I Knew I Loved You

Chapter Three

~ A Tempting Invitation ~

Thorn's intense gaze bore into me, and I felt a mix of fear and anticipation. My heart raced, matching the rapid beat of my pulse. The cold wave of uncertainty washed over me, leaving me rooted to the spot, unable to move or even meet his eyes. His words, spoken with a hint of annoyance, hung in the air like a weight on my shoulders.

"Y-You..." I stammered, my voice trembling. It was all I could manage to say, struggling to find the right words.

He pulled a notepad from his backpack, his actions methodical and deliberate. "I have a name. It's Thorn Reid Weston," he said, his tone slightly condescending.

For a moment, despite the tension between us, I couldn't help but admire his full name. Thorn Reid Weston. It had a certain elegance to it. But my momentary distraction faded, and I chastised myself for losing focus.

"Okay, Thorn Reid Weston," I said, clearing my throat and mustering up the courage to regain my composure. "I don't need a chaperone or for you to escort me. I can take care of myself," I asserted, my voice filled with determination.

Thorn's smirk lingered, almost mocking. Did he really think I couldn't handle myself? His presumption fueled a flicker of defiance within me. I wouldn't let him undermine my independence.

As the day wore on, I noticed a distinct shift in the atmosphere. No one seemed willing to engage with me except for Thorn. His persistent glances in my direction made my heart skip a beat, sending a rush of conflicting emotions through me.

Even Jammy, who had been friendly since my arrival, now avoided making eye contact. It was unsettling, and I wondered if it was due to the school's strict regulations. I shrugged off the thought, reminding myself that it didn't matter.

I suddenly felt hungry, so I decided to eat alone. But just as I took a few steps, a firm grip on my arm stopped me. I turned around, surprised to find Thorn standing there, his gaze intense. His touch sent a shiver down my spine, both unsettling and strangely comforting.

"You again?" I snapped, exasperated. "Thorn, I'm hungry. I'm heading to the canteen," I said, my irritation palpable.

"Then let's eat together," he declared, striding ahead of me without waiting for my response.

"Wait!" I called out, struggling to keep up. "I don't need your company," I muttered under my breath, frustration tingling in my voice.

Little did I know, there was a tiny hole in my path like it was strategically placed by some unknown prankster. Strutting confidently in my high-heeled pumps, my foot caught in the hidden trap, and I went crashing down in the middle of the corridor. Talk about bad luck!

A group of girls witnessed my embarrassing fall and immediately started recording with their phones, finding my misfortune hilarious. I was mortified, completely stunned. If those videos made it to social media, I’d be a laughingstock.

Just as panic gripped me, I felt a warm touch on my shoulder. Slowly, I peeked through my fingers and saw Thorn, his familiar face, kneeling beside me, shielding me from the cameras.

"T-Thorn..." I managed to utter, my voice trembling.

He didn't say a word. Instead, he helped me up, gripping my waist firmly. With a stern glare at the girls, they scattered like frightened birds, leaving us alone.

"Now you see why we have a dress code?" Thorn's voice carried authority and a touch of reproach.

"I didn't see the hole," I explained, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

Unexpectedly, Thorn reached out and took my hand, pulling me away from that place.

***

The scent of toasted garlic bread filled the cafeteria, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Amidst the quiet ambiance, Thorn and I sat together, eating in silence. I wondered if he genuinely shared my taste or if he was simply trying to irritate me further. But since he had been ahead of me in the lunch line, it seemed more likely I was mirroring his choices.

At first, Thorn's interference in my affairs annoyed me. He insisted on eating together and rescued me from the girls who almost captured my embarrassing moment on video. However, as I watched him smile while on a phone call, a strange softness crept into my heart. I grew curious and couldn't resist asking, "Is that your girlfriend?"

"It's none of your business," Thorn snapped, his tone sharp.

His sudden change in demeanor caught me off guard, leaving me puzzled. Why was he being so prickly? His unexpected shift only piqued my curiosity further about the person who could make him smile like that.

We lapsed into an uneasy silence, and my mind churned with a mix of irritation and intrigue. If it weren't for Thorn's meddling, I would have long ditched him. But I vowed to myself that when the opportunity presented itself, I would make him pay.

"Would you mind sticking around after lunch? I can help you catch up on the topics we've covered," Thorn offered, avoiding eye contact.

His sudden change in attitude caught me off guard, and I pretended to be disinterested as I dialed my phone. "Rich," I said when he answered, and Thorn's gaze flickered up to meet mine.

"Is everything okay, Ada?" Rich asked.

"No need to pick me up later," I said nonchalantly, twirling my straw. Thorn's gaze intensified.

"Why not?" Rich pressed.

"I have a group study," I replied, taking a sip of my drink. Thorn's attention remained fixed on me.

"Are you kidding me? Why do you always find ways to escape, Ada?" Rich chuckled.

"I'm serious! I need to catch up on some topics, or I'll fall behind. You can ask our professor or the class president if you want," I insisted.

Thorn and I locked eyes, and I noticed he had stopped eating.

"Ada, promise me you'll behave," Rich said.

"I am behaving! My classmate will take care of me. I'm sure he wouldn't mind," I retorted, deliberately knowing it would irk Thorn.

"He? Another guy?" Rich asked incredulously.

"There are plenty of us in the group study," I replied, emphasizing 'us'. "Come on, Rich. I'll call you later. Love you, bye." I ended the call, finishing my drink while feeling Thorn's heated gaze on me.

"What?" I asked defensively.

Thorn didn't respond; he simply continued staring at me with a furrowed brow.

"Teach me later, and you'll drive me home. That's what you wanted, right? Unless you have a date," I teased him.

His eyes remained fixed on me.

"You do have a date, don't you?" I probed further.

"No!" he replied abruptly.

I wanted to laugh at his denial, but I suppressed it. I would save the laughter for later, once my plan was set in motion.

***

Inside the library, natural light flooded through the windows, thanks to the solar panels on the roof. The bookshelves were neatly organized, and laptops were available at each station. Students occupied their own desks, seeking a quiet place to read or study.

Some of our classmates gradually left the library, yet Thorn remained engaged in conversation with a few of them. They invited him to join them elsewhere, but he declined. I sensed their curious glances directed at me. Despite the attention, no one dared intervene—perhaps out of respect for Thorn's position as class president and his involvement in various school activities.

Thorn, determined to help me, continued teaching the subjects we had been studying. Although the topics weren't overly challenging, I questioned whether I could keep up. But I reminded myself that this was for Richmond and the sacrifices he had made for me.

After nearly two hours of intense studying, Thorn gently closed the book as I let out a yawn.

"It's getting late. Let's continue tomorrow," he suggested.

Another yawn escaped me, and I wondered why I felt so tired. It was still early, and I had plans to meet Lowella later. Perhaps it was the serene atmosphere of the library that lulled me into drowsiness. "Sure," I agreed.

"I'll give you a ride," Thorn offered, standing up.

My heart fluttered at his considerate gesture, and I shared my address with him. Thorn drove smoothly, and the interior of his car exuded a newness that hinted at his affluent background. As Richmond had mentioned, many students at Springtide University came from well-to-do families.

"Just park there," I instructed as we arrived at my destination.

Thorn parked the car skillfully, but to my surprise, he got out as well and surveyed the surroundings. "Is your house among these establishments, or is it an apartment?" he asked.

I couldn't help but grin mischievously. "Do you want to join me?" I asked, unbuttoning my blouse.

His eyes darkened. "What do you think you're doing?" he exclaimed.

I lowered the zipper on my skirt, feigning nonchalance. "I'm changing," I replied casually.

The skirt fell to the ground, and I picked it up, tossing it into Thorn's car through the open window. His clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

Stepping closer to Thorn, I lightly brushed my fingers against the edge of his polo shirt. "Come on. Let's take a moment together, getting to know each other," I teased.

Thorn remained motionless, his intense gaze fixed on me. My touch had an undeniable effect on him, and I bit my lower lip, relishing the power I had over him. His eyes, even in his anger, were captivating. At that moment, I couldn’t help but imagine those eyes roaming over my naked body.

On tiptoes, I whispered in his ear, “If you walk away now, your conscience will haunt you. So come with me, Thorn. I promise this evening with me will be etched in your memory forever.”