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Him and Her
One Shot
And this is when I met you. . .
I was exasperated.
No, I was aggravated beyond disbelief to the point of two choices: laugh at the stupidity of it all or sharpen a knife for the kill. Maybe I should do the former first, and then follow up with the latter. Then I would be totally satisfied.
I inwardly cried out in anger before I forced myself to relax my posture. Okay, this was no time to freak out and start planning the way you’ll murder him, I told myself, taking in a calm breath and counting to ten. Just . . . calm . . . down . . .
“Are you done looking constipated so I can tell you to get the hell out of my sight?” his bored tone said from across the table.
I wanted to murder him with that pen he was holding. Grinding my teeth together, I opened my eyes and flashed him my most patient and all-together smile, when I really wanted to jump over the table and punch that bloody smirk off his goddamn face.
Fine, so there wasn’t really a smirk, but I can so sense his arrogance. Anyone (if in the room) could literally feel it bouncing off his form. One of the things I highly disliked about Austin Riaz. You think that the cliché stopped in high school, but alas, it just wouldn’t die, like I thought it would once we graduate. No, instead it had to follow you and stab you in the back when you aren’t looking.
Not that I’m living a cliché, mind you. I’m just saying, this stupid raisin a few feet away from me practically fills in all the requirements for your typical bad ass player. I know. Gag me, right?
“You’re glaring,” the dark haired boy pointed out flatly. “If you want to kill me so bad, what’s stopping you?”
So breathtakingly annoying. . .
I lifted my deadly glare to his face.
Well, if he’s offering. . .
Realizing my expression, I quickly wiped it off my face and placed my most charming smile on my face. I can’t hurt you, you stupid cow, because you’re my goddamn boss’s son . . . That and the fact that you’re physically stronger than me. Oh cruel Fate, why?
“Look,” I began calmly, “I know you don’t like this predicament. But we have to do this, okay?”
From across the table, I saw the way his jaw tightened as he glared at me once more. Ah, I think I’m getting used to it. I mean, it has been thirty minutes; enough time for him to glare at me and get myself accustomed to the way his eyes blazed as if he was mentally picturing you dead in his mind. . .
Not a comforting thought, but at least I’m immune to it, right? I adjust to things pretty quickly.
“Why the hell would my father send me a babysitter!” he snapped, not for the first time.
I hid my wince carefully. Jeeze, talk about anger management. . .
“You’ve just gotten out of an accident, Mr. Riaz,” I said calmly, trying to sooth him with my wonderful voice (ahem). “He knows that you’re never in bed and you’re constantly doing paper work when you should be resting,” I said, giving him a pointed look as my eyes swept over his entire desk covered with paper. “I’m here to make sure you get some rest; I am not a babysitter.”
“Like hell,” he spat. “Tell my father I am fully capable of taking care of myself, alone, and without someone watching over me. As you can see, I am perfectly fine.”
“I’ve been given strict rules to stay in your household until I get you to sleep,” I said in a clear, calm tone. “The faster you get resting, the faster you get rid of me.”
“Get out.” His expression was deadly calm and I was tempted to do as he was told. Seriously, try looking into those steel grey eyes; they were so emotionless.
“I stand by the orders given to me,” I replied back, determined.
His lips pulled into a sneer. “Fine,” he said curtly before he turned back to the paper work on his desk and multitasked by doing something on his laptop.
I inhaled sharply. He was just so stubborn I wanted to slap him silly. How hard was lying in bed and resting? Seriously? I shifted in my seat, my eyes sweeping over his face. He had the rough look of a boy who’s been through a lot in life, and that’s saying a lot since he’s only . . . What? Twenty three? That cold barrier he has up made itself known to me the instant I walked into his office to find him bent over his desk, muttering to himself. When he looked up at me with those murderous eyes I was sure I’d turn and flee for my life.
Surprisingly, I stayed rooted to my spot. He certainly knows how to look intimidating.
I’ve heard a lot about him in the company, especially from young women who worked there. I, of course, having only started about a year ago, haven’t seen him in my life until now. They say he likes to lock himself in his office until someone has to literally drag him out. I figure him to be those career obsessed men who had nothing else to do in life. Apparently, I’m pretty sure my assumption is correct so far. He had just gotten out of a car accident and he’s working.
Insane. The man had to be insane.
A sudden gasp escaped my lips when I caught sight of his chest. This also seemed to gain his attention because he looked up sharply from his work to focus his apparent annoyed gaze on my form. Ignoring the look, I firmly locked my gaze on the red stain making itself known on his shirt. “You’re bleeding,” I informed him flatly, trying to keep the concern out of my voice.
At that information, he looked down at his chest before shrugging and proceeded to continue his typing.
What was he, an idiot? Glaring at his form, I rose from my seat and boldly made my way around his desk and straight to where he was planted. I stared at his head for a moment as he ignored my presence. Maybe he didn’t know I was there, or maybe he just didn’t bother wasting time and energy on paying attention to people like me . . . Either way, I was going to make myself known whether he liked it or not.
I cleared my throat. “Mr. Riaz, I need to attend to your wound.”
No reply.
Um, okay. Another tactic. “Seriously, sir, it’s bleeding rather badly.”
Silence. Ugh, what an annoying twit.
Annoyed, I poked his back without thinking. “Look, do you want to bleed to death while you’re typing on your laptop?”
His hands paused for a fraction of a second before resuming its swift pace.
I inwardly moaned. “Mr. Riaz, seriously, you’re acting rather immature. I just need to rewrap those bandages and check if they’re all right.”
My only response was the vague sound of keys being pressed.
Well, screw you, too.
Without saying anything, I whirled his chair around and looked at him straight in the eye. His eyes seemed to hold nothing, but his surprise was evident by the way it widened ever so slightly. I took in a calm breath. “I really don’t want to be blamed and thrown in jail for your stupid acts that lead to your death, okay? So just listen to me and get up so I treat your goddamn wounds,” I clenched out.
He stared at me, and from the looks of it, it seemed as if he was calculating my face. I frowned inwardly. What the hell was up with him? After a moment or two, he lifted his hands up and, astonishingly, he pushed me away.
Okay, let me say that again.
He pushed me away.
Not forcibly, but enough to have me stumbling. It was probably due to the surprise that entered my system that he actually was bold enough to do that. He looked up at me, almost arrogantly, before turning back calmly and went on with life as if nothing had happened. Me? Well, I’m still looking like that idiot that’s standing behind his chair.
I took in a deep breath and mentally hardened my guard. Well, this was going to be harder than I expected. . .
Just what the hell was my father thinking of sending someone to take care of me? Seriously, I really would love to know. Sure, I got into a stupid car accident, but I’m alive, aren’t I? Shouldn’t he be happy that I’m at least well enough to start reading and signing documentaries? But no. Instead, he sends me a girl.
I am twenty three, damnit!
I do not need someone to watch over my every move; someone who will tell me what to do and when.
Especially not by an annoying female who thinks she knows everything. Did she not know who I was? Does she not know what I’m capable of with my bare hands? Surely she’s heard all those rumours about me . . . Annoying, but they work to keep aggravating people like her off my backs.
God, and it didn’t help that she was so damn gorgeous either.
Way to go, dad.
I couldn’t wait to have a lovely conversation with him. Really.
I stole a quick dismissive glance to my right and saw her staring hard at the floor from where she had now placed herself at instead of behind my chair. Her dark hair was tied up into a high pony tail that swished with every step she took (not that I noticed. . .) and her eyes were the most beautiful shade of green I have ever seen.
Apparently I haven’t seen much around the world.
Resisting the urge to sigh aloud in annoyance, I narrowed my gaze fiercely as I forced his train of thought to take a different track. Though, really, it was a difficult task to complete with the most stubborn woman that dare argue with me, just standing a few feet to my right. . .
Yes, I would enjoy a little conversation with my father about sending random people to my house unexpectedly.
Especially green eyed ones.
This was just wonderful.
He was glaring at me.
Austin Riaz was glaring at me.
What the hell did I ever do to him, besides offer him my help for his bleeding wounds?!
I shifted, trying to seem as if I was looking interestedly at the marble floor. In reality, I felt extremely uncomfortable. His grey eyes just piercing through me . . . as if he was trying to see right through my soul . . . Or mentally burning me with those daggers of his. What did I do?
Clearing my throat, I decided to casually lift my gaze up and ‘accidentally’ meet his gaze. Yes, that was a brilliant move. Doing exactly that, I brought my gaze up, but the unthinkable happened. Oh wonderful, now my eyes are forever locked with his unemotional depths. The only thing I could do now was offer him a weak smile as he narrowed his eyes suspiciously in my direction. Jeeze, I wasn’t going to stab him with my strands of hair or anything.
“What?” I asked defensively, unable to stop the work that escaped my disobedient mouth. I hate you, my evil vocal chords.
He stared at me, his gaze calm and collected. “What?” he shot back, his tone careless.
Grasping onto my last strands of courage, I forced a smile yet again. “I still need to tend to your wounds,” I said politely, pointing at his furious bleeding chest. This man was mad. How can he not feel the pain of the source of his flowing blood?
He stared at me for a moment longer before his eyes flicked down to his chest dismissively. I was afraid that he was going to dismiss me yet again, but he surprised me by shrugging and standing up. “Whatever,” he said, his tone clipped.
Inwardly patting myself on the back at the accomplishment (without getting annoyed), I followed him closely out of his office and towards the bathroom down the hallway. He pushed the door open and stepped in, flicking the lights on, before he heading towards one of the cabinets to pull out his First Aid Kit.
Before he had any chance to do anything, I intervened, stepping between him and the counters to grab hold of the needed items. Turning around, I flashed him a bright smile. “Remove your shirt, please,” I said.
He did so without any sound and I instantly gawked at the sight of his wounded chest. It seemed as if his whole chest was bonded by bandages that reached all the way to his back. Swallowing, I let my gaze run over his bare top. I heard that the accident was bad, but I didn’t think it was that bad when I saw him working at his desk.
Apparently I’m wrong. Why isn’t he in the hospital?
I voiced my last thought aloud unconsciously, before I realized this and froze. Oh, great. “Uh, I mean, you don’t have to answer that,” I stammered, losing my professional air. So much for acting calm and collected. It didn’t matter anyway; it wasn’t like he was doing such a good job at it himself.
Not surprised, he didn’t answer. Carefully hiding the hurt at being ignored (I usually wasn‘t ignored . . . I‘m rather sweet, really), I busied myself by telling him easily to sit on the closed toilet seat and proceeded to place gloves on my hands before I removed the soaked bandages. Disposing them in the garbage can near me, I bend to inspect his wounds with my medical eye.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he said, his voice lazy.
“Yes,” I said immediately, suddenly peeved that he didn’t think I was capable enough to be tending to his body. Oh, please. I’ve done this a thousand times. Plus, it’s only re-bandaging his wounds.
After fifteen minutes of complete and utter silence, I stepped back and admired the work. It didn’t last long, though, when he abruptly stood up and headed out of my sight. Staring after his form with a look of stupidity on my face, it took me a moment to regain my senses, and followed after him.
He wasn’t only annoying . . . He was extremely rude as well.
Stepping into my room, I headed straight towards my drawers and pulled out a black shirt before slipping it over my head. Ignoring the light footsteps that stopped at the entrance of my room, I shut my drawer and turned; my intention was to complete the work that I had begun.
Of course, for me to be able to do that, I would have to go through the door.
Which she happened to close right about now.
I couldn’t stop the glare that made itself to my face. “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked rather rudely. Well, who cared. This was my house, okay? She can’t be closing doors like that as if they belonged to her.
It seemed she was unaffected by my blazing aura of fury and glare since she just flashed me a bright, perky smile. Jesus, what I would give to wipe that off. It was extremely annoying. “I’m reinforcing my orders,” she informed my breezily as she stayed rooted to the spot in front of my door.
My glare deepened when I caught that glint in her eyes. She knew she was frustrating me . . . And she was damned well enjoying it.
Hum. . . my thoughts mused. Very refreshing.
I had to agree, but that didn’t make it less irritating. I needed to get back to work.
“Move,” I said tersely. I was not in the mood to play games.
“Can’t,” she said almost instantly.
“This is not your house.” What was her name again?
“I know,” she said simply, not in the least affected by the way my eyes blazed. She was stepped on my last nerves and she probably didn’t know it. I really needed to control my anger. It was really distracting at times.
Not lowering my gaze, I began to walk towards her in my confident manner. She just stared at me passively, not moving her position at all. I stopped right in front of her and looked down, realizing that she was about a head shorter than I was. I inwardly snorted. How can she stand up to me? She obviously didn’t know exactly who she was arguing with right now.
“I’m not in the mood to play games,” I informed her lowly. “Move your ass before I do it myself.”
I saw her narrow her eyes before it was gone in a flash. Instead, she flashed me a patient smile. That nearly sent my fist flying to the nearest wall. She was so damn aggravating. “I will,” she said. “After you take a short break. C’mon, a nap at least?”
My face hardened. “No.”
Her eyebrows shot up as she regarded me coolly. “And why not?”
I pressed down a growl. “Maybe because I don’t feel like it?”
“Bullshit,” she said flatly. “Your stance and the way your eyes look clearly tell me that you’re tired. You’re over exerting yourself and we don’t want that,” she reprimanded.
I couldn’t stop the growl that emitted from my throat when she used that tone on me. No one uses that tone with me and gets away with it. No one.
But she means well, a voice suddenly said inside my head thoughtfully. I resisted the urge to strangle something. What the hell did I just think?
Others that use that tone with you is mocking you, but she actually means well.
Stupid. Why do I have to listen to you?
. . . Because I am you?
. . . Screw you.
“Well?” I heard her impatient voice that snapped me out of my reverie. She looked up at me, determination written across her pretty face and for the first time in my life, I felt myself change my mind all because of that look.
What.
The.
Hell.
Covering up my obvious momentary lapse, I placed a scowl on my face but agreed to lie down for a short while as I shot a glare at the sudden grin that came on her face. “It’s not because you asked,” I muttered, trying to ignore the way her eyes sparkled with satisfaction and triumph (she so did not win anything), “I’m only lying down because I can’t breathe. You wrap bandages horribly.”
Her sudden glare was amusing; the way her eyes kept twinkling, but this time for an entirely different reason as she focused her narrowed eyes in my direction. I had to turn my head away from her line of vision to hide the smirk that threatened to come on my face. Well, wasn’t she easily provoked. . .
Speak for yourself, that annoying voice grumbled.
Ignoring that voice, I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling, trying my best to keep my eyes wide open. I was well aware of the fact that the green eyed woman was at the end of my queen sized bed, watching me carefully before she averted her eyes elsewhere, as she, I presume, waited for me to fall asleep.
Pft, not going to happen, I thought, not noticing the way my eyelids began to grow heavy.
Even as my mind told me to get up, my body just wouldn’t obey, and I soon found myself drifting into the Land of Nod. Surrounded with the scent of strawberries and the fresh scent of air as if it just finished raining . . . I fell asleep.
Infuriated from the start. . .
Two weeks went by after that incident. Safe to say I was rather ecstatic to find him sleeping. I had finally gotten him to bed! And all it took was one glare . . . Haha, woo. But anyway, I left him after I pulled a blanket over his body and tiptoed quietly out of his room and out of his condo, making sure to lock the door behind me. I made it home, with extra time to spare, before I had work the next day. Needless to say, I didn’t see him anymore after that, despite the fact that we worked in the same building.
Of course, until now.
“I . . . am . . . so . . . sorry . . .” I breathed out slowly as I watched my coffee drip from the unidentified man’s rather expensive looking shirt. I was in a hurry to get a folder dropped off at Anita’s office, and in my haste (and stupidity), I had turned the corner sharply, unaware of maybe the slightest chance of me bumping into someone else. And, oh. Would you look at that . . . Karma just hates me, you know?
I had forgotten all about my cup of coffee I held in my other hand.
My brain finally kicking into gear, I continuously began to apologize, unaware of the people staring at me as if I was insane, and unaware of who I exactly bumped into.
“It’s okay,” an irritated voice said, trying to shake my hands off. “It’s no big. . .” his words died and so did mine as we simultaneously looked up and our eyes locked. “It’s you,” he finished, his voice clear.
I gulped unconsciously. Oh, kill me now.
“Mr. Riaz,” I stammered. “I am so sorry. I swear it was a total accident and—”
“It’s fine,” he interrupted.
It wasn’t and he damn well knew it.
Ugh, cue my unhealthy guilty conscience. I feel guilty over the tiniest things, it’s pathetic.
I stood in silence as I helplessly watched him rub his sticky hands on his pants, and I suddenly noticed the way everyone was gawking in our direction. I instantly felt my face flame. This wasn’t good. He is the my boss’s son . . . But he does share the company as well. He might as well fire me now.
“I’ll pay you back!” I found myself blurting out as the idea popped into my mind. “I’ll buy you back your ruined clothes, and I’ll buy you a cup of coffee. . .” I laughed nervously, “Oh, but you wouldn’t want that now I gave you a reason to hate it, would you?”
I was an idiot. I deserve to be punched.
Mr. Riaz stopped what he was doing, long enough to raise his head and cock in eyebrow in my direction as if mentally asking why on earth I was so stupid. Clearing my throat (and trying to cool my face), I tucked my folder under my arm as I took napkins in my pocket (that was originally for the coffee I had been holding. . .) and timidly reached up to wipe the coffee trail dripping from his chin and down his neck.
I can so feel everyone’s eyes on me.
I felt my face flame up even more when people began to whisper around us. I closed my eyes briefly in horror. Dear God, just end it now. I cannot stand public humiliation. If it were with someone else, I could take it. But with my boss’s son?
I wanted to flee and never return.
Gulping, I opened my eyes. Suddenly, I saw the way his lips twitched . . . As if he was trying to suppress a smirk. . .
But his eyes clearly told me, for the first time, what he was thinking: You’re an amusing klutz.
What?
“I . . . am . . . so . . . sorry . . .” the voice in front of me breathed from the idiotic person who bumped into me and spilt coffee all over my shirt. She sounded absolutely horrified that I felt a tinge of satisfaction. Damnit, I just got this yesterday, too. Irritated and downright pissed off, I began to check the folder I held in my hands, making sure that they were still dry. Good. If they were wet . . . God, I don’t even want to think about it. I spent too much nights working on this shit for it to be redone all over again.
“Holy crap, fark . . .” she muttered under her breath, obviously not wanting to swear. I almost chuckled, but my irritation covered most of my amusement. “I’m sorry; seriously, I am so sorry!” she stammered, wiping coffee off my shoulder blade which, really, was stupid since it’ll just seep into my clothes. Ugh, idiot.
. . . And she’s still talking. Can’t she just shut up? “It’s okay,” I stated, slightly peeved as I tried to push her hand off, my eyes still not meeting hers. “It’s no big. . .” I started to say, hoping she’ll get over it and walk away before I had the chance to lash out in absolute fury. I had no sleep whatsoever last night. I lifted my gaze and the words died at the back of my throat as my eyes locked with the emerald eyes from two weeks ago. I stared at her for a split second longer before I regained my senses. “It’s you,” I said, my voice sounding odd to my own ears.
What the hell was wrong with me?
She stared at me, her jaw dropping slightly (I knew for a fact that she didn’t even know this) as her eyes widened considerably. She almost looked . . .comical.
“Mr. Riaz,” she began to sputter. I barely stopped myself from raising an eyebrow in her direction. “I am so sorry. I swear it was a total accident and—”
Ugh, there’s that s word again.
“It’s fine,” I interrupted. And it really was. Surprisingly, I slowly felt all anger slipping out of my body slowly as I continued to stare at her face calculatingly, as if deciphering exactly why I feel this was. Why wasn’t I glaring angrily at her? I should’ve been done threatening her and was on my way towards God knows where.
But instead, I’m standing here, as if I wanted the moment to last forever. . .
As if registering for the first time, I felt the stickiness of the coffee and began to wipe it on my pants, not caring anymore. I could always change, and it didn’t really matter since . . . Yeah, whatever. Frowning slightly when I glanced at my hand, I resisted the urge to sigh. I had to drag my ass to the washroom and wash this all off. Mind you, I am extremely lazy.
“I’ll pay you back!” she suddenly cried out as if the idea just came to mind and she happened to blurt it out without thinking. But it seemed as if she actually meant it. Was she serious? “I’ll buy you back your ruined clothes, and I’ll buy you a cup of coffee. . .” She laughed nervously, “Oh, but you wouldn’t want that now I gave you a reason to hate it, would you?”
Whoa, she was. I slowed my movements and lifted my eyes to meet her before I raised my eyebrows. This was a first. Didn’t she know I’m loaded and I could pay for my own clothing? Usually girls would just brush it off when or if they broke something, assuming that I’d pay for it since I had my own money . . . Which was true. But would it kill them to offer? I mean, they were the ones who broke it.
Women.
A strange look crossed over my face. Well, she was definitely female, I mused, my eyes running appreciatively (yet discreetly) over her body.
She cleared her throat and my eyes came back into focus, just in time to see her reach into her pocket, pull out a napkin . . . And reach over to . . . wipe . . . my . . . face.
I felt surprise slam me but I avidly hid it as I watched her face carefully. I saw the dark shade of pink painted on her cheeks as her eyes determinedly focused on my neck, wiping the trail of coffee I didn’t even notice was there. I calmed my body. And her scent wasn’t helping me either. Ugh, what the blood was wrong with me?
Then I heard the whispers start. Of course they would whisper, you moron, I thought, rolling my eyes. This was one of the few times I came out of my office since I didn’t trust anyone else to deliver these papers to my father, other than myself. Truth is, the only reason I didn’t take a step into the halls were because of conversations I had to endure. Trust me, it was hard to even go to the next door without being stopped by a person or two. So I just resorted in staying in my safety zone.
I became alert once again when I felt her pause over my chin. Looking down, I saw the redness of her cheeks and I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged my lips. As if noticing this, she lifted her eyes and caught my grin and the message from my eyes, silently telling her that she was rather amusing, if not clumsy.
I resisted the urge to chuckle lowly at the disbelief that ran through her eyes. Deciding that the witness’s have seen enough, I reached forward with my free (non-sticky) hand and wrapped my hand around her wrist. She looked at me blankly for a moment, but before I gave her time to say anything, I began to drag her away from the gawking crowd.
“Come with me,” I muttered lowly, my voice holding no room for argument. Heh, I had that affect on people.
“What the hell are you doing?” she whispered heatedly, her eyes darting around her. “Let me go!”
. . . Okay, some people. Obviously she didn’t count.
I tightened my grip on her wrist for a moment before relaxing my grip, not bothering to reply. I dragged her up the stairs, down the hallway (ignoring the looks of other people) and finally made it back to my office. Of course, the whole time she’s been trying to break out of my grasp (but failing miserably mind you). She was muttering incoherently under her breath (which I found rather amusing) and pushed her into my office and closed the door with a ‘click’ behind my form.
We stood in silence as I watched her face with a neutral expression, while she glared at me furiously. Huh, an interesting turn of events. I’ve always been known as that dark, mysterious, yet irresistibly sexy guy at the back of the room just observing everything. Not that I’m boasting . . . Okay, so I’m a guy. You can’t blame me, seriously. If I wanted a girl, I would just need to beckon them with a finger (or easily as a look) and they would willingly come.
But not her. Never her. And I didn’t even know her name.
“What’s your name?” I asked abruptly, trying to keep the curious tone out of my voice. She didn’t need to know that I actually wanted to know. That would make me seem . . . eager. And Austin Riaz never acted eager. It was usually the other way around.
Stupid girl; why can’t she be like everyone else?
Her glare never seemed to waver. “I already told you,” she answered me stiffly, her eyes darting from my face and to the door I seemed to block. Hah, how did you like it when someone blocked your only path out? Sucker.
I regarded her dismissively. “It slipped my mind. Care to enlighten me?”
I swear the arrogance in my words were inevitable.
Her eyes narrowed and I found myself becoming amused. “Not particularly,” she answered me carefully.
My eyebrows raised up ever so slightly and I saw her stiffen. A rebel, aren’t we? “Really,” I drawled, slowly advancing in her direction. She seemed to notice this because her whole frame froze on the spot. I found it for the most part amusing, yet annoying. What the hell was she so scared of?
I stopped right in front of her, and not for the first time, noticing how much shorter she was from me. I looked down and my eyes inevitably locked with her green ones. I found myself staring. Damn. I could get lost in those green eyes and not give a damn about anything else. I was well aware of the way she tried to take a step back, but I just followed her movements. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out.
I suddenly smirked, my eyes twinkling. I lifted my hand to cup the side of her face, inwardly pleased when she didn’t make a move to pull away at my touch. My eyes slowly dragged down and I found myself staring at her lips.
Oh, damn. This wasn’t good. Fuck you, Austin. Are you stupid? Look away NOW.
“What the hell are you doing,” she repeated her words from earlier, but they didn’t hold the same conviction they had once before. I was glad for the interruption, but slightly peeved before I mentally gave myself a swift kick to the ass. What the hell was I going for? A kiss?
That doesn’t sound too bad, a voice popped into my head out of no where.
Reluctantly, but unavoidably, I had to agree that it was right.
“What’re you doing?” she repeated and this time tried to step back but I stopped her without even thinking it. She looked up, her eyes wide with disbelieving shock and her mouth hung open. We just stood there, staring at each other before she seemed to gain her senses faster than I could. Her scent was making me dizzy. “This is an invasion of personal space,” she said, her eyes searching mine with narrowed eyes. “I suggest you let go.”
A lazy grin came to my face. “You weren’t protesting before.”
“Yes I was,” she shot back, her face hardening.
My smirk grew. Feisty, this one.
“Were you really?” I breathed, leaning close to her face; loving the way her cheeks flamed a brilliant red that made her look breathtakingly gorgeous. The fact that she doesn’t even show off her beauty (or is even aware of it, for that matter) makes her even more appealing.
Dear Lord, I have officially gone insane. Obviously I’ve been without a girl for way too long.
“Austin, what’s going on?”
Shit.
Quickly dropping my hand to my side, I vaguely registered the fact the way the girl in front of me had her mouth hanging open before she closed her eyes in embarrassment. Smirking inwardly at that, I casually turned my head to see the person who had dare entered my safety zone. Once I caught sight of who it was, I rolled my eyes skyward. Oh, really. Who else would it be? “Gerald,” I greeted my best friend flatly.
The blonde stared at me for a moment before a slow smirk appeared on his face as he took in the scene. I glared at him threateningly, silently warning him not to start anything. But he ignored me as he practically glided over to where we were standing. Oh, sweet God. What did I ever do to deserve this?
. . . You know, besides all those other things where I beat people . . . curse their existence . . . and basically hurt them with my words. Haha?
Excluding all those times, I am such an angel it’s not even funny.
And this is where we all say ‘Ruhiiight. . .’
“And who is this?” Gerald grinned charmingly, moving close to the distracting female in front of me. I narrowed my eyes calmly in his direction, hoping that he’ll feel the burn of my daggers and step away now. Gerald took her hand, turned it over and gave it a light feathery kiss that made me have the sudden urge to knock his head against the nearest wall. What was he doing?
Much to my relief, she narrowed her eyes in his direction for a split second before flashing him a hesitant smile. God, this girl was bipolar. Why wouldn’t she just express what she was feeling? “Hi. . .” she answered slowly.
Gerald never faltered. “What’s your name, babe?”
Babe? Babe?
BABE?
Something weird twisted in my gut as I focused my deadly glare on my supposedly best friend. No, I should renounce him to a pile of dirt. He doesn’t deserve to be called my best friend. Best friends would know when you stop their stupid flirting, which, I have the need to add, he is not. Trying to calm my . . . resentful feelings towards my best friend, I inhaled a calm breath, but that didn’t stop the feeling of wanting to smack him across the head for what on earth he’s doing.
Okay, so I’m not calm. You can’t blame me.
“I’m Grace,” she answered, giving him a wry look.
I turned to her, momentarily forgetting my urge to hurt Gerald. Grace, huh?
“You’re not very graceful,” I couldn’t help but say.
She turned to me sharply, her emerald eyes sharp and looking ready for the kill. Instead of scaring me, I found myself feeling more amused by the second. No one usually glared at Austin Riaz, if you know what I mean. They’d probably be too scared, or distracted by my sexiness (leaning more towards the female population). But here I have Grace glaring at me as if she wanted to stick a pen up my ass.
I winced at that thought. Not very comforting.
“I said I was sorry,” she grinded out through clenched teeth. Clearly she was annoyed. Maybe her guiltiness slipped away?
“You also said you would buy me a new set of clothes,” I reminded her, not really wanting her to do that. I just wanted to see where this was going.
She stared at me with her eyes widening and the look of guilt washed over her face. I instantly wanted to take my words back.
“Yeah, I was going to ask about that. . .” Gerald mused from beside us. My eyes landed on him watching us through guarded, careful eyes. Huh, I forgot he was there for a second. “What happened to you?” he asked, directing his amused question towards me.
I looked down at my stained clothing and shrugged. “Spilt coffee.”
“It was my fault,” Grace said uncomfortably, looking regretful. She directed her stare to me, a hint of apology in her smile; all traces of annoyance was gone. “I’ll buy you new clothes. Just tell me where you got those and—”
I raised an eyebrow, not believing what the hell she was saying. “I was just playing.”
She stared at me before opening her mouth to protest. “No, I—”
“No, seriously. I was playing.”
This time, she glared at me. “I said I would buy you new clothes.”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I can just wash it,” I explained flatly.
She shook her head determinedly. “That’s white; it’ll leave an ugly stain. I’m going to buy you new clothes, okay?” she insisted, glaring at me to add effect. “You will accept it graciously and say thank you and forgive my act of stupidity, all right?”
I stared at her incredulously.
“Whoa,” Gerald mused. “Someone who’s willing to buy clothes for Austin Riaz.”
I nodded in agreement. “You’re an idiot,” I told her as if I was stating a fact.
Her face flushed with anger and I found a slow smile tugging my lips. “I am not an idiot,” she nearly yelled before calming herself. She straightened herself, placing a professional look on her face as her aura shifted into something more serious. I had to turn my chuckle into a cough. I smirked at her when she focused her narrowed eyes in my direction. “Now if you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I must be off,” she said breezily and practically ran out of my office.
I stared at the opened door for a moment or two before laughing. I heard Gerald chuckle next to me before he grew silent. Noticing his stare, I turned to him, raising an eyebrow in his direction. He regarded me with an unreadable look before a slow grin came to his face and I instantly didn’t like where this was going. Whenever he smiled like that it was never a good sign.
“You’re smiling,” he said simply as if those two words explained everything.
I glared him down.
His grin grew. “You’ve never laughed aloud in a long time, Riaz,” he explained.
I went on defence. “Yeah, so?”
“So that means she means something to you,” he said slyly and I felt my heart hammer before returning back to its pace. What the hell? Was he on crack or something? How the hell can Grace mean something to me when this was the second time I’ve actually spoken to her? As if noticing my thoughts, Gerald smirked. Great. “It’s called magnetism,” he said.
I stared at him dully. “What?”
He rolled his eyes. “My friend, you’ve been without a girl for too long. I can practically feel your sparks from down the hallway!” he exclaimed exaggeratedly.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure,” I muttered. Though at the same time, I couldn’t help but smirk on the look of absolute fury in her eyes.
There was no point in denying it. . . I couldn’t wait until my next encounter with a certain green eyed girl.
He called me an idiot.
The moronic cow called me an idiot! Can you believe that?!
Growling under my breath as I shifted the folder under my arm, I decided that maybe it was a good thing that I spilt my coffee over his la-dee-da expensive looking shirt. I mean, he was the one that called me an idiot. No one called me an idiot and got away with it, damnit! I exhaled and ran a hand through my hair. Okay, Grace. Keep calm.
Guilt began to kick in.
I winced, quickening my pace to Anita’s office. Oh this was just brilliant. I was feeling lousy thanks to him. It’s not my fault that he suddenly wanted to walk and turn the corner of that hallway. He didn’t have to do that. He could get his little minions to carry him to wherever he wanted to do. My opinion of him suddenly went down right about now.
Slightly.
. . . Okay, so maybe not. I’m trying to find a reason to dislike him, okay? Then I wouldn’t have to wallow in my guilt. Urg, why me?
Maybe I am an idiot, I mused to myself thoughtfully. I was the one that spilled coffee all over him . . . If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t have had that . . . encounter in his office.
I immediately felt my face flame as I closed my eyes in horror. My God, just what on earth was going through that boy’s mind? He was so damn close I was afraid I’d fall. He smelled so damn good and he probably knew it, using it to his advantage. Or maybe it was just me. Either way, that made me uncomfortable.
And excited? a voice piped.
My eyes shot opened at that and my mouth dropped into an O. What? What? Excited?! Yeah, right. For what? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard in my life!
I mumbled incoherently under my breath. But still . . . His eyes were gorgeous. They weren’t the same hard steel eyes I saw two weeks ago. This time, they held something. I frowned, cocking my head to one side. I saw curiosity . . . And something else I couldn’t decipher.
Really, it was hard to focus on one thing when he suddenly touched my face.
Grrr. . . Stupid hormones. I can so live life without you.
“Grace!” a voice exclaimed from in front of me. I blinked, my eyes focusing back to reality and I saw Anita’s face. “I was waiting for you. What happened?”
“I’m sorry,” I said, handing her the folder, trying not to seem too guilty. My conscience will literally be the death of me. “I got sidetracked and . . .”
“Oh, it’s all right,” she said, smiling at me. “Thanks, by the way. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Telling her it wasn’t a problem, we parted ways as I tried to distract my mind by doing something else.
Just admit it, my conscience taunted my gleefully. He is FINE.
I winced, quickening my pace to wherever my legs would lead me. Just please stop that train of thought!
Not to mention his sexy attitude. . . I don’t know why on earth you’re trying to ignore it. I mean, you saw that look in his eyes!
Shut up!
Never!
Groaning, I realized that maybe the voice was right. I was going insane, so maybe whatever I thought is deathly far from the truth. But I’m not blind. From the first moment I stepped into his study at his condo, his facial features and body struck me hard.
That smirk of his should be against the law, I thought to myself dryly. Why did he have to be so damn gorgeous?
Sighing to myself at the unfairness of it all, I headed back towards my own office.
But I found myself falling. . .
I heaved a sigh to myself as I locked my office door, taking note of how the hallways were all empty as the moonlight lit it with a dark hue of blue. I yawned tiredly and dragged my body down the stairs. It was two o’clock in the morning . . . Or night. Whichever way you wanted to look at it. I had to stay in to finish some papers that were biting my ass this past week and if I didn’t get it done by tomorrow (which is technically today) . . . I would stop giving a shit. My attention span didn’t last that long, if you hadn’t noticed.
Yawning again, I grumbled under my breath at the idea of just sleeping on my desk when I heard light footsteps descending down the near by staircase. I frowned, quickly growing alert. All I know is that not a lot of people stayed this late, and even if they did, they were never in this part of the building. I considered on who it might be, not noticing the tiny body that suddenly stepped in front of me and bumped right into my chest.
“Oh for damn’s. . .” a female voice cursed as I heard the thud, of which I presume her body as she landed on the floor.
I stared at the dark figure, losing my awareness. She obviously wasn’t a threat. What the hell was she doing here?
“Who’s there?” she suddenly asked, jumping to her feet when I shifted slightly. Hm, keen hearing she has. She stepped forward, successfully knocking into my once again. My lips twitched. This was kind of funny. She stumbled backwards, cursed under her breath and finally looked up at me. At that time, the clouds parted as the moonlight lit the hallway and I suddenly found myself inches away from emerald eyes.
A smirk began to tug at my lips at the luck I’m having. Oh this was just delicious. “It’s you,” I greeted, my smirk growing.
She looked at me, obviously shocked. “What’re you doing here?”
I chuckled lowly. “I work here,” I told her with a shrug. “What are you doing here?”
She stared at me for a moment longer. “I work here, too,” she answered her tone wry.
We stood there, staring at each other before she abruptly stiffened, as if realizing exactly what she was doing, and took a giant step back. I narrowed my eyes at this before I shrugged it off. I raised an eyebrow in her direction when she began to pointedly stare hard at the ground. “I got your package,” I said, trying to fill in the silence, which surprised me. I wasn’t the one that had to fill in the silence, it was usually the girl that I was with.
Grace looked up and I saw the relief in her eyes. “Oh, good. I didn’t think it reached you,” she said. “It’s your size, right?” she asked clearly, raising an eyebrow in my direction. “If it isn’t, just give it back to me and I’ll change it,” she said, shrugging as if it was nothing.
I just continued to stare at her. I was surprised, actually. When I received the package and saw that it was from Grace, I began to have feelings that maybe it was a bomb or something. She didn’t exactly part on happy terms the last time in my office. But then I decided to stop being a paranoid pussy and opened it up. I found myself staring at the collared shirt for at least five minutes, trying to comprehend exactly what I was seeing.
“It is,” I told her, my voice sounding strange to my ears.
She breathed out. “All right.” She shifted and looked up at me.
I thought she was going to pin me with a glare or something, but instead she surprised me by smiling. It struck me hard. It was a genuine smile that lit up her whole face with her eyes sparkling and all that. Needless to say, it took my breath away. Literally.
“Well,” she said, hesitating slightly before stepping back. “Goodnight, Mr. Riaz,” she said and began to walk past me.
I found myself staring at the spot she was just standing at, before I turned around suddenly. “Grace,” I found myself calling out, watching as she slowed down her steps and turned around to raise an eyebrow in my direction.
“Yeah?” she asked expectantly.
I breathed in. Great, why did I call her?
Our eyes locked, and I wanted nothing more to do and take her in my arms and never let go.
Startled at that sudden thought, I shook my head to rid anything that I was about to think. Realizing that she was still looking at me, I offered her a casual smirk as I made a move to turn around to my own direction. “Call me Austin.”
She blinked before a slow smile came to her face and she nodded.
My lips twitched ever so slightly before we both turned around, away from each other and to the opposite direction.
Deeper into your heart. . .
This was insane. Growling at myself, I slammed my cup on my desk and buried my face in my hands. Dear Lord, why was I feeling this way? I exhaled and shook my head disgustedly at myself.
You can’t stop it, a voice piped up in my head.
I growled again. Shut up. No one asked you, okay?
It’s inevitable, anyway.
I groaned, realizing the truth in its words.
“Grace,” a voice said, its voice piercing me right through my soul.
I sucked in a breath. Oh, speak of the devil. . . I lifted my eyes and saw Austin Riaz standing there, smirking at me. I did my best to glare at him, and it wasn’t really hard. I was annoyed. I was aggravated beyond disbelief of the ability he was able . . . to do without even trying. My glare deepened as his smirk grew into a full blown grin. Trust him to be amused by my misery. I hate him so much right now.
“What?” I asked rudely. It’s not like it had anymore effect.
He’s been dropping by my office spontaneously that always left me breathless and wracked, unprepared for his stupid visit. Just because we’ve seen each other, bumped into each other in the hallways, and what not does not mean that he can just suddenly assume that . . .
Anyway. My point is he’s annoying.
He’s annoying? the voice said sceptically. Or are you just annoyed at the way he makes you feel?
I breathed in deeply.
Shut. UP.
He eyed me amusedly. “Are you having an inner battle with yourself?”
“What if I am?” I shot back, flustered but tried my best to hide it. Oh God, can he read minds?
He stared at me for a moment before a lazy grin came on his face. “What if I said I found it sexy?”
I stared at him, horrified.
What?
“Are you stupid?” I found myself blurting out in incredulity.
He chuckled, shaking his head. I sighed, pinning my pout to my desk. Ugh, this was hopeless. There’s no use in denying it since actions speak louder than words. I closed my eyes, leaning back into my chair.
I was falling for Austin Riaz. It was plain and simple as that.
All it took him was a glance or two with those eyes of his, that irresistible smirk and his deep sexy voice. Just like that I found myself falling hard for this stupid boy that annoyed me down to my core. How is that even possible? We didn’t even know each other for three months and already he made me feel so . . . Weird. It was weird. . . But it was in that good way. Like, you want to feel that way. . .
Ugh, does that make sense?
Every time he was near, I found myself growing self-conscious but at the same time, I felt as if I was on fire. Every time I heard his name in the hallway, I would feel my heart leap before I inwardly gave myself a swift kick in the ass (inwardly, of course). I tried to get over him—really, I did—but he would keep showing up! It’s his own damn fault.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “What do you want, Mr. Riaz?” I asked monotonously.
I saw him narrow his eyes. “Don’t call me that.” His voice was calm and deadly.
I rolled my eyes, unaffected. “Mr. Riaz.”
He growled suddenly and took a step into my office, shutting the door behind his form. I glanced at him sharply, watching his every move. I don’t trust myself alone in the same room as him. Who knows? I might beat him so hard that he won’t be able to walk for a month.
In a blink of an eye, Austin was beside my chair. I opened my mouth to say something but he suddenly pulled me up. Stumbling, I found myself falling forward . . . and straight on his chest.
I groaned. Oh for damn’s sake. . .
I felt my cheeks flame and my heart start to beat crazily. This wasn’t good for my health. Seriously, it wasn’t. I narrowed my eyes as I looked up but felt my breath catch when I locked eyes with his grey ones. They certainly weren’t unemotional anymore. His eyes swirled with emotions that went by too fast so I had no hope in comprehending any of them. I sucked in a breath and tried to move back, but he suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
My eyes narrowed and I felt my cheeks flame even more, if that was possible.
Oh, how very bold of him. . .
“What’re you doing?” I hissed.
He didn’t answer; he just continued to stare at me.
Him and his stupid staring-ness. . .
I tried pulling away, but he just tightened his grip. Ugh. Finally realizing that it was futile to resist against his manly strength (stupid masculinity), I relaxed my body and glared at him. Even if I couldn’t get out, I hoped to burn him with my very affecting glares. They could scare people away if I tried hard enough. Really, they could.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” he suddenly asked.
For a second, I’m absolutely thrown. What? “Um. . .” I said, trying to see if it was a trick question. When I realized the deadly serious look on his face, I realized that it was no joke. Not that the question was funny itself, but, you know. “No.”
I felt him visibly relax and I was puzzled. What’s wrong with him? “Then who was that guy?” he asked casually.
“What guy?” I asked, even though I knew who exactly he was talking about. It was that guy that walked out of my office. I guess I was a bit loud when I laughed at his lame joke. His name was Keith and he’s always had a crush on me. I’m not smug or anything, but an idiot could tell he was pining. The fact that he constantly reminds me he likes me, sends me flowers and poems made me believe my fact. Right?
His lips thinned and he literally glared at me once he realized he knew who I was talking about. I couldn’t stop the grin that came on my face. “Damn you, Grace,” he said as he lowered his face. I felt his hot breath on my ear. “You know exactly who I’m talking about.”
Ignoring the butterflies in the pit of my stomach, I laughed it off. “Yeah, I know,” I shrugged. “His name’s Keith,” I told him offhandedly.
“The one who gave you those,” he said, nodding to the bouquet of flowers on the side of my desk. I followed his gaze and nodded. I felt his body start to tense up. That’s when I realized I was still in his arms. I closed my eyes in horror. Oh God.
Clearing my throat, I took a step back but I was suddenly slammed back against his chest. Shocked, I looked up to find him staring right into my eyes. I felt my breath catch. “Austin?”
He held my gaze. It was so intense that I felt my knees start to give out. Thank God he was holding me, for once. “Do you feel anything for him?” he asked seriously.
I looked at him perplexed. Why did he care? “Um. . . What?”
I felt his grip tighten. “Don’t play with me, Grace,” he whispered lowly. My heart began to beat faster, if that was even possible. “Are you attracted to him?”
I gulped. God, why did he have to have eyes like that? “No,” I said, trying to step away from him once again, but the same thing happened.
Jeeze, maybe I should just stop.
“Do you like him?”
I stared at him. “No. . .”
He held my gaze. “Do you like anyone else?”
I swear, he was doing this on purpose. I tried to straighten myself. I was trembling, suddenly knowing where this was going. “No,” I whispered, not noticing the way his face seemed to close in on mine.
A slight smile came on his face. Our noses were almost touching. “Are you sure about that?” he whispered.
I swallowed and nodded.
Oh God, I’m a terrible liar.
She smelt so damn good.
I told myself to keep her at a reasonable length, but the way she looks right now. . . I needed to feel her hugging me. Shaking my head to rid my thoughts, I smiled slightly when I saw her swallow lightly. I guess our close proximity was making her nervous. Heh, I knew I was good, but. . .
Our noses touched. “Are you sure about that?” I asked lowly.
I saw her swallow again and nod. I resisted the urge to chuckle. I’m so sure about that. . .
Well folks, it’s safe to say I’m a goner. I’ve fallen head over heels with this irritating, loud, hot tempered, easily provoked woman. . . And I’m not sure if I could turn back; not sure if I want to turn back.
Gerald is constantly reminding me as well.
What has she done to me?
Not that I’m complaining. I don’t mind, especially when she smiles at me. . . Her smile should be considered a sin. It did things to my heart that I couldn’t explain; something that I would’ve thought as a non existent thing if I hadn’t met her. Heh, and it’s all thanks to my dad. . . I should really start talking to him sometime soon.
I felt her light breath on my lips and my eyes were suddenly drawn it them. I couldn’t look away. Damnit, look away Austin. Right now.
“If I kissed you right now,” I muttered, my eyes meeting hers. They were brilliant and wide, as if shocked at what I just proposed. “What would you do?”
I saw her gulp before she smiled hesitantly and laughed this odd sounding laugh. I resisted the urge to smirk. She was trying to laugh it off. Did I make her that uncomfortable? She averted her eyes and suddenly stepped out of my hold so fast that I didn’t have time to react. She smiled at me, but her eyes didn’t meet mine. At other times, I would be offended and pissed off if someone did this to me, but with her . . . It was just amusing.
Grace cleared her throat. She was about to open her mouth to say something to me but her eyes suddenly turned towards the door. My eyebrow raised as I neutrally turned my head to see what had caught her attention, and I saw Keith standing there, practically gawking at us.
Great. I narrowed my eyes slightly before trying to shrug it off. He was holding a laminated paper and it looked as if he just stopped in mid stride from entering the room.
“Keith!” Grace suddenly exclaimed and my eyes were drawn back to her. She look flustered but she quickly took back her professional air. She was good, I had to give her that. “Wha. . . What’re you doing here?” she asked, smiling at him calmly. Calm my butt.
“I . . .” he trailed off, still staring at me wide-eyed before turning back to Grace and back to me. I stared at him calmly, my amused thoughts not betraying me on my face. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“No.”
Grace suddenly turned her murderous glare to me. “No,” she said, speaking to Keith, but her gaze held mine. “You are not interrupting anything. Am I right, Mr. Riaz?”
“Actually,” I said, overriding her warning tone. She looked like she was about to jump on me and give me a beating. “We were discussing confidential issues that don’t concern you.”
“No,” Grace intervened through grinded teeth. I couldn’t stop myself from flashing her a wide grin. She looked like she really wanted to give me a beating. She turned back to Keith. “He was just telling me he was about to leave. . . Right?”
“Nope,” I said, shrugging.
She took in a calm breath and exhaled quietly before bringing her face up and smiled at me. I suddenly felt myself freeze. That didn’t look too comforting. . . You know, like it was supposed to.
I think I should run away now.
That aggravating prick.
Stupid. What the hell does he think he’s saying?! I continued to stare him down with my daggers, even when Keith had hastily apologized and left my office with practically dust trailing after his form. I took in Austin’s casual yet arrogant stance as he smirked at me from where he was standing. I sucked in a quick breath, mentally counting to ten to calm my nerves.
“What,” I grinded out through clenched teeth, “gives you the right to treat Keith like that?”
“Easy,” he answered breezily. “I’m his boss.”
. . .Ugh.
“Well,” I fumed. “You didn’t have to treat him like . . . Like dirt!”
He raised an eyebrow in my direction. I felt my eyebrow twitch. “How was I treating him like dirt?”
He had the audacity to ask that. I regarded him with daggers before I muttered incoherently under my breath at his stupidity before I calmly walked out of my office. I turned and headed down the hallway, ignoring the looks of people when Austin suddenly came up next to me. I shot him a nasty look before proceeding to ignore his ugly existence.
He scoffed, “You cannot tell me that you’re upset over what I just did?”
Oh, nothing gets past him. Really.
“I am not upset,” I informed him in my most offhand voice.
He chuckled. “Your glare really tells me that,” he said dryly.
Who knew someone that possesses such a murderous glare is really a pain in the ass with a terrible sense of sarcastic humour? I mean, I’m way better than he’ll ever be. Right? Right. Taking in a deep breath, I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I can’t believe I’m actually thinking of something so pointless. I’m usually calm, collected and focused. Jeeze, and then Austin Riaz comes out of no where . . .
I grumbled under my breath. Ruining my train of thought . . . Grr. . .
“Hey,” he said. I looked up at him. “What’re you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” I muttered automatically.
He smirked suddenly and I felt my heart stop . . . Or skip a beat. Anyway, it did something weird. I averted my eyes and turned my head. Jesus, he really should stop smirking. Didn’t I learn my lesson to not fall for guys? Not that I swing the other way . . . And I knew I was falling for Austin . . . But certain memories just scar you. I hate it.
Exes suck.
Well, for my case anyway.
I turned and smiled back at him. “Really,” I said. “How about a cup of coffee?” I suggested.
He stared at me for a moment before he agreed.
Weird one, this girl, I mused as my eyes lingered on the back of her head as she walked forward to the cafeteria of the building. I inwardly made an odd face. Sometimes I’m convinced she has split personalities. With the way she acts . . . And then the different way she responds to things. Then, I shook my head. I keep forgetting she isn’t normal. I mean, she didn’t run away at the sight of my glare, or even when I fully ignored her. Instead, she stayed and practically forced to treat my wounds.
“We’re here,” she announced and turned to grin at me as we stepped in. I had to stop myself from tripping at I stared at her. Seriously, she had no idea what she was doing to me. I flashed her a smirk in return and we both got into line to order something. I felt eyes on me but I easily ignored them. Keh. . . to think that they’ve never seen me outside of a meeting or my office . . .
“So,” I began, looking over the choices. “. . . You actually eat here?”
She shot me a sharp glance. “What’s wrong with the food?”
I held my hand up in surrender. God, talk about snippy. “Nothing. . .” I said, unable to help myself as I wrinkled my nose. “It’s just. . . You eat this stuff?”
SMACK.
“Shit, woman!” I cursed, glaring at her.
She wasn’t even looking at me.
“Hi, can I have one carton of milk and a spicy beef patty?” I saw her ask politely. I stared at her smile as she thanked the person who gave it to her. She turned to me then. “So what do you want?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
I couldn’t tear my gaze from her. “Uh, nothing,” I muttered, forcing myself to look away.
“Oh, don’t listen to him,” Grace said, smiling at the lady who gave us a questionable look. “Can I have a pita please?”
What?
Soon I found myself sitting on one of the cafeteria tables in front of Grace. I scratched the back of my head as I gazed at the pita and bottle of water in front of me. I felt her eyes on me so I looked up. She stared at me. I stared back.
“What?” I asked blankly.
“Eat.”
I frowned. “Excuse me?”
She gave me a look. “Do you want me to give you an example?” she asked, sending me an incredulous look. I shot her a deadly look, not appreciating the fact that she’s mocking me. How dare she mock me? I should walk away right now.
She glared back, before her face relaxed into a grin and she laughed at my expression.
I couldn’t fight the smirk that came to my lips.
Damn, what the hell was going on?
And I could do nothing to stop. . .
“Get away!” I screamed, taking a step back before gasping when I saw him shove Keith. I felt my breath catch when I heard a crack as Keith was shoved roughly against the brick wall before dropping to the ground, unconscious. I swallowed my fear, lifting my eyes to see our attacker.
This was just brilliant. Never would I have thought to be cornered by a lunatic on the loose. Okay, so not literally. I knew him. I sucked in a breath and tried to keep my uncontrollably fear in check. I hissed between my teeth when I put pressure on my foot. I landed roughly on my ankle a while back when we were trying to run away from him.
Him, as in my ex boyfriend.
Okay, so maybe he was a little bit on the insane part.
“What’re you doing here?” I asked, glaring at him as best as I could.
He came out of the shadows. “Looking for you,” he said casually. “You know, I don’t really appreciate it when you walk out on me.”
Oh, for the love of. . .
“You were cheating on me, damn you!” I shrieked, unable to help it. I pushed away the awful pictures in my head when I recalled that memorable (not in a good way) night when I walked into our apartment to see him cuddled next to another woman. Worst of all, she was my best friend. That was just lovely, right?
“I said I was sorry,” he said, giving me one of his trademark looks. I scowled at him. I was not going to fall for that. He lowered his gaze before looking at me again. Oh, god. No. I knew what he was going to say. “I missed you, you know. . .”
Pft.
My gaze was wry. “Right. . . That’s why it took you two years to come.”
His gaze was suddenly filled with hate as it landed on Keith a few feet away. I felt something wrench in my gut. He was just being a gentleman and walking me to my car in the hour of the night. He didn’t expect to get ambushed. I hid a sighed. Oh, Keith. . . You didn’t have to try to be my knight and shining armour. . .
“Do you honestly think that he’ll satisfy you?” he sneered, baring his teeth. “You’ve sunken low, Grace. Real low.”
My eyes flashed. “First of all, don’t talk about him like that,” I glared. “He’s better than you’ll ever be.” Pause. “And second, I’m not with him. We’re just co-workers,” I answered coolly.
He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. “With benefits, right?”
My glare turned deadly. That shitting piece of. . .
“No.”
I suddenly felt arms around me. I stiffened and closed my eyes. Dear Lord. He smelled just like I remember. I twitched and felt myself push him away. “Get away from me,” I said lowly, unable to help the tremble in my voice. Damnit, now was not the time to feel hurt. He’s ruined any hope I have for any guy in the world. I thought he was the one, you know? Then he just had to go and prove me wrong.
“Go away, please,” I said, closing my eyes as I leaned against the brick wall for support as I felt my ankle throb. “Just . . . leave.”
“But Grace,” he protested, suddenly pushing me against the wall. I felt stricken. Holy hell, what did he think he was doing? I opened my eyes and saw him staring straight at me. I felt my breath catch. Same eye colour . . . That deceiving arse. I glared at him; memories were flashing in my head. He lowered his face. “I missed you.”
“I didn’t,” I said evenly.
He chuckled. “I’m sure. . .” he breathed, nearing his face to mine. I knew he was looking at my lips.
I felt something ugly twist in my gut. “Go away!” I raised my voice, trying to push him away. I made him stumble, and I moved out of his grasp. “Don’t touch me.”
He raised his eyebrow, and moved forward. “You didn’t mind before, Grace. What made you change your mind?”
I glared at him. “You’re an idiot,” I practically yelled. “Do you think I’ll accept you with open arms after what you’ve done? I’m over you, okay? Just go away. I never want to see you again.”
Then I felt his aura lash out violently. I froze. I remember all those times he yelled at me . . . And he even came close to knocking my head against a wall. My eyes narrowed then. That jackass. I will never forgive him.
“Are you in love with someone else?” he scowled.
What?
I stared at him.
Austin. . . my thoughts whispered.
WHAT?
“Even if I was,” I spat, “why the hell would I tell you?”
“I deserve to know,” he answered coolly. “After all, you are mine.”
I stared at him again. Delusional. He’s absolutely delusional.
I couldn’t stop myself from snorting. “I’m sure, buddy,” I drawled.
I somehow provoked him because the next thing I knew, I was pushed up against the building wall. I struggled against his tight hold. He lowered his face near mine. I remember him saying something awful. I remember him telling me that I was useless; the reason why he cheated on me. I closed my eyes. That jackass. He came here to tell me that?
I breathed in as I felt him slobbering on my neck. God, that was disgusting. I tried pushing him away, but he tightened his grip on my wrist and held it up near my head. He pushed his body close to mine as possible and I literally felt myself sick to my stomach.
“Get away from me,” I whispered, closing my eyes tightly and felt a numbing feeling of disbelief spread throughout my body. “Get the hell away from me!” I screamed, trying to kick him. I kicked him, but I also made my ankle much more sore.
“Don’t struggle, darling,” he drawled, pushing me against the wall again.
I bit my lower lips angrily and with all my might, wrenched my right hand away from his grip. I drew my hand back into a fist and punched him on the face. Knowing he was caught off guard, I stumbled my way around him and landed near Keith. I couldn’t leave him.
“You’re so disgusting,” I spat, not noticing the way tears ran down my eyes. “What the hell is wrong with you? Haven’t you fulfilled your duty in making my life a living hell? Just go away.”
When he looked up at me, I knew I was dead. He was angry. No, he was livid.
“You witch,” he breathed, advancing. Before I knew it, he lifted my head and knocked it against his.
Pain spread through my head as I stared at him, my vision blurred. What the hell. . .
“Grace?” I heard a distant familiar voice. I turned my head slowly, still feeling my exes hands tangled in my hair as he held me by my hair. I vaguely saw a familiar figure. “Grace?” he said again, and I heard his footsteps abruptly stop. Then, his voice hardened and I didn’t know who he was anymore. “Who the fuck are you?”
“Who are you?” I abruptly felt him drop my head and I landed on the floor. I tried lifting my head, but something splitting spread. I cried out, cradling my head in my hands. Holy shit, did this ever hurt.
“What the fuck did you do to her?”
Realization dawned on me. Austin. It was Austin.
“What’s it to you?”
“You fucking touched her, you bastard. Get away from her or else.”
“Or else what?” His voice was taunting.
“I’ll show you.”
That was when I saw black.
Even if you irritate me to no end. . .
“What the hell is wrong with you?!” I practically bellowed out, glaring at Grace. She was sitting in my room. It was right after I had brought her to the hospital, unconscious. They checked her out, and there was nothing wrong with her (excluding her bruised ankle and forehead). When she woke up, I have never felt so relieved in my life. Instead of voicing that thought out, though, I yanked her off her bed when the doctor said she may leave, and dragged her ass over to my place.
“What do you mean?” she asked, wincing as she shifted the pack of ice on her head the doctor had instructed her to apply.
“What do I mean?” I said, grinding my teeth as I glared at her. “What the hell were you doing in the middle of the night in the alley?!”
“Oh,” she said, averting her eyes. “That.”
Annoying. She was annoying. “Yes, that,” I gritted out.
“I was going home,” she said, defending herself. “Keith volunteered to walk me to my car. We ran into my ex and he was just being an ass.”
“He was ready to rape you.”
I saw her face darken as I also felt myself tighten my hand into a fist. “He wasn’t,” she said, turning her eyes away. “He was just being difficult. You didn’t have to break his bones.”
I cannot believe she just said that.
I exhaled. “You have serious problems.”
“I know. I’m talking to you, aren’t I?”
“This isn’t the time to joke around, Grace!” I snapped. “The point is, he could’ve raped you. He was manhandling you. If I didn’t step in when I did, who knows what he could have done!”
She grew quiet as I tried to control my raging anger. I could’ve killed him no problem, but Grace needed me. I didn’t know what was wrong with her and I didn’t want to risk her life by having the satisfaction of that guy. What the hell. And she just defended him.
“I didn’t know you cared so much,” she said, a quiet smile on her lips as she stared at something over my head.
I found myself staring at her. She honestly didn’t know? “Why wouldn’t I?” I said gruffly, crossing my arms over my chest.
She turned her eyes to me and I felt my breath catch when she smiled. “Thanks,” she said softly. “For being there, I mean. You’re probably right. Knowing him. . .” she shook her head. “That’s exactly it. I don’t know him anymore.”
Silence stretched on as I let her words hang in the air. I shifted. “He cheated on you?” I asked quietly, getting straight to the point. I knew that look in her eyes. Gerald had the same look when he caught his fiancée in the act. It practically killed him, but I didn’t let him do that to himself.
She nodded and then shrugged. It amazed me that she could admit it without having her expression change. “He taught me not to trust that easily anymore,” she said, grinning crookedly. “I guess I trusted people too easily when I was younger. I was naïve,” she stated offhandedly.
“He’s an asshole,” I said darkly.
She nodded her head in agreement.
We stayed in silence and I soon found myself sitting next to her on the bed. I looked at her, my face unreadable. She looked back and smiled slowly, her green eyes twinkling. “Does it hurt?” I asked, lifting my hand to brush her bangs aside.
She stared at me. “It’s fine,” she said.
I smirked at her slowly. “Liar,” I breathed. I saw her stiffen. My smirk grew slightly. “But to make it feel better. . .” I said trailing off, before I brought her forehead to my lips as I brushed a light kiss there. I found myself pulling her close, unable to help myself.
“A-Austin?” she breathed, icepack forgotten on the floor. I pulled her closer, burying my face in her hair.
“You fucking scared me, you know?” I said, smiling against her skin.
“I. . . I did?”
I nodded. “Yeah. When I saw you land on the floor I swear I felt my heart stop. I don’t know why, but you’re the only person who has the ability to make me feel. . .” I trailed off, unable to find a correct word.
I heard her laugh slightly, even if it was nervous. “Feel what?” she asked.
I smirked, meeting her gaze. “You made me feel like I actually had to save your sorry ass,” I grinned. She stared at me. I smiled softly. “You made me feel needed. I couldn’t leave you there.”
I saw her eyes start to turn glossy. What the hell, was she going to cry? “That was sweet,” she said, sighing wistfully.
I shook my head. “I don’t do sweet.”
“Only under a rough exterior,” she replied jokingly.
I smirked. “Yeah. Only you would know that.” I paused, staring right at her. “Ever since I met you, I couldn’t get your smile and eyes out of my head. You did something weird to me. I had to distract myself to keep my mind from thinking of you,” I said, not caring if I’m admitting something I usually don’t (or at all) admit to anyone else. I saw her mouth opened slightly. I smirked.
“What. . .”
I leaned my forehead against hers. “I don’t usually ask this, but. . .” I said, taking in a deep breath. She looked at me. “Give me a chance,” I said simply. “I know that asshole hurt you, but you don’t always have to have him haunting the back of your mind.”
She stared at me. I felt something twist in my gut when the silence stretched.
“I would. . .” she replied softly, trailing. I looked at her hard. “It’s just. . .” she cut herself off, averting her eyes.
“Do you like me?” I asked softly.
She met my gaze, and smiled a little. “Possibly even love,” she agreed.
I felt something weird in my chest. I smirked at her. “Then give me a chance,” I said quietly.
“It’s not that I don’t like you,” she said, her voice sounding desperate. “I’m just afraid to fall again,” she said, lowering her gaze. Her eyes were wry. “You know, the first time hurt like hell.”
“It’ll be different,” I said, sounding confident.
She lifted her eyes. “How?” she whispered.
I smiled at her, my eyes twinkling. I saw her green eyes stare right back at me. Our foreheads touched.
“I’ll be there to catch you,” I whispered.
And our kiss wiped away all her doubts.
Her: I do like you. . . It’s just complicated.
Him: How?
Her: I’m scared of falling again. . .
Him: This time it’s different.
Her: How. . . is it different?
Him: Because I’ll catch you.
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