The Brat Tamer

Chapter 3 - Bickering

Ryle has some business outside the campus the following day. He is managing a few of their restaurants in the metro, and he is not doing it just because his parents expect him to help with the family business. It is something he enjoys doing because he loves meeting people and hearing from them. He's raised with so much love, his parents were always there for him since he was a kid. Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, and raised by loving parents, Ryle grew into a one-of-a-kind man. He doesn't have much worry in life. He makes genuine friendship, he establishes meaningful connection with people around him, he smiles from his heart, and he literally has the face of a greek god. He is built different, he has a small frame but you can tell that he works out regularly.

Stallion University has always showed favor to him, he was treated specially by the professors and by the board members overall. He represented Stallion in sports and dance competitions. Having spent his entire school life in there, Ryle becomes a proud alumnus that gives nothing less than pride to that university.

He always does the bare minimum when it comes to academics. He tries not to obsessed with achievements because too much validation from something consumes happiness. He tries to stay the same, so he won't have to live by the expectation of people around him. Despite that, he's graduating with a suma c*m laude in his name which is truly fascinating not only for women but for everyone who knows him.

He can't believe that one day he will find himself obsessing with a very ordinary and laid-back guy. He's almost a total opposite of him. Salvatore totally got his attention. He schedules the entire morning for the meeting of school fest preparation.

Around 8 when he got in the SC Office. There are some students he presumed freshmen crowding at the entrance. The ladies waved at him trying to suppress their admiration but it showed eventually. Ryle has always been famous for being a heartbreaker. Nobody can tame him until now, and the girls probably see him as a challenge.

"Good morning, Ryle." One of the young ladies spoke on the group's behalf.

"Lovely morning, ladies. You're from what department?" Ryle leaned on the table where the girls are hovering. The secretary didn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. She still has some beef with Ryle for breaking her friend's heart.

"Business, we are actually your juniors. We've heard about you but it's my first time seeing you in person." Ryle's smile widened. He has always showed favorable attention to his juniors. They had some conversation before the door of the office opened again. The man in white polo shirt came in, a few strands of his hair covered his eyes and in that instant, Ryle wanted to fix it for him. Salv was looking fresh in white top partnered with gray slacks and luxury brand sneakers.

"Good morning, Salv. I was not gonna say it but there's a famous song nowadays and you look like it." Ryle straightened his back and crossed his arms on his chest. He gave the man in front of him a head to toe. Truly fascinating, no part of him is cheap.

Salvatore took a deep sigh. He greeted the secretary good morning and asked the girls what they need. He planned to completely ignore Ryle because honestly he didn't have the time and energy to keep up with him and his games. Ryle enjoyed watching him pay attention to every person in the office but him.

"I said you look loke a song." Ryle repeated with a wide smile. He made sure to get his attention. It has only been 3 minutes since Salv arrived, he still has his laptop bag hanging on his left shoulder as he entertained the concerns of young college students, but Ryle managed to get on his nerves already.

"What?" He asked in an ice cold tone.

"Have you heard about Meghan Trainor's Made You Look? That's you. You wear your Louis Vitton and I can confirm you look hotter when your morning hair's a mess." He even tilted his head to tease him. Salvatore immediately tried to fix his hair after that remark.

"Ryle..." He called out in a serious tone. The man is enjoying watching Salv's jaw clenched.

"Yes?" He asked smiling from ear to ear.

"We are expediting the preparation especially the set up of booths. I heard you're quite athletic, so why don't we put that muscle and energy to a good use? Can you take over the set up of booths? It's a challenge to work with different teams so..." Before he can finish, Ryle already gave him an answer.

"I'll do it. I love challenges. We can talk about it over the meeting? You can assign me other roles as well, I have all the time in the world now." He just completed his OJT and all requirements for graduation. He wanted to focus on Salvatore and making him soft.

Salv was taken aback with how dedicated Ryle sounded. He mentioned that at some point he realized student government is not for him. Salv wanted to implied that it's not an easy work, but since the man showed so much interest, he's now torn between kicking him out of the team or keep him until he goes on his own.

"Alright. You have my attention now, Ryle Montenegro. Show me how good you are."

"Really? So that means you're going to watch closely about what I do in the next couple of weeks? I want it if you keep your eyes only on me..."

"I'll make sure to watch over you and what you'll do. Don't disappoint me." His jaw moved again as he gave a final look at the business student before walking to his office. Ryle cleared his throat before talking to his juniors again. He's just so happy to know that eventually he will,break the ice around Salvatore. He's up for the challenge.

Around 8:30 when the meeting started. As expected, Salv was taking control. There are about 50-60 people in the meeting room as per Ryle's estimate.

They first finalized the list of volunteers before moving to the timeline of preparation. The flow of festival has been long decided by the people in higher positions as per Salv. The volunteers will not do all the work, there are hired personnel who will help them with some heavy tasks like setting up of stage and booths. It hasn't started, but the way Salv talks about the plan made it sound so organized that it made Ryle focused in the discussion. He always finds things like this boring, but watching Salv is fun. He might actually enjoy doing silly things to impress him.

"Are you treating us to dinner when this is all over? Well, everything you said doesn't sound easy. I'll be spending my remaining school days helping you out, so I think we deserve a treat from the 'acting' president after the event." Ryle made sure to highlight that word.

Salvatore took his time staring at the pretty man sitting just in front of him. He wants to believe that his purpose in volunteering is to intimidate him. Salv is used to holding meetings with important persons in the school. He's well-spoken and composed all the time. He can't fathom now why he's suddenly flushed simply because a Ryle Montenegro is staring at him the whole time he's laying out the plan.

"We have enough budget for that. I'll make sure it will cover the team dinner." He answered.

Ryle is not satisfied with that but he let it slide because others start raising more important questions. He waited for his chance to ask a question again.

"When you said you can't work closely with us, what does it mean? Are you saying you're letting us go with it after you presented the timeline and contingency plan?" That's more like a criticism tjan a question. Salvatore took a deep sigh as he stared using his cold dark eyes to Ryle.

"I'm working on multiple projects at the moment, and this is just one of them. I am assigning Thyra as the point of contact for this. I will still be available if..."

"So which school project are you focusing on? I can volunteer to help on that too." There is no hint of joke in Ryle's voice. Other students are just watching them exchanged looks for a while. No one can deny the intensity of Ryle's stare. It's as if he screams he wants Salv's attention so bad.

"Since you're handling the set up of booths, I will need to work closely with you, Ryle. I won't allow you to volunteer in other projects simply because this is alreadh too much of a work. I have been helping with the school fest preparation all my college years, and I can definitely assure that the task I assigned you is the most demanding. It will require you to be available all the time for any unforeseen events."

Ryle's profound enthusiasm towards an intelligent person is triggered. Salv talking calmly and answering questions confidently made him more interested. He finds it sexy about him.

"Okay, but to me that sounds like you have to be available too in case I need your help. You need to stop ignoring my messages on..." For the nth time, he was cut off by Salv. It made him clenched his fist. He's good at annoying him.

"Text me. I don't read mesaages on social media when I'm working." He said firmly.

"I sent you a message at 7 PM, 9 PM, 2 AM. You're still working during those hour?" He can't believe Ryle is broadcasting that.

"Okay. I think we have covered pretty much everything. Thyra, anything you want to say to the team?" Ryle is annoyed when he ignored his last question. Litrle did he know that Salv is more annoyed.

The meeting ended shortly after Thyra delivered her final reminders. For some reason, Salv wanted to confront the annoying guy. He feels like he wanted more than just his attention, but he can't point it out exactly.

Everyone has left the meeting room except the two of them. Salvatore's eyes went up to Ryle as soon as he finished arranging his things.

"What do you want, Ryle? I don't have much time to spend playing with you. Since you came confidently asking to be part of this project, might as well show what you've got. I will only answer work-related messages and calls." He can't explain why he trusts a lot that Ryle will do a good job with whatever task he's assigned to. He just looks trustworthy and reliable even though they haven't knkwn each other long.

"Yes, I agree. Let me show you how easy I'll get things done. Answer my messages and calls so I won't make it hard for you, Salvatore Smith." Salv tried so hard to stop his intrusive thoughts. He hates how Ryle sounded like a spoiled brat just now.

"You mess up once and you're out. You can't have your way on me, Ryle. I do the controlling in this project." He said with his eyes burning. As esrly as now, he wanted to show that he won't fall for his tricks. He seems to be interested in dominating him to prove something, but Salv was not that kind of man.

"Sure. I'll take your lead, Salv. I'm not taking that away from you. One look and I can tell you're not the submissive type. What I'm asking is for you to pay me attention. I'm doing your project a favor by being here, so you have to treat me right."

Salv picked up his things and prepared to walk out of that room when Ryle blocked his way.

"Get out of the way. You're so annoying." He murmured because they're too close.

"You better reply to my messages on Insta too. I saw you viewing my messages seconds after I sent it. You're so annoying for acting sly. Unless you like men..."

"I am not gay." He interrupted. He never thought of being attracted to a man. It was the first time he's getting riled up by a man and he's allowing it. His name is just perfect for him, but it's dangerous for Salv. He can't allow this dude any closer, it will not be good for the both of them.

"Okay. I only ever dated women too. I'm here for volunteer work, so stop acting like..." He hates getting cut off by him. He stomped his right foot when he didnit again. His right brow automatically went up signaling his sincere annoyance.

"Yup okay. See you around." He ignored him again just like that. Before he could protest, man was already holding the door open.

Something about Salv that he can't explain. He's leaving romantic affection from the option. Maybe he just hates his guts. But his scent is also about to drive him crazy. He has no answer for now, all he wanted was to make him soft.