**Valentina's P.O.V**
I don't give him permission, but that doesn't stop him. He groans in frustration before gripping my waist tightly. The sudden movement catches me off guard, and in that split second, he takes advantage—his tongue slipping past my lips, exploring my mouth without hesitation.
Tears sting my eyes, threatening to fall.
His lips trail along my jawline, slowly making their way to the sensitive spot where my neck meets my shoulder. He sucks on my skin, lingering.
That's definitely going to leave a mark.
When he finally pulls back, a smug smirk stretches across his face. His gaze locks onto mine, daring me to react.
I don't. Instead, I turn and head straight to the bathroom. After freshening up, I decide to walk home. Since I don't have my car, I don't really have a choice—it's only fifteen minutes away.
The entire walk feels endless, my thoughts replaying everything that just happened.
By the time I get home, my chest is tight with emotion. The moment I step into my room, the weight of it all crashes down on me.
I break.
I don't know how long I sit there, curled up near my door, letting the tears fall freely. It could've been minutes. It could've been hours.
At some point, I glance toward my window—the one directly facing Jax's room.
And that's when I see him.
Jax.
With Vienna.
They're making out.
A sharp pain shoots through my chest, but I refuse to let myself dwell on it. Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I reach for the curtains, yanking them shut—
But not before he looks up.
Not before our eyes meet.
---
The next morning, I make up my mind.
I'm not going to school today.
Telling my mom I'm feeling under the weather is easy enough, and as expected, she doesn't question it. She simply calls the school and lets them know I'll be out for the day.
I spend the entire afternoon curled up in bed, binge-watching K-dramas while mindlessly snacking. It's the only thing keeping me from overthinking.
I've just finished my second show when there's a soft knock on my door.
**Knock knock.**
"Sweetheart? Can I come in?" my mom asks gently.
"Yeah," I reply, sitting up slightly.
She steps inside, her concerned eyes scanning my face. "How are you feeling?"
"A little better," I say. "Why?"
"Well, The Steeler's invited us over for dinner tonight, and I was hoping you'd come."
I hesitate knowing it was Jax's family. The last thing I want to do is be in the same room as Jax. But I know my mom—she won't take no for an answer.
"Do I have to dress up?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
She gives me a pointed look.
"Of course you do."
I groan. "Fine."
"Make sure you pick something nice, okay?" she says with a smile.
"Okay, okay. Love you."
"Love you too, sweetheart."
As soon as she leaves, I sigh.
Now I actually have to put in the effort to look decent.
---
Two hours later, after tearing apart my closet, I finally settle on a sundress I bought with my girls during our last shopping trip. It's cute, simple, and—most importantly—comfortable.
I decide to keep my makeup minimal, just a touch of lip gloss. Curling my hair into soft waves, I let it fall naturally.
Just as I finish, the doorbell rings.
**Ding dong.**
"VALENTINA! THE GUESTS ARE HERE—COME DOWN RIGHT NOW!" my mom yells from downstairs.
"Coming!" I shout back, giving myself one last look in the mirror before heading down.
By the time I reach the foyer, my mom has already opened the door. Reynolds stands beside her, and just behind them, Jax and his parents step inside.
The second our eyes meet, time seems to slow.
Neither of us looks away.
"Hey," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart pounds—though I tell myself it's just from rushing down the stairs.
"Hey," he responds, sounding just as breathless.
Reynolds and Jax exchange a casual half-bro hug before we all move toward the dining room.
I take my seat between my mom and Reynolds, while Jax sits directly across from me, his parents on either side of him.
Dinner begins, but I barely register what's happening.
Because the entire time, I feel his eyes on me.
But I don't care.
I have other things on my mind.
Like Ronan.
I callously relieved my thoughts, muttering it to myself.
"Val?" my mom's voice breaks through my thoughts.
Are you alright, she asked with a worried and pitiful look in her eyes.
Ooh damn it, I thought I was talking to myself this whole time, not knowing everyone on the table could hear me.
OMG!!! I muttered but this time so melo that I was sure I was whispering to myself. I'm good mum, I answered.
"Hm?"
"Didn't you hear—never mind. Can you go grab the boxes from the basement? They're a bit heavy, so ask Jax to help you."
I glance at him. He's already looking at me.
"Sure," I say, standing up.
Without another word, I walk toward the basement, Jax following close behind.
The moment we step inside, the warmth of the room is noticeable. I move my hair over one shoulder as I search for the boxes, bending down to make it easier.
"So… you look nice," Jax says after a moment.
I smirk, not looking at him. "Not too bad yourself."
As I reach for a box, I hear his voice shift. It's sharper now.
"What's on your neck?"
I freeze.
"What do you mean?" I ask cautiously. My heart races. Is there something on me? A bug?!
"A hickey."
Oh.
My stomach drops.
Crap. I thought it would've faded by now.
"I… um…" I stumble over my words, completely flustered. "It's not—what—hickey?"
"Val." His voice is low. "Who gave you that?"
I hesitate, but I know there's no point in lying.
"It's… Ronan," I mumble.
Jax's entire expression darkens.
"What?" His jaw clenches. "That asshole. When? Where? How?"
"Yesterday. At school. In the hallway," I admit, my voice barely audible. "He… touched me. Again."
The second those words leave my mouth, Jax does something unexpected.
He pulls me into his arms.
"Shh…" His voice softens as he holds me close. "It's okay. I won't let him near you again. I swear."
I let myself sink into the moment, even if just for a second.
But I can't let myself get caught up in this.
"We should get these boxes upstairs before they start asking questions," I say, pulling away.
He nods. "Yeah. Let's go."
---
The second we walk back into the dining room, Reynolds sighs dramatically.
"What took you so long?"