Hidden Motives

Fell For You

The next morning I woke up and Melissa was gone. I had class and I had missed a couple of days due to my kidnapping so I attended classes like normal. I also had to gather some make-up work to cover for the days I was gone. After school, I headed to the library. Upon arriving I was surprised to see Max sitting at a table with a book in hand. I approached him and sat beside him.

"Hey!" I said.

He looked at me and smiled "Hey Zara"

"Soo since when does doing schoolwork in the library intrigue you?" I laughed.

"Since Adyline told me you would be here" Max responded.

I couldn't help, but blush.

"I like when you're nervous" he whispered.

I rolled my eyes and said "You came here for me?"

"Maybe" he replied with a smirk.

I pulled out the seat beside him before pulling out my bookbag. As he read I worked on some sheets that I had to finish before my next lectures. I noticed he spent more time watching me than actually reading, but that didn't bother me. His scent was familiar and comfortable. It made me tired and eventually led to me dozing off on Max's shoulder. He definitely didn't mind and instead stroked my hair.

I soon woke up to the sound of a girl's voice. "Wow Payne looks like you moved on quick. Doesn't bother me though, I know you'll be back by next week."

"Scarlett be quiet, she's sleeping. Be considerate for once." Max whispered harshly.

Scarlett snorted and said "Huh. Does it look like I care about your new conquest? Text me next week when this little fling is over. I'll be waiting."

Upon hearing this I shot up and said "What fling?"

Everything was still a bit distorted and my eyes hadn't adjusted to the light.

"Nothing Zara" Max whispered.

"Oh, just the little thing going on between you and my boyfriend" Scarlett said harshly while rolling her eyes.

"Your..your..boyfriend" I stuttered out. I looked at Max and he was about to speak until Scarlett cut him off.

"Yes, you stupid idiot. Mine" she exclaimed with a smirk.

"You know what. You can have him." I voiced before staring Max in the eye and grabbing my stuff. I then rushed out without another word.

"Zara wait!" Max shouted.

I ignored his pleads and went straight to the Walsh house.

Upon arriving I threw my belongings into my room and headed downstairs to where Adyline was doing her work. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Adyline could read me like a book. She sighed "It's Max isn't it?"

"Wheres the nearest pub?" I asked holding back tears.

"Not a good idea Zara. I know you're mad but you will regret it tomorrow. Trust me."

"Adyline if you don't tell me right now I will find one on my own. And then you won't even know where I went." I responded.

"The Bear." she sighed.

"I'll be back in an hour. I need to clear my head and get rid of these stupid thoughts." I whispered. Then I grabbed my fake ID Melissa prepared for me when I first arrived and headed out the door.

"Zara wait! I'm not letting you go out alone!" Adyline yelled from the living room.

I ignored her and ran out of the house. Letting the tears finally fall down my face.

When I arrived at the pub I noticed that it was quite crowded. It made me a bit uncomfortable, but I ordered some drinks and stood by the bar. The bartender seemed a bit questioning of my ID at first, but once I said "What are you looking at?" he hurried up.

A drink in, my thoughts started to become memories. Two drinks in, I couldn't focus on something for longer than a few seconds. I liked this. I lost track of time and the drink count began to pile up. I was numb and most importantly this was keeping me from being eaten alive by my thoughts. I coined the bartender for another drink. He slid it over to me and just as the cold liquid touched my mouth someone grabbed the glass out of my hand.

"Stop Zara. I can't see you like this. Espeically knowing I'm the one who caused this."

It was Max.

"You" I peered. "Give that back right now!" I complained.

"Zara please listen to me! And where's Adyline? She shouldn't have let you come alone! When she called me I assumed she was with you." he responded.

I could see the worry in his eyes, but I wasn't sober enough to distinguish between compassion and control. Suddenly my thoughts came flooding back to me.

"Of course she called you! Stop controlling me! First you cheated on Adyline with Scarlett and told me that nothing happened! Then you made it seem like you were falling for me and went back to Scarlett! Then you saved me and everything was fine until Scarlett dropped a bombshell that you should've told me!" I scream. The music in the pub was making my head spin and I felt like throwing up.

"Zara I was never 'falling for you'" he responded.

My body went cold. "What did he just say" I started backing away from him as fear swept through me. He stepped towards me and watched me intensely "What is this man doing to me?" I thought.

"I fell for you the moment I saw you. It was never the act of 'falling' when I had already 'fell'" he whispered looking into my eyes and holding me steady.

Upon hearing this the confusion that had left me frozen propelled me towards him and into a passionate kiss. There was fire and longing the second our lips met. An unfilled hidden desire.