Chapter 8: Chapter eight

Arielle

I walked into class the next day feeling triumphant. I managed to push my conversation with my mum the previous day to the back of my mind. I wasn't going to let it worry me and probably ruin my day. Positive thoughts only.

Dan was already in class when I walked in. He had his head buried in a book with his ear buds on. I dragged my gaze around to see that Drayton wasn't in class. Great. It'd be nice to have a few minutes to myself before he consumes the whole place with his annoying presence.

I took my seat beside Dan. He was so engrossed in the book that he didn't even notice my presence. I groaned and plucked out one o his ear buds. He finally lifted his head and stared at me.

“Seriously? What are you reading that got your attention so much?”

I tried to check the title of the book but he snatched it away and shoved it in his backpack quickly.

Okay, now my curiousity is piqued.

Dan was into philosophical books and other boring shit. I was a hundred percent sure he wasn't reading that right now, otherwise he wouldn't hide it that fast.

“What are you reading, Danny?”

“A book, for some homework.” he cleared his throat, darting his gaze around.

“That you're ashamed of?” I arched an eyebrow.

“No, no, definitely not.” He let out a small laugh in an awful attempt to mask his nervousness.

I folded my arms and gave him a ‘start talking’ glare. He drew a long sigh.

“Okay, but promise you wouldn't laugh.”

“I promise,”

He darted his gaze around, probably checking if anyone was within hearing range. No one seem to be paying us any attention. They were all engrossed in their activities.

He slowly pulled a book out of his backpack and set it on the table with it front cover down.

I knew what book it was from the back cover only because I've read it before. But I still flipped it open. I tried, I really tried to stop the chuckle from escaping my lips but I failed miserably.

Dan raised an eyebrow at me.

“You promised you wouldn't laugh.”

“I chuckled. There is a difference.” I raised my hands defensively.

“But really, this is so…” I paused, searching for the right word “...unlike you.”

My best friend was reading a smutty high school romance book by Rina Kent titled ‘Deviant King'.

Yes, I read spicy dark romance, but Dan? It was so odd to see him interested in the genre. He'd always regarded romance books as cringe.

I decided not to judge him more than I already have. I should be the supportive best friend, even though this is so funny.

“I know. I don't know what I was thinking reading this. It's an R rated book for Christ's sake.”

Did I forget to mention that my best friend is a rule follower? Dan doesn't like breaking any rules. He doesn't stay out until curfew. Has never gotten into trouble in school or at home. Well, except when I drag him into trouble with me. The only parties he attends is the one I host or forced him to go.

He is obsessed with following rules. The guy has never even had a girlfriend before. And it's not because he isn't good-looking. Dan has a lot of girls lined up to date him but he doesn't even look at them. I'm literally the only female he hangs with.

I drew a sigh.

“Danny, I love you, but sometimes, you're boring as shit. There's nothing wrong with reading a R rated book. If it makes you feel better, you're technically not breaking any rules. You'll be eighteen in a few weeks and will be legally allowed to read this.”

He simply stared at me before sighing.

“Do I even want to know why you're reading this or how you got it in the first place?” I asked.

“Trust me, you don't want to know.”

I made a show of zipping my lips together indicating I wasn't going to question him. He gave me a thumbs up.

“The book is really interesting though. I don't mean to spoil it for you but it ends in a cliffhanger. You'll have to get the second book to truly understand the story.” I added quickly and pressed my lips together to suppress the smile.

“Also you should read about their kids. They got married and had three kids.”

Dan glared at me.

“So much for not giving spoilers.” He muttered and shook his head.

“I'm sorry, I just can't help myself,” I chuckled “where are you reading currently?”

“Well, I just started, I've not read much. Just the first few chapters.”

Just then, Drayton walked into class. His eyes immediately found mine, his gaze hardened as he stared intensely at me.

His eyes conveyed that he knew what I did to his car, mine said ‘I didn't regret it one bit’. My lips tilted into an evil smirk. He averted his gaze and took his seat at the far end of the class.

“Oh my God, Rie, what did you do?” Dan asked, his mouth slightly parted.

“I didn't do anything.”

“Well, King is staring at you as if he's planning your funeral, so I'm pretty sure you did something to him.”

“Jesus, have a little faith in me, Dan.” I hissed at him.

Not long after, the teacher came in and first period started. Despite that he was sitting so far away from me, I could feel the heat of his gaze.

It wasn't like the usual hard gaze we threw each other's way, this one was different.

Darker and reeks of danger.

.

.

.

The bell finally rang indicating the end of lecture. It was time for lunch break. Students trudged out of the classroom in groups.

“Rie, I gotta get to the bathroom real quick. I'll see you in the cafeteria.” Dan said.

“Okay,” I nodded.

He grabbed his backpack and walked out of the class. I packed my books from the desk and shoved them in my backpack. I stood up and was about walking out when I saw Drayton walk back into the classroom.

For some reasons, I felt suddenly aware of my surroundings. Drayton and I have never being in a small space together alone. Throughout the years, we've only interacted with each other in the hallways with other students or teachers present, or at parties, or other places, but we were never alone. Our ‘kind of’ session at the library yesterday was the closest we've ever been alone.

Now, with no one present, I couldn't help the tiny fear inside me. The look in his eyes further intensify that fear. But I was still going to stand my ground.

“Frozen,”

“Dracula,”

We glared at each other hard before he gave me an evil smirk.

“So how do you see how session yesterday? Is it up to your Highness taste?” He drawled, a hint of mockery in his tone.

He was going to pretend we had a good time together. Great. I'll play along then.

“It was fantastic. I wish we could do it again, but sadly, all good things have to end one day.” I said, matching his tone.

“What do you mean? We still have a session today.” He arched an eyebrow.

Shit. I didn't realize what I had said, but it was too late now. He easily spotted my accidental slip. I just hope he hadn't connected it to his vandalized car. He probably knew I did it, but it didn't do me any good admitting to the crime.

“Oh my bad! I thought we were going to have to stop this soon. I was enjoying our time together. I'm glad it's not ending.” I laughed.

Nice save, Arielle. Nice save. Drayton let out a dark chuckle.

“You shouldn't go around making mistakes like that, you know.” he sucked his teeth and advanced closer to me.

“Something interesting happened to me yesterday that I think you should know about,” he paused, as if contemplating something.

“I'm just going to show you instead.” He pulled out his phone from his pocket and handed it to me.

I stared at him in confusion before looking down at the video playing on his phone. My eyes widened in shock.

Shitshitshit!!!

My mouth hung open as I took in the video's contents.

“Next time, you want to do something like that. Look around for any new cameras installed.”

As if on cue, the principal's voice buzzed through the intercom.

“Ms Arielle McAlister and Mr Drayton King, please make your way to the principal's office now.”