Category: Bad Influence

              ✮{…ACCEPTANCE…}✮

“I love you” she whispered between sobs. “And you’re never alone. Not anymore”

Xavier stood frozen for a moment, her words sinking into him like raindrops through cracked soil.

“I love you… and you’re never alone” she repeated.

No one had ever said that to him. Not like this. Not with that kind of raw emotion, not with tears soaking into his hoodie, not with arms that held on like he was something worth holding onto.

He dropped his keys.

Slowly, carefully, he wrapped his arms around her like she was something fragile, something he didn’t know he deserved but was scared to break.

“Hailey, you shouldn’t be here” Came his hoarse voice.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him. Her eyes were glassy, red, but fierce. 

“I need to be here. With you”

Xavier scoffed, pulling away from her touch as if her warmth was too much to handle. He turned his back to her, digging into the pocket of his black jeans. A moment later, he pulled out a crumpled pack of cigars and a silver lighter.

Click. Click.

The flame danced for a heartbeat before he lit the cigar and placed it between his lips.

But before he could take the first drag, Hailey marched over, snatched it from his lips, and tossed it to the floor, stomping it out like it personally offended her.

“Stop killing yourself!” she snapped.

Xavier looked at her, startled. Not by what she did. but how she did it. The girl who once flinched at his tattoos now stared him down like she saw through every wall he’d ever built.

He let out a dry laugh, bitter and cracked.

“I’m not even trying to” he said coolly, eyes dull as ash. “It’s just a fact I know”

“No, you don’t get to talk like that. Like your life doesn’t matter”

He shook his head, smirking like it was all a joke. 

“It doesn’t. Not really. Not to anyone”

“It matters to me. You matter to me”

Xavier stared at her, his expression softening. 

Hailey’s chest rose and fell as she stood in front of him, her fists clenched by her sides.

“Do you… love me?” Her gaze searched his. “Like I love you?”

Xavier blinked. Once. Twice.

His jaw tightened.

That question, simple as it was, hit him harder than any punch he’d ever taken.

He looked away, like the truth burned too hot to hold her gaze.

“Hailey…” he began, but the words caught in his throat.

Her voice cracked. “I need to know. Please. Even if it’s not what I want to hear. Just… tell me the truth”

Xavier stared at her, really stared and for a second, he wasn’t here. He was back in that stupid restroom, the first day they met.

She’d stumbled in, wide-eyed and flustered, looking like she had no idea what she was doing in the boys’ restroom. Her innocence practically screamed at him, and he remembered how intrigued he was. Amused. He wanted to see how far she could bend before she broke. That was all she ever was supposed to be—a game, a distraction.

A challenge.

He only wanted to taint her. Twist that sweet, naive energy until she became something darker, something ruined. His ruin.

And now… she was standing here. In front of him. Eyes brimming with love and tears, whispering that he wasn’t alone.

He had won. She had fallen. He had taken her mind, heart, and even her virginity. He had done what he set out to do.

So why the hell did his chest feel like it was splitting in two?

Why did it feel like every time a guy looked at her, touched her, he wanted to kill something? Why did her tears wreck him more than anything else ever had? Yes it does wreck him, he just doesn’t show it.

She was never meant to get under his skin.

Yet now, her voice was echoing in his head—

“Do you love me? Like I love you?”

He clenched his fists.

“You weren’t supposed to mean anything to me” he said, his gaze hard but his eyes betraying the war inside. “I was supposed to ruin you and walk away”

He paused, then added hoarsely,

“But now… I can’t even breathe when I’m not around you”

She didn’t answer his confession with words.

Instead, she jumped on him with arms wrapping tight around his neck, legs instinctively curling around his waist. Her lips crashed on his, stealing whatever words were about to leave his mouth.

And just like that, he stopped talking.

His hands gripped her thighs, holding her up effortlessly as he walked them toward the bed. 

When they reached the edge of the bed, he lowered her gently, letting her sink into the mattress like she belonged there, beneath him with him.

Then  he reached for the cigar and lighter again.

He leaned in over her… smoke trailing lazily from his lips, dancing between them.

They were in that position.

“Your innocence was my temptation” he whispered, letting the smoke curl above her lips. “But now… you’re my addiction”

She swallowed hard, heart pounding beneath her ribs.

“And you…” she murmured, fingers clutching his shirt, “you’re my ruin”

He exhaled the smoke between them, letting it spiral and swirl above her face. She didn’t flinch or say anything. Instead, she reached up, fingers curling into his shirt and pulling him down until their foreheads touched.

“I asked you something. Do you love me… the way I love you?”

Xavier stilled.

Every nerve in his body tensed.

His eyes darkened as he crushed the half-burnt cigar in the ashtray by the bed.

Then he hovered over her again, his lips barely brushing hers.

“I shouldn’t, but I do. Damn it, Princess… I do”

That was all she needed.

She pulled him into her, mouth seeking his, hungry and desperate. Tongues tangling, teeth grazing. His hands ran up her sides, under her shirt, feeling her warmth, her need.

Clothes came off piece by piece, thrown somewhere into the room. His lips explored every inch of her, worshipping her skin like he hadn’t already marked it with sin.

She arched into him, gasping when he trailed hot kisses down her neck, her collarbone, lower…

“Xavier…” she breathed, nails digging into his back.

He groaned against her skin. “Say it again”

“I love you”

He entered her in one slow, deep motion… familiar and new all at once. 

And when she came undone beneath him, whispering his name like a vow, he followed breaking apart in the safety of her arms.

•••

AT CORY KING HIGH SCHOOL*

Lucy sat at her desk, her notebook open but untouched. The words on the whiteboard blurred before her eyes. She wasn’t paying attention, she couldn’t. Her eyes kept drifting to Cory, who sat three rows ahead, leaned back in his chair like he didn’t have a care in the world.

But she knew better.

He hadn’t spared her a glance since morning. No whispered greetings. No quiet smirk. Nothing.

He hadn’t even looked her way when he walked into the class. And that silence… it killed her more than his words ever could.

She kept stealing glances at him, hoping and praying that he’d look back. That he’d change his mind. That he still believed her.

But Cory didn’t.

He hadn’t said a word to her since the incident at his mansion, last night. Since she stood in that glowing vault, trembling under the weight of his silence while his mother painted her a thief.

Lucy blinked back the memory.

She gripped her pen tighter, the sting of rejection still raw in her chest. She hadn’t meant to touch the necklace but she did anyway, out of her stupid curiosity. She hadn’t even known the room was real, let alone booby-trapped. But it hadn’t mattered. Not to his mother. Not to Cory.

Did he believe her? Even a little?

The bell rang sharply, snapping her out of thought.

Their teacher packed up and left, and students spilled out in groups, laughter and chatter filling the corridor.

Cory stood.

He didn’t wait for anyone. 

He just slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out.

Lucy was on her feet in seconds.

She followed him quietly, until she caught sight of him heading toward the stairwell.

Then it clicked—he was going to the rooftop.

The one place he always escaped to when things got too loud.

She hesitated before she followed him, one step behind.

This time, she wouldn’t walk away without him hearing her out.

The breeze tugged at Lucy’s hair as she stepped on the rooftop, the door clicking softly behind her.

Cory was leaning against the railing, his back to her, looking out at the buildings below. His shoulders were tense, his jaw clenched like he’d been holding something in for too long.

She walked toward him, slowly, carefully, like approaching a wounded animal.

“Cory…”

He didn’t turn.

“I wasn’t stealing,I was only exploring. I didn’t know that room was—”

“You didn’t know?” he cut her off, voice sharp as glass. He finally turned, and the look in his eyes nearly knocked the breath from her lungs… so cold as ice.

“Did anyone force the necklace into your hands? Did my mum? Did she shove you in there?”

Lucy took a step back. “No, I—”

“You walked in there with your two legs, even after I told you to wait for me in the room. You couldn’t stay put for twenty damn minutes. And now look” He ran a hand through his hair, laughing bitterly. 

“Yeah, I know you’re poor, Lucy. But is it to the point of stealing? You made my mum mock me last night like I was some lovesick fool chasing after a thief”

Her breath hitched.

“Cory…” she whispered, shaking her head. “That’s not fair. I didn’t—”

“Didn’t what?” he snapped. “Didn’t try to take something that doesn’t belong to you? Or didn’t know the cameras would catch you? You think I didn’t see the footage? You looked at that necklace like it was your way out of the gutter

Lucy gasped but he wasn’t done.

“You know what’s funny? I knew you were trouble. But I ignored it. You proved to me that you’re just a whore who sends nudes to boys in our class for money and now, what? A thief too?”

She froze.

The words struck like bullets.

Tears pooled in her eyes, but she didn’t look away.

“Don’t you have any shame left in you?” he growled.

Lucy swallowed hard. Her hands trembled at her sides. Her chest ached like something was ripping inside her.

But she still managed to whisper, “Cory I swear I didn’t try to steal it. I was just… just checking it out. It was beautiful and I touched it, yes, but not in the aim to steal it”

He didn’t say a word.

“I know how it looked but please believe me”

“You shouldn’t have been there, you had no right”

She swallowed hard, blinking back the tears. 

“I know. I was just curious”

Without another glance, Cory turned his back to her.

“Cory… please” she whispered, reaching out.

He didn’t stop but instead walked past her, the door creaking open and slamming shut behind him with a finality that shattered her.

•••

LIANA’S PLACE*

Liana sat on the rug, helping Ariella stack alphabet blocks. The little girl giggled, mispronouncing letters as she built a shaky tower.

The doorbell rang.

“Stay here, baby” Liana said, standing up cautiously.

She opened the door and froze.

Mrs. Knight.

Elegant, cold, and out of place in their modest apartment.

“What are you doing here?” Liana asked, surprised.

Mrs. Knight stepped in without waiting for an invitation. “I came to see my granddaughter”

Liana scoffed. “Now she’s your granddaughter?”

“She always was. Remember Xavier doesn’t have long span life, and he deserves to leave something behind” Her eyes flicked toward the sound of Ariella’s voice in the background. “She’s all we have”

Liana crossed her arms. “You told me to drug him. You made this mess, remember?”

Mrs. Knight gave a tight smile. “And you went through with it”

Liana’s jaw clenched.

“You don’t care about her, do you?”

“Trust me I do, she’s my granddaughter after all” Mrs. Knight walked toward her.

“Ariella” Mrs. Knight said softly.

The little girl blinked, surprised. Her name never sounded that warm coming from her grandmother’s lips.

Mrs. Knight knelt in front of her, her eyes glossy with something that looked frighteningly close to emotion. She reached out, cupping Ariella’s cheeks in her hands. The gesture was foreign, unfamiliar.

“I love you, my sweet granddaughter, pardon my previous attitude to you. I was wrong”

Ariella’s eyes widened, her small mouth parting in shock. This wasn’t a dream, was it?

Mrs. Knight smiled sadly and brushed a curl behind Ariella’s ear. 

“I will make sure your father accepts you, okay? I promise. No more pretending you don’t exist. No more coldness. Just… family”

Ariella didn’t speak. Her body didn’t know how to react to kindness from the woman who had never shown it before.

After a pause, Ariella finally whispered, “Do you really mean it?”

Mrs. Knight nodded and pulled her into a rare, warm embrace. “I do” 

She wanted to right all her wrongs before Xavier finally left the world. She would beg for his forgiveness, make him accept his daughter, and, someday soon, gather them all with Hailey included, for one final family dinner.

___

💕TBC💕

Next Episode 

                ✮{…MOVING OUT…}✮

Hailey’s mind screamed at her to stop this. To push him away.

But her body?

It betrayed her.

“You keep pretending you don’t want this, princess. But your body tells a different story” he said brushing his lips on her ear, sending a chill to run down her spine. 

Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling against his. The cold that had wrapped around her moments ago was gone, replaced by a slow, creeping heat that spread from where his other hand rested against her bare back.

“See? You’re warming up just fine” he murmured.

She should move atleast or say something…anything but the words tangled in her throat, lost in the way his thumb brushed over her skin, the way his eyes darkened as they roamed her face.

His hand that was on her soft boobs,dropped down and he trailed up her thigh, his touch lazy and teasing. 

“Still going to tell me to stop?”

Hailey swallowed hard, her pulse racing. The heat in his gaze was impossible to ignore, suffocating in the best and worst way.

She was supposed to hate him. He was dangerous. Off-limits.

Hailey’s breath came in uneven gasps, her mind spinning between the heat pooling in her stomach and the cold truth pressing at the edges of her thoughts.

Then, it hit her.

Reality.

She stiffened beneath his touch, her hands pressing against his chest as panic flared in her eyes. 

“Xavier… I—I’ve never done this before. Please don’t to this, I’m saving it until the night of my wedding, I’m giving it someone I love and not someone random like you” She pleaded and he stilled. 

The smirk that had been teasing at his lips faded slightly, replaced by something unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he nodded, his fingers still resting against her skin.

“You’re getting spoiled, princess” he murmured, his thumb brushed lightly over her hip, making her shiver. 

“What do you think I wanted to do to you?”

Hailey’s breath caught in her throat. Her cheeks burning as she struggled to form words.

“I—I don’t know…” she stammered.

Xavier chuckled, tilting his head as he traced slow circles against her skin.

“Come on, use that pretty little head of yours” His lips brushed dangerously close to her ear.

“Tell me what you thought was about to happen”

Her face flamed, and she bit her lip, refusing to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes was too much, too consuming.

And the worst part?

He already knew the answer.

“I know you wanted to sleep with me” She finally said with her eyes closed and he chuckled. 

“Wanted to sleep with you? Yes… and I still want to” he said hoarsely. 

Hailey’s stomach clenched, her breath hitching as he leaned in again, his lips ghosting over her cheek before stopping just at the corner of her mouth.

“But I won’t force you against your wish” he murmured.

“You know where to find me when you change your mind, princess”

With that, he pulled away completely, the warmth of his body vanishing, leaving her skin tingling in the absence of his touch.

Hailey could only watch, still frozen, as he reached for his wet clothes, slipping them back on with an ease that sent another wave of heat through her. The rain outside was still pouring, drumming against the roof as he ran a hand through his damp hair.

Without another word, without so much as a glance back at her, Xavier turned and stepped out into the downpour.

Leaving Hailey alone.

Cold.

Shaken.

And unable to ignore the way her body still burned.

•••

Jessa leaned against the desk, arms crossed as she stared out the window, watching the rain pound against the glass. The sound filled the empty classroom, a steady rhythm that matched the frustration bubbling inside her.

“Fresher’s Night has been ruined because of this stupid rain” she muttered, kicking at the leg of a chair.

Asher, seated on the edge of a desk, ran a hand through his damp hair, sighing. 

“I wonder if Hailey is okay wherever she is” he said, his voice laced with concern. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the desk, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

Jessa turned to him, her brows raising slightly.

“You seem really worried about her”

“Ofcourse! And you should be too, she’s our friend”

“I’m sure she’s fine, she’s with Xavier”

“More reason why I should be worried about her, she’s with a psycho. He even burned down my precious jacket gifted to me by my late mother, all because she’s wearing it”

“Yeah… That’s messed up, sorry about that” she smiled nervously.

“Messed up? That jacket was the last thing I had from my mom. He didn’t even care. He’s a psycho that should be locked up, Jessa”

Jessa crossed her arms. “You’re really pissed off, huh?”

“No, Jessa, I’m just thrilled that some arrogant bastard set fire to something priceless” Asher snapped sarcastically before sighing. He pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Look… I don’t trust him. And I sure as hell don’t want Hailey getting caught up in whatever game he’s playing”

Jessa tapped her nails against the desk, considering his words. 

“Well, if she’s really in trouble, she’s going to have to figure it out herself. You can’t save her from everything, Asher”

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned back to the rain. Hailey was out there, somewhere, alone with Xavier. And that thought sat uneasily in his chest.

Jessa watched him, a knowing smirk creeping on her lips. 

“You like her, don’t you?”

Asher stiffened, but he didn’t answer.

And that silence?

It spoke louder than words.

“I barely know her” He finally answered. 

“That wasn’t a no. You do like her” Jessa teased.

Asher sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. 

“It doesn’t matter”

“Doesn’t matter? You sure? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you care a whole lot”

He didn’t want to admit it—hell, he barely understood it himself but the thought of her alone with Xavier, a guy he instinctively knew was trouble, sent an uneasy chill down his spine.

Jessa studied him for a moment, her playful smirk fading. 

“You know, you might want to tell her how you feel before it’s too late” she said.

Asher scoffed, shaking his head. “Feel? I barely know her, Jessa. And besides, she’s not interested in me”

“Not yet” Jessa corrected and Asher turned to her with an exasperated look.

Not yet? 

•••

NEXT DAY*

Hailey stirred awake, her body aching as she shifted on the hard surface beneath her. The sound of rain had stopped, replaced by the eerie silence of dawn. Her lashes fluttered open, and she blinked at the dim light filtering through the cracks in the abandoned building.

For a moment, disoriented, she tried to recall where she was. Then it all came rushing back… Xavier,the rain, the unbearable heat of his touch, and how he had walked out into the rain, leaving her alone.

She shivered and sat up, realizing her dress was now dry and neatly placed beside her. 

Had he done that?

She shook the thought away and reached for her phone, her heart stopping when she saw the screen light up with dozens of missed calls.

Cecilia.

She panicked and swallowed hard, imagining the wrath awaiting her back home.

“Shit” she whispered, hurriedly slipping back into her dress, her fingers trembling as she zipped it up. She stuffed her phone into her bag, pushed herself up, and rushed towards the exit.

The morning air was cool, chilling her exposed skin as she stepped outside. 

She looked at the unfamiliarity of the place and she frowned. 

Where the hell is she?

She fumbled for her phone again, her fingers quickly typing Jessa’s number. The line barely rang twice before Jessa’s groggy voice came through.

“Hailey?” She asked more like calling her name, sounding sleepy.

“Jessa, I—I don’t know where I am” Hailey stammered, glancing around wildly. 

“I was… with Xavier, and now I’m outside some uncompleted building. I—”

“Wait, wait, calm down?” Jessa cut in, fully awake now. 

“Okay, deep breath. What do you see?”

Hailey turned on her heel, looking at her surroundings. 

“Uh, there’s a huge billboard a few blocks away, a broken fence, and…” She squinted. 

“I think a bus stop nearby”

“Okay, I think I know where that is. Stay put. I’ll be there in a few minutes” Jessa said.

Hailey nodded, though Jessa couldn’t see her. “Please hurry”

Minutes later, a cab pulled up, splashing through puddles as it came to a stop. The door flung open, and Jessa leaned out, popping out her head.

“Get in”

Hailey didn’t hesitate. She slid into the seat, her body still cold despite the warmth inside the car.

Jessa studied her, noticing the tension in her.

“Are you okay?”

Hailey exhaled shakily. “No… but I will be”

Jessa didn’t say anything else. She simply nodded and told the driver to drive away, leaving the silence between them to say what words couldn’t.

Minutes later, the car stopped in front of Hailey’s house.

“Thanks for coming to get me, I will see you at school” She said and Jessa nodded.

Hailey came down from the cab and shut the door and the driver drove off.

Taking a deep breath, Hailey turned towards the house, the place she dreaded returning to.

The moment she stepped inside, the door slammed shut behind her, making her jump. Cecilia was standing before her with arms crossed. Eyes cold. Lips pressed into a thin line.

Hailey swallowed hard.

“Where the hell have you been?” 

“I…I got stuck in the rain. I didn’t hear my phone ring, and—”

“Don’t you dare lie to me! Do you have any idea how many times I called you? How worried I was?”

Hailey scoffed before she could stop herself. “You were worried about me? Why does that sound fake to me?”

Cecilia’s eyes flashed with anger, and before Hailey could react, a sharp sting erupted across her cheek. The slap echoed in the quiet house, leaving a burning sensation on Hailey’s skin.

“How dare you talk back to me? You disappear all night, and you have the audacity to act like a brat?” 

Hailey clenched her fists, biting her lip to keep the tears from spilling. She wouldn’t cry, not in front of Cecilia. She promised herself that.

“I’m not lying” she said through gritted teeth. 

“It rained heavily, and I had nowhere to go, and—”

“And what? You expect me to believe you were stranded? You probably ran off to be with some boy, acting like a cheap whore just like your mum”

“Stop it! Not my dead mum! Don’t call her that” Hailey’s voice cracked.

“Oh, did I touch a nerve? Face it, Hailey, you’re no better than she was. Running around all night like some stray. Who were you with, huh? Some filthy boy?” 

Hailey clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.

 

“Don’t you think you should call yourself that name instead, the cheap whore suits you more. You walked into my uncle’s life when you fully know he’s married, you shameless woman!”

Cecilia’s face twisted in rage, her nostrils flaring as she took a step forward, eyes burning with fury.

“You little brat” she seethed, raising her hand again.

But this time, Hailey was ready.

Her hand shot up, catching Cecilia’s wrist mid-air. The shock in the older woman’s eyes was almost satisfying.

“I dare you” Hailey hissed, her fingers tightening around Cecilia’s wrist. 

“Hit me again, and I swear, I won’t just stand here and take it”

Cecilia yanked her hand away, her lips curling in disgust. 

“So, you’ve finally grown some backbone, huh? A few nights out with some filthy boy and you think you’re all grown up?”

Hailey’s jaw clenched. “You don’t know anything about me. And you never cared to”

Cecilia scoffed, stepping even closer. 

“Why should i care? My husband took pity on you after your parents died, and now he’s dead, leaving me stuck with an ungrateful little leech like you”

“I never asked to be here”

“And yet, here you are. Sleeping under my roof, eating my food, wasting my money—”

“Your money?” Hailey snapped, stepping forward this time. 

“You mean my uncle’s money? The money he left behind? The house he worked for? I have just as much right to be here as you do—probably more, considering you’re nothing but a homewrecker who latched on a married man”

The slap came so fast, Hailey barely registered it before the sting exploded across her cheek.

Her head whipped to the side, her skin burning.

Cecilia’s chest heaved, her hands trembling with rage. 

“You ungrateful little bitch”

Hailey slowly turned back to face her, eyes blazing. But before she could speak, another voice cut through the air.

“What the hell is going on?”

Brielle stood at the top of the staircase, arms crossed, a smug smirk playing on her lips.

“This is fun” she mused, tilting her head. 

“Go on, Mother. Don’t stop on my account”

Hailey’s heart pounded as Cecilia turned toward her daughter. Brielle looked far too entertained for someone who had just walked in on a heated argument.

“You, I don’t want to see your face for the rest of the day. Get out of my sight”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll make sure that scholarship of yours? It disappears. Don’t dare me”

Hailey’s stomach dropped.

Brielle’s smirk widened. 

“Ooh, I’d love to see that”

Hailey clenched her jaw. She couldn’t let Cecilia ruin this for her. Not after everything she’d been through.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed upstairs, her body trembling with anger.

But one thing was clear.

She was done letting Cecilia control her.

Hailey stormed into her room, her heart pounding in her chest, her cheek still stinging from Cecilia’s slap.

She wasn’t going to stay here. Not another second.

She yanked open her closet, grabbing whatever she could. Her clothes, shoes and toiletries, shoving them into her bag with reckless force. The rage bubbling inside her made her hands shake, but she kept going.

She stuffed her books in next, her scholarship papers, everything important. Cecilia wanted her gone? Fine. She was leaving.

The door creaked open behind her.

“Wow, dramatic much?”

Hailey didn’t have to turn around to know it was Brielle.

“Where do you even think you’re going?” Brielle asked, as she leaned against the doorframe.

Hailey zipped her bag shut aggressively.

“Away from this house. Away from you and your miserable excuse of a mother”

Brielle laughed.

“And where exactly are you running to? Oh, wait let me guess. The dorms? Good luck with that. I doubt anyone wants a pathetic little charity case like you as their roommate”

Hailey spun around, her glare sharp enough to cut. 

“I’d rather sleep on the dorm floor than spend one more night in this house with you” She spat and Brielle smirked. 

“Oh, so this is you ‘standing up for yourself’? Cute” She stepped closer.

“You think you’re finally free, Hailey? That leaving here changes anything? You’ll still be nothing. Just a sad, abandoned girl playing pretend in a world that doesn’t want her”

Hailey’s nails dug into her palms.

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I am just an abandoned girl. But at least I’m not a bitter, spoiled brat who thrives on making others miserable just to feel better about hersel”

Brielle’s smirk dropped.

For once, she didn’t have a comeback.

Hailey slung her bag over her shoulder, brushing past Brielle without another glance.

She stomped down the stairs, Cecilia’s icy glare following her as she reached the door.

“Don’t come crawling back when reality hits you” Cecilia called out.

Hailey paused with her hand on the doorknob. She took a deep breath, then turned her head slightly.

“The only thing I regret is not leaving sooner”

And with that, she stepped out, slamming the door behind her.

She was finally free.

And she was never looking back.

___

💕TBC💕

             ✮{…FRESHER’SNIGHT II…}✮

Xavier was here. And he was watching.

“What right does he have to tell me what to do?” she muttered under her breath, her grip tightening on Asher’s jacket. 

“And to destroy Asher’s jacket, especially after he helped me when that jerk spilled alcohol on me? Absolutely not”

Taking a deep breath, Hailey squared her shoulders. 

“Let’s head back to the bonfire” she said.

“Alright, let’s go” Asher said releasing himself from Jessa’s grip to join Hailey. 

Together, the trio made their way back to the bonfire.

They returned to the bonfire, the night had only grown wilder. Laughter and shouts filled the air, students hyped up on adrenaline and alcohol. The flames flickered high, over the crowd as a rowdy game of Truth or Dare unfolded in the center.

A guy, clearly tipsy, stumbled forward, groaning as his friends roared with laughter. 

“Come on, dude, a dare’s a dare!” someone shouted.

His dare? Ride another guy like a horse.

“Bro, I swear if you—”

Before he could finish, a sudden shift in the atmosphere silenced everything. The laughter died. The chatter faded. One by one, heads turned, eyes locked on something or someone behind Hailey.

A strange chill crawled up her spine.

She turned slowly.

And there he was.

Xavier.

Standing just a few feet away, his expression blank, unreadable but his eyes burned with something dark. Something dangerous.

Her breath hitched.

The firelight danced across his sharp features, highlighting the piercings on his brow and tongue as he exhaled a lazy stream of smoke. But there was nothing lazy about the way he stared at her.

“Take it off. Burn it. Now”

A thick silence settled over the group.

Before Hailey could respond, Asher stepped forward.

“Who the hell are you to order her around?”

Xavier’s gaze flicked to Asher, his expression still unreadable, but the air around him turned colder.

“I wasn’t talking to you” he said flatly.

“You can’t just order her like that. That’s my jacket”

Xavier let out a quiet chuckle, dark and amused. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, exhaled, then tilted his head slightly.

“Exactly, more reason why she should burn it”

The atmosphere became more tensed as Xavier took a slow step closer.

Girls whispered excitedly, their eyes glued to him, taking in the way his black shirt clung to his lean, muscled frame, the way his tattoos peeked from under the fabric, the effortless dominance in his stance. 

Jessa, who always had something to say, was silent for once.

“I’m not burning it. You have no right to tell me what to do” Hailey finally found her voice.

“That so?” 

He took another step forward, invading her space, eyes locking on hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

“You don’t get it, do you, princess?” His voice dropped lower, just enough for only her to hear.

“When I tell you to do something, you don’t argue. You obey”

A shiver ran down Hailey’s spine, but she refused to look away.

Asher stepped between them.

“Back off, man”

Xavier let out a low chuckle, amused by Asher’s attempt to stand up to him. His gaze flicked to the jacket once more before he smirked, slow and wicked.

“You think you can protect her from me? You have no idea what you’re dealing with”

The fire crackled behind them, the only sound in the heavy silence that followed. All eyes were on them now, the truth or dare game long forgotten.

Swift. 

Effortless.

Before Hailey could react, his fingers curled around the fabric of Asher’s jacket, gripping it with a force that made her gasp. With one sharp tug, he yanked it off her shoulders.

“Hey!” Asher snapped, stepping forward, but Xavier didn’t spare him a glance.

He held the jacket up, staring at it like it was something filthy, something offensive. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he threw it straight into the open fire.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The flames hungrily consumed the fabric, sparks crackling into the night as the jacket curled and blackened in an instant.

Hailey’s breath caught. “You—”

Xavier turned his gaze back to her, smirking.

“Problem solved” he muttered, his voice eerily calm.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Asher yelled.

Xavier finally looked at him, bored amusement flickering in his dark eyes. 

“Relax, pretty boy. You can buy another one”

Hailey stood frozen, watching the last remnants of the jacket turn to ash. She should be angry. She should be yelling. But all she could feel was the weight of Xavier’s gaze, daring her to defy him again.

Asher’s fist flew toward Xavier, fast and fueled by anger.

It connected. A clean hit to Xavier’s jaw.

But Xavier didn’t even flinch.

The force barely made him turn his head, and when he did, it was with slow, amused precision. His tongue swept over his lower lip, eyes dark with something close to mockery.

“That was cute” he said, cracking his neck as if shaking off a mild inconvenience.

Asher’s chest heaved with rage. 

“You arrogant—”

Xavier was already moving towards Hailey. With zero effort, he stepped into Hailey’s space, fingers closing around her wrist like a steel vice. Before she could react, before Asher could stop him, he pulled her forward, forcing her to stumble after him.

“Hey, let go!” Hailey protested, struggling against his grip, but Xavier didn’t slow down.

“Stay out of this, pretty boy” Xavier threw over his shoulder.

“Before you embarrass yourself again”he added.

The crowd parted as he dragged Hailey away, some watching in stunned silence, others whispering excitedly. A few girls looked at how he grabbed Hailey, enviously.

Jessa hadn’t said a word. She just stood there.

The bonfire crackled behind them, but Hailey barely heard it over the pounding of her own heartbeat.

Xavier didn’t stop until they reached his motorcycle, parked under the dim glow of a streetlamp. 

Hailey yanked at his grip, but he only let go when he wanted to…when he turned to face her, his jaw tight, his piercing eyes locking on hers.

“Didn’t I warn you?” His voice was dangerously low, sending a shiver down her spine.

She swallowed hard. “Warn me about what?”

His head tilted slightly, a mocking smirk playing at his lips. 

“That I don’t want him touching you. And yet, here you are, wearing his jacket like some damn trophy”

Hailey clenched her fists. “He was just helping me—”

“I don’t give a damn” he cut her off, stepping closer, forcing her back against the cold metal of his bike. 

“You don’t take things from him. You don’t let him put his hands on you. You don’t let him think he has a shot”

She glared up at him. 

“You don’t own me, Xavier”

“No? Let’s see about that princess” His fingers brushed against her exposed arm and Hailey’s inside tingled.

Xavier held out a helmet to her, Hailey hesitated.

“Get on the bike, princess” he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.

She stared at the helmet, then at him. 

“I never said I was going anywhere with you”

Xavier arched a brow. 

“You think I dragged you out here for nothing?”

Hailey’s fingers curled into her palm. She could still hear the murmurs from the bonfire, feel the weight of the stares that had followed them as Xavier pulled her away like she belonged to him.

She took a step back, but Xavier was faster. He closed the space between them, his presence overwhelming. 

“I won’t ask again. Get on the damn bike”

Hailey swallowed hard.

His fingers twitched at his side, like he was restraining himself. 

“Don’t test me, princess”

She snatched the helmet from his hands, glaring at him as she pulled it over her head.

Xavier smirked, satisfied, before swinging a leg over the bike. He revved the engine, the deep rumble vibrating through her chest.

“Get on” he said again, and this time, she did.

The moment Hailey climbed on the bike, her hands hovered awkwardly at her sides. She refused to hold onto him, even though the thought of falling off scared her.

Xavier glanced over his shoulder, amusement flickering in his eyes. 

“You better hold on, princess, or you’ll be kissing the pavement”

She clenched her jaw, hating how smug he sounded. But as soon as he twisted the throttle, the bike lurched forward, and instinct took over as her hands flew to his waist, gripping the fabric of his jacket tightly.

She felt his chuckle vibrate through him. 

“That’s more like it”

The wind whipped against her face as Xavier sped down the road, the distant sounds of the bonfire fading behind them. Her heart pounded, not just from the speed but from the way his warmth seeped through his jacket, from the reckless energy that radiated off him.

She had no idea where he was taking her, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.

Really Hailey?

Without warning, the sky split open, and heavy raindrops crashed down on them. Hailey gasped as the cold water drenched her instantly, soaking through her clothes in seconds.

But Xavier didn’t slow down. If anything, he rode faster, weaving through the empty streets like the downpour was nothing but a minor inconvenience. The roar of the engine and the pounding rain blurred together.

Hailey’s fingers tightened around his waist, her body shivering against his back. 

“Xavier—” she called but he didn’t stop. Not when the rain became heavier, not when the roads turned slick, not when the distant sound of thunder rumbled across the sky.

It wasn’t until they reached an abandoned, half-constructed building on the outskirts of town that he finally braked, skidding to a stop. The bike rumbled beneath them for a moment before Xavier killed the engine.

Hailey could barely catch her breath, her heart hammering from the wild ride. She shivered violently as she slid off the bike, her soaked clothes clinging to her skin.

Xavier swung his leg over and faced her, completely unfazed by the rain. His dark hair was plastered to his forehead, water dripping from his jawline. Even like this…soaked and dangerous, he still looked infuriatingly good.

She wrapped her arms around herself, her teeth chattering. 

“Are you crazy?” she snapped. 

“You could’ve—”

‘Keep it low, you’re shouting princess” he said entering the uncompleted building and she followed closely behind him till they got inside. 

Xavier pulled a cigarette from his back pocket, placing it between his lips as he flicked his lighter open. The small flame illuminated his sharp features for a second before the tip of the cigarette burned red. He inhaled deeply, exhaling a slow stream of smoke into the cold air.

Hailey clenched her fists. She wanted to ask him why did he smoke so much? What was he trying to drown out with every inhale? But she bit her tongue, deciding against it. He wouldn’t answer anyway. Or worse, he’d mock her for asking.

Instead, she stayed quiet, watching as he took another drag, his body relaxed despite the storm outside. 

The rain still poured, the sound heavy against the unfinished walls, but Xavier didn’t seem to care. He exhaled again, letting the smoke curl around them, then moved his gaze to her.

Without warning, he stepped closer.

Hailey’s breath hitched as he reached for the hem of her dress. The wet fabric clung stubbornly to her thighs, but Xavier didn’t hesitate. He gripped it, his fingers rough against her chilled skin, and slowly began to lift it.

Hailey’s breath stuttered as Xavier pulled up the soaked fabric, his fingers grazing her thighs. Her pulse pounded in her ears, a warning she didn’t know how to heed.

She snapped out of it, her hands shooting down to stop him. 

“What are you doing?” she demanded, voice shaky.

“What I should have done a long time ago?” He said and before Hailey could get what he said, Xavier’s fingers grazed her thighs, pushing her soaked dress higher. His touch was rough, sending heat spiraling through her body despite the cold.

She gasped, hands flying down to stop him.

“Xavier—” she started but the words never fully formed.

Because in the next second, his lips were on hers.

The cigarette still hung between his fingers as he kissed her, the faint taste of smoke invading her senses. It was firm, demanding, nothing soft, nothing hesitant. He didn’t just kiss her. He claimed her. Owned her. Like he was branding her with every press of his mouth.

Hailey stiffened, her pulse a wild drumbeat in her ears. But Xavier didn’t pull back. His free hand slipped under her dress, fingers teasing up her back until they reached the clasp of her br@.

A sharp snap and the clasp came undone effortlessly.

Hailey breath almost seized.

Xavier smirked against her lips before deepening the kiss, his fingers moving to cup her soft b👀bs. 

Hailey’s mind screamed at her to stop this. To push him away.

But her body?

It betrayed her.

___

💕TBC💕

              ✮{…FRESHER’S NIGHT I…}✮

Hailey walked back toward her friends, her heart still hammering in her chest. She could still feel the lingering heat of Xavier’s intense gaze, the way his smirk had sent a strange shiver down her spine. She shook her head, trying to push the memory of the encounter out of her mind.

She reached their table and Jessa raised a brow.

“What took you so long and where’s the book you went to get?”

Hailey hesitated, gripping the hem of her top.

“I, um…” She glanced at Asher, who was focused on his phone but he was paying attention to the conversation. 

“I got caught up looking for it but it wasn’t there” she said and Jessa frowned. 

“That’s weird. You were gone for a while. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hailey forced a smile. 

“Yeah, of course”

“Hailey come sit here” Asher invited her to the seat beside her.

“Umm…sorry I have to go” Hailey said grabbing her backpack before rushing out of the library without waiting for a response. 

Jessa stared after Hailey, her brows furrowing.

 “Okay… what was that about?”

Asher exhaled, setting his phone down. 

“She seemed off” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

•••

Xavier got into his car, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he leaned back against the seat. He twirled the cigarette between his fingers, his mind replaying the look on Hailey’s face back at the library.

Pure innocence.

It fascinated him. How easily she flustered, how her wide eyes revealed everything she was feeling. He had seen the nervousness, the curiosity… something she was probably too naive to recognize herself.

He smirked.

“This should be fun”

Tossing the cigarette out the window, he grabbed his phone and scrolled through his messages. A few unread texts from girls who wanted his attention…none of them interesting. 

He exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel as he revved the engine. The low growl of his car filled the air, and with a sharp turn of the wheel, he sped off like a bullet.

Streetlights blurred past as he weaved recklessly between cars, the rush of speed fueling the chaos in his veins. A driver honked furiously when he cut them off but Xavier only laughed, flipping them off without a second thought. 

The thrill of danger, of pushing limits, was an addiction he never planned on quitting.

A red light was sighted but he didn’t stop.

The screech of tires, the distant shouts of pedestrians…none of it mattered. The only thing in his mind was the destination.

Minutes later, he skidded to a halt in front of an abandoned building on the outskirts of town. Dust and gravel kicked up around his tires as he killed the engine, stepping out into the street. The place was quiet and isolated.

Xavier ran a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening.

Inside, two men were already waiting. They straightened when they saw him, their postures stiff, wary. He wasn’t the kind of guy you crossed without consequences.

“You’re late” one of them whose name was Viper, muttered.

Xavier smirked, his tongue running over his piercing before he pulled out a cigarette to smoke. 

“And you’re still alive. Lucky you” he said and Viper became tensed.

“Let’s get this over with” Xavier said with authority.

The other man, Knox, a burly guy with a jagged scar running down his cheek, crossed his arms.

“You came alone?”

Xavier exhaled a long stream of smoke.

“Do I look like I need backup?” His voice was calm, but there was an underlying menace that made the guy hesitate. 

Vipee pulled out a duffel bag and dropped it on a metal table with a loud thud. 

“It’s all there” he said, unzipping it slightly to reveal stacks of cash and a few sealed packets…probably drugs, possibly weapons.

Xavier took a step closer. “And you’re sure you’re not trying to screw me over?”

Knox scoffed. 

“We know better than that”

Xavier’s smirked. “Do you?”

In a flash, he grabbed Knox by the collar, yanking him forward so their faces were inches apart. The room tensed instantly.

“You see” Xavier murmured, his grip tightening,

“I don’t like being played. And if I find out even one dollar is missing, I will personally make sure you regret ever meeting me”

Knox swallowed hard, nodding quickly.

Xavier shoved him back with a smirk. 

“Good. Now, let’s finish this before I lose my patience”

The transaction continued and no one dared challenge him because they knew what happened to people who did.

As the last of the transaction wrapped up, Xavier’s new phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. He barely spared it a glance before pulling it out.

The screen flashed with a name he knew all too well.

He clenched his jaw, irritation flickering in his eyes. He already knew what the call was about, and he didn’t give a damn.

With a scoff, he tossed the phone on a nearby crate, letting it ring. 

“Not gonna pick that up?” Viper asked, watching him carefully.

Xavier exhaled a slow breath of smoke, his lips curling into a smirk.

“over my head body”

The phone buzzed again. And again.

His fingers twitched.

Then, without a second thought, he grabbed the device and flung it across the room. It hit the concrete wall with a sharp crack before clattering to the floor, the screen spiderwebbing on impact.

Silence followed.

Viper and Knox exchanged a glance but said nothing. This is like the tenth phone he has destroyed himself, in their sight.

Xavier rolled his shoulders, as if shaking off whatever irritation had crawled under his skin.

“Now, where were we?” he muttered.

Knox cleared his throat.

“Your power bike’s here”

Xavier’s smirk returned. He took one last drag from his cigarette before flicking it to the ground and crushing it under his boot.

“About time”

Knox motioned toward the back entrance. 

“It’s parked outside. Freshly tuned, just like you wanted”

Xavier didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he ran his tongue over his piercing, his fingers flexing at his sides. He had been waiting for this. 

He headed towards the exit and headed opened the front door.

There it was. His bike. Matte black and menacing just like he wanted.

Xavier straddled the seat, his fingers running over the handlebars as a slow smirk tugged at his lips. He could already feel the rush, the thrill of losing himself in speed.

Without another word to Knox or Viper, he revved the engine. The deafening roar sounded through the abandoned lot, sending vibrations through his veins and then he sped off with looking back. 

•••

NIGHT, THE BROWN’S RESIDENCE*

Hailey stood at the sink, her hands submerged in warm, soapy water as she scrubbed the last of the dinner plates. 

The house was quieter than usual, with only the faint sound of the television playing in the living room where Brielle was likely scrolling through her phone, barely paying attention to the show. She came an hour ago. 

Hailey exhaled, rinsing off the plate before setting it on the drying rack. 

Her arms ached slightly from the chores she had done all evening which are cleaning, cooking, making sure everything was in order, just as Cecilia liked.

Cecilia won’t be coming home tonight and Hailey couldn’t hide her happy face when she told her. It meant one thing—she was free tonight.

And more importantly… it meant she could go to Freshers’ Night.

The thought sent a thrill through her, even as she wiped her hands on a towel. She had spent all day wondering if she’d be able to attend, but now, with Cecilia gone, the opportunity was right in front of her.

Her lips curled into a small, excited smile.

She just had to make sure Brielle didn’t ruin it for her.

Taking a deep breath, she turned off the kitchen light and stepped out, ready to head upstairs. But just as she reached the staircase, Brielle’s voice called out lazily from the couch.

“Get me a chilled water”

Hailey clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She hated how Brielle ordered her around like she was some personal maid. 

It didn’t help that she was actually older than Brielle by two months, yet Brielle acted like she was superior in every way.

For as long as she could remember, Brielle had treated her like an afterthought. Bossing her around, belittling her, making sure she always knew her place in the house. 

And after Cecilia stopped paying for her education, things only got worse. If Hailey hadn’t worked hard to pass that scholarship exam, she wouldn’t even be in college right now. Meanwhile, Brielle had everything handed to her on a silver platter.

Hailey inhaled sharply, forcing a neutral expression on her face before walking to the fridge. She grabbed a cold bottle of water and turned back to the living room. Brielle didn’t even glance up from her phone as Hailey placed the bottle on the table.

“There” Hailey said.

“You could’ve at least opened it” Brielle said  rolling hers eyes. 

Hailey’s fingers twitched at her sides. She bit her tongue, knowing that exchanging words with Brielle was pointless. Instead, she turned away, heading for the stairs without another word.

As Hailey reached the first step of the staircase, Brielle’s voice rang out again.

“Oh, and Hailey?”

Hailey stopped, gripping the railing tightly. She already knew whatever Brielle was about to say wouldn’t be pleasant.

“You’re not actually thinking of going to Freshers’ Night, are you?” Brielle let out a mocking laugh. 

“I mean, what would you even wear? That sad little wardrobe of yours? You’ll probably be the worst-dressed person there”

Hailey’s fingers curled into fists, but she refused to turn around. She wasn’t going to give Brielle the satisfaction of seeing how much her words stung because it really did.

Brielle sighed dramatically. 

“Honestly, you should just stay home. Spare yourself the embarrassment. No one will notice if you’re not there anyway”

“And one more thing. Stay away from Xavier”

That made Hailey glance over her shoulder, frowning.

Brielle smirked, twirling a strand of her hair. 

“I saw the way he was looking at you in the cafeteria. Let me give you some advice, cousin. He’s way out of your league. He doesn’t go for girls like you. And trust me, you don’t want to get on the wrong side of the girls who do”

Hailey’s stomach twisted, but she masked it with indifference. 

Brielle’s smirk widened. “Consider this a warning coz”

Hailey didn’t respond. Instead she walked up the stairs, to her room.

•••

HILLSWORTH COLLEGE*

Hailey arrived at school in her simple outfit. A red flowy dress that swayed gently with each step. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was her best, and tonight, that was enough.

Just as she reached the main entrance, she spotted Jessa and Asher waiting near the gate. Jessa, dressed in a stylish cropped jacket and jeans, waved enthusiastically. Asher stood beside her, looking effortlessly put together in a fitted sweater and dark jeans, his hands tucked into his pockets.

“You actually made it!” Jessa grinned as Hailey approached. 

“I was starting to think you chickened out” She added.

Hailey rolled her eyes playfully. 

“Not a chance”

Asher gave her a once-over, his lips quirking into a small smile. 

“You look nice”

A slight blush crept up Hailey’s cheeks, but before she could respond, Jessa looped her arm through hers. 

“Come on, let’s get closer to the fire. The night’s just getting started”

With that, the three of them made their way toward the glowing centerpiece of the event. 

A bonfire party for the Freshmen.

Hailey felt the warmth of the bonfire before she even reached the gathering crowd. The flames crackled, sending golden sparks into the night as students laughed and chatted around it. 

The atmosphere was lively with music playing from nearby speakers, groups of people dancing, some roasting marshmallows, while others passed around drinks.

Jessa tugged her along, leading her and Asher to a spot near the fire. 

“See? This isn’t so bad, right?” she grinned.

Hailey nodded, feeling a bit more relaxed. Maybe tonight could actually be fun.

But just as that thought crossed her mind, a sudden splash of cold liquid soaked through the front of her dress. 

A sharp gasp left her lips as she looked down…her dress now stained and wet. The strong scent of alcohol filled her nose.

A burst of laughter erupted around her.

“Oh, shit!” The guy who had spilled the drink, clearly drunk, grinned down at her. 

“Didn’t see you there, sweetheart”

He didn’t look the least bit sorry. In fact, his friends were laughing along with him, some whispering to each other while throwing amused glances her way.

Hailey stood frozen, humiliation burning in her chest.

Jessa, however, wasn’t having it.

“You think that’s funny?” she snapped, stepping forward. 

The guy smirked. “Relax, it’s just a drink. She’ll live”

“You’re a pathetic excuse for a human being” Jessa fired but the guy only chuckled, unfazed.

But before Jessa could go off even more, Hailey felt a warm hand on her wrist.

“Let’s go” Asher said softly.

Without another word, she let Asher lead her away from the crowd, his grip steady and reassuring.

Jessa shot one last glare at the guy before turning on her heel and following them, muttering curses under her breath.

As they moved farther from the fire, Hailey swallowed the lump in her throat. She had wanted tonight to be special. Instead, she just felt exposed.

Asher stopped near a quieter area, looking down at her with concern. 

“Are you okay?”

She took a shaky breath. “I don’t know”

Jessa huffed beside her. 

“What a bunch of as$holes. I swear, if I see that guy again, I’m throwing my drink at his face”

Hailey let out a weak chuckle, but her stomach was still twisted with discomfort.

Asher shrugged off his jacket. 

“Here” he said, draping it over her shoulders. “It’ll help cover the stain”

Hailey glanced up at him, surprised by the gesture. 

“Thanks” she murmured, pulling the jacket closer around her.

“Let’s go back” Jessa said, tugging on Asher’s arm this time around. 

As Hailey tugged Asher’s jacket tighter around herself, her phone vibrated in her hand. She frowned, unlocking the screen to check the message.

A single text from an unknown number.

• Take off that jacket and burn it. Now. Or you won’t like what happens next.

Her breath hitched. A cold shiver ran down her spine as her grip tightened on the phone.

She didn’t need a name to know who it was from.

Xavier.

Her heart pounded against her ribs. How did he even get her number? And…was he watching her right now?

She swallowed hard, her fingers twitching against the fabric of Asher’s jacket.

Jessa nudged her. 

“You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost”

Hailey forced a small nod, quickly locking her phone and stuffing it into her pocket.

“I—I’m fine” she murmured, though her mind was anything but.

Her eyes flickered over the crowd, searching, but she couldn’t spot him.

Yet, she knew.

Xavier was here. And he was watching.

___

💕TBC💕