Chapter four
1129 Words
Chapter 4: A Dangerous Game.
He chuckled, leaning casually against the railing. “As you wish, Your Majesty. Can I at least ask why you needed your space? What reality you're trying to escape?"
"High school."
I didn't have to say more. He understood immediately. "Filled with devils in Prada shoes who think their daddy's credit card can solve all their problems," he continued.
It was nice to talk to someone who got it... who didn't think I was too sensitive and that I just need more confidence.
We sat on the bench, the cool breeze tousling our hair. I told him about my humiliating morning, how the halls of Ocean Crest High felt more like a battlefield than a school. I told him about Penelope, the reigning queen of mean, and how her mere presence could drain the happiness from a room.
“But seriously, why is it that people think their status can buy them the right to treat others like garbage? It’s like they don’t even see the damage they’re causing.”
He listened intently, nodding along as I vented, his blue eyes twinkling. “It’s like they’re so wrapped up in their own little worlds that they forget there are real people out here. People with feelings.”
I leaned back, letting the sunlight warm my face as I continued, “And the worst part? They act like I’m the problem. Like I don’t belong because I don’t have a trust fund and a designer wardrobe.”
He placed his hand on top of mine and squeezed it reassuringly. "You're definitely not the problem. You're an amazing girl..."
The sunlight dimmed to a warm glow. I caught him staring at my lips, and my heart did an unexpected little leap.
"You have a really pretty smile," he said.
“Um, thanks,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing. My eyes drifted to his lips too, wondering what it would be like to close the distance between us.
What would kissing this charming boy feel like? Would it be like fireworks exploding in the sky... where everything slows down and nothing else matters? Would the kiss be as magical as it looked in those sappy rom-coms I secretly loved?
Less thinking, more doing, Arielle.
My heart raced as I leaned in. Suddenly, I was hyper-aware of everything—the gentle breeze brushing against my skin, the intoxicating scent of his cologne mingling with the fresh air.
He leaned in too, his blue eyes locking onto mine. He was taking too long. Kiss me already, dammit!
Our lips met in a passionate kiss. His hands found their way to my waist, pulling me closer. His lips were soft and warm against mine. It was a kiss that tasted like summer and adventure, a perfect blend of innocence and lust.
Wanting more, I dragged him closer by pulling his shirt. He willingly surrendered to my every move.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, he caressed my body, tracing his smooth hands underneath my shirt. Electric shivers raced up my spine, and I felt a thrill mixed with a sense of panic. What the heck was I doing? I was not the type to "kiss a mysterious, blue-eyed, handsome British stranger on a rooftop." No, I was more the type to meticulously organize my pencil case by color and size, the kind of girl who preferred reading books about adventures rather than actually having one.
I pulled back, feeling like I’d taken a leap off a cliff without checking for a safety net. This gorgeous boy looked like quiet, unlikely danger. For all I know, he could be a serial killer who likes to hang out on rooftops.
He stared back in with dark delight in his eyes. In a husky breath, his British accent even thicker, he asked, "Is something wrong, princess?"
"Yes! Everything is wrong! I should be in school! We should not be doing this... not now... not ever."
He ran a hand through his tousled hair, looking genuinely nervous. "I apologize if I took it far. The kiss was... spectacular. I got carried away. I apologize."
"I don't need your apologies! Let me ask you a simple question. If you tell me the correct answer, you can kiss me all you want. What's my name?"
"Ahh... umm... Juliette? Tessa? Monica? I must admit—I don't know."
"Exactly.... We don't even know each other's names. This is stupid. I have to get home," I said, standing up from his side.
He gently grabbed my wrist. "Please. Stay."
"That won't work this time." I tugged my wrist, but he held on, his sky blue eyes pleading.
“Just give me a chance to explain,” he urged. You came to escape your pain, didn’t you? Just like me?”
“I can’t just ignore the fact that I don’t know you,” I replied, trying to sound angry while my heart fluttered like a trapped butterfly. “This is crazy. I’m crazy.”
He let go of my wrist slowly, as if relinquishing a precious treasure. “You’re not crazy. You’re just… human. We all make choices. Sometimes they’re reckless, and sometimes they lead to something beautiful.”
“Beautiful?” I echoed, trying to wrap my head around his words. “This feels more like a bad romance book waiting to happen.”
“Maybe, but I can’t help but feel that there’s something worth exploring here. You’re different, and I’m curious about you.”
“Curious or just intrigued by the ‘poor girl with the burnt clothes’?”
“Curious about the girl who stands up to me,” he corrected. “I like that about you. You’re not just another pretty face.”
I felt my cheeks heat up, but I wasn’t ready to let him see the effect he was having on me. I shook my head slowly. "You think you know me, but you don't. And I think we should remain that way. Strangers."
With that, I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button, determined not to look back. My heart was racing, my mind whirling, and that stupid little voice in my head kept screaming, Did that just really happen?
I let out a breath, grinning to myself. “First kiss,” I murmured, “and I’m already acting like I’m in some cheesy romance novel.”
A deep voice shouted after me, "For whatever it's worth, I really liked you, pretty stranger."
I smiled, touching my lips. "Yeah, I liked you too. But I hope we never meet again."
Love was a dangerous game. I promised myself I would never ever press play.
But my lips had betrayed me... they still craved his gentle touch.
- Writer
