Chapter 3
Stella's POV
I turned and saw Jax jogging toward me, holding an umbrella. Fresh from practice, he was still in his workout gear, his eyes flashing with concern when he saw my drenched state.
"Why are you out here? It's pouring—why didn't you head back to the dorm?" He held the umbrella over me.
"I didn't want to go back," I said, tears welling up again under his worried gaze.
"What happened?" Jax draped his jacket over my shoulders. "You're soaked—you'll get sick."
Choking back sobs, I spilled everything that had gone down in the library.
Jax's face darkened with every word. "That ASSHOLE. And that snake, Madison."
"He called me a burden, said I'm too emotional," I spat, my anger surging. "Three years together, and it means NOTHING to him!"
"Don't waste your tears on that jerk," Jax said, brushing rain and tears from my cheek. "Come on, let's get you back."
Back at the dorm, Alexander was still out "studying" with Madison. The living room was quiet, just the two of us.
"Go take a hot shower," Jax said gently. "I'll make you some tea."
The hot water washed away the chill of the rain but couldn't touch the rage and humiliation burning inside me.
When I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, Jax was waiting on the couch, looking uneasy.
"Stella," he said, standing, his eyes conflicted. "About last night… I owe you an apology."
"Apology?" I frowned, confused.
"I took advantage of you when you were vulnerable," he said, voice rough. "If you regret it or feel uneasy, we can pretend it never happened. I won't bother you again."
His sincerity hit me hard. Even now, he was thinking about my feelings.
"You think I regret it?" I stepped closer, letting the towel slip to the floor.
"Stella…" His breath hitched, but he fought to stay composed. "You're vulnerable right now. I don't want to take advantage…"
I didn't answer. Instead, I kissed him.
The kiss was raw, fueled by desperate desire and vengeful anger. My tongue explored his mouth, savoring his taste.
Jax froze for a moment before responding fiercely, his hands gripping my waist like he wanted to meld us together.
"I want you," I gasped against his ear. "Right NOW."
"You sure?" His voice trembled.
"Positive," I said, tugging at his clothes. "I want to forget all the humiliation."
Jax didn't hesitate. He pinned me to the couch, his kisses turning wild, his tongue plundering every inch of sweetness from my mouth.
My eyes flicked over his shoulder to the photo of Alexander on the wall—his smug, confident face mocking me in the dim light.
"You're so damn beautiful," Jax panted in my ear, his hands roaming my body. "More than anyone."
"Shut up," I said, moving against him. "Prove it."
When he entered me, the intense pleasure ripped a loud moan from my throat. The couch creaked under our frantic movements.
"Like that," I said, digging my nails into his back, clawing at his muscles. "Make me forget EVERYTHING."
Jax picked up the pace, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through me. I felt his strength, his heat, his raw desire for me.
"Stella," he growled my name. "You're MINE."
"Yes," I gasped, matching his rhythm. "I'm yours."
The climax hit like a tidal wave, and I screamed, my body trembling in his arms. In that moment, all the pain, anger, and humiliation were drowned in ecstasy.
To hell with childhood sweethearts. To hell with three years of love.
From that day on, Jax and I started a dangerous friends-with-benefits arrangement.
My frequent heat episodes needed regular relief, and Jax was the perfect solution.
I didn't break up with Alexander for one simple reason: betraying him gave me a thrill like nothing else. Dumping him would let him off too easy. I wanted him to suffer, to slowly uncover the truth and pay for his arrogance.
Every time Jax and I went at it, knowing Alexander was clueless sent a rush of vengeful satisfaction through me.
I sat in the corner of the cafeteria, picking at a salad. Last night was another heat-fueled marathon—three hours in the equipment room with Jax, my body still tingling with sore pleasure.
"Stella?" Alexander's voice came from behind.
I snapped my head up to see him approaching with a tray, his blue eyes glinting with unusual concern.
"You look exhausted," he said, sitting down, his gaze scanning my face. "Another heat last night? Your roommate said you got back late."
My fingers tightened around my fork. Is he SPYING on me now?
"Yeah," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I was at the library late."
"The library closes at ten," Alexander said, frowning. "You didn't get back until eleven-thirty."
Damn, when did he get so observant?
My pulse quickened, but I stayed calm. "The 24-hour study room. It's quieter there."
Alexander stared at me for a few seconds, then reached for my hand. I flinched, but he held on tight.
"Stella, I owe you an apology. I've been too distant lately, ignoring what you need."
His sudden tenderness gave me goosebumps. NOW you want to apologize? Too late, jerk.
"Your heats… I know they're rough," he said, his thumb brushing my hand, his voice softening. "How about I stay with you this afternoon…"
My phone buzzed, cutting him off. A text from Jax: "3 PM, gym equipment room. Miss you."
A smile tugged at my lips.
"What's so funny?" Alexander's voice sharpened.
"Nothing," I said, quickly texting back: "Miss you too. 3 PM."
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Who's texting you? What's got you smiling like that?"
"Vet school friend," I lied without blinking. "Talking about an internship."
"Internship?" Alexander scoffed, his suspicion growing. "First time I've seen you smile like a lovesick girl over school stuff."
I realized I'd slipped up and forced my face to neutral. "Just solved a tough problem. Felt good."
Alexander went quiet, then leaned closer, his voice low. "Stella, I want to help with your heats. This afternoon, if you need me…"
It was the first time in forever he'd offered. But it meant nothing now.
"No thanks," I said coldly. "I've got it handled."
"Handled how?" His tone tightened.
"Medication," I said, grabbing my bag and standing. "I've got class this afternoon."
As I walked away, I could feel Alexander's eyes boring into me, thick with suspicion and anger.
Keep wondering, idiot. You'll never know the truth.
