Grabbing my new name brand school bag, I followed a happy Stephan to the garage and got into his jeep. “Am I going to see that stupid grin every time you get your way and I don’t argue?” I asked Stephan as he drove down the road grinning like a loon.
“Probably. You fought me so much for weeks now I think any time you don’t argue will be a win, win situation.”
“Arsehole.” I rolled my eyes, but I wasn’t hugely bothered. I liked seeing Stephan smile and he had stuck by me so he deserved a bit of slack.
*****
What the hell was I thinking? You give a man an inch he thinks he can go a mile. I didn’t need a babysitter. Stephan had organized one of his mates to watch over me in my classes. I had no idea I had at least one of his friends in each of my classes. I could feel eyes on me all the time. It was like I was in a bad B-movie. Every time a class would finish a friend of Stephan’s would materialize in front of me to take me to my next class, because obviously, I couldn’t do it on my own or even with Cassie or any of my other friends.
I put up with this for almost a week and only because I was worried about Stephan, he was in the bloody home gym or out at what they called the no go zone, on the property, where they practiced using guns. It was Friday and today at lunch, I swear whoever showed their face I was going to wallop them one. Now I tried very hard not to be violent, especially with my upbringing, but Stephan brought out a violent streak in me where I wanted to throttle him and anyone associated with him.
My girlfriends thought it was cute what Stephan was doing. The bitches had no sympathy for me. I told them karma would get them but they said they couldn’t wait if they got someone like Stephan. Ha. They needed to put up with him for even a day and I bet they wouldn’t say that.
I wasn’t even sleeping in my bed, not that I minded. I enjoyed Stephan’s heat and falling asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. We never had a break from each other, we drove home every afternoon and it was driving me batty. He was super careful and he made every excuse under the sun to go straight home and not anywhere else. I missed hanging out at the beach, going to Cassie’s house or even rugby practice. Ah, rugby practice, half naked boys…mmm. It was tonight and I was going whether Stephan went or not.
I turned to Cassie as the bell went off, grabbed her arm, and almost ran out of the classroom before anyone could catch us. I whispered, “I’m going to rugby practice this afternoon. I have to get out of the house besides coming to school. Stephan needs to go too and if I’m there he will.” I yanked her into a little corner before the end of the buildings, and glanced around to make sure none of Stephan’s lackeys were listening. “Stephan is driving me crazy. My last period is free. So is Derick’s. I’m going to beg him to take me home and then to rugby practice. I need drool therapy. Derick is such a pussy cat with me, he’ll cave and take me. Evelin promised me she’d help with Stephan too, even she thinks her son is being a bit much.”
Cassie’s eyes grew wide, a huge grin spread over her face, and she giggled. Crap. Familiar arms slid around my waist and I turned to look into deep blue eyes and a smirking face.
“Somehow I don’t think my brother would appreciate being called a pussy cat.” I groaned and hoped he hadn’t heard much else.
“I’d also like to know why you think rugby is drool therapy.”
“Grr, none of your business. It’s girly stuff.”
He grinned at me and… and…stupid dimples. I bit my cheek and tried to look anywhere but at him. Friggin' Cassie thought this was just hilarious. The bitch.
Fingers settled under my chin and he guided my head back up so I gazed at him. “Everything about you is my business.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over mine, just enough to make me shiver and want more. Stay strong, stay strong. His thumb brushed my cheek and his body gravitated to mine until we were a breath away. I closed my eyes and cursed my willpower where Stephan was concerned. “Little bit, open those pretty chocolate pools.” The pad of his fingers traced my lips.
Oh the A-hole. He was fighting dirty. I cracked one eye open. “Leave. Cassie and I to have some girly talk and I’ll tell you later.” I would, I just didn’t say how late I’d tell him, like before bed. I opened my other eye and stared up at him with an expression I hoped looked like I couldn’t lie or hurt a fly.
“Fine. Don’t leave school grounds.” He took my lips and this time his mouth opened, his tongue sought mine and I met him, eager for his taste and to show him how happy I was he let me win. I ended the kiss, pulling away, smiling up at him.