Saint Or Sinner?

Forty Five.

Kira's Point Of View

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as I trudged home from school, my mind tangled in a labyrinth of thoughts.

The rhythmic crunch of my footsteps on the pavement was the only sound accompanying me—until it wasn't.

"Kira!" A voice, urgent, familiar, cut through the air.

Before I could fully register it, strong arms wrapped around me, yanking me backward.

My breath caught in my throat as my body collided with solid warmth.

A screech of tires sliced through the moment. My heart slammed against my ribs.

I looked up, dazed, and met a pair of worried, light blue eyes.

"Axel?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

His gaze held mine, warm and intense, a silent storm of concern brewing within them.

"What the hell were you thinking, Kira? You almost got hit by a car!"

The realization hit me like a tidal wave—I had been so lost in thought, I hadn't even noticed.

Axel's grip loosened slightly, his fingers lingering before he finally let go. Even without his touch, I could still feel the heat of it seared into my skin.

I quickly adjusted my dress, smoothing it down in a feeble attempt to compose myself.

"Are you hurt?" His voice softened, but his eyes still searched my body, scanning me as if he was trying to ensure I was truly unharmed.

"I'm fine," I murmured, offering a small smile to ease his worry.

"Come on, I'll take you home."

I shook my head. "No, you don't have to. I can manage."

His jaw tightened, and he raised his brow.

"Do you really think I'll let you go home alone after what just happened?" His tone left no room for argument.

Before I could protest further, he grasped my wrist—gently but firmly—and led me toward his sleek, dark blue car.

The late afternoon sun reflected off its polished surface, making it gleam like liquid midnight He opened the door for me, and I hesitated for just a second before sliding into the luxurious leather seat.

The moment the door shut, his scent enveloped me—a heady mix of citrus and musk, clean yet dangerously intoxicating.

The cool leather beneath my fingertips grounded me, but not enough to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

Axel got in, his movements smooth and effortless as he started the car. He turned to me, his gaze flickering down briefly before meeting mine again.

"Seatbelt."

His voice was calm, but the underlying authority in it sent a shiver down my spine.

Snapping out of my daze, I quickly buckled up.

Axel was one of the most popular guys in college—charismatic, confident, and undeniably handsome.

I had always admired him from a distance, but now, being this close, I realized admiration had been an understatement.

Up close, he was breathtaking. His sharp jawline, the slight upturn of his small, pointed nose, the way his bubblegum pink lips curved in concentration as he focused on the road—but it was his eyes that captivated me the most.

A striking, almost unnatural shade of blue, like the sky right before a storm.

I caught myself staring and quickly averted my gaze, hoping he hadn't noticed.