Forbidden Flames: Steamy Series - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Sky's P.O.V.
In the hospital, I sit in the wardroom as a nurse cleans the wound on my forehead. Zoe stands beside me, holding my two fingers like always, her worry etched deeply in her furrowed brows and her lips pressed into a thin line. Whenever she is worried or stressed, she holds my fingers like this.
I'm relieved that Zoe is with me now, not with that fucking Liam. But deep inside, I feel guilty for deliberately putting myself in trouble and calling Zoe. I made her so worried about me. If she ever finds out that I intentionally did this, I'm certain it'll certainly be my last day on Earth.
To be honest, I can't recognise myself now. I'm doing things I've never done before in my life. I can't believe I crashed my car because of jealousy.
But I don't have any other option. I can't tell Zoe about my feelings right now because I'm scared of losing her forever. And there's no way I'll let any man get close to her. I'll do anything in my power to keep my Trouble away from Liam and any other man. She's mine, and soon, I'll let everyone know.
The nurse applies antiseptic on my wound, but instead of me, Zoe winces, clutching my hand. My chest tightens with emotion, seeing how much she cares for me. I'm so fortunate to have her in my life, and I can't risk losing her by revealing my desires.
Zoe is my best friend, and she's like forbidden fruit to me—tempting, alluring, and out of reach. I can't cross the line because I'm afraid that it will ruin everything we have.
"Sky, does it hurt much?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry.
I squeeze her hand gently, reassuring her. "It's not that bad, Trouble. Don't worry."
The nurse finishes bandaging my wound and gives Zoe instructions on how to take care of it. She listens intently, nodding at each point, her grip on my hand never loosening.
The nurse leaves the room, and Zoe turns toward me.
"So today, the roles reversed. For the first time, I got in trouble, and you came to help me out." I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.
Zoe smiles softly, though concern is still visible in her eyes. "I was so worried when I got your message. Now I understand why you lecture me like a father every time I get in trouble."
"Finally, you understand." I sigh dramatically. "So from now on, please try to keep yourself out of trouble. I don't understand how you always manage to find trouble even in the most unexpected places." I shake my head in disbelief.
Zoe giggles, her worry beginning to fade. "I guess that's my speciality. But you stay out of it because your speciality is rescuing me, not getting into trouble. Okay?" She points her finger at me.
"If you keep getting into trouble, I'll do the same to make you understand how it feels." I give her a teasing wink, causing her to frown at me.
"Shut up, Sky," she snaps. "Don't you dare do that. I can't see you like this." As she lightly brushes the bandage on my forehead with her thumb, sending shivers down my spine, I become completely lost in gazing at her.
"I went with Liam to his apartment yesterday." The next day in college, Zoe tells Selena in a hushed tone, but I hear it as they are seated behind Alex and me.
My blood boils and I clutch my pen as Zoe says Liam's name. I can't bear to hear any man's name from her mouth, especially that of Liam, who is trying to snatch my Zoe away from me.
"What? Seriously? Tell me what happened between you two?" Selena asks in a loud voice.
Zoe whispers, "Hey, keep your voice down."
"Sorry, sorry. I just got excited. Now give me all the details."
Zoe sighs. "We went to his place because he wanted to show me his library. We were having a good time, and then... he tried to kiss me."
My heart pounds in my chest, feeling like it might burst. My knuckles turn white as my grip tightens around my pen, almost snapping it in half. Alex glances at me, sensing my sudden tension.
Did they really kiss? It seems like a nightmare. I feel like burning the entire world. Liam shouldn't know how Zoe's lips taste. Nobody should know that except me.
Selena gasps. "Oh my God! Did you kiss him back?"
Please. Please, Zoe, say that you didn't let him kiss you.
My breath becomes heavy with anticipation as I wait for Zoe's response. I beg God that she didn't let him kiss her.
"No." Zoe's voice is firm. "I turned away. I just didn't feel anything, Sel. No spark, no butterflies. Nothing."
I finally catch my breath after listening to Zoe's words, and a small smile of relief spreads across my face.
Thank God! She didn't kiss him. It's a huge relief to know that she didn't feel anything for Liam. It means I still have a chance to make Zoe mine.
But the thought of Liam trying to kiss Zoe makes my blood boil. I want to break Liam's face. How dare he even think about kissing my Zoe?
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me.
Selena explains, "Maybe you're overthinking it, Zoe. Sometimes it takes time for feelings to develop."
She'll never develop for Liam because I won't let that happen.
"Maybe." Zoe sounds unconvinced.
Alex nudges me and whispers in my ear, "Sky, confess your feelings to Zoe before it gets too late and someone else steals her away."
I glance at him. He's right. If I don't make a move soon, I might lose Zoe forever. But how can I tell her how I feel without risking our friendship?
Why is this so complicated?
The bell rings, signalling the end of the class.
"I got a text from Liam. He's asking me to meet in the library." Zoe tells Selena as she puts her things into her bag, causing my brows to furrow in fury.
Not again! I must do something quickly to keep Liam away from my girl.
Think. Think something fast, Sky.
"Maybe today you'll get your first kiss." Selena's words make my blood boil again. I can't let Zoe go to the library to meet Liam, not after what happened last time. I need to act fast.
Think, Sky. Or you won't be the first man to taste her luscious lips.
No. No. I can't let that happen. Only the thought of someone kissing her lips is driving me insane.
As Zoe stands up, I grab my head and wince dramatically. "Ugh... my head," I groan, loud enough for her to hear.
Fuck! What am I doing?
Zoe immediately looks over, her face distorting with concern. "Sky, are you alright?"
I'm sorry, Trouble. But I can't let you meet Liam.
I put on my best pained expression. "I don't know, Zoe. My head is killing me. I think I need to go back to the hospital. Can you come with me?"
Zoe rushes to my side, completely forgetting about her plans with Liam. "Of course, Sky! Let's get you checked out."
I feel a pang of guilt for manipulating her, but I can't risk losing her to Liam. "Thanks, Trouble." I pass her a faint smile.
As we leave the classroom, Alex gives me a disbelieving look, shaking his head slightly. He understands why I'm doing this, but I can tell he disapproves of my tactics.
We make our way to the parking lot, and Zoe insists on driving. I lean back in the passenger seat, trying to look as miserable as possible. "I'm really sorry for dragging you into this, Zoe."
"Shut up, Sky. Never feel sorry for this." She chides me, glancing at me while driving the car.
I stay silent and steal glances at her, knowing I can't keep Zoe away from Liam like this. I need to find a permanent solution to get Liam out of her life.
Things are complicated between us, and I know what I'm doing is completely wrong, but at this moment, I'm just glad Zoe is here with me and not with Liam.