Affinity

Chapter 19: I Swear

The shriveled carcasses of rusted leaves crunched under Nastia's step. The teens made their way out of the corn maze and headed for their cars. The night descent had dropped the temperature, but the adrenaline made them ignore its bite. Everyone was talking excitedly with Pam already proposing they try to do a group activity together at least once a month. High off the night air and the outing, most were receptive to the suggestion.

The vampire nodded along, but her mind was focused elsewhere. She diverted all her frustration, born from the restraint she has been placing on herself, to deal with a particular thorn in her side. As the group started separating and saying goodbye, she handed Pam her keys and said, "I have to use the restroom before we go."

"Oh. Okay. Are you sure?" She looked back in the direction of the venue, at least fifty feet away. Her best friend knew she didn't use portable toilets on principle. At this moment, Nastia wished her best friend didn't know her so well and wouldn't question her actions.

"Yes, of course, I'm sure. Be right back." She took off but not before sending a furtive glance in Austin's direction.

She had been playing this part all through the maze, setting up the perfect bait to get him alone. She would glance at Reina's boyfriend, at first turning her head when he looked. Feigning a growing courage, she risked a flirty smile and a small giggle at his stupid jokes. It wasn't long before they were passing scandalous messages with their eyes, promising a false mutual attraction. It was all calculated and made her sick to her stomach, but the result would be worth it, she reminded herself.

She weaved through the parked cars wondering if her plan was working. Did he pick up her invitation? Perhaps she didn't make it obvious enough. When a finger poked her side, she knew the bait had worked. They were well hidden from view behind a large black truck, a strategic location that was not a coincidence. She was quick to hide her annoyance behind a convincing giggle, hitting his arm. "Hey!"

"Hey, gorgeous," Austin said.

She looked around then teased, "You better not let your girlfriend hear you say that."

He leaned toward her, placing a hand on the truck. "I can't help it. It's the truth. Now why did you lure me over here anyway, gorgeous?"

Her cheeks hurt from her smiling so much, but the joke was on him. This was too damn easy. She looked up into his eyes and reached out only for his will to fight her control. She pushed back on her own impatience. The will was there, it didn't evade her like AJ's. AJ being a Helsing made him invulnerable to mind manipulation. Austin was not nearly as special.

She reached out again gently, just to get a feel. Austin's mind revealed him to be stubborn and pigheaded, but it was an illusion of strength. She just needed to butter him up. "Lure? What makes you think I lured you?"

"Anyone ever tell you that you got some sexy come-get-me eyes?"

She looked down shyly and shook her head like a demure schoolgirl. Guys like him are really attracted to girls who need their compliments to know they're beautiful. Only an insecure girl who doesn't know her own worth would waste time on guys like him.

He continued when she didn't respond, "Well, you do. You need someone to tell you that. Here. Gimme your phone. I'll give you my number." She handed him her phone already knowing she would remove his contact as soon as she got home. "And here I thought you were hot for that Mexican. Did you two have a fight?"

"He isn't Mexican," she couldn't help saying as she took back her phone. She checked her tone then added with a nonchalant shrug, "He is okay, I guess, but I am more into older guys."

"Oh really? Anyone in mind?"

"I should go." She started to step away already knowing he would pin her in.