The lie
853 Words
Lena hesitated, deep down She was afraid but she didn't want to look weak in front of him, so she slowly crawled off the bed and walked over to the window, doing exactly what he told her.
She noticed a black SUV parked at a corner. Its headlights were completely turned off, but the faint white vapor coming from the exhaust pipe proved the engine was still running.
"They've been tracking your dorm number on an encrypted network since three p.m.," Ivan said, and continued. "Your father didn't hire me out of paranoia, Lena. There is an active kidnapping plot against you, and it's happening tonight."
Lena slowly backed away from the window, then sat on the bed. The embarrassment from earlier was now replaced by fear. She stared back at the window, realizing she was trapped.
"I’m going to lock down this room," Ivan said, standing up from the couch and pulling a heavy door lock from his pocket.
"You’re sleeping here tonight. And I’m staying right on that couch."
...................
Last night was pure torture for Lena, she had stayed awake under her blankets, staring at the ceiling, anytime she heard a sound her heart would jump.
Ivan on the other hand never went to sleep. He had stayed awake on the couch completely alert until the sun finally rose.
By seven a.m., the black SUV was gone, but the fear remained in Lena.
"Get ready for class," Ivan ordered, his voice deep and didn't sound like someone who didn't sleep at all.
He was already dressed in a white shirt and black cargo pants, trying to blend in as a student, though his broad chest and military posture made it practically impossible.
Lena stared at him, for the first time she noticed how cute and hot he was. He looked like one of those Korean guys in movies, except this one wasn't wearing a mask.
'Focus Lena!' she scolded herself.
"I'll wait in the corridor." he said and turned away.
"Fine," Lena muttered, still exhausted.
Ten minutes later, Lena grabbed her backpack, took a deep breath, and opened the door to leave.
She froze on the spot. Ivan was leaning against the wall... but she barely noticed him because Chloe and her clones were walking straight toward them.
If they saw Ivan... they'd know her father hired a babysitter for her and mock her with it. She quickly tried to grab Ivan back inside but instead she almost tripped over, Ivan caught her instinctively, his strong grip tightening around her waist as she landed on his chest.
'F**ck' she cursed.
But it was too late already, Chloe and her group had already seen them. Chloe's eyes landed on Ivan, she paused on the spot taking in his broad chest and perfectly sculpted body frame.
"Oh my god," Sarah whispered loudly, nudging Chloe. "Is that... why are they so close?"
Chloe’s eyes darted from Ivan’s messy hair straight to Lena, a toxic, thrilled smirk instantly spreading across her face.
The virgin girl who had run out of the dining hall yesterday morning suddenly had a gorgeous guy.
"Well, well, well," Chloe started, stepping closer and raising her phone. "Look who decided to grow up overnight. Lena, aren't you going to introduce us to.... your friend?"
Lena felt her world crumbling, If Chloe took a picture and posted it to the campus site online, the rumors would ruin her reputation in seconds. A reputation she didn't even have!!
She looked at Ivan in panic. She needed him to play along with a cover story, right now.
No matter what it was.
"Lena... don't be shy." Chloe teased with a naughty smile. "Introduce us to your friend...."
Ivan looked at Lena, he couldn't understand why she looked so nervous. What was there to be shy or afraid about?
"Hi, I'm...."
Lena quickly covered his mouth, pleading with her eyes for him not to say a word. Ivan could easily shaken her off, but he decided to see what game she was trying to play.
"Oh my god, Lena! let him talk." Chloe laughed, stepping even closer.
Lena’s mind raced as her hand remained pressed against Ivan's lips. She felt the warmth of his breath against her palm, his blue eyes staring down at her with a challenging look.
She had to say something, anything to stop Chloe from digging further.
Slowly, Lena dropped her hand, cleared her throat, and blurted out the first thing that came to her head.
"He's my boyfriend."
At the exact time, Ivan’s deep voice cut through hers.
"I'm her roommate."
Lena’s soul practically left her body. She snapped her head up to glare at Ivan, her eyes screaming what the f**k is wrong with you?
Ivan didn't even blink, his expression completely calm as if his answer made perfect sense.
Chloe stopped, looking between the two of them, before bursting into a loud, mocking laugh. Her friends joined in right behind her.
"Roommate or boyfriend..." Chloe laughed as she aimed her phone right at Lena's face that were turning red from embarrassment. "Which one should we believe, Lena?"
- Writer
