Chapter 8

Natalie's POV

As expected, Xander looked down. Using that quick distraction, I snatched the ball from him and made my way to the other side of the court, where I shot, and it scored. I had won. I turned to him; he looked completely shocked. That brought laughter to my mouth.

”Hey! That's not fair! “He said, astonished. I bounced the ball back to him.

”Life's not fair.” I answered, still laughing.

”You cheated!”

”It's only cheating when other people see it.” Looking around, I said “They didn't, so I won.”

Xander couldn't say anything. He just stared at me, his mouth open.

”I didn't expect you to fall for that anyway, but you did, so...” I trailed off, smirking. 

 ”Remember, you owe me a bottle of soda.” I said before walking out of the basketball court. I met Mira at the entrance, her eyes wide with shock.

”Did you really beat Xander, like beat him??” she asked.

”It was just a friendly match.... Nothing serious.” I said nonchalantly.

”No way!!” she said. “Girl.... What are you? A psycho, maniac, crazy? What exactly??” she squealed. I smirked.

“Something like that, but worse.” I answered. The bell rang, signifying the end of recess.

”We should probably head to class....” I said.

“Oh yes, we should. I can't believe this!” Mira said holding my hands, I giggled. She just made the craziest friend in the world.

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Xander's POV

I watched as she sauntered out if the basketball court amidst the stares. Did a girl just beat me.... I mean, did Natalie just beat me?? Woah!

I left the basketball court without saying anything and met the group of boys waiting for me, astonished.

“Did Natalie just....”

“Yes, she did.” I cut Arden off, sitting down.

”Did you see that? Who is Natalie anyway? “Peter, one of the boys said. Xavier was there the whole time but acted like he didn't see us talking.

”I didn't know girls could play like pros,” Arden added.

”Neither did I, but now I owe her a soda.”

”You made a bet?” Arden asked.

”Sort of....” Beckoning to one of the girls who were around, she came scurrying towards me.

”Hi.... Xander,” she greeted shyly, playing with her hair... Whatever. I brought out my card.

”You know the girl I played basketball with?”

”Who? Natalie?” She asked. I nodded. 

”Please get her a soda and place it on her desk. Then return right back to me. There'll be a gift for you as well.” I said. She nodded happily and left as quickly as she came.

“So. What do we do now?” Arden asked. I was going to say nothing, but Xavier beat me to that.

“The party that we were planning, it's going to hold today. and we're inviting her.” He announced.

“That just perfect!” Arden said, clicking his fingers. I stared at Xavier, discontent in my face.

“So quick? She just resumed!”

“We don't want to take any chances, do we?” He asked in return. I said nothing, frowning slightly.

“Let's make the preparations, then. We'll see you guys later.” Arden said, standing up along with Peter. I was left alone with Xavier.

“What are you planning to do?” I suddenly asked. He glanced at me, then looked away. 

“The same thing you're planning to do.” He said and walked away.

 My blood began boiling as my chest tightened. 

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 Natalie's POV

A bottle of soda was already waiting for me the second I entered the class. I figured out it was from Xander, but I didn't drink it, anyway. Gave it to Mira, who gladly accepted it. Classes went by quickly and before I knew it, school had closed. I was approaching my locker to put the rest of my books but found someone already waiting for me there. It was no other than Xavier. Mira immediately stopped dead in her tracks, squealing internally. I didn't feel too good.

”Hey.” I said when I got towards him.

”Hi,” he answered. Putting my hands in my jacket pocket, I asked him. “What are you doing here?”

Xavier didn't say anything but kept on staring. Finally, he brought out a paper. It looked like an invitation card and stretched it towards me. I collected it.

”What's this?” I asked.

“You've been invited to a party. The time is written there. We hope you attend. You can invite your friend if you want.” He said.

“Thanks. But she's not coming.” I answered. Mira nudged at me; her face scrunched up. I glanced at her, shrugging.

“Oh. Cool. But you should. Please come.” he added the last part with a bit of difficulty.

I shrugged. “I'll try.”

“We'll be expecting you, then. Bye.” he said and walked away. I stared at his retreating figure.

Then glanced at Mira. 

 ”Why did you say I'm not coming? You didn't even confirm from me!”

“Parties like that aren't what you should be attending. Don't worry, I'll tell you the details. I have to go and prepare for this.” I said waving the invitation card.

“But seriously, girl. You are something. The two brothers... All on you.” Mira gushed. 

 Are they? I'm not so sure.

 ”Guess I have to find out, From this party...”

I glanced at the now empty hall and back at my locker.

For some weird reason, I don't feel too good.

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Natalie's POV

I arrived home and met my brothers, discussing over something. I went over to them and gave them a quick hug, then proceeded to greet Maggie.

”Good afternoon, Maggie.”

“Good afternoon Natty. How was school today?” She asked.

”It went well, at least.” I answered. Greg came to meet us where we were discussing.

”Hey. I have something to tell you guys.”

“What is it?” Maggie asked.

“I and Jace would be going on a business trip soon.... Although we don't know when.”

”Okay. Cool.”

“And we will be stopping by to see Dad as well. Check how's he doing.” He added.

“Well, say hi for me then. Tell him his little girl misses him and wants him to get better.”

“Hmm. Whatever.” Greg answered. I chuckled as he dragged Maggie to his side and gave her a kiss in the hair. I saw her blush. Couple goals.

”I'll be going upstairs now, to change from this and freshen up as well. You'll still be in, won't you?”

 ”Sure.”

 ”Okay then. See you later.”

The invitation card that Xavier had given me earlier was lying on the kitchen countertop. Greg noticed it.

 ”What's this?” He asked.

 ”What? Oh.... It's an invitation card. I got invited to a party,” I explained. I don't know how Jace heard, but the next thing I knew, he was right in front of me.

“Invited to a party? You've only been in the school for two days!!”

“And so. You threw a party the second you got into college,” Greg countered.

“That was different. She's still in high school.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks for the concern, but can I go?” I asked. They both looked at me.

“We don't know... Is it a good party or a bad one?” Jace asked.

“I don't know, but for me to get an invitation card, it has to be legit. "

“That's true....” Jace brooded. “Okay, you can go. But you have to be back before 9:30!” He instructed. “That's when bad things happen.” He whispered.

”Really? Thanks. I'll be back before 9: 30.”

“Good girl.” He said ruffling my hair. I frowned.

I nodded at them and went upstairs to my room, plopping onto my bed. I stared at the invitation card. Natalie has just been invited to a party..

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I rushed through dinner and went to my room to pick out my clothes. Mira called after a while, and I told her I was just getting ready. I promised to call her back after I come back.

After a long search in my wardrobe, I finally settled on a white T-shirt, a camouflage trousers and of course boots. My accessories were just a simple necklace and no makeup. Maggie came into my room and inspected my dress.

“How do I look?” I asked her, twirling.

“No one dresses like an army official to a party, it'll scare the attendants to death.” She answered, chuckling.

“Why? I kinda like it.”

“Damn, you look so seriously sexy in that. Who knew being a soldier would be this good.”

“I plan to be taken seriously, as for sexy... Let's throw that out the window. By the way, you sound like my best friend Ariana. First she complains about my dress and then says it actually makes me look cute.”

“I do? That's a good thing. You really look good... Sincerely speaking.”

 ”Thanks a lot. I appreciate.” I picked up the invitation card and Maggie helped me apply lip gloss on my lips... To make it look poppin' she said.

I came downstairs and met Jace doing push-ups. He looked up and took in what I wore. Then sat up.

“Why? Are you planning on murdering every one there?”

“Something like that. “I answered. “By the way, I'm ready. Should I go alone, or will you take me? I don't want a driver.”. 

“I'm free, so I'll take you. "

“Yay.... Bye Maggie. Greet Greg for me.”

 ”Okay. Stay safe.” She called behind me. 

 We hurried to the garage and the Jace walked to his bike.

“We are taking your bike?” I asked, strapping on my helmet.

 ”I'm a little bit sane with this... What's the address?” I gave him the invitation card. “Here... Read it.” I got in behind him, wrapping my hands around him. 

 ”Okay.... Party here we come” he said as he revved the bike to life. We drove full speed out of the house, the air whipping my face.

I'm not joking, Jace is a terrible driver buts it's fun when he takes the wheel.

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 I finally arrived at the address written on the invitation card. Truth be told, there was a party going on and it looked fun from the outside, but I had to get in to confirm.

“So....” Jace said, breathless. “This is the place?” He asked.

“Yeah.... At least that was what was written in the invitation card,” I replied.

“Looks kinda cool ”he observed. I looked at him.

“I'm going in now.” I told him.

“Okay.... Take care of yourself and don't forget to come home on time.”

 ”I won’t” I kissed him on the cheek. He frowned as if it was disgusting, earning a smile from me.

“Stay safe. And go easy on that bike! “I yelled as I walked away from him.

 ”I'll try....” I heard him say as he drove off. I took a deep breath and began walking into the place. People were already there, mostly students at my school. Even the trio was around. They gawped at me the moment I walked in. I looked at them and realized why.

Here they were, dressed in everything skimpy and everything calling, 'Look at me' all over and I just crashed the party with a T shirt and camouflage trousers and boots.... Although I have to admit I think the trousers were a bit too much. But then who cares.... Certainly not me.

I waved at them and kept on walking amidst the stares. Eventually I found who I was looking for. And that was the Anderson brothers. They were sitting side by side but anyone could tell they were really not that close. 

They saw me and widened their eyes.. so did everyone present there. I smirked. I spotted an empty seat and sat in it; it was right in front of the boys.

“Hi...” I greeted, staring at them.

 They didn't reply... Just kept on staring.

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Xander's POV

 Oh. My. God. Oh my freaking God. I screamed in my mind. My mind has just been blown to a thousand little pieces, and I’m sure Xavier's as well cause he was too stunned to speak. How can someone be so freaking pretty in simple clothes??? Like... How is it even possible!? She was hot!

I finally found my voice... Thank God.

 ”Um... Hey. You look... Different.” I said.

”I sure do. That uniform covers a lot.” She said nonchalantly. I think I'm not the only one who's crushing on her.

”Someone came to drop you... Who was that?” Xavier asked, I glanced at him.

“That's my brother.” She answered. Of course.. she told me she had brothers.

Then looked around. "Nice party” she complimented..... “But nobody's dancing” she pointed out.

 ”That's because we were waiting for you.” I quickly said, I wasn't going to let Xavier beat me to it again.

 ”Now that I'm here. Let's get this party started.” She said coolly. She wasn't even shy or anything. What is she?

 Everyone nodded and soon the party became heated up... I don't think I'm going to forget this night in a long time.

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Xavier's POV

 I stared at her, taking in all of her features. Even though she wore an oversized T-shirt and big trousers, anyone would be crazy not to know she was really curvy in that. Damn, she looked beautiful in those clothes.

The party was on full swing but we staying rooted at the spot, either one not wanting to make a drastic move that might anger her and make her leave, cause with Natalie anything is possible.

Tricia and her girls came to us, glaring angrily at her but she pretended not to notice 

“Hi Natalie. You look pretty.”

“Thanks, but that sounds like a lie.”

. “A lie.....” She gushed, doing her best to hide her anger. “Of course not.”

“Hmph... If you say so.”

“So, enjoying the party?” Tricia asked again.

”Don't know. I'm just sitting down here.”

 Natalie sure knows how to block all chances of being asked personal questions.

“How about we play a game?” Celine suggested. “A party isn't fun without it games.”

“A game. I like the sound of that.” Natalie answered.

“So what game should we play?” Bella asked.

“Oh I know.... Spin the bottle.” Tricia piped in. I glanced at Natalie; she didn't seem affected by it. She took a bottle from the table and emptied the contents on the floor and place it on the table.

 Tricia smiled, I glanced at Xander, it was hard to read the expression on his face because clearly he was just as confused as I am.

Tricia was the first to go.. Celine asked her to twerk, and she gladly did. Next it was Arden, he was to kiss Bella and he had no choice but to agree it kept going on and on until it hit Natalie, Tricia was the one asking the question. She smirked evilly.

”Natalie...”

”Huh?”

"How many guys have you slept with?” She asked, staring at Natalie. I looked at her, her expression was first blank then a smile crept up. Soon it became a full-blown laughter. We all glanced at each other. What's so funny??

“Why did you ask that? You think I sleep around?” She asked still chuckling.

“Oh.... I don't know. It could be 10 or twenty. Whatever just answer the damn question.” Tricia said getting impatient.

Natalie smiled lazily at Tricia and then settled her gaze on us, I and Xander that is. Why do I feel hot all of a sudden?

 ”Well guess what?” She asked, smiling slyly.

 ”What?”

“I'm still a virgin.”

 ”WHAT!?” Everyone echoed.

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 Natalie's POV

“When you're raised by 5 hunks... 6 actually you don't get to sleep around.” I said my gaze focused on every single one of them but most especially Xander and Xavier.

 ”That isn't true. You can't be. You're too slutty to be. Tricia countered.

“Really?” I glanced at her. “Want me to show you my virginity test?” I asked.

“How can you be so comfortable saying it?” Celine asked.

 ”Because it's the truth.”

 That shut them up. 

“Also, I was very busy back home, so I didn't have time to date as well.”

 ”Busy doing what?” Arden asked me, smirking.

“kicking asses of idiots like you.” I sneered. The smirk froze. It looked like the party had been electrocuted. No one was doing anything.

 ”That's going to change however, cause I'm planning to experiment a little.” I said.

“And how are you going to do that?” Bella asked.

 I sat up straight. Mira said something about the brothers being all over me right? Right. This is how I'm going to confirm if it's true.

“By sleeping with one of the Anderson brothers?” I read the expression on their face. It was clearly shock.

”You're not going to do that are you?” Tricia asked.

“Of course not. Nothing good comes easy, does it? They are actually going to play me to that aspect—convince me that is.”

“How?”

. ”First person to win my heart gets to sleep with me. But if they think they are not up to it, they can as well quit.” I said and laid back on the chair.

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Xander's POV

No way, no freaking way. Natalie did not just..... No she didn't. Wait she did. She bet me against my own brother. God knows I'm angry with him. 

 Arden and Peter stared at me with terrified looks on their faces. I glanced at Xavier, he looked cool, but I knew he was disturbed when I saw the look in his eyes.

”You're not going this, are you? “Arden whispered to me. “There are a lot of girls out there who would offer this on a platter of gold. You know that right?” Arden asked.

 He's right. There are a lot of girls out there. But they weren't Natalie, and they won't bet me against my own brother. One look at Xavier and I knew what I wanted to choose.

 ”I hope you are sure about this.” Natalie said. “I hope you are really sure.”

Xavier was really composed throughout. Give this a second thought, my subconscious prodded me, but I didn't listen. My anger had over clouded my sense of reasoning I couldn't think straight. Besides how hard can it be to coax a girl into sleeping with you?

“We'll do it” I heard Xavier say. Then he glared at me, making his statement with his eyes, the one that sent tremor down my spine. Xavier might be cool but there is actually a devil in him that no one really knows.

 ”If that's what you want, then we'll do it.” He said still staring at me.

 ”Great. The bets being made already. And you time starts now as well.”

“What!?” Tricia shrieked, but Natalie didn't look at her. She then glanced at her watch.

“I have to go. My curfew is almost over. See you later.”. And with that she walked out of the room.

“What the hell just happened??” Arden asked. We don't know but I knew one thing for sure, the battle line between I and Xavier had just been drawn. And it was only because of one girl. Natalie Maddox.