CHAPTER 24

"Thanks for tonight," Ava said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "It was perfect."

"I'm glad you think so," Xavier replied, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words. "I'll see you soon."

With one last lingering look, Xavier watched as Ava walked up to her door. She turned and gave him a final wave before entering her home. Xavier waited until she was safely inside before he drove away, his mind replaying the evening's moments and his heart full of anticipation for the future.

It had been a few days since Xavier and Ava's first date, and their relationship was still fresh but growing stronger. They were now comfortable in their newfound romance, sharing their feelings with close friends Noah, Xan, Mia, and Lia, who were the only ones in their circle aware of their relationship.

Ava was at her locker, organizing her books when she noticed her classmate Henry standing in front of her. He seemed nervous but determined, clutching a rose in his hand. Ava greeted him with a warm smile, her demeanor friendly but slightly uneasy, sensing where the conversation might be heading. Henry's face was a mix of hope and apprehension as he began to speak.

"I think I have developed feelings for—" Henry started, but before he could finish, Xavier appeared at the scene. He came up behind Ava, enveloping her in a casual hug and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. The public display of affection was meant to make it clear to anyone watching that Ava was taken, but it also took Ava by surprise. Her eyes widened in astonishment at Xavier's sudden and assertive gesture.

Xavier's demeanor shifted abruptly when he noticed Henry's presence. His previously warm gaze turned cold and intimidating. He fixed Henry with a steely stare that could have made even the bravest person feel uneasy. With a tone that brooked no argument, Xavier declared, "Listen, people, the woman here, standing beside me, is my girlfriend. So everyone should be aware of who they're trying to woo." The crowd that had gathered began murmuring amongst themselves, sensing the tension. Henry, looking visibly frightened and taken aback, mumbled an apology and hurriedly left the scene.

Ava, stunned by Xavier's actions, turned to him with a mix of irritation and disbelief. She smacked his arm, a gesture that was both an expression of frustration and a sign of their close bond. "Are you crazy!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of exasperation and concern.

Xavier rubbed his arm, an innocent gesture that belied the intensity of his feelings. "I should be the one asking that. What was that, you idiot? Do you have to act that possessive?" Ava's frustration was evident, and her words were punctuated with a mixture of annoyance and hurt.

"I don't like sharing my things," Xavier responded, a hint of defensiveness in his tone as he held onto her books. "I'm not just talking about possessions. You are mine, and I won't let you go."

Ava's expression softened slightly, though she was still upset. "Don't you trust me?" she asked, her voice tinged with hurt and confusion.

"I do trust you," Xavier assured her, "but I don't trust the people around you, including myself." His gaze was intense, and his words were laden with an unspoken vulnerability. "You're hard to resist, and I'm sure half the college has a crush on you. And me? I'm quite dangerous. So, be careful, kitten."

Ava, standing in front of the classroom, processed his words and the underlying emotion. "Stop meddling with these things. I've rejected many boys already, so you don't need to worry. And don't you dare talk to me for a few days," she said, her voice firm as she snatched her books from his hands and walked into the classroom.

Later that evening, during a basketball match with another university, Ava experienced a mishap. After passing the ball to Mia, someone shoved Ava from behind, causing her to fall and injure her left wrist. Despite her initial attempt to downplay the injury, Mia noticed her discomfort and expressed concern, gently holding Ava's wrist.

"I'm fine," Ava insisted, trying to stand and walk out of the court despite the pain.

Just then, Xavier and Noah arrived, their presence a mixture of concern and frustration. Ava reached for Noah's hand, but Xavier immediately intervened, blocking their way. "Ava, come let me take you to the hospital," he said firmly.

"Noah is here to do that," Ava argued, glancing at Noah. "Isn't that right, Noah?"

Noah, caught in the middle, looked between them, clearly exasperated by their bickering. "He has to watch his girlfriend's match. Don't disturb him," he said, trying to mediate.

"Did I ask you?" Ava retorted, her frustration evident. "Missing one match won't be the end of the world." Noah sighed, clearly weary of the ongoing argument.

"I will count to three, and if you're not coming with me, I'll throw you over my shoulder and take you to the hospital," Xavier said, his jaw clenched in determination.

"Ava, you better leave for the hospital and get your wrist treated. Stop being stubborn," Noah added, trying to reason with her. "If you keep arguing, we might end up missing the second half of the game."

Xavier's patience was wearing thin. "That's it. You asked for it," he declared, and with a determined look, he lifted Ava in his arms, catching her off guard. The act was both a show of his protective nature and his unwillingness to back down.

Mia and Noah exchanged resigned glances as they watched the scene unfold. They understood the intensity of their friends' relationship and the dynamics that came with it.

At the hospital, Ava had her left hand put in a cast. The following day, as she was at home, she used her frustration as motivation for a vigorous workout, doing one-handed push-ups while listening to music. The physical exertion was her way of coping with the lingering irritation.

Xavier, noticing Ava's determined and attractive demeanor during her workout, felt a mix of attraction and regret. Although he knew she was still upset with him, he couldn't deny how much he was drawn to her and how much he regretted causing her distress.

The song blasting through the speakers was an energetic and provocative tune, and Ava's efforts in her workout were intense. Her breaths came in heavy, labored puffs, each one more pronounced as she pushed herself with each push-up. Her body glistened with a thin layer of sweat, and she was completely absorbed in her exercise routine, trying to channel her frustration into physical exertion.

Xavier, sitting nearby, couldn't take his eyes off her. His gaze was dark and intense, clearly affected by the sight of Ava working out so fervently. The way her injured hand rested against her back was both alluring and a little troubling for him. He was mesmerized by her determination, and it stirred something deep within him.

Taking a deep breath, Xavier exhaled slowly, his breath misting slightly in the cool air of the room. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, folded card with a mischievous grin on his face. With a deliberate, almost theatrical movement, he placed the card beneath Ava's face, catching her off guard as she was focused on her exercise.

The card was decorated with the five letters "S, O, R, R, Y" arranged neatly, accompanied by a small heart symbol. Ava, momentarily distracted from her workout, looked down at the card in surprise. Her confusion quickly turned into a soft smile as she read the message. The card was a simple but heartfelt apology, and the gesture was both endearing and effective in breaking the tension.

Xavier, now seated on the floor beside her, watched her reaction with a playful glint in his eyes. "Nice song," he said, his tone light and teasing. "Want to try it?" His offer was clearly meant to lighten the mood and show his affection in a fun way.

Ava, now sitting on the yoga mat, picked up the card and examined it closely. The apology written on it was clearly meant to make amends for his previous behavior. As she glanced up at Xavier, she saw him adopting a mock-serious expression, his gaze directed upwards as if seeking forgiveness from a higher authority.