Chapter2 : A Strange Day
1240 Words
As I settled into my seat, my heart still pounding, the classroom buzzed with chatter but all I could think about was the rich arrogant stranger and the whirlwind of emotions he had stirred in me.
Just then, - James the most popular guy on campus-plopped down beside me, his presence impossible to ignore. His golden-blond hair was effortlessly tousled, as if he'd just stepped off the cover of a magazine and his chiseled jawline only added to his striking features, but it was his eyes-piercing blue, like the clearest summer sky-that held me captive.
"Hi Faye," he said, his smooth confident voice sending a thrill through my veins.
What is happening today?! I thought utterly bewildered. Why was the most sought-after guy suddenly talking to me? Heat rushed to my cheeks, embarrassment creeping in. I considered a swift escape, but before I could act, the lecturer walked in, sealing my fate beside James.
I can't think. I can't concentrate. Not with James sitting so close to me.
Flustered, I watch as he shrugs off his jacket and settles in beside me, his movements effortlessly relaxed. His arm brushes against mine, the barest contact sending a jolt through my body. My heart leaps in response.
I try to focus on the lecture but the words barely register. James is invading my space-his presence overwhelming, impossible to ignore. Too close. Too distracting. And his scent ... not like the overbearing cologne of the arrogant jerk, but something else entirely-clean, rich and maddening intoxicating.
Ignore him.Just ignore him. I twist my body slightly away, letting my hair fall like a curtain between us, hoping he'll take the hint. This is my final year-only one month till exams. I just need to keep my head down, stay out of trouble and push through. I just need to stay invisible, like I always do-like I am use do, but it seems the universe has other plans for me today.
A gentle tug on my shoulder snaps me from my spiralling thoughts.
He's touching me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, silently praying I'm hallucinating, but then warm breath skims the side of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Faye ..."
His voice is a whisper low and intimate. My stomach flips.
James van Damme-the hottest guy on campus, the James van Damme, heir to the most powerful family in the country-is sitting next to me. Talking to me. Touching me.
I want to die... -
Or, at the very least disappear beneath the desk. Instead I glance down at my coffee-stained shirt and mud slung converse shoes - and nearly grown out loud. This cannot be happening. I cannot face him like this. In fact, I cannot face him at all!
No distractions. No boys and definitely no handsome, impossibly charming men.
My mind is in such turmoil that I don't even notice my chair being turned-until I suddenly find myself facing him.
James van Damme.
Royalty. Campus legend. The guy every girl dreams of dating, the every girl wants to be close to.
This has to be a prank. Any second now, the entire class will burst out laughing at my expense.
I swallow hard bracing for the humiliation to come.
No. This is not happening.
Without thinking I shoot up from my seat and rush out of the classroom. I'll just have to get the class notes later from my flatmate, Chase-I need to get out of here.
My thoughts are a tangled mess as I weave through the building, finally making my way to the old oak tree where I left my books.Thank God, they're still there, right where I left them along with my white crochet buttoned jersey.
I let out a slow breath, running my fingers over the soft fabric. I know crochet is so girly, but I've always liked girly things. That's just who I am. Suits and power outfits? Not me - and don't even get me started on heels. I tried them one-big mistake. One near death experience on a stairwell was enough to make me swear life long loyalty to my Converse.
Just as I reach my books, a strange awareness prickles at the back of my neck.
Something isn't right.
A shadow falls over me and the air seems to shift-heavier,charged.
I freeze.
Two men in dark suits stand before me, their expressions unreadable, their presence utterly imposing. How did I not see them before? Were they watching me?
A cold shiver runs down my spine as one of them steps forward. His voice is deep, authoritative.
"Miss, can you please come with us?Our boss would like to have a word with you."
His question more command than a request.
My pulse spikes.
No. Absolutely not.
My grip tightens on my books as panic claws its way up my throat. Every instinct screams at me to run, but my legs feel like lead. My mouth goes dry.
This day cannot get worse.
Over my dead body will I go with these strangers.
I glance around, my pulse hammering. The campus grounds are eerily empty-most students must still be in class. A sinking feeling settles in my stomach. Before I can react, the suits tighten their grip on my arms and start dragging me towards the parking lot.
"No-let me go!" I thrash against them, but it's useless. Their hold is ironclad, their strength is overwhelming. Every attempt to break free is in vain.
Panic surges through me like ice in my veins. Am I being abducted? Who in their right mind would kidnap me? I'm not rich. I'm not famous. I'm practically a nobody. No one ever notices me. I'm invisible.
Oh God-maybe they're going to sell me!
My imagination spirals out of control, terror making it impossible to think straight. A panic attack is closing in fast.I need to do something before I'm thrown into some blacked out vehicle, never to be seen again.
Who would even miss me? Chase? My flatmate of five years? He's the closest thing to family I have, even though we don't share a single drop of blood. He's always been there-watching, protecting. Next to James he stands equally important, equally characteristic, equally handsome and gorgeous, but for me he is just Chase, my Chase. Girls fall head over heels for him, but he never brings them home. Thank the heavens! I don't think my virgin eyes could handle seeing Chase in the throes of passion.
Wait-lighting strike!
They're taking me to sell my virginity!
- Writer
