he crossed his arms. "What a sight," hemented as she giggled, "What are you talking about?" She asked continuing to prepare breakfast as he walked up behind, "I mean, you standing there making us breakfast, it gives off a wifey vibe," he said swiftly hugging her from behind as she blushed, "Oh, really," she teased as Jake buried his face in her neck giving her a few gentle pecks that caused her to close her eyes and smile. "Jake stop, you''ll make me burn the food," she said giggling before pressing her lower region against his to shove him away, "Hey, girl, be careful," he said with a grin on his face before smacking her butt as she jumped, "I''m really d that we''re all alone, Ashley," he said as Ashley turned off the shove and turned around before wrapping her arms around his neck, "I''m happy to Jake when you leave don''t forget me," she said stroking his cheek while staring into his eyes lovingly as he stared back into hers with the same love in his eyes. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. "I can never forget you," he softly said before leaning down to capture her lips with his. Her hands gently ran through his full, fluffy, ck hair as he groaned against her lips. His hands gripped her waist before traveling down to her butt giving it a firm squeeze until he scooped her up and ce her on top of the counter as they continued to make out. Jake began to trail kissed down Ashley''s jaw and neck causing her to moan softly. Things were getting pretty heated very quickly until Ashley pushed Jake away, "Jake, w-wait, I think we''re moving a bit too fast," she said breathing heavily as Jake took a step back nodding in agreement, "You''re right, I''m sorry," he said as Ashley smiled before hopping off the counter, "You still hungry?" She asked as Jake nodded, "Starving!" He eximed as sheughed before gathering some tes, "Alright then, let''s not starve you to death, how about a movie after this?" She asked as he nodded before digging into his breakfast. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ After breakfast, Jake and Ashley remained in the kitchen talking andughing before heading to the living room to watch a movie. Jake and Ashley cuddled up on the couch watching ''The Witches''. The scene with the witch taking off her fake hair yed as Jake began to cringe, "Damn, she''s ugly as f**k," he snickering as Ashley yfully shoved him, "Shut up and enjoy the movie," she said as he grinned before tickling her as sheughed, "Who are you talking to?" He asked as he continued to tickle her, "No one, I-I''m sorry," she said in tears as Jake finally stopped before pecking her cheek pulling her back in his arms. As the movie was about to end, Ashley''s phone began to ring catching both her and Jake''s attention, "It''s probably my mom checking in," she said reaching for her phone before standing up, "Give me a minute," she said before leaving the room. She entered the kitchen and immediately answered the phone, "Hey, mom," she answered but the voice that replied freaked her out, "Hey, you little tramp, stay away from Jake before I make you regret it," she said before hanging up. Ashley was terrified as she ced her hand on her chest. "What have I gotten myself into?" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 32 Chapter 32 Ashley was a bit shaken up as Tatiana ended to call. She ced her phone down on the countertop before walking towards the sink as she sshed water on her face. Jake walked into the kitchen wondering what taking Ashley so long, only to be stopped in his tracks as he saw Ashley leaned up against the sink breathing heavily. Jake immediately began to get worried as he rushed towards her, "Ashley, hey what''s wrong?" He asked turning her body around to lock eyes with her teary ones. He began to panic as he thought of the worst possible thing, "Ashley, you need to tell me what''s going on?" He asked again as Ashley broke down causing Jake to pull her into his arms, "I''m so tired of this, Jake, I want it to stop," she cried as Jake furrowed, "What do you mean, Ash?" He asked stroking her hair as she continued, "The threats, the constant worry about what''s going to happen, and the bad blood," she sobbed as Jake sighed, "Who was on the phone, Ashley?" He asked as Ashley whispered, "Tatiana, she said to stay away from you or she''ll make me regret it." Jake''s jaw clenched as he heard that physio''s name before slightly pulling away from Ashley to face her, "To be honest, Ashley, I don''t think either one of them is going to do anything, I think they are threatening us to scare us," Jake said as Ashley stared into his eyes with wonder, "You think so?" She asked ever so innocently causing Jake to smile, "Yes, so you don''t need to worry, besides I''ll protect you," he said as Ashley smiled, "I like you, Jake," she confessed as Jakeughed. "I like you too, Ashley," he said leaning down to capture her lips with his. They both kissed each other with such love and passion that they had no choice but to separate for their sake of breathing. They both smiled at each other as JAke caress her cheek, "How about we go watch a movie?" Jake asked as Ashley shook her head, "Not before I take a shower," she said as Jake smirked, "How about I join you?" He asked as Ashley blushed while pulling away from him, "Are you crazy?" She softly asked as Jake chuckled, "What, it''s not like you haven''t seen me naked," he joked as Ashley turned red in the face, "Whatever, Jake," she said before running up the stairs as Jake''sughter echoed in the kitchen. The moment Jake heard Ashley''s door open and close, his face suddenly turned color as he reached for his phone. he quickly searched for Tatiana''s number before hitting the call button. "Meet me outside my house now," He demanded before hanging up the phone. Jake was beyond upset with all of Tatiana and Jay''s games because it was scaring Ashley. He needed to sort this mess out and he needs to do it now. N?velDrama.Org ? 2024. _ _ _ _ _ _ Tatiana excitedly ended stared at her phone after Jake ended the call. Jay watched her with a furrow on his face as she watched her excitedly get up from the couch, "What the hell is going on with you?" He asked as she grinned while adjusting her clothes to make them look more expose. Jay slowly checked out her body while licking his lips, "Hey, what are you doing and who was on the phone that got you so excited?" He asked as she turned around with the same grin on her face, "Is it obvious, it was Jake, he wants to see or in his words and I quote "Me me outside my house now" end quote," she said as Jay rolled his eyes, "Are you going to see him?" He asked as Tatiana looked up at the ceiling, "Hmm, not without changing these panties because that boy got a girl soaked," she said before jogging up to her room. Jayy back on the couch with his arms folded. All of sudden he thought of an idea, "If Tatiana could see that dick, then maybe I can see my girl," he mumbled with a giant grinned on his face before he got up and left. After a while, Tatiana returned downstairs to find her living room empty, "Jay, are you there?" She called out but got no reply causing her to furrowed before leaving her ce as well. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Jake waited impatiently outside of the house for Tatiana. He had told Ashley to wait inside of his room him while he dealt with some important business. A few minutester, Tatiana pulled up in the driveway with her car. Her smile widened as she saw Jake standing outside of the house waiting for her arrival. She stepped out of the car smoothing down her skirt although it''s freezing outside before walking seductively towards him while biting her lip. Jake stared at her in pure disgust as he folded his arms across his chest, "Hey, Jakey," she greeted shyly as Jake rolled his eyes, "Alright, let''s cut the bullshit," Jake blurted out as Tatiana furrowed, "What do you mean, Jake- "Shut the f**k up and listen carefully alright Tatiana," he said as Tatiana nodded innocently, "Look, I need you and your little boy toy to drop your stupid childish games because you''re not fooling anymore but yourself," he said as Tatiana smirk, "Oh, so that''s what this is about, your little tramp came running to you for help," she said as Jake''s jaw clenched. The look on Jake''s face immediately made Tatiana''s smirk disappear as she tried to step back but Jake quickly held onto her arm pulling her closer towards his body as she gasped. "Listen here you little b**tch, messing with me is something I can handle, but messing with her is an entire story, don''t force me to get physical Tatiana because I will no matter what gender you are," he said shoving her off of him before walking inside the house. Tatiana stood there with tears running down her cheeks. She stood there staring at the house before looking up just in time Ashley looked out the window. Her hands quickly formed a fist as she red at Ashley''s figure before storming away. As Tatiana drove off, a shadowy figure stood behind the house where Ashley''s bedroom balcony was located. A smirk formed on his lips as he thought of a way to get inside her bedroom. Walking closer to the house, he noticed that the balcony was slightly open causing his smirk to widen, "Bingo," he mumbled before climbing up to the balcony. Sessfully reaching on top of the balcony, Jay slowly sides Ashley''s ss door open to find a dark, empty room. His jaw clenched thinking about Ashley and Jake all alone in a bedroom together. He continued to look around in the room before her draw caught his attention, "Don''t mind if I do," he mumbled while rubbing his hands together before going site seeing. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 33 Chapter 33 After Jake''s encounter with Tatiana, he and Ashley both slept like a baby in each other''s arms. Jay had disappeared to god knows where leaving Ashley''s room as if no one has ever been in it. He had taken something really personal to Ashley, which would satisfy him greatly. Tatiana had stormed back to her home with tears stained on her cheeks as well as her running mascara. She had been crying the entire way home. The hatred she had for Ashley had grown 10 times stronger to the point where she was ready to risk it all. Tatiana sat down on the couch with a ss of her mother''s secret stash of whiskey. She tossed the liquid to the back of her throat, groaning at the burning sensation before smirking wickedly. "When you y with fire, Ashley, you''ll get burnt," she mumbled before pouring another cup drowning her sorrows away. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ It was currently morning as Ashley woke up in Jake''s arms. Her head wasfortably rested on his toned chest as she gently traced the lion tattoo on the left side of his chest causing his breathing to slightly hovered at the gentle touch. Her eyes followed her movement as she then grazed her fingernails down his torso before tracing his abs. Jake''s breathing began to heavier and heavier by the second as it echoed in her ears causing her thighs to clenched at the sensual sound. Ashley''s index finger suddenly moved further, dipping into his belly button before moving to the waistband of his boxers before a tattooed hand gripped onto hers, stopping all movement, "I wouldn''t do that if I was you," a deep, raspy voice suddenly said as he brought her hand back up to his chest. Ashley looked up to face Jake, who was wide awake. They both looked into each other''s eyes with such sexual desire, love, and passion. Ashley looked back down to where her hand was as she slightly sat up before leaning down to peck his left nipple, causing Jake to sigh as he closed his eyes. Ashley looked at Jake to capture his reaction as she was satisfied with what she saw. Jake reopened his eyes as they felt slightly heavy, "What are you doing to me, girl?" He asked as his voice deepens. Ashley remained silent as she suddenly climbed on top of him causing a grunt to escape from his lips as his hands automatically found her waist. Ashley stared at Jake silently as she ced her hands on his chest letting her index fingers circle and caress his nipples causing his grip on her waist to tighten. Jake suddenly gasp as he felt Ashley''s tongue graze across his abs as he began to get erect underneath her. Ashley smirked as she was satisfied with Jake''s response as to what she was doing to his body. She leaned forward and gently kissed his lips as he quickly kissed her back. Slightly pulling away, Jake leaned up to capture her lips again, but Ashley already had pulled back causing him to groan. Ashley smiled cheekily as Jake furrowed, "Oh, you think this is funny?" He asked before swiftly flipping them over as Ashley gasped. Jake firmly pressed himself in between Ashley''s legs causing her to gasp softly as her eyes closed. Jake softly kissed across her corbone causing her body to arch against his. Moving up to her neck, he immediately found her sweet spot which was unknown to her as she moaned softly. Jake smirked, satisfied with Ashley''s reaction as he pulled back. Ashley smiled before a giggle left her lips as Jake smiled, "You''re such a tease," she said as Jake''s eyes widened in disbelief, "I''m the tease, you''re the one who started it," he said getting off the be as Ashley chuckled before sitting up as well, "You got a lit- I mean big problem there," she said biting her little as she eyed the swollen member that was suffocating his boxers, "Hey, my eyes are up here, and that was your fault," he said as she quickly met his eyes with a smirk on her face. She ran her hand seductively through her hair as she shameless checked Jake out, "I''m hungry, how about we go down to Aunty Jakie''s," she suggested as Jake hummed, "Alright, go get ready," he said as Ashley grinned, "You got it, boss," she said before yfully smacking his ass earning a re from Jake as she giggled before leaving his room. Ashley entered her bedroom as she immediately felt a weird vibe. She looked around the room with a furrow on her face. Everything seemed quite fine which made Ashley brushed off the feeling as she went to go freshen up. After Ashley had finished taking a shower, she entered her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her slim naked body. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun as she saunters to her draws. After what took ce in Ashley''s room, she felt in the mood, maybe she can even push Jake to the limit when they returned home. She excited searched through her underwear draw for specific redce underwear but it was nowhere to be found. She furrowed, "That''s strange, it suppose to be in here," she mumbled before sighing, "Well, I guess I''ll wear it another time," she said sulking as she got ready. After Ashley got ready, she went to meet Jake downstairs. Jake watched as he saw Ashley walked into the kitchen looking sad and silky, he frowned, "Hey, baby, what''s wrong?" He said moving closer to her, "Nothing, just couldn''t find my favorite panties," she replied as Jake burst intoughter causing Ashley to fold her arms, "It''s not funny, you asshole," she stomping out of the house with Jake close behind her, "Don''t worry, baby, how about when we return home, I''ll help your find it," he said while moving to his side of the car as he shot her a wink causing her to smile as they both entered the car and left. _ _ _ _ Afterughing and frequently flirting on the way to Aunty Jackie''s, they both finally arrived at their destination. Both Ashley and Jake exited with wide grins on their faces. Jake met Ashley halfway as he held her hand tightly. Ashley smiled at their hands as they entered the diner. The moment they walked through the door of the diner, all eyes were on them. Everyone recognized Jake from thest time when he had beat Jay up and seeing him with his All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. bandaged up and limping immediately sent them a message. Ashley began to get ufortable as she squeezed Jake''s hand. Jake looked down at her with a reassuring smile before leading her to a table. As they sat down opposite each other, Jake immediately recognize a certain group at the very back of the diner. It was Tatiana, her friends, Jay, his brother, and the guys who beat him up. His jaw clenched as Jay shot him a smirk. As he continued to eye the table he then locked eyes with Tatiana''s cold ones as she red at him. His eyes then snapped to Ashley as she touched his hand. She had a concerned looked on her face as she wonders what he was looking at, "Is everything alright?" She asked as he nodded with a small smile on his face, "Yeah, I''m just checking out my surroundings," he said as she chuckled before a waitress came to their table. "Hey, what can I get y''all this fine morning?" The waitress asked with a smile on her face as both Jake and Ashley smiled back, "I''d like some eggs, sausage, and bacon, please, with a Pepsi on the side," Jake ordered as the waitress jogged down his order before turning to Ashley, "I''d like some pancakes, with fruit, and whipped cream, please, with a strawberry milkshake on the side," she said as the waitress smiled before leaving. Jay watched the two individuals from afar as rage began building up inside of him. It was him who was supposed to be sitting opposite Ashley, holding her hand and making her blush. Seeing Jake again made Jay''s blood boil. Tatiana at this point hated both Jake and Ashley, her mood waspletely spoiled as Ashley and Jake walked in holding hands like a couple. The tension that was radiating off Jay and Tatiana was noticed by the members around the table. The waitress had returned with Jake and Ashley''s breakfast as Jay saw his opportunity and got up, "Hey, Jay, where are you going, your ass better not be going over there?" His brother asked in a warning tone as Jay brushed him off. Jake and Ashley were busy having their breakfast when Jake looked up and immediately tensed up. Ashley noticed Jake''s change of mood as she stopped eating, "Jake, wha- "Hey, baby girl," Ashely froze as she heard that familiar voice. She watched as Jake''s fist clenched. Jay appeared at the side of their table with a smirk on his face, "It''s a surprise to see you both here this morning, d to see you''re better and out of the hospital Ashley, I hope you remembered our chat," he said reaching forward to caress her cheek but Jake quickly grabbed his hand angering Jay, "Don''t fucking touch me," he said in a harsh tone, "Do we have a problem here?" A police offer asked as he just walked into the diner, "Nah, officer, we were just leaving," Jay''s brother said pulling and pushing his little brother out of the diner. Ashley lets out the air that she didn''t know she was holding while cing a hand on her chest, "Are you alright?" Jake asked as Ashley nodded, "I''m fine, thank you for stopping him from touching me," she said as Jake nodded, "As of I would let him touch what''s mine," he mumbled as Ashley smirked before the ping of her phone caught her attention. "She switched on her phone to see a message from Jay, she gulped before opening the chat. A gasp immediately left her mouth as she recognizes the picture of redce underwear with a message underneath saying "Thanks for the gift, baby girl? ?." TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 34 Chapter 34 Jake furrowed as he saw the terror written on Ashley''s face. He quickly snatched the phone out of her hand as tears slowly filled her eyes, her hand slowly cupped her opened mouth as a soft sob muffled against her palm. Jake stared nkly at the picture as he lifelessly sat back against the bench chair. "Is this t- "That was what I was looking for this morning, he was in the house, Jake, this is getting out of hand, we need to go to the police," Ashley cried as Jake ced down her phone on the table before running his hands over his face, "Ashley- "No, Jake, we''re going to the police or I''m not going to that house," she sternly said as Jake sighed, "Alright, we''ll go to the police," he said as Ashley nodded while wiping her tears as Jake reached for her shaking hand that stopped shaking as soon as he held onto it, "Don''t worry everything is going to be sorted out," he said as she nodded gripping onto his hand. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Tatiana stormed into her house followed by her friends, Jay, and his team, "What the f**k were you thinking when you got up and approach them?" His brother furiously asked as they entered the living Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org. room, "Whatever, Lucus," he said brushing his brother''s words off as he sat on the couch fiddling with his phone with a smirk on his face. "Didn''t I tell you to get your ass out of your head, Jay, we already thought this guy a lesson for messing with you, what more do you f**king want?" He asked as Jay quickly stood as he came chest to chest with his big brother, "I want f**king her, and I''m not going to stop until I get what I want," he said with a smirk on his face as he reached in his pocket in pulled out Ashley''s redces underwear. Lucus quickly shoved Jay backward as stumbled back and fell. Tatiana and the girls looked down at with disgusted faces as Lucus looked down at him with anger and disbelief eyes, "Have you lost your f**king mind, you broke into that chick''s house, you''re taking this too far, Jay," he said as Jay scoffed, "I''d do anything to get what I want even if I have to kill that son of b**ch," he said as Lucus stepped back, "You are crazy," he said as Jayughed, "Well, I''m not the only crazy one, right Tati?" He asked with a smirk on his face as Tatiana red at him. "You''re in on this too, Tatiana?" One of her friends asked, "Shut up and mind your business," she answered back in a harshed tone, "Y''all will end up in jail if you don''t stop this right now," Lucus said as Jay rolled her eyes, "No one going to jail, Lucus," Tatiana said just as her front door opened revealing on of Lucus''s friends. "Guys, you wouldn''t believe what I just saw," he said entering the living room, "What you idiot?" Jay asked, "I was passing the police station and saw Jake and that chick heading inside," he said as Tatiana''s eyes widened and Jay went pale. "What the f**k did I tell you," Lucus said as he stepped back, "W-Where are you g-going Lucus?" Tatiana stuttered as Lucus and his teamed slowly left the house with Tatiana''s friends right behind them, "Girls!" She called out as one of her closest friends turned to her, "We warn you guys, it has gotten too far, I''m not going to jail, Tatiana," she said before leaving. Tatiana stomped her foot as she screamed before turning to Jay, who said on the couch emotionless, "What are we going to do now, you asshole?" She asked stomping towards him as he sighed. "I''m going to make them pay." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ashley and Jake entered the police station as they went up to the front desk, "How may I help you both?" The police officer asked, "I''d like to make a report," Ashley replied as the police offer nodded before signaling another police officer. "Alright then, follow this officer and fill out this form," he said handing her a piece of paper before both Ashley and Jake followed the officer. "Hey, my name is officer Willow, what kind of report would you like to make?" He asked as they took a sit, "A break-in and stalking," Ashley said as Officer Willow nodded, "Do you know the person?" He asked as Ashley nodded, "Yes, I do," she said as she looked at Jake, who nodded, "Well, if it isn''t Jake, didn''t I tell you to stay out of trouble kid," said another police officer who recognized Jake. "I''m not in any trouble, Officer Pierre, I''m here to make a report," he said as the officer furrowed, "Report about what?" He asked, "Stalking and breaking in," replied Ashley, "Miss, can we continue?" Asked Officer Willow, "Yes, I''m sorry, the person is Jay." _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ "Come on, Tatiana, we have to leave or the police wille looking for us," Jay said as Tatiana hurried towards him, "I''m ready, but I want to do something before we leave," she said as he nodded before they left the house. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ashley and Jake had arrived at home after filing their reports. The police officers had reassured them that they would find Jay and Tatiana as Jake had filed a report on her as well. Atst, Ashley felt slightly at ease as she arrived at home, "How are you?" Jake asked as Ashley smiled at him, "Better," she said as Jake smiled before pulling her into his arms as his lips captured hers. Ashley ran her hand through his hair as she melted into the kiss, before smiling against his lips. They both pulled back breathless as Jake stroked her hair, "Why don''t you wait for me while I take a shower, and then we can cuddle and watch a movie," he suggested as she smiled before nodding, "Sounds good," she said as Jake reached down to peck her lips one more time before leaving to take a shower. Ashley settled in the living room as she looked for a movie to watch. Suddenly she heard the screeching of a car that made her cover her ears before a deafening scream left her lips as a brick flew through the window. "TAKE THAT YOU SL*TTY BI*CH!" TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 35 Chapter 35 Jake heard Ashley''s scream as he dashed out of the bathroom, but not forgetting to grab him a towel. He carefully rushed downstairs shouting Ashley''s name before entering the living room to find a busted window, a brick on the living room table, and a shaking Ashley in the corner of the room sobbing. He rushes to her side immediately pulling her into his arms as she quickly clenched onto him, "Baby, what happened?" He asked gently rocking her body, "T-They lied to us, " she cried as Jake furrowed, "Who did, baby?" He asked as Ashley pulled away, "The police, they said they would find them, " she said as Jake signed, "I don''t want to stay here, Jake, " she said as more tears rolled down her cheeks as Jake wipe them away. "Alright, wait here for me toe back, " he said as Ashley began to panic, "No, please don''t leave me, " she pleaded as Jake smiled weakly, "Alright, baby, I got you, " he said before lifting her and they both went up to his room. "What are we going to do, Jake, they''re probably still out there?" Ashley asked as Jake got dressed, "We''ll call back the police, let them know what happened, and then we''ll find a ce to stay, " he said as Ashley furrowed, "Where are we going to go, we have no money to book a hotel, " she said as Jake stopped and think for a bit, "What about Anna?" He asked as Ashley continued to furrow, "What about her?" She asked as Jake gave her a look causing Ashley to shook her head, "No, I''m not involving Anna in this, " she said as Jake scoffed, "She''s already involved in this drama, Ash, remember, " he said as Ashley nodded, "Do you think she will let us stay?" She asked as Jake shrugged, "You are her best friend." After Jake got dressed, he and Ashley left the house with some things as Ashley wanted in Jake''s car, while Jake made a quick phone call. Soon the police were on the scene, Officer Willow was speaking to both Ashley and Jake on the side while the other officers were examing the scene. "There are nowhere to be found, " Officer Willow said as Ashley stared at him in disbelief, "What do you mean they are nowhere to be found, you said you would catch them, " Ashley said in an angry tone as Jake stroked her hair to calm her down. "They knew we wereing, " Officer Willow said as Ashley sighed frustrated before walking away. Jake turned back to Officer Willow, "How long will it take for you guys to find them?" Jake asked as Officer Willow sighed, "We''re doing all that we can, son, I suggest you two find a ce to stay and let us do our jobs, " he said as Jake nodded, "Thanks for your help, Office, " Jake said as Officer Willow nodded before walking away. Jake turned to Ashley, who was leaning up against the car door with her arms folded. Jake sighed before walking towards her as she avoided his stares, "The police are doing all that they can, Ashley, " he said as Ashley rolled her eyes, "And what if they don''t find them?" She asked as Jake chuckled bitterly, "Why are you being so negative?" He asked as Ashley scoffed, "Because they are dangerous, I can''t just rxation knowing that they are still out there, " she said as Jake sighed, "They''re doing all that they can, Ash, " he said as Ashley nodded, "Whatever, Jake, can we leave, I called Anna, she said we could crash at her ce, " she said before turning around and getting in the car. Jake began to get frustrated as he sighed before getting inside the car. The ride to Anna''s house was awfully quiet for Jake''s liking as he nced at Ashley from time to time. Ashley was lost in thought as she stared out of the window. She missed her mom and wished that she was here with her. Soon they arrived at Anna''s house as she stood outside waiting for their arrival. Ashley exited the car followed by Jake as Anna walked towards Ashley, "Hey, " she greeted as Ashley smiled before pulling her into a hug, "Hey, thanks for letting us crash at your ce, Anna, " she said Anna waved her off, "It''s not a big deal and I''m so sorry for what Tatiana diss to you both, " she said looking at both Ashley and Jake, who stood there silently. "Thanks, Anna, but whatever your cousin is doing to us isn''t your fault, " she said as Anna smiled before looking back at her house, "We should probably head in outside is freezing, " she said as Ashley Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. nodded before she and Jake followed Anna inside. "So, what''s going to happen now?" Anna asked as she and Ashley settled in the living room while Jake settled in the guest bedroom that Anna provided them, "I don''t know, the police are looking for them, but I''m honestly scared, what if they don''t find them," Ashley said as she ran her hand through her hair, "What about your mom, does she know about this?" Anna asked as Ashley shook her head, "No, she and Roger went to Hawaii for their anniversary, I don''t want to worry her," Ashley replied as Anna nodded. The living room went silent as both Ashley and Anna sat on the couch, Anna suddenly thought about Jake as she turned towards Ashley, "So you and Jake, huh?" She asked catching Ashley off guard as she turned towards her with widened eyes, "What?" She asked as Anna chuckled, "I asked about you and Jake, what''s with you two?" She asked as Ashley turned slightly red causing Anna tough, "Um, well, we confessed to each other," she said as Anna smirked, "Really, that''s exciting," she said as Ashley shrugged with a small smile on her face, "I guess, but he''s leaving soon," she said as Anna furrowed, "Why does he have to leave?" She asked as Ashley sighed, "His mom heard about the incident and wants him to return home," she said as Anna ce a hand on Ashley''s shoulder. "Don''t worry, I bet y''all find a way to be together," she said as Ashley smiled, "What about you?" Ashley asked as Anna shrugged, "I met this guy, he''s cool," she said as Ashley smirked while nudging her, "Really, that''s exciting, what''s his name?" She asked as Anna blushed, "His name is Tucker, I met him at the racing grounds," she asked as Ashley smiled, "That''s great, Anna, I''m happy for you," she asked as Anna smiled before pulling her into a tight hug. Soon time passed and Ashley and Anna said goodnight to each other. Ashley silently snuck into the guestroom where Jake was sound asleep. She silently gets into bed trying her best not to wake him as she sessfully did so. As she tried to get mumbled in a sleepy, raspy tone as Ashley smiled at him, "You were waiting on me?" She asked as Jake pulled her closer to his body, "I can''t seem to sleep without you," he said as Ashley snuggled into his chest, "I''m sorry," she apologized as Jake furrowed, "Why are you sorry?" He asked as Ashley sighed, "For my attitude earlier tonight," she said as Jake stroke her hair, "It''s okay, baby girl, I get that you''re frustrated and scared but we''ll get through this together," he said as he kissed her hair. "Yeah, we''ll get through this together, you and me," she said before drifting off to sleep. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 36 Chapter 36 It''s been a few days since Ashley and Jake have been staying at Anna''s and to be honest, it was the best decision they have made so far. Ashley got back her best friend, she and Jake got even closer and she was finally introduced to Anna''s special friend Tucker, who seemed cool. Signs of Jay and Tatiana were still unknown as the police continued to search for them. The police believed that they had fled the country and Ashley desperately wanted it to be true but she still wasn''t letting her guard down. Ever since Roger and her mother left for Hawaii, Ashley hasn''t gotten a single call from her mother. But she wasn''t worried because she knew her mother was in good hands and she wanted nothing more than to let her mother have fun and be happy. Summer wasing to an end which meant that Jake was leaving soon. Ashley was very saddened at the thought of Jake leaving but he would always find a way to distract her from the thought of him leaving. Jake hated having to leave Ashley, but maybe this was for the best. Ever since he came into her life, it caused nothing but drama. Maybe if he left for good, her life would be back to normal, this was his thoughts atte hours of the night while he held Ashley in his arms. He wondered how his life would be if he hadn''t met Ashley. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The sun was currently setting as the gang cuddled up on the couch while watching a movie. Anna didn¡¯t want to feel like a third wheel, so she invited Tucker, who dly epted the invite. Everyone took a liking to the movie except for Jake, who seemed bored. He wanted attention, but Ashley was focused on the movie. Ashley grew irritated as Jake kept on bothering her while the movie was getting good, ¡°Quit it, Jake,¡± sheplicated as Jake caressed her exposed thigh while pecking behind her ear, ¡°I want attention, give it to me,¡± he demands as Ashley rolled her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m watching the movie, Jake,¡± she said as Jake scoffed, ¡°Come on, the movie isn¡¯t that good, pay attention to me,¡± he whined as the couple opposite them giggled silently at Jake¡¯s childish behavior, ¡°Come on, Jake, please, the movie is almost done, can¡¯t you just wait?¡± She asked as she tried to shove Jake off as he continued to nibble on her neck, ¡°Hell no, I want you now,¡± he said as Ashley groaned, ¡°Ok Jake stop because you¡¯re really starting to annoy me,¡± she said irritatedly as Jake pulled back with an annoyed expression before he got up and left. ¡°Damn, Ash, that was cold,¡± Tuckermented as Anna giggled, ¡°Christ, Ash, you could¡¯ve given him a little attention,¡± Anna said as Ashley huffed while folding her arms, ¡°I was watching the movie, he could¡¯ve waited,¡± she said as Tucker chuckled and Anna shook her head, ¡°Well, the movie is over now, might as well make it up to him,¡± she said as Ashley sighed heavily, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make it up to him,¡± she said as Anna smirked while Tucker pulled her into his arms before saying, ¡°Keep the noise down,¡± he said as Anna chuckled, ¡°Shut up, Tucker,¡± She said before leaving. Ashley walked down the hall on her way to the guest bedroom where Jake was at. She began to feel bad for shoving him off like that and had no problem making it up to him, but Jake can be stubborn at times. She knocked on the door but didn¡¯t get a response causing her to enter anyway. There he wasying on the bed shirtless staring nkly at the ceiling. She nervously bit down on her bottom lip as she slowly entered, ¡°J-Jake,¡± she hesitantly called out but Jake continued to stare at the ceiling. Ashley sighed before walking to stand in front of the bed where his feet were as she proceeded to him but Jake stubbornly pulled his foot away turning on his side, ¡°Jake!¡± She whined as she crawled onto the bed, ¡°Baby, I¡¯m sorry, please talk to me,¡± she pleaded but Jake still gave her the cold shoulder causing Ashley to huff as sheid t on her stomach beside him, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, baby, I didn¡¯t mean to push you away when you needed me the most,¡± she said as her words muffled in the sheets. Jake noticed that Ashley was in a really vulnerable position causing him to smirk as he acted quickly and hovered over her body causing Ashley to gasp, ¡±You sneaky little- ¡°Uh uh, I think you deserve a little punishment huh, what do you think?¡± He asked as he pressed himself against her ass as she gulped, ¡°I-I said I- I¡¯m s-orry Jake,¡± she stuttered as Jakeughed mockingly, ¡°I¡¯m not looking for an apology, baby girl,¡± he said moving her hair away from her face. ¡°What do you want?¡± She asked as Jake smirked, ¡°You know what I want, baby,¡± he whispered as he began to grind against her causing Ashley to close her eyes and bit down her bottom, ¡°Fine, do whatever you want,¡± she said as Jake turned her over on her back as his smirk remained on his face, ¡°dly.¡± _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Tatiana was taking a nap in the hotel room that she and Jay were staying in while Jay was out on the balcony on the phone with his big brother, ¡°Is the police still patrolling?¡± He asked as his brother replied with a stern yes, ¡°Look, I know what I¡¯m doing and I¡¯m not backing down until they both pay, okay,¡± he said as his brother began to quarrel with him on the phone, ¡°Lucus, I don¡¯t care what you say, nothing is going to talk me out of this, so save your breath,¡± he said before hanging up the phone. Jay took a deep breath as he stared out at the view before making up his mind. He walked back inside the room as he approached Tatiana sleeping on the bed, ¡°Hey, get up!¡± He said, shaking her as she immediately got up, ¡°What the hell, Jay, what¡¯s your problem?¡± She asked furiously as he had awakened her up from her nap, ¡°We need to finish the job,¡± he said as Tatiana¡¯s face grew cold, ¡°You¡¯ve been saying that for the past few days, and those bastards aren¡¯t dead yet,¡± she said as Jay nodded, ¡°Yeah, well I¡¯m serious this time, the cops are onto us, I just spoke to Lucus, we need to get this over with,¡± he said as Tatiana grew pale, ¡°Shit!¡± She said quickly jumping off the bed as Jay began to get dressed, ¡°Are you ready?¡± He asked as Tatiana smirked, ¡°Ready as I¡¯ll ever be.¡± All rights ? N?velDrama.Org. TO BE CONTINUED... Chapter 37 Chapter 37 Both Ashley and Jakeid breathlessly in bed as their bodies were drenched in sweat. A breathy chuckled left Jake''s mouth as he turned towards Ashley, who stared up at the ceiling still trying to catch her breath, "That was awesome," Jake said as Ashley nodded, "If I knew sex with you was that good, I would have finished what I started at home in your bedroom," she said as Jake smirked before pecking her exposed shoulder, "How about a round two?" He asked as Ashley gave him a look that made him burst intoughter, "What''s with that face, baby girl?" He asked, still cracking up like an idiot as Ashley sat up with the covers covering her naked chest, "Boy, I can''t feel my legs, besides, we''re running out of clothes," she said as Jake calmed before getting out of bed in his birthday suit. Ashley raised an eyebrow as she examined Jake''s naked, sweaty body as he smirked before flexing his arms, "You like what you see, baby girl?" He asked but Ashley was paying attention to something worth more than muscr arms. Jake seemed to catch on as to what was distracting her as his smirk widened. "It''s okay, baby, you can touch him, he wouldn''t bite," he said as Ashley bit her bottom lip, "You know that dick ring is something," she said as Jake chuckled, "I know, it''s my favorite piercing out of all I''ve gotten," he said as Ashley nodded in agreement, "Me too," she said as Jake rolled his eyes, "So are we going to just stay here, while you gawk at my body or are we going to get some clothes?" He asked as Ashley scoffed, "It''s not my fault that I''m distracted, no one told you to stand in front of me butt naked," she yfully scolded as Jake chuckled before walking into the bathroom. Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Ashley plops back down on the bed as she ran her hand through her hair followed by the sigh that left her mouth, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I had sex with my step-brother,¡± she said in disbelief before chuckling. Jake exited the bathroom as he saw Ashleyying on the bed smiling to herself. Jake shook his head as he hovered above her, ¡°Are you going to continue toy there smiling like a crazy person, or are you going to get dressed?¡± He asked as Ashley¡¯s smile widened before pecking his lips, ¡°Help me up, please,¡± she said as Jake smiled before pulling her up. After Ashley got dressed both she and Jake exited the room as they made their way through the living room. Jake grinned as they both saw Anna and Tucker cuddled up on the couch. Ashley slightly groaned as she bit her bottom lip, ¡°God, I hope they didn¡¯t hear us,¡± she said as Jake chuckled while they made it out the house, ¡°I¡¯m atmost certain they heard you, I had you screaming baby,¡± he said as Ashley gasped, ¡°Oh, whatever, I know you love how I handle you,¡± he said as Ashley rolled her eyes before getting into the car. On their way to the house, the car was filled with chatting andughed as Jake embarrassed Ashley about their first time together until they finally arrived. ` Both Ashley and Jake went silent as they watched the house that was still surrounded by yellow tape with a busted window. Ashley sighed as Jake pulled up in front of the house, ¡°It feels weird being back here,¡± she said as Jake parked before turning towards her, ¡°It¡¯ll be alright, we¡¯ll make it quick, in and out,¡± he said as Ashley nodded with a side smile before exiting the car. As Ashley exited the car and the atmosphere immediately seemed off. She looked around suspiciously before turning her attention back to Jake, who stood waiting for her at the door, ¡°Come on, baby, everything is going to be alright,¡± he reassured as Ashley nodded before walking towards him as his hand reached out to find hers. Their hands intertwined with each other as Ashley took a deep breath nodding towards Jake as he opened the door. The house was pitch ck not helping the situation as Jake turned on his torchlight on his phone. Ashley clenched onto Jake¡¯s arm as they carefully walked through the house. As they made their way towards the stairs Jake turned to check on Ashley, who scanned the pitched dark ce with fright, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Jake asked as Ashley sighed shakingly, ¡°I don¡¯t remember the house being this dark,¡± she said as Jake hummed, ¡°Maybe the power went out,¡± he said as Ashley stayed silent before they stopped in front of the stairs, ¡°We¡¯re going up the stairs now, baby, hold onto me,¡± Jake said as Ashley hummed while holding onto his arms as they carefully walked up the stairs. As they walked up the stairs, their footsteps echoed in the quiet house. Soon they reached the upstairs hall that caused Ashley¡¯s heart to pound harder in her chest as the grip on Jake¡¯s arm tightened. Stopping in front of each other¡¯s room, Jake turned to Ashley, who was scared out of her mind, ¡°Listen, we¡¯ll just be in each other¡¯s room, remember in and out,¡± he said as Ashley nodded, ¡°Please be quick,¡± she pleaded as Jake kissed her lips before they spread. Ashley entered her room as quickly as possible, immediately running to her closet. She packed as many clothes as she could before re-entering her bedroom. All of a sudden, she felt a presence in her room causing her heart to skip a beat. The ce was still very dark making it difficult for her to see when the slightly opened balcony door caught her attention. She furrowed not remembering ever leaving the door to her balcony open. She slowly walked towards the balcony door and looked outside. Her eyes widened the size of tes as she recognized the car hidden across the street. Her heart began to race in her chest as she swiftly turned around to warn Jake but was shocked by something else or better yet someone. ¡°Surprise bitch!¡± TO BE CONTINUED... The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!