Chapter 34 Chapter: 34

Chapter 34 Chapter: 34
SHEPHERD

Unlike the rest of the students in Brighton Academy. Evenings are when I really study. A lot of the students at the school think that because I play sports and don't always attend classes, I'm dumb.

Contrary to the belief that I don't read, I study a lot. I just choose to do it at odd times from others. Not to brag, but I've never failed a single class or gotten anything lower than an A.

I'm just blessed that way.

I was leaning against the library shelf. When Addison came in, looking stunning in that soft, understated way. Everything about her looks simple and appealing.

Her way of dressing, her makeup, and the way she carries herself with confidence and grace. She didn't have to wear all that makeup or overly revealing dresses to command attention.

And I know if she decides to wear one, she's going to leave a trail of boys with boners everywhere she goes.

Addison didn't notice me as she walked between rows of shelves, selecting different titles before she strode towards the desks, carrying a bunch of books. She settled down, flipped her hair out of her face, and opened one of the books.

“Competing for student of the year?” I asked, finally announcing my presence.

She jumped slightly, her head whipped up. She sighed when she realized it was just me, but then she frowned. “What are you doing here?”

I glance around pointedly. “Oh me? What else can anyone do here? It's a fucking library, of course I'm here to read.”

“You read?” she gasped mockingly. “I can't believe the great Shepherd also reads like us nerds.”

My lips twitched. I shut the book in my hand and pushed off the shelf. I walked closer. “Always a smart ass.”

Addison looked around, as if she were afraid people would see us together. Well, fuck it. After what happened earlier today, I thought she would get used to people seeing us together.

Well, maybe it's too soon for that, but eventually she’ll have to get used to it, if I have anything to say about it.

“Now, while I would like to stay and chat with you, I've got much better things to do.”

I scoffed. “Better things than doing me? Doubt it.”

“Arrogant jerk,” she muttered, her cheeks instantly turning red. Good, she didn't miss my innuendo.

“Fine, suit yourself.” She went back to flipping pages, ignoring me.

I watched her for a moment. The way her brow furrowed when she concentrated, though I could still sense her nervousness. But she's trying to pretend I'm not here or that she's not worried about getting seen with me.

The silence lasted for about a minute before she sighed loudly and looked up. I smirked smugly.

“Listen, although I do not approve of your methods, I want to thank you for saving me earlier today,” she said, then turned to face me fully.

“That being said, please don’t do it again. While I appreciate the thought, your coming to my rescue will never solve the problem, only exacerbate it.”

“I see, do you still believe you don't need my help? Does that mean you’re saying no to my offer?” I asked, even though I could already see the answer on her face.

“Shepherd, I do not have the energy to play these games with you, and what offer are you talking about?” she asked, face blank.

My eyes narrowed. I'm really trying here. Addison thinks she has a choice; the truth is, she doesn't. I'm giving her an illusion of choice; the reality is, she's going to accept it's just a matter of time.

Two can play this game. She’s stubborn, but I'm going to wear down her resistance, because I know, despite her fear and reluctance, there’s a part of her that feels this draw.

There’s no way I'm the only one feeling this pull between us. If anything, her reaction at the labs this morning shows she’s not as immune to my charms as she would like me to believe.

Although she's not really my usual type, I'm not opposed to having a little fun, and I know she wants me to. “What are you so afraid of? Why won't you become my girlfriend? It's a win-win situation; you should be thanking me for this.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Not that again, besides your idea sucks, wouldn't becoming your 'fake girlfriend,” she quoted with her hands.

“Make me even more of a target? You already saw what happened with Angela. I don't even want to imagine what will happen to me if the other girls suspect I'm with you, fake or not.”

“If you agree to be mine, you won't have to ever worry about that or be scared of anyone in this school. I've already warned them.”

She snickered, then straightened in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “Just because I try to avoid trouble doesn't mean I'm scared of anyone, not even you, Conrad.”

“I know you aren't afraid of me,” I said, grinning. “But there's something you're scared of people finding out, isn't there? I know what you're hiding, and I can help protect your secret as an ally and your boyfriend.”

Addison suddenly grew nervous; a flash of fear crossed her eyes, but then she looked away and collected her books.

“Well, you're wrong. As I've said before, I'm not hiding anything.”

She brushed past me, shoulders stiff. The scent of vanilla tickled my senses; it was subtle and clean, like vanilla freshener and temptation.

“Is that so? What would the kids say if they knew you're the princess of Campbell & Sons?”

Addison instantly froze in place. I walked to her front until I was barely a foot away from her. Her face was pale, her eyes flickering with fear even as she glared at me.

“You didn’t think I wasn't gonna find out, did you?” I drawled, flicking a lock of hair over her shoulder and stroking her jaw.

“I knew who you were from the first day you waltz you sexy little ass into Brighton, I knew what you’re scared of and why, I know everything about you shrimp.” I grab her chin a little hard.

She slapped my hand away, making me chuckle mirthlessly. “And now that you know, what then? What's it to you anyway? Why don’t you just leave me the hell alone?” she spat, glaring at me.

“I already told you why,” I replied blankly.

She frowned, clearly confused. “You know what, do whatever you want, I don't care,” she bluffed. “The worst that could happen is me leaving this school, which means I don't have to see your face ever again.”
She turned angrily about to leave, but I was quicker; I yanked her hand and slammed her against the library shelf before she knew what was up. I hold both her hands above her head.

My other hand wrapped around her throat as I inched closer, my mouth at her ear.

“Let me go!” she growls, eyes flaring bright with anger, as she tries to move. I hold her tighter. Until I could feel her heartbeat echoing mine, wild and frantic.

“No, Addison. The worst that could happen is you trying to leave. What do you think this place is? Do you honestly think you have a choice? This is fucking Brighton, and I'm the king here,” I growled in her ear.

“You came into my world, you crashed into me, but only I get to decide when you leave.”

The smell of her hair was something I'd never smelled before, a fruity mix with something that was all her. I couldn't help burying my nose in her nape, sniffing, my eyes fluttering shut in pleasure.

“Shepherd,” Addie breathed, her body trembling. “Wh—what are you doing?”

Fuck if I know. I raised my head from her neck, smirked, self-satisfied, when I noticed goosebumps spread over her neck and shoulder.

Addison, you pretty little liar. I thought. I have her right where I want her now that I've got her alone. I won't let her go until she agrees to be mine.

I frowned when I heard voices echoing down several shelves away. It's a big library, so I doubt they can see us unless they come this way.

My hands tightened on her hips. I flattened myself even closer, until there was nothing between us except the clothes on our bodies, covering her from prying eyes.
“Shepherd,” that breathy voice again. Grinning, I move back just enough so I can see her face, without letting go of her.

“Let me go, you asshole,” her voice trembled, her eyes filled with tears.

“Hush, we're not alone,” I murmured.

Her eyes rounded with panic. “Then let me go before they get here. What the hell do you think you're doing?" she whispered, arching into me, trying to push me back with her body, but the only thing it did was press her even closer into my chest.

“I'm not letting you go until you accept my proposal, or I will let them see us like this, heck, I will even let them take pictures, and then tomorrow I will expose who you really are to them.”

Fear flashes in her eyes. “You wouldn't.”

My eyes darkened. “Wouldn't I?” Before she knew it, I uncurled my fingers around her neck, sneaked my hand under her short skirts, cupping her delectable ass in my palm, hiking her dress up several inches in the process.

I'd completely frozen when a very vital piece of information pierced through my head and sent red light through my neurons, my dick instantly turned to steel.

I'm currently cupping Addison’s ass in my palm. Her bare, soft, fleshy cheeks. A thong?! She’s wearing a thong.

Christ!

Who would have thought innocent Addison Campbell would wear such tiny, sexy lingerie?

Fuck! I swallowed hard, my dick twitching in my pants. At this point, I'm pretty sure Addison could feel the little warrior fighting for its life between us.

And I was right. It seemed, at first, that I wasn't the only one in shock, because Addison had gone completely still in my arms.

But feeling my erection must have snapped her out of her momentary shock, because instead of yelling or cursing me. Addison attacked me like a wild kitten, biting me straight in the crook of my neck, hard.

It hurt like hell. “What the hell are you doing?” I growled, clutching her even harder.

She pulled back, her face flushed, eyes angry. “Let go! You’re touching my ass, you asshole.”

“I know,” I admit, shrugging. “And it's a fucking great ass too.”

Addison blushed hard, her eyes narrowed on my neck.

“If you bite me, I'm going to call those people over here, and what you're so scared of will definitely happen,” I threatened when she went to attack my neck again.

The voices were already coming closer as we spoke.

“Then let me go!” she whispered furiously, squirming.

“I will when you agree to my proposition. Your choice, tic toc, tic toc.”

Her eyes turned frantic. “Please, Shepherd, if they see us like this…they'll think…” she started, panicked.

“They'll think we're having sex,” I ended, grinning. “So what's it gonna be?” I deliberately squeezed her ass and almost groaned.

She glared at me so hard, then she gritted. “Fine. You win,” she whispered. “For the rest of this term, I’ll be yours. I’ll pretend to be your fake girlfriend. But we’re setting down ground rules, now let me go.”

I grin with satisfaction, then hesitate just to mess with her. “Shepherd, please,” she whispered, her eyes wide.

“If you break your words,” I started, my voice hard, expression blank.

“I won't, I swear,” she cuts in.

“Kiss me, and I will believe you.”

She glared hard. “Now you're pushing it.”

“Kiss me,” I growled.

She swallowed nervously, glanced behind me, and I knew she could already see the three girls and the librarian Mrs Kinsley, coming towards us. I'm sure they could see us, although they won't be able to tell who we are or what we are doing.

Addison smacks her lips on mine so fast and pulls away before I can truly savor it.

“Done, now let me go,” she pleads.

I finally let go of her hand and reluctantly withdrew my hand from under her skirt.

She takes a step away, but I drag her back before she runs out.

“I'm going to prove to you that, with me by your side, no one would dare bully you,” I whispered. “Come to the dining hall tomorrow, I have a gift for you, so don't be late.” I kissed her ear, she gasped and pulled away, and I watched her go.

Grinning like an idiot.

She didn’t turn, but she walked faster, and I could almost imagine the way she'd rolled her eyes upward and muttered “asshole” beneath her breath even as she blushed.

Because that's who she was. Someone who would never accept that she's attracted to me, it doesn't matter because she can deny it all she wants, but I'm never letting her run away from me, not now when the game is just about to begin.