HIS CONTRACT GIRLFRIEND: RULE #1: DON'T FALL IN LOVE

CHAPTER 3

ELENA POV

“What the hell was that?” I snapped the moment we were alone. My voice echoed in the empty classroom, sharper than I intended.

Class had finally ended, and I was stuck waiting for Ryder to pack his things. Maya had left earlier, leaving me alone with this jerk.

Ryder didn’t answer right away. He continued shoving books into his bag, barely sparing me a glance. “What was what?” he asked eventually.

I sat down on a nearby desk. “The whole show you put out this morning?”

He finally looked up. ”Show?” He let out a small laugh. “That wasn't a show. That was the deal we had.”

I let out a sharp huff focusing my attention on him. “Where was it written in the contract that you get to touch me however you want?”

He dropped the book he was holding on the desk and stepped closer, towering over me. “Do I need to sit you down and school you about how a boyfriend and a girlfriend are supposed to act…?”

I cut in immediately without letting him finish. “Well, we are not one. This is fake! Get your facts straight and stop overdoing things.”

He stood there stunned, his mouth slightly open. “Wow!!! I'd like to remind you that the essence of this whole fake dating stuff is for people to think we're actually dating.”

I sighed not knowing the right word to say. “You're ruining my reputation!!! People are beginning to say a lot of ill things about me.”

Ryder went back to packing. “For that, I think you'll have to deal with it yourself. The deed is already done and you're stuck with me for three months.”

I sneered, and jumped down from the desk and moved closer, stopping just inches away from him. “And what if I decide to terminate the contract?”

He paused, turning to face me with a smug smirk. “Then you clearly didn’t read the fine print. The contract cannot be terminated early.”

I scoffed. “Ohh… now I understand better. You had a crush on me and the only way you could get me was coming up with this fake dating stuff. But let me remind you, once these three months are over, I'll just forget you exist.”

He grinned. “You don't have to be worried about the future yet, my darling. Just get ready, there is still more to come. There are many events to attend, parties, club appearances and maybe a visit to my parents.

I brought my palm to his chest, hitting him repeatedly. “You're a psycho, you're sick in the head, you're a jerkkkk!!!” I stopped, frustrated. “I didn't sign up for this.”

The door burst open and we both snapped out of our arguments mood immediately. A girl stood there, wide-eyed, clearly not expecting to walk into… whatever this was.

“Oh my God, I didn’t… I mean, I thought this was…”

Before she could finish, Ryder moved fast.

His hand slid around my waist, pulling me sharply against him and my body reacted without permission. My hand came up, pressing against his chest, and he tightened his grip slightly, holding me firm.

“You’re interrupting,” he said to the girl.

The girl blinked. “I… I’m sorry.”

My heart was racing too fast.

The girl glanced between us, clearly flustered.

“I’ll just go,” she said quickly.

“Good idea,” Ryder replied.

She disappeared almost immediately.

The door closed and silence returned.

Even after she left, we still remained in that position. My hands were still on chest and his arms around my waist.

“That was unnecessary,” I said, my voice tight.

His eyes stayed on me. “But it worked.”

I pressed my palms against his shoulders, pushing him away. “You're unbelievable.”

“I would take that as a compliment. You're welcome.”

He finished packing his stuff and faced me completely.

He locked his locker. “I'm done wifey let's go. I'll drop you off.”

“Wifey?” I scoffed. You can just call me Elena.”

I started walking toward the door but he pulled me back.

I wanted to scream. I'm seriously tired of this guy.

“What is it this time?”

He smiled, brushing some strands of my hair backward. “Shall we continue the show we started in the morning?”

I laughed. “You must be joking to think I'll be doing that again.”

I made my way to leave but he pulled me back again.

“You are not leaving here without holding me with a smile,” he murmured loud enough for only me to hear.

I cut him a look. “Jerk.”

“Jerk,” he repeated. “You've said it a lot of times. I love the nickname,” he smiled. “So if you're ready to leave, you can just…”

He stretched out his arms gesturing for me to hold him and I had no choice. I stepped forward, forced a sweet smile, and let him pull me close. We left the classroom together.

“Smile harder,” he said, and I forced out a larger smile and we left the class.

“Good girl,” he muttered under his breath.

“Jerk,” I replied through my fake smile.