Nineteen

***Ruby***

Never have I felt so tensed in my life.

I felt as though I was about to step on a huge stage that faces a very large crowd. I felt like I was about to do something that would ridicule me.

But, my father's words came to me as quietly as possible and that remainder lashed at the ridiculous thoughts I was having.

Clutching hard, the handle of my personalized tote bag which Abby made for me for last year Christmas, I let out a huge puff of air and resumed my intent to walk through the glass entrance.

"Hello there."

My chest banged hard at that voice, my whole body felt so strange, like it was hypnotised.
"Mr. Klaus," I carefully said as I turned my head slightly to the right to face the tall man who was dressed in a manner similar to other times. But the funny thing, he still looked like he came out of a fashion magazine.

Or better put, a magazine for women who would like to feast their eyes on good looking men.

"How are you doing?"

"Uh?" I blinked hard as I realized I was busy picturing him in a magazine.

"Are you feeling okay?"

A loud huff came from me. "Why won't I be?"
My leg kicked against the rough surface of the ground as I tried to ensure within me that I don't repeat the whole imagination thing again.

After securing the bag over his shoulder, his hands went into the pockets of his black pair of wide legged trousers which was folded at the ends in a way that complemented the blue loafers he used to complete his dressing.

After his posture was successfully looking so relaxed, he said, "I am sure the incident two days ago didn't make you happy. So I can't help but wonder if you are doing fine."

"I really don't see how that concerns you... *sir*."
He scoffed, the right side of his moist lips tugging upwards. "But I am okay."

I made sure to look him straight in the eyes even if it meant I had to crane my head at a certain, uncomfortable angle that gave the sun an opportunity to tease my face.

"You don't like me that much, do you?"

"Uh?"

"I can tell." His deep eyes searched mine and as he shifted to do so, he caused his tallness to create a sort of shade that drove away the sun's impact.

And I don't know why... but that little move of his caused a little disturbance within me. Now that he was closer to me, I could perceive his unforgettable scent a bit more and I felt my entire body falling into some kind of tranced state.

I was already trying to resist the state when something way worse happened. His large hand covered mine and I felt so... electrified.

The warmth of his palm against my skin felt so strange, yet at the same time comfortable and was maybe a little bit heart-racing.

A little bit?

Nah. My heart was beating like crazy, any doctor who inspects me at that moment might think I suffer from some rare illness associated with getting touched.

"Ruby Powers..." Perhaps it was my betraying mind that made it so, but his voice was so low and heavy with a hint of sexiness. "Look at me."

My eyes which had evaded the upper part of his body after the skin to skin connection which I was still finding hard to shake off, finally looked into his.

"Listen to me carefully..." There was this authority in his voice that just got me complying. "You like it or not, I am going to be around for a while."

"I don't-"

" And I am staying around because of you. Now..." His feet brought him even closer and I could already hear my chest pounding. Good Lord, what is going on?
"Do me a favour and make sure I don't regret the decision I have made and the one I just made this moment."

I swallowed hard before I asked, my voice almost raspy, " What decision?"
The sides of his mouth lifted again and my chest did that thing again. His hand finally left mine and he took a step back which surprisingly made me feel... disappointed.
"I asked you a question," I pushed as it seemed he was about to walk away.

Head titling with amusement all over his face, he asked, "Do you really want to know?" I nodded.
Curiosity was actually getting the best of me at that moment.
A man who I just met tells he is staying around because of me, he says he has made decisions that I shouldn't make him regret.
All that, he said while making my entire system achieve jeopardy never experienced before.


"I want to know," I reaffirmed my intention and he gave a curt nod before staring out into the space ahead.

"Well... since you've asked. I just made up my mind about something." My brows lifted and his eyes teased my eagerness. " My intention to kiss you. My intention to know how you'd feel in my arms..."

There it was again... The crazy heart racing. Just that, in addition, my legs felt like they could not stand properly. The look in his colorful eyes as his lips kept lifting teasingly made me feel so weak.

Or wait... is that I am sick or something? Perhaps I should rested some more at home.

"Those intentions... " Adonis Klaus wasn't done. "I have decided to act on them and I will make sure it happens."

Wait... He is joking right?

His eyes narrowed with intent. "I am being greedy but it is what I want."

Nope, it isn't a joke.

*Oh my! My throat feels so dry... someone please bathe my tongue with water! Or maybe fill my body with regular sanity!*

Because... It is just absurd how affected I am about the whole situation.

"Ruby Powers, I'll see you in class." He winked at me and I finally came to. He and I were basically the only ones left outside and it seemed like classes had already begun.

So much for making a grand entry before the bell goes off.

But how come I didn't even hear the bell?

My lips let out a scoff as I recalled my condition moments ago. How would I have heard the bell when my heart was being an annoying siren.

Such a betraying heart.

Placing my hand over the supposed position of my heart, I wondered how I was going to deal with the situation Adonis Klaus has out me in.

As my legs finally walked me past the doors, the real and most important question came to me.

How on earth am I going to ensure Adonis Klaus doesn't get into my head?

Well... maybe I will have to get Abby's help with that because I fear I may lose my sanity along the line.