Forbidden Flames: My Best Friend (Book 1)

Sky's P.O.V. After leaving with the girl who had been eyeing me, we found a private room upstairs. It was supposed to be a fun night, but I couldn't stop myself from worrying about leaving Zoe alone. Although Alex is with her, it's not helping me. I don't know why I'm feeling so restless. I hope Zoe is alright. As soon as I'm done with the girl, I make an excuse and head back to the club, concerned for Zoe. When I find her in the crowd, I stop. Fuck! She is in trouble again, as expected. I see a guy gripping Zoe's arm; her face twisted in distress. A wave of anger rushes over me, and I clench my fists. I dash through the crowd towards him, glaring at him with fury. "Get your hands off her!" I yell, shoving the guy away from Zoe. He stumbles back, hitting the floor hard. Seeing my rage, he doesn't dare to utter a word and disappears. Good for him. I turn towards Zoe, still angry. "Where the fuck is Alex, and why did you drink so much?" I snap, but as I notice her eyes-red and filled with tears-my anger melts into concern. Something is very wrong. She looks hurt emotionally. I place my hand on her face, wiping away her tears with my thumb. "Trouble, what happened to you?" My voice softens as I question her. "Why did you get drunk?" "Sky, take me home." A sob escapes her mouth, wrenching my heart. "I'm not feeling good." She holds my two fingers. Whenever she is upset, she does this. Not feeling good? Why? I want to know the reason, but right now, it's important to make her feel better. "Hey, stop crying. I'm taking you home." I support her as we walk out of the club, my mind racing. I wonder what happened to her suddenly? Why did Alex leave her alone? But I fucking don't care about the reason. Alex wasn't supposed to leave her alone when I gave him clear instructions to take care of her in my absence. I'll talk to him later, but first I have to handle Zoe. As I help her into the passenger seat and secure her seatbelt, I notice her gazing straight ahead, her eyes filled with pain and a hint of sadness. My heart clenches, seeing her condition. She never shares her pain with anyone, always hiding it behind her smile. I've told her countless times to share her pain with me. It would make her feel better, but she always insists she's okay. We drive back in silence, and I can see something is deeply hurting her. Suddenly, she speaks, her voice broken. "Sky, everyone leaves me." I feel heaviness in my chest at her words and immediately pull the car over to the side of the road. I turn to her. Her moist eyes are now fixed on me, filled with deep fear. Zoe's fear of losing people is completely justified. She has lost her entire family. Although she stays strong, I know that inside she's fragile-a fact she rarely shows. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, makes my heart ache. "Zoe, listen to me," I say, taking her hands in mine. "I'm here for you, always. You mean so much to me." "But everyone leaves me, Sky." A sob escapes her mouth. "What if you leave too? What if something happens to you?" I shake my head, squeezing her hands gently. "Nothing is going to happen to me. I'm not going anywhere." I reassure her, trying to ease her fear. "Pinky promise?" She asks, holding out her small finger. "Pinky promise." I smile, linking my finger with hers. We drive the rest of the way in silence. When we arrive at her apartment, I help her inside and gently lay her down on her bed. As I turn to leave, she grabs my two fingers. "Sky, please don't leave me alone. I'm afraid." As I turn around, I find her staring at me with pleading eyes. I walk over to her and settle down on the bed beside her. "Zoe, I'm right here. I'll stay until you fall asleep." She gives me a faint smile. "Thank you, Sky." She closes her eyes and continues to murmur, "Your presence in my life means a lot to me. Sometimes you annoy me, but it doesn't matter. You..." She drifts off to sleep while blabbering, bringing a smile to my face. I watch her for a while, making sure she's okay. Then I stand up to leave. "Goodnight, Trouble." I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. I leave her apartment and head back to my penthouse. As I lie in bed, I think about Zoe and her pain. Literally, no one deserves what Zoe has gone through in her life. I vow to be there for her, no matter what.   *** The next day at college, I meet Alex in the canteen. My anger flares up again as I think about what happened the night before. I storm up to him and grab his collar, my eyes blazing. "Why did you leave Zoe alone, Alex?" I demand, anger etched on every corner of my face. If I hadn't reached in time last night, anything could have happened to Zoe. Alex looks surprised, but stays calm. "Easy, man! I had to leave because of an emergency." "You could've informed me." "Zoe is not a kid. She wanted to stay-" "And you let her, even after knowing that she attracts trouble." I snap, my grip on his collar tightening. A few students are present in the cafeteria at this time, and all of their eyes are glued to us. But who cares? "She's fine now, so just chill, Sky." Chill? Really? "If I hadn't come in time, that guy could have done anything to her." I slightly push him away, releasing his collar. "You have no clue what her condition was last night." My voice turns soft as I recall her tear-filled eyes, and I feel the worry all over again. I hate seeing pain in those particular brown eyes. It hurts me that even though I'm her best friend, she keeps her pain hidden from me as well.  "Sky-" I cut him off. "Don't justify yourself, Alex." He shrugs his shoulders. "Whatever! But it's not my fault," he mutters before walking away and leaving me alone in the canteen. God, both my friends are so careless. I shouldn't have left them alone. It's my fault. Just then, Zoe steps into the canteen. I walk to the door, passing her without even glancing at her. I can't bear her recklessness anymore. She always gets into trouble and never listens to me.