I Dominate All Men

The aftermath of the pool party left Sapphire both shaken and invigorated. The confrontation had cemented her bond with Amara in a way nothing else could. For years, Sapphire had worn her confidence like armor, but with Amara by her side, she felt as though she didn't have to face everything alone anymore.

But that didn't mean things got easier.

Monday morning brought a storm of whispers and pointed stares, but Sapphire kept her head high, ignoring the hushed conversations and judgmental glares. Beside her, Amara exuded calm indifference, her usual smirk playing at her lips as though she thrived on the chaos.

"Looks like the royal court's been overthrown," a boy muttered as they walked past.

Amara chuckled under her breath. "Not overthrown—restructured. Get it right."

Sapphire shot her a look, half annoyed, half amused. "Do you always have to antagonize people?"

"It's part of my charm," Amara said, shrugging. "Besides, you don't seem to mind."

They reached Sapphire's locker, and as she fiddled with the combination, a familiar voice broke through the din.

"Sapphire."

She turned to see Lina standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.

"We need to talk," Lina said, her tone sharp but not as venomous as it had been at the pool party.

Sapphire exchanged a glance with Amara, who gave her a small nod before stepping back.

"I'll be close," Amara said, her voice low enough that only Sapphire could hear.

Sapphire nodded and turned to Lina, who gestured toward an empty corner of the hallway.

"Let's make this quick," Sapphire said, folding her arms.

Lina's lips pressed into a thin line. "What happened to you, Sapphire? You used to have standards. Now you're—"

"Careful," Sapphire interrupted, her voice dangerously calm. "I'd choose your next words wisely."

Lina hesitated, then sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I'm just trying to understand. You've always been the queen of this school, the one everyone admired. And now you're… throwing it all away for her?"

"I'm not throwing anything away," Sapphire said. "I'm choosing what matters to me. If you can't respect that, then maybe you were never really my friend to begin with."

Lina's eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face. "That's not fair."

"No, what's not fair is you trying to control me," Sapphire shot back. "You don't get to decide what's best for me, Lina. I do."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Lina sighed again, this time more deeply.

"Fine," she said. "If this is what you want, I won't stop you. But don't come crying to me when it all falls apart."

Sapphire's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond as Lina walked away.

When Sapphire turned back toward Amara, she found her leaning casually against the lockers, her expression unreadable.

"Everything okay?" Amara asked.

"Yeah," Sapphire said, forcing a smile. "Just tying up loose ends."

---

The Rest of the Day

The day dragged on, each class blending into the next. Sapphire tried to focus on her studies, but her mind kept drifting back to Amara—and to Lina's words.

Was she really throwing everything away?

No, she told herself firmly. She was finally living for herself, not for anyone else's expectations.

During lunch, Sapphire and Amara sat together at their usual spot near the courtyard. The air was crisp, the late autumn chill biting at their skin, but neither seemed to mind.

"So," Amara said, breaking the silence. "Are you going to tell me what Lina said, or do I have to guess?"

Sapphire hesitated. "She thinks I'm making a mistake."

Amara raised an eyebrow. "And what do you think?"

"I think she's wrong," Sapphire said, meeting Amara's gaze. "But it's still hard, you know? Losing people I thought I could count on."

Amara reached across the table, her fingers brushing against Sapphire's. "You're not losing everyone. I'm still here."

A small smile tugged at Sapphire's lips. "I know. And I'm glad."

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the noise of the school fading into the background.

---

The Night That Changed Everything

Later that evening, Sapphire found herself sitting in her room, staring out the window at the city lights. Her parents were out at another gala, leaving her alone in the sprawling house.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen to see a message from Amara.

Amara: Still awake?

Sapphire: Yeah. Why?

Amara: Come outside.

Frowning, Sapphire grabbed her coat and headed downstairs. When she stepped outside, she found Amara leaning against her motorcycle, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Sapphire asked, crossing her arms to ward off the cold.

"Thought you could use a break," Amara said, tossing her a spare helmet. "Come on."

Sapphire hesitated for only a moment before taking the helmet and climbing onto the bike behind Amara.

The ride through the city was exhilarating, the wind whipping past them as they sped through the empty streets. Sapphire clung tightly to Amara, her heart racing—not from fear, but from the sheer thrill of it all.

They eventually stopped at a secluded overlook, the city lights stretching out below them like a sea of stars.

"Wow," Sapphire said, taking in the view. "I didn't even know this place existed."

"Not many people do," Amara said, leaning against the railing. "It's my secret spot."

Sapphire turned to her, a small smile playing at her lips. "You brought me to your secret spot? I'm honored."

Amara chuckled. "Don't get used to it, princess."

They stood in silence for a while, the night air cool but not uncomfortable. Then Sapphire spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Why me?"

Amara glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"Out of everyone, why did you choose me?"

Amara's expression softened, and she stepped closer, her gaze locking with Sapphire's. "Because you're not like anyone else. You pretend to be, but I see through it. You're strong, but you're also vulnerable. You're real, Sapphire. And I've never wanted anyone the way I want you."

Sapphire's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest.

Before she could respond, Amara closed the distance between them, her lips capturing Sapphire's in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was fierce, passionate, and consuming, leaving Sapphire breathless.

When they finally pulled apart, Sapphire's cheeks were flushed, her lips tingling.

"I… I don't know what to say," she admitted.

"Then don't say anything," Amara murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Sapphire's face. "Just stay here with me."

And so they did, the city lights shining below them as they lost themselves in each other.