Enemies with Benefits

enemies with benefits | 11

Chapter Eleven: Midnight Escapades

***

It hit midnight when I heard a pebble at my window. At first, I ignored it, thinking it might be some stupid prank from some neighbourhood kids. But when I heard it again, I couldn't help but get out of bed to investigate, heading over to the window to see who was disturbing me at such an hour.

Unsurprisingly, the instigator was none other than Alexander.

"Finally," he called out. "I was starting to think I needed a bigger rock, and I can't guarantee the safety of your window with that."

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my hair blowing in the chilly wind.

Even from the distance and darkness, I could see his grin. "Can I come in?"

"No." I replied. "I want to know what you're doing here."

He just stared up at me for a few moments, not saying anything. I was growing bored and cold just standing at my window, but I didn't want to find out what would happen if I left it - Alexander was relentless, and I knew that from my years under his thumb.

Eventually, he spoke. "Well, you aren't going to find out by keeping me out here."

"Alexander." I said firmly, crossing my arms. "Go home. Before I lose my cool."

He didn't say anything, instead opting to walk away from sight. Sighing in relief, I shut my window and pulled the curtains in front of it. I flipped my lamp on and shut the ceiling light off. There was a warm light in my room, and I was prepared to go to bed and let this thing with Alexander go.

I just got into bed, the covers engulfing the majority of my body, when I snapped to reality.

Alexander barely put up a fight. Normally, he could be the most stubborn asshole in the world. He'd be the type that'd make me go grey before I got my own way. So how had he left so easily?

Horror filled me as I scrambled out of bed and ran to the window, clawing at the curtains and tugging them to the side. And there I understood why Alexander left so easily; I understand why I barely had to argue for him to give up.

He was climbing the tree right beside my window. The idiot was going to climb into my room.

I pulled my window up, the cold breeze hitting me once more. Shivers ran down my arms, leaving a trail of goosebumps, but I wasn't sure whether it was purely because of the temperature.

"Jesus, Alexander. What are you doing? Are you crazy?" I wanted to yell, but it came out more like a hiss. My parents were right downstairs, and I'd be mortified if I alerted them.

"Would you believe me if I said I was crazy for you?" Alexander said, his head tipping up as he reached the branch that was scarily close to my window.

"Don't mock me. Why are you trying to get into my room at midnight?"

He climbed a little higher before he stopped, taking a few deep breaths before he just stared at me, his green eyes darker than usual.

"Come on, Kelsie. You're not stupid; do the math." One of his hands let go off the branch, leaving him to be supported by one hand alone. Show off. "Fuck, I need to go to the gym more."

His words rang in my head. "You came here to hook up? Alexander, I— my parents are home! And today at school— well, I thought that'd be enough for you. This is all new to me."

"Today at school was hardly enough. I tried holding out until the weekend - trust me, I did. But I couldn't stop thinking about you," he said, and for a moment I was shocked. That was until he added on; "believe it or not, despite you being so annoying."