The Substitute (A Natasha Romanoff Story)

Chapter 16

TW

The classroom had cleared out. This constant routine was starting to get boring, repetitive. But I got a feeling of deja vu from the first time we had met. Her curled red hair, the black Chanel pumps, her confident demeanour. Even though I had seen a slightly more vulnerable side of her, the woman still managed to intimidate me. The two of us sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, burning holes into each other with our eyes. The only way she would get me to talk, was if she spoke first. When she noticed this, she finally gave in and said something.

"What's your damage?" She asked, getting herself comfortable in her seat.

"I'm allowed to be upset,"

"You could get me fired,"

"Don't even try to pin this on me." I retorted.

Nat sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. The two of us were both frustrated and handling the issue the wrong way, it was understandable for both of us to be pissed off. I avoided eye contact, I knew there was less of a chance I would give in that way. I took a deep breath and spoke again.

"Why did you leave?" I asked.

"There was an emergency." She replied.

"What kind of emergency?"

"That's personal."

I nodded slowly, mentally rolling my eyes as I did so. Although, we were both angry, I couldn't help but be slightly aroused by the frustrated redhead. God, what was wrong with me? I couldn't help but scoff at the situation.

"It was a serious emergency. One that doesn't involve you. Do you understand?" She specified.

"Yes." I mumbled, looking in every direction except hers.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you." She said sternly and my eyes met hers once again. They weren't lust filled like all the other times we were together, she was actually pissed, but I wouldn't allow her anger mask my own.

"You used me." I stated, glancing slightly behind her instead of at her so I didn't end up feeling bad.

"I didn't use you," She sighed, sounding somewhat sincere. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to upset you."

I clenched my teeth, already feeling guilt consume me. I guess I was never used to someone genuinely apologizing for doing something wrong. If the situation was that important, then I had no reason to be mad at her. Yes, she could've told me or made me aware, but she did say it was serious. I looked like a fool in front of her.

"I already got a lecture from my roommate the other night," She said with a slight smirk. "I don't know how to handle two of you being mad at me."

I let out a small laugh, just to ease her a little bit and make her aware that I accepted her apology. No matter how small it was, she clearly meant it and now I felt like an even bigger fool. She stood up from her desk and walked over to me, sitting in the seat next to mine and placed a hand on my thigh. I didn't object, her touch was comforting.

"Why did you sleep with me in the first place?" I queried.

"You're intriguing." She answered, I appreciated her honesty.

In a way, I was relieved that she wasn't using me for my money, my dad's power or my looks. I mean, it wasn't like she admired my personality, but I understood that because I was aware that I wasn't exactly the kindest person in Manhattan.

"You should head to class." She said with a smile, removing her hand that rested on my skirt.

"I want to stay here." I whispered to her.