Chapter 13
Alex's POV
I pulled up to Amber's house, the tires crunching against the gravel driveway. The porch light flickered, casting a dim glow over the neatly trimmed shrubs. The night air was cool, filled with the faint scent of rain that hadn't yet fallen. Amber sat silently beside me, her eyes fixed on the dashboard, as if looking anywhere else would make what happened tonight more real.
"You sure you'll be okay?" I asked, breaking the heavy silence.
She turned to me, her eyes rimmed red but determined. "Yeah. Thanks… for everything."
"You don't have to thank me," I said. "Just take care of yourself."
Amber gave a faint nod, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. I watched as she opened the door and stepped out, her shoulders still trembling slightly. She paused at the porch, glancing back at me. For a second, it seemed like she wanted to say something, but she changed her mind and walked inside.
I waited until the front door clicked shut before driving off.
The street was nearly deserted as I cruised through town. I flipped through the radio stations until I landed on a mellow rock channel. Music poured through the speakers, filling the empty space around me. But it didn't do much to quiet my thoughts.
That guy at the party… I clenched the steering wheel, my knuckles whitening. If I hadn't shown up when I did, God knows what could've happened to Amber. The thought made my chest tighten.
Why did I care so much?
I never felt this way about other girls. They were temporary—distractions at best. But Amber? She was different, and I hated that. The way her body trembled against mine when I tried to comfort her was burned into my mind. Her soft scent still lingered on my shirt, and it was messing with my head.
I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. I wasn't supposed to feel this jittery around anyone. Not after everything I'd been through. Women were complications I didn't need in my life.
But Amber had a way of breaking through the walls I'd carefully built.
I gritted my teeth, frustrated with myself. Maybe it was just the adrenaline from tonight. Yeah, that had to be it.
By the time I pulled into the underground parking lot of my penthouse, the rain had started to fall in steady droplets. I parked my car and took the elevator up to the 15th floor. The doors slid open with a soft ding, and I was immediately greeted by the faint aroma of popcorn.
Michael was sprawled on the couch, a bowl of snacks in his lap. The TV was playing some action movie at low volume.
"Hey, man," he called out, crunching loudly. "You look like you've been through a war zone."
"You have no idea," I muttered, tossing my keys onto the counter.
Michael sat up, his curiosity piqued. "What happened?"
I sighed, sinking into the armchair opposite him. "There was this girl—Amber. I found her upstairs at the party… some drunk idiot tried to assault her."
Michael's expression darkened. "What the hell? Did you—"
"I handled it," I cut in, my voice hard. "The guy won't be bothering anyone for a while."
"Good," Michael said, his tone sharp. "But damn, that's heavy. Amber… is that the same girl from Blake's?
I shot him a glare. "When did I tell you about her"?
Michael smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that." He popped another piece of popcorn into his mouth. "So… you like her or what?"
"No," I said quickly. Too quickly. "I just helped her out. That's all. Women are the last thing on my mind right now."
Michael raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Uh-huh. Whatever you say, Casanova."
"Perish that idea, Michael," I said with a snort. "Seriously."
He chuckled. "We'll see about that."
I left Michael to his movie and headed upstairs to my room. The tension from the night still clung to me, and I needed a shower to wash it all away.
Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the glass-enclosed shower. Hot water cascaded over my body, soothing my sore muscles. The steam filled the space, clouding the mirrors. I closed my eyes, letting the water drown out everything else.
But Amber's face still lingered in my mind. Her tear-streaked cheeks. The way her body shook when I held her. Damn it.
I slammed my fist against the shower wall, frustrated with myself. I couldn't afford to get distracted. Not now. Not ever.
After drying off, I threw on a pair of sweatpants and headed to my study. The dark mahogany desk was cluttered with papers that required my signature. My father's legacy stared back at me, each document a reminder of the weight he left on my shoulders.
At twenty-three, I was the CEO of Blackwood Enterprises, a role I never asked for. My father's death had thrust me into the position, and every day since had been a battle to keep the company afloat.
I rubbed my temples, exhaustion creeping in. But there was no time to rest.
Picking up my phone, I dialed my PA, Henry. The line rang twice before he answered.
"Mr. Blackwood," Henry's efficient voice came through.
"Henry," I said. "Give me an update on today's operations."
Henry launched into a detailed report about the company's progress, stock fluctuations, and ongoing projects. I listened intently, making mental notes.
"Anything else I should know?" I asked.
"There was a slight issue with the construction site, but it's been resolved," Henry said.
"Good. Keep me posted."
"Yes, sir."
I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. The weight of the night pressed down on me, but one thought stood out among the chaos.
Amber Gates.
I clenched my jaw. I couldn't let her get under my skin. She was just a girl who needed help, nothing more.
At least, that's what I kept telling myself.