Chapter 21
I sit at my
y desk, fingers drumming impatiently on the smooth surface. Distraction has become my worst enemy lately, my eyes drifting to the door every few seconds.
I hate it.
I hate how much I’m hoping–no, waiting–for him to walk in. Valentine has somehow wormed his way into my thoughts, and it’s driving me insane.
I tap my pencil harder, scowling. I shouldn’t care. really shouldn’t be this eager to see him. With his stupidly adorable dimples and that infuriatingly laid–back attitude, he’s nothing but trouble.
But here I am, looking forward to him showing up.
A sigh escapes me as my eyes flick to the door again. He’s late, which only adds to my agitation. Normally, I’d roll my eyes at his dramatic last- minute entrances, but today I’m counting the seconds. What’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t care if he shows up or not.
Except.I do. I want to catch a glimpse of those dimples, that ridiculous grin that sends my stomach into annoying flips. It irritates me to at least, that’s what I sell myself.
o no end. Or
Finally, the door creaks open, and my heart betrays me, skipping a beat. Valentine saunters in like he owns the place, his confident stride making it impossible to look away. His dark hair is tousled just enough to look effortlessly cool, and that easy smile of his I wish I could wipe it off his face.
I force myself to look away, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me smile. Don’t smile. Don’t smile, I chant to myself, willing my expression to stay neutral as he strolls past my desk.
Then, as always, he takes the seat behind me. And a second later, I feel a light rug on my braid. I bite back a smile. Damn it, it’s so hard to ignore him.
“Hey, Scar,” Valentine whisper, his tone teasing.
I shiver as I feel his breath at the back of my neck. My heart does this stupid little flutter at the playful gesture, which only makes me angrier. “Stop pulling my hair,” I mutter, trying to sound annoyed, but my voice is softer than I want it to be
“Can’t help it. You make it look so pullable.” He grins, and when I glance back, those deathly dimples are on full display now,
I roll my eyes, but the corners of my mouth betray me, twitching upward for just a second before I quickly turn back to the front of the classroom. My face burns. I scribble on my notebook unnecessarily in an attempt to distract myself.
Valentine leans in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Were you waiting for me or something? You kept looking at the door.
I freeze, my pulse racing. How does he notice these things! “I wasn’t waiting for anyone, 1 lie, keeping my eyes glued to the board. “You’re not that important.”
He chuckles softly, the sound smug and infuriating. “Sure, whatever you say. Scar.”
Dean’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance at how irritatingly handsome he looks when he miles.
I grit my teeth, hating how pleased he sounds–and hating myself more for the way my lips twitch again, fighting a smile
Then he
je shifts the subject, catching me off guard. “Your dad really gave me the third degree last night, huh?”
I wince, guilt twisting in my chest. “I’m sorry about that,” I whisper. “He’s not usually that bad.”
Valentine shrugs. “I probably deserve it for daring to look at his daughter”
His words make my breath catch. “You didn’t deserve that.” I say quietly, glancing at him.
He smirks “Doesn’t matter. I’m still taking you to prom.”
1 bite my lip, my cheeks heating up. “I, uh..I bought address.
Valentine’s eyes light up with interest. “You did?”
I nod, trying to play it cool. “It’s blue.“”
“Blue, huh? I bet it looks amazing on you.” His voice is confident, almost too confident, and it sends my heart racing again.
1/2
Chapter 21
“You haven’t even seen it, I mumble, focusing on the notebook in front of me.
“Don’t need to. I already know,” His grin widens, and I can feel his gaze on me, like he’s waiting for a reaction.
“Shut up, Valentine,” I mutter, fidgeting with the zipper on my bag.
He just laughs, leaning back in his chair. “Fine. I’ll wait till prom to be blown away.”
By lunch, I need a break. I head to the oak tree outside, my favorite spot, and sit down with my book. The shade is calming, and for once, I feel like Lean breathe. I’ve meant to finish my book for days, but homework keeps me busy. Now is my chance.
Well, I was at peace until a familiar voice interrupted. There you are, Scarlet!
My head snaps up, and there he is, Valentine, standing a few feet away with his hands in his pockets and that infuriating grin on his face.
I groan internally as he walks over, plopping down next to me without a word of invitation. “Should’ve known you’d be hiding under a tree,” he
teases.
“I’m not hiding. I’m reading,” I say, holding up my book as proof.
Jor avoiding me he counters, his grin widening
“Not everything’s about you, Valentine, I snap, but there’s no real bite behind it. “What are you doing here!”
He shrugs. “Maybe I just like being around you.” His voice is casual, but there’s something genuine in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.
I look away, focusing on the grass. “I don’t need company.”
“Never said you did,” he replies, scooting a little closer. “But I need yours. You’re fun to annoy, even when you’re grumpy.”
“Do you always just say whatever you feel like?” I ask, half–exasperated, half–amused.
“Only when it comes to you.” he says with a smirk.
Then, out of nowhere, he lays down and rests his head on my lap. I gasp, heat rushing to my face. “What are you doing!!” I squeal, trying to push
him of.
Valentine
e just grins up at me, completely unfazed “Genting comfortable,”
“You’re impossible,” I mutter, but I don’t make him move. Instead, I stare down at him, feeling my heart race in ways I can’t explain–or deny.
E
