Chapter 33~FIRE AND MADNESS

Chapter 33~FIRE AND MADNESS
~Cherry’s POV

“Honey, I don’t want you tangled in Nathan’s world. It’s more dangerous than you think,” Mom said softly, stroking my hair as I sat on my bed.

“I know, Mom. In fact, we’re not dating anymore,” I replied with a fake smile.

Her face fell. “I’m sorry, honey. I failed to protect you again…”

“No, Mom. It’s over. Everything is okay now. We weren’t that deep anyway. Nathan will forget this too,” I said firmly.

“I hope so, sweetheart.”

When I stepped outside, I found Tasha waiting with her driver. She wasn’t here without reason.

“Get in,” she ordered, rolling her eyes.

“Why should I?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Shut up and get in, will you?” she snapped.

I sighed and climbed into the car reluctantly. She chuckled, sliding in beside me.

“So, Nathan broke up with you?” she asked with a sly smile.

“Is that what he said?” I asked cautiously.

“Isn’t it obvious? Or do you want to claim you broke up with him? Don’t tell me you’re that hilarious, Cherry!” she burst out laughing.

“Right. He broke up with me. Happy now?” I shouted.

“Waah, what a nice day! I’m in such a good mood,” she said, staring out the window.

I chuckled softly and leaned back, hugging my bag.

“I can go to his concert in peace now. Wanna come with me?” she asked suddenly.

“What?”

“So I’ll believe you two aren’t hooking up anymore, idiot,” she said with a smirk.

My heart raced at the thought of seeing Nathan again. I must be out of my mind! “Fine. I’ll go.”

“Who knows? You might even see Jason. I can connect you guys,” she teased.

Jason. It had been a while since I’d seen him. He had called once, but I hadn’t answered. He must’ve been upset.

“You don’t want to?” Tasha asked.

I rolled my eyes. Did she really think Jason was the type to go out with someone just through “connections”? He was a real man.

“Fine,” I muttered.

“I can’t wait to see Nathan perform!” she squealed with excitement.

I stared at her. It wasn’t her first time seeing him on stage, yet she was as thrilled as if it were. But deep down, my heart beat the same way. Just the thought of seeing Nathan again gave me goosebumps.

After classes, Tasha was waiting for me near the road.

“Get in,” she said.

“This is scary. Why are you being so nice to me? Are you planning something evil?” I asked suspiciously. She rolled her eyes.

“Go on, Cherry, I’ll just grab a taxi,” Belinda said, walking off.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” I muttered, climbing into the car anyway.

“Drop the act. What could I possibly do to you?” Tasha said, snapping selfies. “Wanna take one with me?” she asked, pointing her camera at me.

“Ugh, that’s creepy!” I groaned.

“Don’t be shy! I’m practically famous now. Soon to be Nathan’s fiancée—no, his wife! Can you blame me for being excited?” She giggled wildly.

I chuckled softly. Honestly, I could understand her. Loving Nathan could drive anyone crazy.

When we arrived, Mr. Hyde and Mom were shocked to see us together.

“Are you two okay?” Mr. Hyde asked in disbelief.

“Yeah, I’m in a great mood today,” Tasha chirped, kissing her dad on the cheek.

“And Cherry’s mom, dress your daughter properly. I’m taking her to the concert,” she added before heading inside.

“Is she okay?” Mom muttered, shaking her head.

At the concert, the crowd screamed with excitement. But my eyes were locked only on Nathan. My heart ached so badly I could hardly breathe.

“Nathan!” Tasha shouted beside me.

He looked our way. His eyes landed on me—and I swore my heart was going to explode.

After the concert, we waited near their car while the guys took pictures with fans. Jason came first, his face lighting up when he saw me.

“Cherry!” he said, hugging me tightly. “I missed you.”

I giggled nervously.

But then Nathan and Tom appeared. My heart lurched when Nathan caught me still in Jason’s arms. I quickly pulled away, panic flooding me.

“Oooh, you two look so good together,” Tasha teased, looking directly at Nathan.

Nathan’s expression turned dangerously cold. He strode over, grabbed my hand, and whispered, “We need to talk.”

Jason immediately took my other hand. Both of them were holding me. My breath caught.

“Are you coming with me or not?” Nathan demanded.

“Why would I? Say what you want here!” I snapped back.

“Are you really going to be like this, Cherry?” he asked, staring into my eyes. I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

“You heard her! Let her go,” Jason barked.

Tasha stormed off angrily, unable to watch.

“You let go of her hand!” Nathan growled through clenched teeth.

“Why should I? You’ve got nothing to do with her anymore!” Jason shot back.

“People are watching! Stop being childish!” Tom tried to intervene.

“I don’t care! Cherry, let’s go,” Nathan said, glaring at me.

“I’m not going with you, Nathan!” I yanked my hand free and turned to Jason. “I’ll call you, Jason.”

“Alright, Cherry,” Jason said, grinning like he’d won.

Nathan’s eyes darkened. “Cherry, I’m sorry. I’m not cool when it comes to you. So you are coming with me!”

Before Jason could react, Nathan yanked me into their car. Tom held Jason back as the car sped away.

“Stop the car!” I shouted angrily.

“Do I look like I can stop the car?” Nathan snapped, pressing harder on the accelerator.

He brought me straight to his house.

“Why did you hug him? No—why did you let him hug you? And why did you say you’d call him?” he demanded furiously, breathing heavily.

“It’s over, Nathan. Don’t do this!” I shouted back.

But he pulled me close, his heartbeat slamming against mine so violently I could feel it through my chest. My own heart was on fire, and panic twisted with a strange, dizzying thrill. I wanted to run but I couldn’t move. My body betrayed me, leaning instinctively toward him.

“You’re wrong,” he whispered harshly. “It’s not over. And it can’t be.”

Then he kissed me hard, hungry, desperate, like he was devouring me. My mind screamed to pull away, but my body refused. Every nerve in me ignited, every thought of reason drowned by the storm of longing and fear. I didn’t resist. My heart, my body, my very soul answered him.

I was, caught between wanting to push him away and losing myself entirely in him. I hated myself for feeling this way…but I couldn’t stop it. I wanted him, even if it was madness.