The Third Salvatore (TVD Season 1)

Chapter 31

Emma

"If you step on my dress, I'll stake you right here, Vampire!" I mutter angrily under my breath.

All the pairs are being hauled outside where we got to dance in front of this insane huge audience. Why did I agree for this circus?

"Is that any way to talk to your saviour? What, you wanted that wanker in there? I doubt." Hardin's palm rove a little below my waist teasingly. I turn to glare at him. He looks down at me with a weird expression.

He mumbles something in himself and I choose to ignore him as all of us stand infront of our partners. Everyone bows and curtsies to their respective partner. I copy them, struggling innerwardly to bow to Hardin. I know he must be smirking at me.

I suddenly feel nervous and my heart beats like crazy. I shift awkwardly. I know everyone can sense my awkwardness. I imagine them laughing at me. My mouth dries.

"Relax, love." Hardin says softly drawing my attention to him. I look up into his keen, green eyes.

"I don't belong here." I gulp putting up a weak, showing-off smile.

"Then we're very much alike." He tilts his head and a strand of dark hair slips onto his forehead.

"Liar. You probably had decades to practice." I never thought I could talk this much with my lips almost closed.

Hardin puckers his lips in amusement. "Then it's fortunate you have me right now, isn't it?" He grins flirtatiously. I roll my eyes. Gently.

"Where's Tyler, Hardin?" I ask with finality.

"Never mind the werewolf. Now, put up your left hand." He mutters as the dance takes off. I comply promptly.

"Don't call him that." I laugh innerwardly. We're now walking around each other. I've done this before but it's like the first time. Hardin is staring in my eyes intently, playfully. I hold the stare.

"Oh, I won't be surprised if he's one. But let's not talk about him." He mutters not breaking the eye contact.

"How about not talking at all?" I tell him off. He huffs. We're now putting both of our hands up and walking around each other. Somehow with Hardin, it's not weird anymore. It's intense and intimidating. I stare into his eyes as they change hues under the sunlight.

"Come on, Emma. I thought we were beyond mere high school romance." He whines as he puts his hand on my waist. I follow suit looking around and put one hand on his shoulder and he automatically takes the other in his.

"You're forgetting one of us is still in high school, Hardin."

"Okay, is it imperative to react like one then?"

"Why not? There's nothing bad in creating some drama, isn't it?" I smirk. He raises his brows at me.

"You want to play cat and mouse again? I can do that." He says amused.

"Shut up." I mutter. "We're over, Hardin. You need to leave me alone."

"You know I've feelings for you."

"Yeah...who doesn't?" I tell him off as the dance ends.

----------

I'm searching rooms after rooms and there's no sign of Tyler. I'm getting nervous. Ofcourse I still think Tyler's a jerk but I won't actually like the scene of his body drained of blood, he's my friend.

"What's your deal, woman?"

I turn around and my hand slap across Hardin's chest. I shriek.

"Don't sneak up on me like this, you freak!"