Rebirth: Flirting with a Dangerous Billionaire

The Saviour

A crowd was gathering by the student car park, so many that I can't see the spectacle. Regardless, I am helpless to its gravitational pull like those around me. I feel the curiosity overcome me, and I join the lively crowd gathered around something. The first thing to strike me is the deep rumble of an engine. As the tallest among our small gathering, I have a Birdseye view, and from my vantage point, I discover the noise source is a motorbike that has seen better days. A few of the girls nearby squeal with joy, and I feel a susurration around me as collectively, we anticipate who the mysterious black-clad rider could be.

The car park as a whole was rarely used; the elite of this city tended to use drivers or expensive cars. Perhaps except for my mother, the parents of those in attendance would not condone their heirs engaging in such a frivolous high-risk hobby. To do so would be considered a rebellious trait, mainly when there were ample alternatives for transport, which would not embarrass the family.

A sudden hush washes over us, our inquisitive eyes focusing on the figure who had dismounted and was fiddling about with the battered top box, which was barely clinging to the bike's rear. I notice how warped we all look in the reflection of the black helmet. It was used but well maintained. The figure who seemed slight against the bike frame attended to their business as if they were oblivious to their audience. Finally, a bell called out in the distance, summoning us to our final class. Now forced to leave, a few onlookers peeled off from the group. Glancing over their shoulders as they went, wanting to be a part of the event, which would be the new hot topic. I, too, felt the need to depart. My interest is now waning, and I have other matters to attend. Yet my resolve wavered as I heard the gasps behind me. I turn to see her golden hair tumble down from the helmet.

The crowd begins to part like the red sea. She walks confidently with a helmet under arm, the movement making her bike leathers creak ever so slightly. The shock hits me, and I remain frozen in place, unable to do anything but stare at her in awe. She brushes past me with a smirk. "Hi." One word, quiet but confident, provocative and private. A discreet moment that belonged to us. Inexplicably nervous, I failed to respond, but her greeting was made in passing. By the time I got it together, she had disappeared into the congested campus. I can't shake my growing annoyance. I know I'm not special. It could have been anyone. I just happened to be within her path. So why am I even excited? She's never interested me before. I need to focus and find a way to use her. With my mind now focused, I make my way to class.

As I take my seat, the door opens with a creak, and the loud lecture hall falls silent. She knows how to make an entrance. I had chosen a seat at the end of the row, and it took little effort to look across the room at Sam. As expected, he is engaged in hushed conversation with his girlfriend, Akari. However, they aren't the only ones. Around me, the room erupts in quiet whispers. I fail to suppress a sigh and run my hand through my hair, an almost unconscious habit.

I find my gaze drawn to Mara for the second time today, making her way across the room. She had changed out of her leathers and into some ragged jeans and a band T-Shirt. I can't think of a time I have ever seen her dressed so casually. It suited her. The more I watched, the more I concluded that the changes in her are more than cosmetic. She carried herself with that same confident energy she had displayed in the car park, where there was once a mouse, there was now a lioness.

She briefly meets my gaze, causing my heart to leap, a new sensation. She mostly walked around staring at her feet, and I had never looked into her eyes before, but here she was, with her head held high despite the whispers. She had to know what they said about her. I glanced at the empty seat to my left, my excitement increasing at the prospect of her choosing it. But, of course, it was unlikely. She famously gravitated toward Sam. The whispers were starting to die down as people lost interest, but evidently, we had become too complacent.

"Lying slut!" Mara came to a dead stop. There was a smattering of applause and laughter. I and those in my vicinity began scanning the room for the source of disruption. Not too far away from me, Zack was being slapped on the back by his friends. My worries that I had overworked the team during lunch were in vain, as Zack was clearly brimming with energy, the annoying little prick. Everyone could see right through him. Determined to be favoured by any means, his attack had been an attempt to win a sliver of attention from Sam at Mara's expense. Despite the shared clarity, his audience was a pack of hungry wolves and was eager to see her response.

We all expected her to cry, run, or maybe flinch. Yet, Mara continued calmly across the room, apparently taking the high ground.

"Next time, find a higher building!" sounded the same voice. If removed from Sam's influence, Zack would be a lovable class clown. But, as it stood, he was just coming across as desperate.

The room fell silent, and I realised my mind had drifted in time to notice Mara standing in front of a bemused Zack. All eyes were on her, so only I saw Sam was smirking. He barely touched his partner as someone who regularly cheated from within his obvious political pairing. Yet today, he was holding her hand in plain view, likely for Mara's benefit. Akari seemed unaware of his motives and glared across the room at her former best friend as she confronted Zack.

"What's your name?" her voice, proud and demanding, caused my heart to race. I dismissed it; the atmosphere was tense. Zack looked as confused as I was about the sudden personality change. Mara had always been so meek. He wasn't expecting a response and seemed to lose his earlier confidence. His headshot to Sam, anxiety etched across his face. Sam, suddenly adopting an aloof appearance, focused on his phone. Zack turned to face the woman before him and snorted, pressing forward, "Zack, as if you don't know."

"Well, Zack. That mouth of yours will get you into trouble one day, but I'll let this go for now. After all, it's obvious you're overcompensating for something." Zack blushed, and his mouth opened and closed a few times as it tried to form a retort. A few people in the room failed to stifle their laughter. Sitting back in my chair, I fold my arms. This is unexpected, and suddenly Mara is flashing a dazzling smile at Zack and looking around, I presume for a vacant seat.

Zack's panic begins to take control, and he is also looking around the room. Increasingly aware that people are laughing at him now. The way I see it, Zack has two choices: he could back down or attack. Unfortunately, he locks eyes with Sam across the room, and it's enough to make the wrong choice. I can't believe what I'm watching as Zack stands up, grabbing Mara's retreating shoulder. Mara's eyes widen as she is pulled back with such force that she has to throw her arm out to steady herself. My body was moving before I had time to think, instinctively sensing danger. It was in my best interest that she be upset, but I find myself rushing to her defence despite my plans. I don't get far before there is a sickening crack, followed by a gurgled scream.

I freeze again, only this time I'm rendered still from disgust. Swamped with a distaste for the blubbering man in front of me. Zack was a mess. Tears were streaming down his face and mixing with the blood that bubbled from his nose. The worst part was the noise. He was emitting a high-pitched cry, leaning forward and clutching his head.

As if hit by a bomb, the room explodes in an uproar. People begin climbing over each other to see what had happened. I had seen it all. Mara had slammed Zack's face right into the desk. I realise I'm caught looking at her tiny arms, wondering how she accomplished this level of destruction. She smiles again and folds her arms, looking down at Zack as if he were a minor inconvenience. I should really do something, but I'm not sure what. Across the room, the shock is starting to wear off for everyone, and the look on the faces of Zack's friends begins to forecast danger for Mara. Without warning, the image of a bruised, silent Kendis permeates my brain. I panic and grab Mara's hand. She flinches, but there is no time to argue. "It will be okay, but we need to leave, now." I say to reassure her.

I gesture at the people closing in on her with angry faces to support my point. I'm easily taller than those around me. An active lifestyle and healthy choices enable me to be built and broad. I use this to my advantage to look intimidating. I gently move her behind me, putting myself between Mara and her would-be assailants. I feel her small hand clutch my own and glanced back at her. She nods firmly, her eyes serious. This was all I needed. With little effort, I push through the gathering crowd and lead her from the room, taking her hand firmly. We barely notice the flustered lecturer coming through the door as we leave.