Chapter 6
Reid
"Hi, Clark," she whispered with a curt smile.
He got into her face. Audaciously proud. Acting like I wasn't there.
His fingers caressed her cheeks.
That weird cord in my head triggered.
My teeth chattered.
My fist tightened.
"Get lost," I howled.
He spared me a quick glance.
A scorning victorious smirk.
"Not when I should be here!"
He turned back to Chelsey.
"I deserved an invitation. But don't worry, I am here." He chuckled.
Touched her hair again.
"Don't touch her," I warned.
Veins popping. Skin turning red.
"What will you do? Punch me? Violence is your language, anyways."
He glared. Fingers tapping on the scar I left on his face.
"Good you know. I might do much worse. For her sake."
I hissed boldly.
He watched my face for a second. A wicked smile crept to his lips.
"So, Chels, what did you both do under the shower?"
He teased.
A wink.
I lunged for his collar from the back. My fist gripping his neck.
My left hand raised to punch him.
Chelsey stepped between us. Shielding him with her body.
My hand hung in the air.
I stared at her. This girl who once smiled at me like I wasn't a monster.
She shook her head.
Guilt washed over me.
I let my hand drop to my side. Took my gaze off her.
The cafeteria turned into a noise room.
Phones were already up. I spared them a glare. They took them down Immediately.
"Thanks," Clark said to Chelsey.
He got off the table. Sauntered some steps away. Stopped halfway.
Chuckled.
"Congratulations. I heard you got assigned to be the team's photographer."
"Yeah… yes, thanks," she said hastily.
Her eyes met mine for a second. Looked away. She didn't want me aware of it.
"Fine, can't wait for a private photography session with you."
He winked. That awkward smile. Eyes of everyone on us.
He sauntered off. Hands in his pocket. Like a boss.
I rested calmly on my seat. Popped the third can of beer.
My eyes roamed over her frame. The slight adjustment. The discomfort. The breath held up.
I slipped her diary out from my jersey jacket. Pushed it to her.
Her eyes glittered on it.
For a moment, she looked like the girl from the film festival.
Then she sneered.
"Clark is a mistake. He will torture you with that message till you do something you'll hate with him."
I warned calmly. Almost explaining why I broke cafeteria rules.
"I'm not like other girls!" She retorted.
"Fine."
She pushed off the chair to leave.
"How about I get Jack a slot in the professional team?"
I said it calmly. Sipping my beer slowly. Expecting her reaction.
It worked.
Her lips parted, her face brightened. Shoulders unhinged.
She turned to look at me.
I nodded.
"I could even help you with your feelings for him. He'll fall hopelessly in love with you."
She dropped back on the chair. Ears prepping to hear more.
"Is it a deal?" I asked. Leaning close.
Her eyes lingered on my face. She nodded weakly.
"So, we sign a deal. Another non-disclosure. An official one."
"Which is?" Her eyes widened. Lips parted.
"I went through your results. You're an alpha student in psychology."
She nodded. Adjusted her big doll glasses.
"I need a psychologist. It's urgent. I don't want to get kicked out of the team."
I watched her brows ached. I just hummed.
I couldn't tell her my demons.
That when she calls me psycho, she's right anyways.
"You're having mental stress challenges?" She asked.
Not what I expected. But she was surprised.
Panic crossed her eyes. Watching me like a wounded child.
"Okay, I will train you. But I'm just a student—"
"It's fine. My PR manager said you could be an option. She's vetting you."
I didn't let her say a word.
"We have to stay together," I added. My eyes not leaving hers.
"What? Why?"
"Simple. Your message to Clark got me a PR flagging. That means we have to be a couple."
"But—"
"That would make your message a teaser, not a bait for rival teams."
"No, not interested." She picked up her diary to leave.
"That's the only way Jack will get to notice you."
She stopped midway. Brows knitted. Lips pressed. Like she always does when she's thinking.
"You read through my diary?"
I leaned back. Hands tapping the table.
"How else would I know your feelings?"
"I don't want to do it."
"That's the only option we have. Jack gets jealous. Clark won't cross his boundaries. And I can get my sessions without gossip."
She met my eyes for a couple of minutes.
Bit her lips. Took a deep breath. Nodded.
"Fine, so—"
"I move in with you!"
"Why, you—"
"If you move into my apartment, there are no rules."
I leaned closer. Her breath caught.
"And I might devour you to my satisfaction."
She swallowed hard. Eyes wide.
"You're insane."
"Probably."
I smiled.