Stella’s P. O. V.
Zoe smirks at me as we make our way toward the stairs. “You’ve definitely got something going on. You were all ‘I’m not hungry,’ and now you’re leading the charge to the canteen.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, well, I changed my mind.”
Just as we start descending the stairs, Zoe’s foot slips on the edge of the step. She lets out a startled yelp, her arms flailing as she loses her balance. Immediately, Selena and I catch her before she can fully tumble down.
“Whoa! Are you okay?” I ask, steadying her with a firm grip.
She grabs my arm, laughing, though her face pales. “Yeah, I’m fine. As usual, I’m getting in trouble.” She winces, leaning a little heavier on us.
Selena gives her other arm, and the three of us make it down the stairs more slowly this time.
As we near the canteen door, I spot Alex and Sky sitting at a table. Their heads turn toward us just when Zoe stumbles again. Sky, who had been lazily slouched in his seat, immediately jumps up, his eyes widening as he rushes over.
“What happened to you, Trouble?” Sky asks, his voice full of concern as he steps closer to Zoe. He gently takes her arm from me, giving her support.
Zoe tries to wave it off, her face flushing. “I’m fine, Sky. Just slipped on the stairs. No big deal.”
“God! Zoe, when will you ever stop getting into trouble?” He scolds her, scooping her in his arms.
“Never.” She winks at him, encircling her arms around his neck as he takes her to the table where Alex is sitting. Selena and I follow them.
Seeing Zoe and Sky together like that, I can’t stop myself from wondering-will Alex ever publicly show affection for me as Sky does with Zoe?
What the fuck I’m thinking? We’re step-siblings. We can never be like Sky and Zoe, and it hurts.
I glance over at Alex, who is still watching me with that unreadable expression of his. His eyes seem to darken as if he knows what I’m thinking. As Sky sits Zoe down beside him, Alex shifts in his seat, making a space for me next to him.
As I settle down beside him, he rests his hand on my thigh under the table, a small but possessive gesture that only I can feel. And just like that aching in my heart vanishes away.
Selena sits down across from us, pulling out her phone and scrolling through it, completely unaware of what’s happening between Alex and me. Sky is still doting over Zoe, making sure she’s comfortable, his arm draped protectively over her shoulders. They look so natural together, so effortless.
“You okay?” Alex asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear, his fingers trace circles on my thigh, sending shivers down my spine.
His touch is calming me in a way that nothing else could right now.
As I nod at him, I notice his tousled hair and the faint sheen of sweat on his skin. He looks exhausted after the practice, yet somehow more irresistible than ever.
But he definitely needs some relaxation.
Sky and Zoe’s laughter pulls my attention towards them. Sky is leaning in close to Zoe, whispering something in her ear that makes her giggle and swat at him playfully. The sight of them so carefree and open makes my chest tighten.
Alex’s grip on my thigh tightens slightly, and I know he’s noticed too.
Stella, stop it. You’re not ready for a serious relationship right now. You’re still overcoming the betrayal of Jade. Just fucking stop it.
I chide myself.
But then again, why does it feel so right when he touches me? Why does the thought of letting him go make my heart clench?
Selena interrupts, “Are we going to order or just sit here staring at each other?”
“Right, food.” I scan the menu.
After we place our orders, it arrives quickly. As the trays of snacks are set down before us, I steal glances at Alex, who seems lost in thought, his brow furrowed slightly.
I type a quick message on my phone.
Me: Let’s go from here. You look exhausted.
As his phone dings, I gesture for him to check it. He raises an eyebrow but pulls his phone out anyway.
A smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he reads my text.
Alex: What’s going on in your little mind, Flower?
He gives me a sly grin, and I feel my cheeks warm.
Me: I just want to take away your exhaustion. Whatever makes you feel better, I’m ready to do. You know I can’t see you like this.
He stares at me with an unreadable expression before turning his attention back to the phone.
Alex: Then let’s go.
“Guys, I have a headache. I need to leave.” I stand up, slipping my phone back into my jeans pocket. “Alex, will you drop me if you have time?” I try not to smile as I ask him.
Although I yearn for a relationship like Zoe and Sky’s, there’s a certain thrill in whatever is happening between Alex and me. The secrecy, the tension-it’s intoxicating in a way that makes everything more intense.
“Of course,” Alex replies, standing up in one smooth motion. “Let’s get you out of here.”
Zoe looks up at me. “Are you really okay, Stella?” she asks, her voice laced with genuine worry.
“I’m fine, just a bit tired,” I assure her, forcing a smile that I hope will convince her. “I just need to rest for a bit.”
“Alright, but you better text me later,” she warns before glancing at Alex. “Make sure he takes good care of you.”
I nod.
Right now, I want to take care of him. I seriously want to take away all of his exhaustion.
***
As we climb into Alex’s car, he grabs my face and kisses my lips hungrily like he has yearning for them for ages. I tangle my hands in his hair and devour his velvety lips with equal intensity.
He pulls away and rests his forehead on mine. “This kiss is enough to take away my all exhaustion, Stella.”
His warm breath caresses my face, and I can feel the rapid thudding of his heartbeat through the closeness of our bodies. My own heart races in response. We completely lose ourselves in this moment.
I swallow hard, staring into his hazel eyes. “You should really rest.”
Alex smiles, his thumb brushing across my lower lip. “How can I rest when you’re here, tempting me?” His husky voice makes my body warm.
His every word makes me feel so damn desirable.
As he leans in and buries his face in my neck, squeezing my tits, I almost throw my head to lose myself in his touch, but then I recall we’re in the college parking area. Anybody can catch us.
God! I can’t even imagine what they’ll call us.
I push him back, placing my hand on his chest. “Alex,” I murmur, glancing around the parking area. “We can’t do this here.”
He groans, his forehead resting against mine again, his breath heavy with frustration. “You drive me crazy, Stella. Every time I touch you, it’s like I can’t stop.” His hands slide down my waist, gripping me possessively.
I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. “We’re in public, Alex. Someone could see us.” My voice is a soft plea, though the ache in my body betrays how much I want him right now.
He pulls back, looking at me, his eyes filled with desire and frustration. “Fine. But I’m not done with you. Not even close.”
I bite my lip, trying to suppress the rush of heat that his words ignite inside me. “Let’s just get out of here.”