Forbidden Flames: Steamy Series

Book 1 My BestFriend Zoe He was just my best friend until I found out how his lips taste. Sky She was just my best friend until I caught her using the vibrator. *** Book 2 My Stepbrother Stella I was a broken soul, and I never thought that I would be healed by my stepbrother. Alex My stepsister, whom I thought would hate her, but she became the one and only person whom I desire deeply. *** Book 3 My Father’s Friend Selena Since I was young, I accepted that I would marry the man of my father's choice, so I always kept my heart shielded. But everything changed when I kissed my father’s friend. James I had always been clear in my mind that I would never settle down with just one woman, but everything changed the moment I tasted my friend's daughter. Chapter 1 Trouble Note: There will be three books in this series, so try to connect with every character. Anyone could be the main character in the next book. Sky’s P.O.V. It’s late at night, and I’m in the middle of fucking a girl from behind. The girl’s hands are tied to the bedposts, and her moans fill the room as I give her deep and hard thrusts, squeezing her buttocks. “Oh… God…” she begs, “Can I come, Sky, please…” “Not yet…” I deny it, and the sound of my hand contacting her buttocks echoes in the room. As I continue to fuck her, my damn phone rings constantly, annoying me. Who the fuck is calling me at this time of night? Frustrated, I reach over to cut the call, but then I see the name on the screen. Zoe. The only person I can’t ignore, no matter what I’m doing. She’s been my best friend since school. Our connection was instant from the moment we met, and it only grew stronger as time went on. We know each other’s deepest secrets and almost everything about each other. But I don’t know how she always gets into so much trouble, especially when I’m not around. That’s why I call her ‘Trouble.’ I’m damn sure she must be in some trouble again; that’s why she’s calling me at this hour. Zoe! Zoe! When will you stop getting into trouble? “Don’t tell me you’re in trouble again.” With a groan, I pick up the call without stopping, pounding into the woman beneath me, all at my mercy. I derive pleasure from dominating girls in bed. Whether they’re from college or the office, they’re all willing to do anything to sleep with me. “Sky, my car stopped working in the middle of the forest. Will—” she begins, but abruptly stops as she hears my groans and probably realises what’s happening. I knew she must be in trouble. I know her very well. But what is she doing in the forest? “What the fuck are you doing there at midnight, Trouble?” I snap, finally pulling out of the girl, who whimpers, sexually frustrated. Zoe explains, “Selena and I went to a party in the forest. She had to leave for an emergency, and now I’m stuck here. My car just stopped in the middle of nowhere.” Damn! I don’t understand how she always ends up in these situations. “Send me your location. I’m coming to get you.” I control the urge to scold her and reassure her because I can sense she’s scared by her voice. But she’ll have to bear my lecture when I get there. “Stay inside your car and lock the doors,” I instruct her before hanging up and untying the wrists of the naked girl. “Get out. We’re done here,” I command, standing up. She stares at me with wide eyes, shocked and frustrated. She opens her mouth to protest, but a single look from me shuts her up. She hurriedly gathers her clothes and leaves, slamming the door as I put on mine. Zoe texts me her location, and I grab my keys and head out. On my way to the car, I dial Zoe back. “I’m on my way. Just don’t do anything stupid until I get there.” “Okay, but hurry, Sky. It’s creepy out here,” she says, her voice trembling slightly, making me worry for her as I settle into my car. I can’t stand the thought of her being in danger. The forest at night is no place for anyone, especially not for someone as reckless as her. “Stay calm, Zoe. I’ll be there soon. Just stay in your car.” I assure her, starting my car and speeding toward the location she sent me. She’s always been a magnet for trouble, and I’ve always been the one to pull her out. It’s exhausting, but she’s worth it. She’s the only one who knows the real me. I can’t explain how much she means to me. Finally, I spot her car on the side of the road, its lights blinking. I frown as I see her standing outside of her car. I instructed her to stay inside, but she never listens to me. Typical Zoe. “Get inside,” I say in a stern tone, lowering the window after halting the car beside her. “Thank you, Sky,” she mumbles as she takes the seat beside me. For the first time, she puts on her seatbelt without me having to remind her. I don’t respond, still angry with her. Why does she always have to put herself in these situations? I start the car without glancing at her. “Sky,” she begins after a minute of silence, “you can’t ignore me like this. It’s not my fault. It’s my car’s fault.” I stay silent, gripping the steering wheel tighter. She can’t keep putting herself in danger. Although I’ll always protect her, what if something happens to her when I’m not around? I glare at her and finally snap, breaking my silence. “For once, try to stay out of trouble.” She shoots back, “You’re saying that as if I love getting into these situations.” I ask, glancing at her, “Why the hell did you go to a party in the forest?” “Selena insisted. I thought it would be fun,” she answers, tucking her brown curtain bangs behind her ear. “Don’t act innocent. I know you must have forced her,” I chide her, focusing on the road. “I didn’t, Sky. Trust me.” She looks at me, making an innocent face, and I shake my head. I know she’s just putting on an act. “Don’t act like a stubborn kid and please start listening to me, Trouble.” “Sky, you’re my best friend, so stop behaving like my father,” she says, her tone teasing as she tries to hide a smile. I just can’t stay angry with her for more than a few minutes. I stare at her with concern in my eyes. “Trouble, I care about you. You could’ve gotten yourself hurt, or worse.” “I’m sure you’d never let anything happen to me.” I smile at her unwavering confidence in me. “You’re lucky I care about you so much,” I mutter, shaking my head. “Of course I am,” she teases. “After all, you came running to save me in the middle of the night when you were doing your most pleasurable thing.” It was quite frustrating to leave like that, but nothing is more important to me than protecting Zoe. “One day, you’ll have to pay for all this, Trouble.” I give her a fake glare. Zoe laughs softly, “Sure, Sky. I’ll bake you a cake or something.” A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips. “You better make it a damn good cake,” I reply, my tone softer now. She turns on the music, and we sing our favorite songs as we drive to her place. Her presence in my life is enough to lighten my mood. As I pull up to her apartment building, she unbuckles her seatbelt and turns to me. “Thanks, Sky. Really.” I nod, my expression softening. “Just stay out of trouble, okay?” She gives me a mock salute. “Yes, sir!” Rolling my eyes, I watch her get out of the car and head into the building. Once she’s inside, I let out a sigh of relief. Finally, I dropped her safely at her place. However, I can’t trust Zoe because she’s capable of attracting trouble, even in the safest places. I remember the time she got locked out on her balcony. It was the middle of winter, and she stepped out to grab something when the wind slammed the door shut. She was out there for an hour, freezing, before I came to rescue her. Then there was the incident with the fire alarm. She’d decided to try cooking a fancy dinner, which ended with her setting off the smoke alarm and the entire building having to be evacuated. I had to come over, calm her down, and assure everyone that everything was fine. And who could forget the time she lost her keys and thought it would be a good idea to climb in through the window? She got stuck halfway through, and I had to come over to help her out. So, I sit in the car for a while, thinking if I should stay the night on her couch just to be sure she stays safe. But then I think better of it; she’s an adult, after all, and I can’t babysit her every moment of her life. With a deep sigh, I drive back to my place, my mind filled with thoughts of Zoe. She’s my best friend, my Trouble, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything. But sometimes, I wish she’d be a little more careful. Chapter 2 Mr. Perfect Zoe’s P.O.V. “Selena, can’t you skip one class? It’s Sky’s basketball match today.” I plead with my friend as we walk to the classroom together. “Zoe, I can’t,” she denies, shaking her head. “My parents would kill me if I missed it.” Selena is my new but already close friend. I know she’s a bit of a stickler for rules because of her parents, but I’m determined to drag her to the game with me. We’ve only been friends for six months, but our bond has grown quickly. We met at the beginning of our first year in college, and she has been by my side unwaveringly ever since. I wave her concerns away, striding beside her. “Oh, come on! Half the class isn’t going to be there, anyway. Plus, you know the professor loves the basketball team. He’ll probably let us go!” “Zoe, you know I can’t just skip classes. My family is really strict about my attendance,” she responds, glancing at me. She halts as I give her my best puppy-dog eyes and pout, coming in front of her. “Please, Selena? Sky’s game is super important. I promise we won’t force you again. Just this once?” She sighs. “Fine! But first, let’s go to class and see how many students are there.” “Thank you.” I give her a quick hug, grinning. As expected, when we arrive at the class, it’s nearly empty. The few students who are present are either disinterested or secretly hoping the professor will let them leave. When the professor walks in, he takes one look at the sparse attendance and shakes his head with a smile. “If anyone wants to go to support the basketball team, I won’t mark you absent. Just make sure you study the material later,” he announces. The room erupts in cheers as everyone scrambles to leave. Selena looks at me. “You really knew this would happen, didn’t you?” I wink at her. “Told you so!” We rush to the basketball court and take our seats. The crowd is buzzing, and I can see Sky warming up with his team. Sky has been my best friend since our school days. I know I can always count on him. He’s the only person who knows all my deepest secrets. But sometimes, he’s pretty annoying when he lectures me for getting into trouble. What’s my fault if trouble likes me so much? He snaps at me like I derive pleasure from being in trouble. Huh! Sky is tall and handsome, and every girl on campus dies for his attention. He has a defined jawline, and his blue eyes are always observant. His skin tone is fair, with a slight tan from spending time outdoors. He has well-groomed, dark brown hair that he often runs his fingers through, especially when he’s deep in thought. His lips are full, and his physique is athletic, with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular build that speaks to his dedication to sports and physical fitness. And what can I say about his talent? He isn’t an ordinary guy. He’s great at everything he does—sports, academics, and even running his family’s million-dollar company. What’s more, he’s a gifted artist, bringing his canvas to life with magical brushstrokes. Sometimes I feel jealous of my best friend, as my only skill is getting into trouble. Why, God, why this discrimination? What sins are you punishing me for? If only you had given me a single talent like Sky’s, I would be so grateful. His friend, Alex, the team captain, gives him a pat on the back. They look confident, ready to take on their rivals. I wave at Sky enthusiastically as he catches sight of us, and he grins, giving me a thumbs-up. “See, Selena? Isn’t this better than sitting in a boring classroom?” I nudge her playfully. “Of course, it’s better. But you know I’m forced not to skip any class.” “Your parents are too much.” I shake my head. I seriously don’t like Selena’s parents. They’re so controlling and strict. Selena is an adult; they should give her some space and freedom. The game starts, and I shout Sky’s name at the top of my lungs, cheering him with excitement. He scores a couple of quick points, making me feel happy. “Go, Sky! You got this!” I shout, cupping my hands around my mouth to amplify my voice, and Selena laughs beside me. Sky is on fire, scoring points effortlessly. The game is intense, with both teams fighting hard. But our team pulls ahead, and in the last moments, Sky makes a winning shot. People are jumping and shouting, celebrating the victory. I jump to my feet, screaming Sky’s name. “You did it! You won!” I shout, waving my arms. Sky looks up at the stands and finds me in the crowd. He gives me a triumphant grin and pumps his fist into the air. I can see the pride and joy in his eyes. Selena sneaked away to the library in the middle of the game, not to study, but to meet a senior secretly for a quick hook-up. She often engages in casual flings with strangers to cope with the stress of her family’s expectations. She is certain that eventually she’ll be forced into an arranged marriage, so she has one-night stands devoid of emotional attachment. Sky comes over to me, still beaming from the victory. “Congratulations, Sky.” I hug him tightly, grinning. “I knew your team would win.” “Of course, I had to win.” A smug smile spreads across his face, and he pulls up his imaginary collar. “You know I never lose.” “I know, I know,” I say, nodding my head. “You’re Mr. Perfect.” We both chuckle and talk for a while, then I remember that I have an important class today. “I’ve got to get to class,” I say reluctantly. “Okay, but stay out of trouble.” “No, I won’t. I’ll put myself in trouble and then call you.” I give him a teasing wink and leave while laughing. *** I had planned to go out with Selena after our last class, but she had to leave for a party with her family. So, I call Sky. “Hey, my plans fell through. Selena had to leave for a party, so I’m free now. Want to chill?” “I have plans to hit a club with Alex for a victory party this evening,” he replies. “Oh, can I come along?” I ask eagerly. “Of course! I’ll pick you up at 7 from your house. Be ready on time. I don’t want to see you running late in front of my eyes like last time. It’s boring.” I frown at his words. “Don’t taunt me. I was only late once.” That’s a huge lie. I’m usually the one running late, while Sky is always punctual. We’re complete opposites in every sense, and I often wonder how we became best friends. He chuckles. “Yeah! Yeah! Only once.” “I’ll be ready on time. Bye.” I hang up, scowling. *** In the evening, I fall asleep and wake up to find it’s already a quarter to seven. I have only fifteen minutes to get ready. Fuck! Not again. Sky is going to kill me for being late. “Zoe, why did you doze off? You’re an idiot,” I chide myself, scrambling to get dressed. As I’m hurriedly getting ready, I receive a call from Sky. “Are you ready, Zoe?” he asks, and I can sense the teasing tone in his voice. “Sky, give me just five minutes,” I reply, trying to sound calm. “I knew you’d be late and make me wait, which is why I told you 7. I’ll be there at 8. Just be ready by then,” he chuckles, knowing me all too well. Fuck! How can he be so smart? But he lied to me. “You’re so bad, Sky,” I retort. “I’m smart, and you know that,” he laughs. There’s no doubt he’s smart, but I won’t inflate his ego. “No, no. You’re a liar.” He finally stops laughing. “Now stop wasting your time arguing with me and get ready.” “Yeah, Mr. Liar. Bye.” I hang up with a sigh. Chapter 3 Emptiness Sky’s P.O.V. After picking up Zoe, I arrive at the club. She’s dressed in a white body-con dress, her straight brown hair styled perfectly, with curtain bangs framing her forehead. Her makeup is flawless. I, on the other hand, am dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans, feeling somewhat underdressed beside her. Zoe loves to dress up, and she knows how to turn heads. As soon as we step inside, she pulls out her phone and takes a quick selfie. Then she insists I take a few photos of her. “Okay, okay, but just a few, or we’ll be here all night.” I sigh, reluctantly pulling out my phone and snapping a few photos of her, knowing she won’t leave me until I do. *** “Next month, we have a match with the Wild Flowers College team. We have to win that match, Sky.” Alex speaks, sitting beside me on the bar stool, holding a glass of drink in his hand. Zoe is sitting on my other side. Alex has always been the bad-boy type, but I know there’s more to him. Despite his tough exterior, he’s a softie on the inside. When I first joined college, Alex and I were enemies due to his rude attitude. But as a teammate on the basketball team, I got to see the real him. Alex has a good heart, even if he doesn’t always show it. “Alex, you don’t have to worry,” Zoe chimes in. “Sky is perfect at everything. If he’s on your team, he’ll never let you lose any game.” “I like the confidence you have in me, Trouble,” I say with a smile before taking a sip of my drink. Honestly, I like the way she believes in me. “I’m just stating the truth,” she responds, shrugging her shoulders. As we talk for a while, Alex suddenly nudges me. “Sky, a girl has been watching you since we walked in. I think she’s interested in you.” I glance in the direction he’s pointing, but shake my head. “Alex, I can’t do anything today because Zoe is with me. I can’t leave her alone. You already know she’s a troublemaker.” I glance at Zoe with a teasing smile. She rolls her eyes playfully. “You go enjoy, Sky. Alex is with me, and he’ll drop me home safely.” I hesitate, but Zoe and Alex insist. “Go, Sky. Have fun. You deserve it after winning the match.” “Yeah, I’ll drop her. You go.” I finally agree. “Alright, but Alex, please make sure she gets home safely.” Alex nods. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her.” I leave with the girl who had been eyeing me, but not without a final glance back at Zoe and Alex. “Trouble, just be safe.” She laughs. “I will. Now go have fun.” I instruct Alex again. “And Alex, please safely drop her home.” With that, I walk away, still feeling concerned. Zoe can handle herself, but I can’t stop myself from being protective of her. *** Zoe’s P.O.V. As Sky leaves, I click selfies and enjoy my drink. After a few minutes, Alex receives an urgent call, his expression immediately growing tense. He turns to me. “Zoe, let’s go. I have to be somewhere urgently. I’ll drop you home first.” “What? No. I wanted to enjoy more. You go, Alex. I’ll stay here.” I pout, not wanting to return to my apartment where no one is waiting for me. Sometimes the emptiness of being alone feels overwhelming. “Zoe, Sky will kill me if I leave you alone. You know how overprotective he is.” I sigh, knowing he’s right, but still reluctant. “Don’t worry, Alex. I’ll go home myself. I promise.” “Are you sure?” he asks, concerned. “Yes, I’m 100% sure,” I reassure him, giving him a confident smile. I just pray I don’t get into any kind of trouble tonight. Please, God. Or else Sky will lock me up in my apartment after lecturing me. He hesitates, but eventually nods. “Alright, but be careful, okay?” “I will.” I wave him off as he heads out. Left alone, I decide to make the most of the night. I hit the dance floor, moving to the music, enjoying the rhythm, and losing myself at the moment. I even have a couple of light drinks. As I drink, standing at the bar, I overhear a girl conversing with her mother on the call. “Yeah! Mom, I’ll be back home on time. Don’t worry.” I freeze in my place because it brings back the memories of my mother. “Zoe, you’re my strong baby. Momma loves you a lot.” As my mother’s voice echoes in my ear, I feel a heaviness in my chest. Sometimes, I miss my parents so much. First, my brother died, and then my parents. When I started living with my grandmother, she also passed away. It feels like everyone I get close to ends up leaving me. This hurts me. No matter how much I try to live freely and be carefree inside, I sometimes feel so broken and empty. To dull the pain, I start drinking more heavily, losing myself in the alcohol. I’m sitting alone, looking through old photos with my family on my phone, tears welling up in my eyes as I remember the happy times with them. I miss them so much. I wish they were with me right now. Suddenly, a guy approaches me. At first, I don’t notice him, but then he speaks. “Hey, you look like you could use some company.” I look up, blurry-eyed, and shake my head. “I’m not in the mood. Let me go.” He doesn’t listen. Instead, he grabs my arm, his grip firm. “Come on, I’ll take you home after we have some fun.” “No! Let me go!” I yell, trying to stand up, but I’m too drunk to keep my balance. Fuck! I’m in trouble again. He laughs shamelessly, holding onto me tighter. “Relax, girl. You’re with me now.” “No, I said let me go!” I scream, trying to wrench my arm free, but I’m too weak. Just as things start to get worse, I hear a familiar voice. “Get your hands off her!” Chapter 4 Everyone Leaves Me Sky’s P.O.V. After leaving with the girl who had been eyeing me, we found a private room upstairs. It was supposed to be a fun night, but I couldn’t stop myself from worrying about leaving Zoe alone. Although Alex is with her, it’s not helping me. I don’t know why I’m feeling so restless. I hope Zoe is alright. As soon as I’m done with the girl, I make an excuse and head back to the club, concerned for Zoe. When I find her in the crowd, I stop. Fuck! She is in trouble again, as expected. I see a guy gripping Zoe’s arm; her face twisted in distress. A wave of anger rushes over me, and I clench my fists. I dash through the crowd towards him, glaring at him with fury. “Get your hands off her!” I yell, shoving the guy away from Zoe. He stumbles back, hitting the floor hard. Seeing my rage, he doesn’t dare to utter a word and disappears. Good for him. I turn towards Zoe, still angry. “Where the fuck is Alex, and why did you drink so much?” I snap, but as I notice her eyes—red and filled with tears—my anger melts into concern. Something is very wrong. She looks hurt emotionally. I place my hand on her face, wiping away her tears with my thumb. “Trouble, what happened to you?” My voice softens as I question her. “Why did you get drunk?” “Sky, take me home.” A sob escapes her mouth, wrenching my heart. “I’m not feeling good.” She holds my two fingers. Whenever she is upset, she does this. Not feeling good? Why? I want to know the reason, but right now, it’s important to make her feel better. “Hey, stop crying. I’m taking you home.” I support her as we walk out of the club, my mind racing. I wonder what happened to her suddenly? Why did Alex leave her alone? But I fucking don’t care about the reason. Alex wasn’t supposed to leave her alone when I gave him clear instructions to take care of her in my absence. I’ll talk to him later, but first I have to handle Zoe. As I help her into the passenger seat and secure her seatbelt, I notice her gazing straight ahead, her eyes filled with pain and a hint of sadness. My heart clenches, seeing her condition. She never shares her pain with anyone, always hiding it behind her smile. I’ve told her countless times to share her pain with me. It would make her feel better, but she always insists she’s okay. We drive back in silence, and I can see something is deeply hurting her. Suddenly, she speaks, her voice broken. “Sky, everyone leaves me.” I feel heaviness in my chest at her words and immediately pull the car over to the side of the road. I turn to her. Her moist eyes are now fixed on me, filled with deep fear. Zoe’s fear of losing people is completely justified. She has lost her entire family. Although she stays strong, I know that inside she’s fragile—a fact she rarely shows. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, makes my heart ache. “Zoe, listen to me,” I say, taking her hands in mine. “I’m here for you, always. You mean so much to me.” “But everyone leaves me, Sky.” A sob escapes her mouth. “What if you leave too? What if something happens to you?” I shake my head, squeezing her hands gently. “Nothing is going to happen to me. I’m not going anywhere.” I reassure her, trying to ease her fear. “Pinky promise?” She asks, holding out her small finger. “Pinky promise.” I smile, linking my finger with hers. We drive the rest of the way in silence. When we arrive at her apartment, I help her inside and gently lay her down on her bed. As I turn to leave, she grabs my two fingers. “Sky, please don’t leave me alone. I’m afraid.” As I turn around, I find her staring at me with pleading eyes. I walk over to her and settle down on the bed beside her. “Zoe, I’m right here. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.” She gives me a faint smile. “Thank you, Sky.” She closes her eyes and continues to murmur, “Your presence in my life means a lot to me. Sometimes you annoy me, but it doesn’t matter. You…” She drifts off to sleep while blabbering, bringing a smile to my face. I watch her for a while, making sure she’s okay. Then I stand up to leave. “Goodnight, Trouble.” I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. I leave her apartment and head back to my penthouse. As I lie in bed, I think about Zoe and her pain. Literally, no one deserves what Zoe has gone through in her life. I vow to be there for her, no matter what. *** The next day at college, I meet Alex in the canteen. My anger flares up again as I think about what happened the night before. I storm up to him and grab his collar, my eyes blazing. “Why did you leave Zoe alone, Alex?” I demand, anger etched on every corner of my face. If I hadn’t reached in time last night, anything could have happened to Zoe. Alex looks surprised, but stays calm. “Easy, man! I had to leave because of an emergency.” “You could’ve informed me.” “Zoe is not a kid. She wanted to stay—” “And you let her, even after knowing that she attracts trouble.” I snap, my grip on his collar tightening. A few students are present in the cafeteria at this time, and all of their eyes are glued to us. But who cares? “She’s fine now, so just chill, Sky.” Chill? Really? “If I hadn’t come in time, that guy could have done anything to her.” I slightly push him away, releasing his collar. “You have no clue what her condition was last night.” My voice turns soft as I recall her tear-filled eyes, and I feel the worry all over again. I hate seeing pain in those particular brown eyes. It hurts me that even though I’m her best friend, she keeps her pain hidden from me as well. “Sky—” I cut him off. “Don’t justify yourself, Alex.” He shrugs his shoulders. “Whatever! But it’s not my fault,” he mutters before walking away and leaving me alone in the canteen. God, both my friends are so careless. I shouldn’t have left them alone. It’s my fault. Just then, Zoe steps into the canteen. I walk to the door, passing her without even glancing at her. I can’t bear her recklessness anymore. She always gets into trouble and never listens to me. Chapter 5 Not A Burden “Sky, listen to me.” I step in front of Sky just as he’s about to leave the canteen. He snaps, “Why? Do you ever listen to me, Trouble?” I know his anger is justified, but last night I just lost control. “Sky, I started missing my mom last night and couldn’t control myself from drinking.” As I explain with a hint of pain in my voice, the anger instantly disappears from his eyes. He places his hand on my face and speaks in a soft tone, “I’m not angry about that, Trouble. You should have gone home with Alex.” “I know, but it was too early to go home, Sky.” And I don’t like to go there when there’s no one waiting for me. My heart aches to see the empty apartment. He already knows the reason, so I don’t have to explain. His expression softens even more. “You should’ve called me.” “I didn’t want to disturb you.” “You’re important to me, Trouble. You can never disturb me.” I know I’m important to him, but I don’t like to bother him with my problems all the time. “But you have your own life, Sky. You deserve to have fun without always worrying about me.” I feel a pang of guilt for always getting into trouble and disturbing him. Sky shakes his head, his eyes never leaving mine. “Zoe, you’re a part of my life. Worrying about you, being there for you—that’s my choice, and it’s one I’m happy to make.” I feel a lump in my throat as I listen to his words. He makes me feel so fortunate. I don’t know what I did in my past life to deserve a friend like him. But he can’t babysit me all the time. “I just don’t want to be a burden to you.” A frown appears on his face as he asks in a grim tone, “Do you seriously think you’re a burden to me, Zoe?” I nod in response, shifting my gaze to the floor. He lifts my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes. “Listen to me carefully, Zoe. You’re my best friend, not a burden. I care about you more than anything. So please, next time you feel like this, just give me a call. No matter what I’m doing, I’ll be there for you.” “Of course, I know you’ll always come for me—” “Trouble, please. No more words, or else I won’t take your photos next time.” I blink up at him, taken aback. Sky knows how much I love his photography. He’s the only one who captures me in a way that makes me look beautiful. “Fine,” I mutter, trying to suppress a smile. “You win.” His stern expression softens into a smile. “Good. Now, let’s eat something.” *** The next day, Sky takes me to my favorite cafe in New York. As soon as we enter, I make him take a thousand photos of me. “Wtf! You never get satisfied with pictures, Zoe. Now it’s enough.” He sits back in his chair. “One last one, please, Sky.” I bat my eyelashes, trying to melt his heart. I know he must be regretting taking me to my favorite cafe now. He complains, “You just take one picture of me, and I end up taking thousands of photos of you, Zoe.” “No problem. I’ll take more of you.” I snap his photos, laughing as he glares at me. “Stop it, Zoe.” He tries to take the phone from my hand, but I don’t let him. After taking a few more shots of him, I tease, displaying the photos, “Look, now I’ve taken plenty of photos of you. Now we’re even.” “You’re crazy.” He shakes his head in disbelief, causing me to chuckle. As we have dinner, Sky receives a call from his father. “Okay, Dad.” He hangs up and turns to me. “I have to go to a business meeting.” “Okay, but tell me one thing.” I wipe my hands with a cloth napkin. “How do you handle everything—studies, business, basketball—and manage to be perfect at all of it?” I stare at him incredulously. “How many times will you ask me this question, Zoe?” Sky chuckles softly, shaking his head. “I’m not perfect. I just try to do my best in everything I care about.” “But seriously, Sky. You manage everything so effortlessly. It’s like you have a superpower or something.” He laughs at my words. “No superpowers. Just a lot of dedication and a wonderful support system.” “Yeah, like me,” I tease with a grin. “Your personal cheerleader.” “Yeah!” he agrees with a smile. *** Sky leaves after dropping me at my apartment, instructing me to stay out of trouble as always. But is it really in my hands? No. As I come out of the bathroom after freshening up, I receive a call from Selena. “Hello—” She cuts me off, her voice frantic. “Zoe, a guy I hooked up with in the library is outside my house on his bike, circling around. I don’t know why he’s here. If my parents find out, they’ll kill me. I can’t let them down.” “Don’t worry, Selena,” I reassure her. “I’m coming, and I’ll handle this.” “Zoe, it’s risky. You can’t come alone. You need help. Where’s Sky?” “Sky is busy with a meeting, but I promise I’ll take care of this.” Selena hesitates but then reluctantly agrees. “Okay, just be careful.” I end the call, grab my keys, and rush out of my apartment. “Be safe, Trouble.” As Sky’s words echo in my mind, I pause at the doorstep. I know it’s dangerous, and Sky will kill me if he finds out about this. But he’ll understand because I’m helping my friend, just like he helps me when I need it. When I arrive at Selena’s house, I see the guy on his bike, still circling the block. After taking a deep breath, I approach him. “Hey,” I call out, trying to sound confident despite feeling a bit nervous. He looks at me with surprise and a hint of annoyance. “What do you want?” “I need you to leave Selena alone. She’s not interested in you, and showing up here like this is not okay.” His expression darkens. “Who the hell are you to tell me that? She was all over me in the library.” “I don’t care what happened in the library,” I retort, my voice firm. “She doesn’t want you here. So leave.” He scoffs, looking at me with disdain. “You think you can tell me what to do? Get lost, little girl.” “I’m not leaving until you do.” I step closer to him, trying to block his view of Selena’s house. Before I can react, he shoves me roughly aside. I stumble and fall, hitting my leg against the nearby fence. Fuck! Pain shoots through me, but I grit my teeth. “You shouldn’t have done that,” I warn, my voice tight with anger and pain. He laughs mockingly. “Or what? You’ll call the cops? Good luck with that.” I push myself up, ignoring the pain in my leg. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my friend. Just leave, okay? Selena doesn’t want anything to do with you.” He scoffs again. “Anyway, she isn't worth this trouble.” With one last glare, he mounts his bike and speeds away. Thank God! Finally, he left. But my leg—it hurts. Chapter 6 The Vibrator Sky’s P.O.V. “What happened to your leg?” I ask Zoe as I take a seat beside her on the desk in the classroom and notice a deep red mark on her shin. “I slipped in the bathroom,” she replies casually, taking a book from her bag. “When? Are you alright?” I freak out, concerned. “I’m fine, Sky. Don’t worry.” She reassures me, glancing at me. Before I can ask more questions, Selena enters the classroom and walks over to us. “Thanks for last night, Zoe.” She glances at Zoe’s leg. “I’m sorry you got injured because of me.” I stare at them, baffled. “What happened last night?” As Selena tells me how Zoe confronted the guy for her, Zoe hides her face behind her hand. That bastard. I’m not going to let him get away with hurting my best friend. He’s going to face my wrath. And what can I say about my dear Zoe? First, she puts herself in danger instead of asking for my help, and then she lies to me. God! This girl. She’s going to drive me crazy. After getting the guy’s details from Selena, I leave the classroom without saying a word to Zoe. She rushes after me. “Sky, stop. Listen to me.” I turn towards her, scowling. “Zoe, don’t follow me.” She tries to explain, “I just wanted to help my friend, Sky. She needed me.” “You could’ve called me, Zoe. Why do you never understand?” I ask, irked. “Please, stop lecturing me. I handled the situation so well last night,” she retorts. “Yeah! I can see how well you handled it,” I taunt, glancing at her injured leg. “My leg is fine, Sky. See…” She tries to jump, but hisses in pain. I catch her before she falls. “You’re unbelievable, Trouble.” I shake my head. “I know.” She giggles. No matter how much she annoys me, I can’t stay mad at her for long. *** It’s been a week since Alex and I dealt with the guy who hurt Zoe. Nobody can lay a finger on the people who are important to me, especially Zoe. I just lose control when I see her in pain. I can’t let anyone harm her. After college, Zoe and I are sitting in the garden, sharing an AirPod each and listening to music, when Alex comes to call me for match practice. “Alex, you’re a buzzkill.” Zoe chides him as we stand up, but Alex just rolls his eyes. “Go home safely, Zoe, and don’t forget to text me,” I instruct her. “Yes, boss.” She salutes, and I shake my head. *** As I head towards the basketball court with Alex, he shoots me a curious glance. “Hey, Sky, can I ask you something?” I nod at him while walking. “Sure. Go ahead.” “Well, you and Zoe have been close for so many years, and yet nothing’s ever happened between you two. Why is that?” I pause at his question. It’s not new; others have asked me the same thing over the years. I take a deep breath before responding. “Alex, Zoe and I… our friendship is pure,” I begin, glancing at him. “She’s been my best friend. I’ve never looked at her that way. She’s like family to me, you know?” “Yeah, I know, but it’s still shocking.” I chuckle at his words. “I know it’s shocking, but I’ve never felt anything more for Zoe than deep friendship.” “No physical desire for her?” He raises his brows at me. Physical desires for Zoe? Never. It feels like a sin. I shake my head. “Nope. Just a strong bond, which is rare.” *** Zoe: I’ve prepared chocolate mousse for you. Are you coming? I receive a text from Zoe as I’m on my way to my penthouse. Chocolate mousse is my favourite, but I can’t have any because I have an urgent meeting in an hour. Me: So sorry, Trouble. I can’t come. I have to attend a meeting. Zoe: What? You told me you would come. Me: I’ll taste it tomorrow. It’s important. I know she’s upset, but I plan to surprise her after the meeting by dropping by. Zoe loves surprises. Zoe: Okay. All the best. Me: Thank you. *** After my meeting, I come to surprise Zoe at her apartment. I unlock the door with the key she gave me years ago. When I don’t find her in the living room, I make the mistake of directly heading upstairs toward her room. As I near her door, I hear faint sounds that make me stop in my tracks. Moans. Soft, breathy moans. They send an unexpected jolt through me. Fuck! My heart races, and I feel a flush of heat wash over me. It’s Zoe. My best friend. I should turn away and give her privacy, but something compels me to look. Just run away, Sky. Just Go. A voice inside my head keeps telling me to go, but I don’t know why I can’t stop myself. The door is ajar, so I make the mistake of peeking inside. Fuck! Fuck! There she is, lying on her bed, legs spread open, one hand clutching a vibrator between her thighs, the other gripping the mattress. Her face is flushed, her eyes closed, and her moans fill the room, each one sending a shiver down my spine. I’ve never seen Zoe like this, never imagined her this way. But now, as I watch her, every part of my body wants her. My dick hardens painfully inside my tight pants, straining against the fabric. Her moans become the most alluring sound I’ve ever heard. They’re intoxicating, and I can’t tear my eyes from her. Damn, she looks so hot while pleasuring herself. The way she is arching her back and biting her lip—it’s driving me insane. I feel like rushing to her and replacing the vibrator with my dick. Fuck! No. What am I doing and what am I thinking? I should leave. This is wrong. She’s my best friend. She trusts me. “Oh God! I shouldn’t have peeked inside her room and seen her like this,” I mutter to myself, backing away hastily. I dash outside, guilt washing over me for seeing her like this. She’s awakened an intense desire within me I can hardly control. I can’t even describe how hard I am for her, and how difficult it was to stop myself from entering her room and knowing how tight she would feel around my dick. Fuck! What is wrong with me? What am I thinking? She is my best friend. What I witnessed today, will I ever be able to see Zoe the same way as before? This question runs through my mind as my driver opens the car door and I settle into the backseat.