Chained Hearts

Chapter Five

As we walked toward the car, his cousins slowly disappearing one by one, my mind drifted—memories of the past resurfaced uninvited. Our first encounters, the fights, the marks and bruises I left… it all came rushing back. For a moment, the present melted away, and I was back in that situation, confronting him after our first encounter.

I glared at the person in front of me who kept on blocking my way. “Do you have any plans on stepping aside, or do I have to push through, stranger?”

“Stranger? Shouldn’t you be apologizing to me?” He shot back, eyebrows knitted, as he gestured toward the black mark just below his eye. “Have I done something for you to do this?”

“Big Brother Carl, you know Patty?” Lace asked beside me, looking between as with scrutiny and amusement. “Wait! What happened to your face?”

“Ask her,” he answered, sarcasm lacing his tone. “Brute!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his face. Even with the mark, he was still ridiculously good-looking. But seeing the bruise I had left on him last week made it impossible to take him seriously. Honestly, it was his fault—I shouldn’t feel guilty. If he hadn’t charmed me first, used me, and made me angry, I wouldn’t even be here laughing at him.

“You should laugh more often,” he said, his tone losing its usual cold edge, which only made me choke on my laughter. “Anyway, how do you plan to repay me, Louise?”

I froze when he smiled at me like that—the same smile from our first meeting.“O-owe?” I stammered, coughing to cover my embarrassment. “When did I ever owe you anything? Didn’t you use me first? Consider my punch fair payment.”

“Treat me to a meal for the injury,” he insisted, tone firm, refusing to take no for an answer. “It’s the least you could do before every other girl hounds you for doing this to my face.”

“I accept the challenge,” I said, leering at his foolish expression. I grabbed Lace’s hand and walked off, ignoring his protests.

And from that day on, our bickering had become the highlight of my life.

~*~

“Ouch!” I exclaimed, massaging the forehead that bumped on his broad back. That brought me back to the present. “Why did you stop?”

“You’re spacing out, Louise,” he teased. “Am I boring you with my nonsense?”

I shook my head, laughing softly. “Just remembering how we were before. I never thought it would come to this… My fists were always itching to punch you.”

“And you’re to blame for that,” he said, smirking. “Which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing. Besides, your fist still wants to punch me, even now. I could tell. Be thankful I don’t mind.”

I opened my mouth to argue but froze when he suddenly intertwined our fingers. My cheeks burned. “We’re still at school, Xavier!” I hissed, glancing around. Curious eyes were on us from every direction. I tried to pull my hand free, but he held on tight.

“And that matters… why?” he asked, dimples flashing. “Where do you want to eat? Don’t worry, it’s my treat.”

“Somewhere inexpensive,” I replied, and he laughed. “There’s a fast-food place near Lace’s house.”

“Why there?” he asked, helping me into his car. “Isn’t it too late to bother her after our date?”

“Didn’t you know? I’m staying at their place,” I said, giving the driver the address. “I’m just an exchange student, remember?”

“Away from Jherrick?” he asked, his tone tinged with a bit of jealousy.

“Yes, away,” I replied, rolling my eyes at him.

“Lucky you were chosen—and lucky you’ll graduate here with us,” he remarked, then fell silent, as if content with how things were.

I shut my mouth, but the interlaced fingers between us made me painfully aware of his presence. I tried to free my hand, but he only smiled and held on tighter.

Xavier gazed out the window, resting the side of his face on his other hand. While I wanted to pinch my own cheek just to confirm I wasn’t dreaming. His thoughts were a mystery I couldn’t read.

“Stop staring,” he said suddenly. “Don’t blame me if I suddenly have the urge to kiss you, Louise.”

I noticed his cheeks turning pink, his ears even a brighter shade of red. Did I make him blush? I smiled at the thought. I hadn’t known Xavier could be shy like this.

“Xavier!” I yelped as he lifted me and sat me on his lap. I tried to punch him, but he caught both my hands and pulled me into his arms, resting his head on my shoulder.

“I told you not to tempt me,” he whispered, sending shivers down my spine. “I’m not a saint, Louise. I’m still a man—with urges.”

“Then let me go,” I said, trying to wriggle free. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

“I don’t think you have,” he laughed, still holding me. “Don’t you want to ask me anything?”

“In this position?” I rolled my eyes. “I’m still a virgin, you know.”

He released me, and I quickly sat upright, adjusting myself while watching him cough softly. His face turned even redder than before. “What’s wrong with you?”

“You’re a seductress,” he muttered, ruffling my hair. “We’re here.”

I realized we had stopped in front of McDonald’s. “Can you eat here?” I asked, suddenly thinking about the kind of family he came from. “Maybe we should go somewhere a bit nicer.”

“It’s fine,” he said, pinching my cheeks. “I’m not picky. Whatever suits your taste, I’ll go with it.”

~*~

“Eros often eats here,” Xavier explained, offering me a fry. I took it without hesitation. “Me and my cousins got used to it.”

“I didn’t expect you guys to eat here,” I admitted. “I thought you’d think the food was low-class.”

“I’m not picky. And don’t worry—I don’t take other girls out,” he said, almost making me choke on my drink. “You’re the first. You’re special.”

“I still can’t believe you’re courting me,” I said. “We’re so different. We used to fight every time we met.”

“Aren’t you curious why we always ended up meeting—even if we ended up fighting?” he asked. “The fights were just excuses to talk to you. Opposites attract, right? I’m attracted to you.”

“I’m not putting myself down,” I said, “but I’m not even that pretty. My personality isn’t great either. At CIC, I’m known for my bad record.”

“You’re nice,” he replied. “You just show it in a roundabout way. Plus, you’re beautiful—you just don’t see it.”

I went silent, unsure how to respond.

My phone buzzed, breaking the tension. Trixie’s name flashed on the screen. I looked at Xavier, who nodded.

“Hey Trix,” I said. “What’s up?”

“How’s SPU?” she teased. “Having fun?”

“I’m hanging up,” I said flatly.

“Hey, I’m kidding!” she shouted. “Just wanted to check on you. It’s boring here without you. And my brother’s whining already.”

“Whose fault do you think it is?” I shot back sarcastically.

“Are you not enjoying being here?” Xavier asked, catching my attention.

“Why is there a guy with you?! Are you on a date?!” Trixie shrieked, and I quickly ended the call.

“Sorry, that was my friend,” I explained. “She’s one of the reasons I’m here.”

“Are you not happy?” Xavier asked again. “Don’t you enjoy your stay here?”

“Honestly?” I started, “everything’s basically the same as CIC. Well… except for you.”

“Then it’s my pleasure,” he said, ruffling my hair. But then he paused, frowning.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Your number,” he replied. I realized he’d been glancing at my phone for a while. “I still don’t have it.”

I laughed. “You never asked.” I handed him my phone so he could save his number, and he did the same for me.

“It’s getting late,” he said, back to smiling. “I’ll take you home.”

~*~

“You’re here,” Jherrick said, opening the door. “Go inside so I can lock up.”

Xavier pulled me back. “I don’t like it,” he whispered.

“I’ll lock up, Jhe. You can sleep,” I said.

“Suit yourself,” he replied, stepping inside.

Once he was gone, I turned to Xavier. “What’s wrong? You seemed fine earlier.”

“It feels like I’m dropping you off to another guy after our date,” he muttered, brows furrowed.

“Cute,” I teased, pinching his cheek. “Jherrick’s practically a stranger. I’m just staying with them because the school arranged it.”

“That doesn’t mean I have to like it,” he grumbled, rubbing his temples. “It’s late. You should go inside before I take matters into my own hands and… kidnap you.”

I never knew Xavier could be so childish—it made me want to tease him more. “Goodnight,” I said, pecking him on the cheek and darted inside before he could recover.

My phone buzzed immediately. I laughed when I saw the message:

Xavier: You really are a tease. Sleep tight, wifey.