Defender's Heartbeat 2

Chapter 26

Ava

During the holiday, I didn't do many fun things as usual because I was more focused on my education. I've always been like that since I was a child—more into studies. As Tristan and I met in the library to study, we grew closer day by day, and one day, he kissed me. I liked him; he was smart. I never thought I'd have a boyfriend while still in school, but it happened.

On the first day back at school after the holiday, I was walking through the school garden, looking for a nice spot to relax. I loved the garden; it was beautiful, full of flowers and trees. Suddenly, my eyes landed on a couple sitting on a bench, kissing. It was Enzo and Mia.

From across the garden, I watched as my heart ached. Enzo kissed Mia gently on the bench under the shade of the oak tree. The summer sun made his tan skin glow, highlighting the golden tones in his dark brown eyes. He looked so handsome. His thick, long eyelashes fluttered closed as he enjoyed the kiss, his strong arms pulling Mia closer.

I couldn't look away, drawn to Enzo's good looks, but also pained by them. His black hair shifted slightly in the breeze, giving him a messy but undeniably attractive appearance. When they stopped kissing, the intensity in Enzo's eyes revealed pure love for Mia. He could be rude and harsh at times, but in that moment, he looked soft, vulnerable, completely in love.

Mia laughed at something Enzo whispered, playfully pushing his chest. He responded with that charming, crooked smile, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles with those full lips. A wave of jealousy washed over me as I watched their easy closeness. I didn't know what joke or sweet words had come from those perfectly shaped lips, but I felt jealous anyway.

As Mia rested her head on Enzo's shoulder, a burning envy consumed me. As much as I didn't want to admit it, seeing their intimate moment made me desperately jealous of Mia for having Enzo's love. A part of me wished I could switch places with her, to be the one in his arms, experiencing his tenderness.

Last year, he competed with me to get higher marks. Most of the time, he outperformed me. The only reason he did it was to make me feel useless.

His deep, dark eyes were hypnotic as they gazed at Mia lovingly, framed by those thick lashes. I watched as Mia whispered something to him, making him close his eyes and smile when she kissed them. He didn't smile like that often—maybe only when he was with Mia. Some buttons on his shirt were undone, revealing his tanned, toned chest. I couldn't help but clench my fists when I saw Mia's fingers tracing over his chest.

Enzo was rich. He even looked better. He got higher marks. He had everything. He could do whatever he wanted. It felt unfair that one person could have it all at once.

And Mia, who used to be just a quiet scholar, was now Enzo's girlfriend. She wasn't even that talented. She was such an introvert, never forward at all. Yet somehow, she'd managed to catch Enzo's attention. He used to hate scholars, but now he was dating one.

My eyes drifted back to Enzo's face—it was hard not to stare. I felt like I was losing my mind. The more you looked at his face, the more you wanted to keep looking. And it didn't end there—you wanted to feel him too. No wonder girls were so crazy about him, ignoring his attitude and rude behavior.

"Ava," I heard Tristan's voice in the distance, snapping me back to reality. That's when I realized I had been staring at Enzo the entire time, lost in a daydream. Embarrassment flooded over me, and I was thankful no one could read my mind. I never thought I'd have such a strong crush on Enzo, especially since I hated him so much. I quickly walked toward Tristan before he could notice that I had been watching Enzo.

Mia

I missed Enzo so much during the summer vacation, especially because he didn't send enough messages or take enough of my calls. I felt so happy to see him today. He looked even more handsome than last year. My heart started racing the moment I saw him for the first time after the break. I love him so much. I can't stop myself from falling in love with him all over again, every time I see him. Sometimes, love felt like an indescribable ache in my heart.

As soon as we met after the vacation, I pulled him close and kissed his amazing lips. I had missed them all summer. He seemed surprised when I kissed him first, since he was always the one to initiate before.

Kissing Enzo drove me wild. His lips felt soft and perfect against mine. I could never get enough of the way his mouth moved with mine. Every time we pulled apart, I instantly craved more.

His dark, intense eyes utterly captivated me. I got lost in those smoldering pools whenever our faces were inches apart. I couldn't resist reaching up to trace the chiseled lines of his gorgeous face. The stubble along his jawline felt exhilarating under my fingertips. I thought he was the best-looking guy in the entire school. It was hard to focus on anything else when he was standing in front of me like this. Sometimes, I wondered why someone as perfect as Enzo chose me as his girlfriend. Usually, boys like Enzo went for the hot-looking girls.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a small fear in the back of my mind that Enzo might change his feelings for me. If he ever did, I was sure my heart would shatter into a million pieces, beyond repair. Maybe I'd even go crazy if that happened. That's how obsessed I was with Enzo. It scared me that I couldn't control my own emotions.

Enzo's deep, velvety voice sent shivers through me when he whispered sweet nothings. I hung on every rumbling word that passed his full, kissable lips. Clutching his shirt, I listened as he whispered into my ear, the sound tickling the sensitive skin behind it. My fingers traced over his chest as I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his body and inhaling his intoxicating scent. I gave a soft kiss to his chest, and he pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around me.

When I looked up at his face, the sight of his crooked smile made my heart flutter wildly.

I was addicted to the intoxicating scent of his cologne mixed with his natural, musky aroma. Having his strong arms wrapped around me made me feel tiny, yet so safe and secure. Running my hands through his thick, luscious locks of hair was simply heavenly.

When we were tangled together, bodies and lips intertwined, the rest of the world seemed to fall away. I never wanted these electrifying moments to end. I couldn't believe he was mine.

"I love you, Enzo," I whispered, pressing my lips to his soft, beautiful ones.

"I love you too, baby," he murmured, kissing me back.