How many people noticed my mark on you today??

How many people noticed my mark on you today??

Amara’s POV

The morning sun streamed through my bedroom window as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my sweater. My hair was still damp from my shower, and I was debating whether to leave it down or tie it up when I felt a warm presence behind me.

Before I could react, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against a familiar, solid chest.

“Morning, princess,” Jaxon’s deep, teasing voice murmured against my ear.

I rolled my eyes but didn’t pull away. “You do know there’s this thing called personal space, right?”

Jaxon chuckled, his breath warm against my neck. “Never heard of it.”

His arms tightened slightly, holding me close as he dipped his head. Before I could protest, I felt the sharp nip of his teeth against the sensitive skin of my neck.

I gasped. “Jaxon—”

He pulled back just enough to admire his work, a smug grin tugging at his lips. “There. Now everyone knows you’re mine.”

I spun around, narrowing my eyes at him. “You marked me?” I reached up, touching the tender spot. “You’re ridiculous.”

Jaxon only smirked, completely unapologetic. “Relax, princess. It’s just a love bite. And it looks damn good on you.”

I huffed, swatting at his chest. “You’re impossible.”

He caught my wrist easily, lifting it to his lips for a quick kiss before letting go. “Come on. I’m driving you to school.”

I sighed. “You have to let me drive one day.”

Jaxon scoffed. “Not happening. Now grab your bag.”

\---

Jaxon’s POV

I leaned against my car, watching as Amara locked the front door and made her way toward me. My smirk widened as I caught sight of the faint mark on her neck.

Damn, she looked good.

She slid into the passenger seat, throwing her bag into the back as I started the engine. “I can’t believe you actually left a mark,” she muttered, flipping down the visor mirror to inspect it.

I chuckled, shifting into gear. “I think it suits you.”

She shot me a glare, but the faint blush dusting her cheeks betrayed her.

I pulled out onto the road, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on my thigh. The radio played some soft rock in the background, and for a moment, we just enjoyed the easy silence between us.

Then Amara turned to me, eyes narrowing slightly. “You always drive, but do you actually trust me to get behind the wheel?”

I scoffed. “Nope.”

She gasped dramatically. “Excuse me?”

I grinned. “I’ve seen how you handle a bike, princess. There’s no way in hell I’m letting you near my car.”

She crossed her arms. “I’m not that bad.”

I raised a brow. “You nearly ran into a tree last week.”

“That tree came out of nowhere,” she insisted.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Yeah, okay.”

She huffed, sinking into her seat with a pout. “One day, Jaxon. One day, I’m stealing your keys.”

I smirked. “I’d like to see you try.”

The rest of the drive was filled with playful banter, stolen glances, and the occasional attempt by Amara to change the radio station—something I quickly shut down.

By the time I pulled into the school parking lot, I was already dreading having to let her go for the day.

She reached for the door handle, but I caught her wrist before she could leave.

She looked at me, slightly confused. “What?”

I leaned in, my voice dropping to a murmur. “Don’t let anyone mess with you today.”

She smirked. “What, you worried about me?”

I held her gaze, my grip tightening just a little. “Always.”

Something flickered in her eyes—something soft, something that made my chest feel a little too tight.

She pulled her hand away gently. “I’ll see you later, Jaxon.”

I watched as she stepped out of the car, her hair catching in the sunlight, the mark on her neck still visible.

Yeah. She was mine.

And no one else was getting anywhere near her.

\---

Amara's POV

The moment I stepped into the school hallway, I could feel the stares. Whispers followed me as I walked to my locker, but I ignored them.

I knew exactly what had caught everyone’s attention.

Jaxon’s mark.

I tugged my sweater collar up, trying to cover it, but it was too late. The damage was done.

“Amara!”

I turned just in time for my new best friend, Lily, to practically launch herself at me. She grabbed my arm, eyes wide with excitement.

“Is that what I think it is?” she gasped, pulling my collar down slightly before I could stop her.

I groaned. “Lily—”

“Oh my god!” She clapped her hands together. “Did Jaxon do this?”

I sighed, shoving my books into my locker. “It’s nothing. He was just being annoying.”

Lily smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure. Nothing says just being annoying like a full-on love bite.”

I glared at her. “Can we not make a big deal out of this?”

Lily just grinned. “Oh, it’s already a big deal. Half the girls in school are crying over the fact that Jaxon Blackwood has officially claimed you.”

I rolled my eyes, shutting my locker. “He didn’t claim me. He’s just… Jaxon.”

Lily wiggled her brows. “Uh-huh. And let me guess, you totally hated it, right?”

I opened my mouth to protest, but nothing came out.

Lily cackled. “You like it!”

I groaned, covering my face. “I hate you.”

“You love me,” she said, looping her arm through mine. “Now, come on. Tell me everything.”

As we walked toward class, I tried my best to downplay the whole situation. But deep down, I knew the truth.

Jaxon wasn’t just messing around.

And neither was I.

\---

Jaxon’s POV

I leaned against my car, arms crossed, waiting for Amara to come out.

I’d spent the entire day thinking about her. About the way she looked this morning, all soft and sleepy in my arms. About the way she had blushed when she saw the mark I left.

Yeah. I wasn’t even trying to hide it anymore.

I wanted her to be mine.

The doors finally swung open, and students flooded out. I spotted Amara instantly—she was laughing at something Lily said, her eyes bright.

Damn.

She looked beautiful.

I straightened as she approached, her steps slowing when she saw me. “You’re early,” she noted.

I shrugged. “Miss me?”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile playing on her lips. “Not even a little.”

I smirked. “Liar.”

She walked past me, heading toward the car. Just as she reached for the door handle, I grabbed her wrist and spun her back around.

Her breath hitched as I leaned in, my lips brushing close to her ear.

“How many people noticed my mark on you today?” I murmured.

She stiffened. “You’re so annoying.”

I chuckled. “That’s not an answer.”

She pushed me away, cheeks burning. “Just drive, Jaxon.”

I grinned, opening the door for her. “Anything for you, princess.”

As I slid into the driver’s seat, I couldn’t help but glance over at her. She was still blushing, arms crossed, staring stubbornly out the window.

Yeah.

She was definitely mine.