Hudson didn't say anything about what I did. He simply nodded toward the classroom and said we should head to class.
We walked there together, but once inside, we sat in different seats close to each other, yet not side by side. The teacher began the lesson, and I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting. When she announced she would divide us into groups, my stomach tightened.
Then she read the list, Hudson, Zack, and me. Of course. Working together was uncomfortable. Zack barely looked at me, Hudson kept his voice controlled and distant, and every suggestion felt forced. Cooperation was hard, but we managed to get through it.
After class, since I couldn't play basketball with my injured leg, I went to the swimming area to watch instead.
The scent of chlorine filled the air as swimmers practiced their laps. I sat quietly, missing the court more than I wanted to admit. A shadow appeared beside me it was Hudson. He sat down and studied my face.
"You look down," he said. I smiled faintly. "I'm just bored. I miss my game."
He nodded thoughtfully. "You'll be fine. I had an injury once, but ... my mom didn't allow me to swim anymore. That was three years ago… when my parents separated."
I looked at him in shock. "I'm so sorry."
He shrugged. "It's okay. I want people to learn from my story. I live with my dad now he's strict but he'll be away for two days. I'm throwing a party tonight. You're coming, right?"
I hesitated. "A party? I'm not sure. My parents won't allow me."
He frowned slightly. "Why?"
I looked away. "Something happened the last time I went to one."
He searched my face, but I couldn't tell him the truth. After a moment, his playful grin returned. "Fine. If you don't come, I'll come find you."
I laughed and nudged him. "You don't even know where I live."
He smirked. "I'm the principal's son. I can sneak into my mom's office and find out."
I shook my head. "You're such a sneak." He stood up. "I'll catch you later." He walked about twenty steps away just far enough that I could still see him clearly, but not hear him anymore.
Suddenly, a group of boys rushed past me. Before I could react, they shoved me straight into the pool. The cold water swallowed me instantly. I couldn't swim. Panic exploded inside me as I struggled to breathe. Noise filled the air shouting, splashing. Zack was already in the pool competing, but the moment he noticed me drowning, he swam toward me without hesitation. Hudson had turned around and was running back, about to jump in, but Zack reached me first. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me to the surface. I coughed violently as he dragged me out of the water. He pushed his tight swim goggles up onto his forehead and looked down at me.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I was still coughing, but I managed to whisper, "Thank you."
"Keep it to yourself," he replied coldly, though something flickered in his eyes. I grabbed his wrist before he could walk away.
Hudson arrived, breathless. "Are you fine?" I nodded weakly, then tears blurred my vision. "Zack… I never meant for things to happen like that. I'm sorry. I still love you."
His face hardened. "Don't love me. Thank God someone saved you not a loser who couldn't even jump in because he was scared," he said, referring to Hudson. He laughed mockingly and walked away. Hudson stood there, silent and disappointed in himself.
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you," he said quietly.
"It's fine," I replied, though my voice was distant. I pushed past him, and we didn't speak for the rest of the day.
**************
When I got home, everything felt normal. I went to my room and continued writing my novel online, letting the words distract me. Hours passed, and by the time I looked at the clock, it was already late. That's when I remembered Hudson's party. I hadn't even tried to sneak out… and I couldn't help wondering if he was actually looking for me.
That night, I lay down to sleep. It was 10 p.m. The house was quiet.
Just as I was closing my eyes, I heard a small sound against my window. A light tap.
My heart skipped.
I slowly moved the curtain aside.
Hudson.
For a second, I just stared at him. I was happy he came… but nervous too.
"Heyyyy," I grinned, trying to control my excitement.
"I promised I would come, didn't I?" he whispered up at me.
"How did you even know my room was up here?"
He smirked slightly. "Corner house. Second floor. Light on. You're not that mysterious, Charlotte. And… I may have asked around."
"Wow…"
He stretched out his hand. "I'll help you down. Come."
I glanced back at my bedroom door, then at my bed. Quickly, I arranged the pillows under the blanket to look like someone sleeping and turned off the lamp.
"Okay… I'm ready."
I carefully climbed out, and he steadied me as I jumped down. For a moment, we just stood there, staring at each other. The air between us felt different. Charged.
His eyes dropped to my lips.He leaned in slightly
I cleared my throat.
"Let's get out of here, Hud."
He blinked, then smiled. "Yeah. I came with my bike. Come on."
I climbed on behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. The night air rushed past us as we headed to his place.
When we arrived, music was already blasting. The house was full of students from school. Lights flashing. Laughter everywhere.
And then I saw him.
Zack.
I heard someone say he only came to see if Hudson's house was cooler than his.
Hudson went to get me a drink, and I accidentally bumped into Zack.
"You came?" I asked quietly.
"Why else would I come to this lame party?" he replied casually. "Just checking something out. I'm leaving soon."
But he didn't leave. He grabbed himself another drink.
I ended up meeting some new girls, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… free. I laughed. I danced. I drank more than I should have.
By the time Hudson found me again, I was definitely tipsy.
"Heyyy… where have you been?" I giggled. "I've been looking all over for you, damsel."
I stepped close and teasingly brushed my fingers along his jaw.
"Oh myyy… you are so handsome," I said, squeezing his cheeks playfully.
My friends burst into laughter.
"Hud, I think she's drunk," Alya said. "Take her somewhere to rest."
Hudson grinned but looked concerned. He gently pulled me away while I grabbed another drink from a nearby table.
"I love myself!" I shouted, raising my arms.
He watched me carefully. I tried to pull him into dancing, but he seemed distracted… worried.
Across the room, Zack saw us and muttered under his breath, "Fools," before taking another sip.
"Charlotte… let's go home," Hudson said softly.
"Nooo," I protested and suddenly I kissed him.
He froze in surprise. He didn't kiss me back at first.
He gently pulled me toward a quieter hallway where fewer people were standing.
"Charlotte…" he began.
But I kissed him again, deeper this time. The alcohol had blurred my judgment. This time, he responded. Slowly at first… then with more intensity.
It had been a long time since either of us felt something like that.
He turned slightly, pressing me gently against the wall, still kissing me. I slipped his jacket off his shoulders.
We didn't notice someone across the room holding up a phone.
"Hudson… this won't work here," I whispered breathlessly.
"Let's go upstairs," he murmured, his lips brushing my earlobe, sending shivers down my spine. His fingers dug into my flesh, a possessive grip that fueled the fire already raging within me
I leaned into him, my body a pliant curve against his hard lines.
"Completely mad, aren't we?" My voice, a low purr, barely escaped my throat as his mouth found mine. The kiss was a hungry invasion, tongues warring, teeth scraping, a desperate exchange of saliva and breath. He lifted me effortlessly, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, my skirt riding high on my thighs. The ascent of the stairs was a blur of tangled limbs and frantic kisses, each step a further surrender.
The top of the landing opened into a cavernous space, a studio devoted to sound. Synthesizers gleamed under the soft glow of a single lamp, guitars hung like silent sentinels on the walls, and drums stood poised for a beat that was about to find new expression. He carried me to a sturdy mixing console, its surface wide and cool.
"Here," he grunted, setting me down. My bare thighs met the cold metal, a stark contrast to the inferno consuming me... I watched him, eyes wide, as he tore at his shirt, buttons scattering across the floor like forgotten promises. My own hands fumbled with the clasp of my dress, the silk whispering down my body in a pool at my feet.
He stood before me, a raw, primal force. His dick, thick and engorged, pulsed with a life of its own, an urgent demand. I spread my legs wide, my knees bent, offering myself to him without a word. He moved between my thighs, his hands gripping my hips, his thumbs tracing the slick, swollen lips of my pussy.
"You are so beautiful?" The word was a rumble against her ear, his breath hot.
I arched my back, her fingers digging into the hair at the nape of his neck. "Ughh"
He plunged into me, a deep, guttural thrust that drove the air from my lungs. The console beneath me groaned, a low, resonant thrumming that vibrated through my bones, syncing with the rhythm of his assault. He pulled back, almost entirely, then slammed into me again, his balls slapping against my ass with a wet, audible smack. Each thrust was harder than the last, a relentless pounding that rocked my body, my head thrown back, a silent scream caught in my throat. The table beneath us became an unwilling percussionist, its metallic frame singing a rough, percussive counterpoint to the wet, squelching sounds of the coupling. He gritted his teeth, his jaw tight, his eyes squeezed shut in a mask of pure sensation. He finally pulled back