Racing Hearts [NEW]

CHAPTER 7: CAN'T ESCAPE THE DRAMA KING

"Melissa, isn't it?" His voice sliced through the air like a cold gust of wind. Jake stood over me, arms crossed, that signature smirk firmly in place. His presence was as disruptive as a thunderclap, and I didn't even bother looking up.

I didn't even bother looking up. "Can I help you?" I muttered, keeping my eyes on my sandwich, deliberately ignoring the looming figure before me.

Jake tilted his head, his gaze never leaving me. "You didn't show up," he said, his voice sharp with irritation.

I frowned, genuinely confused. "Show up where?"

"At the quad. After class," he clarified, his tone growing impatient. "I told you to meet me."

I let out a short laugh, more out of disbelief than amusement. So, he was the one who sent that cryptic text. "Oh, I'm sorry," I said, sarcasm dripping from every word. "I didn't realize I was supposed to obey your text command. My bad."

Beside me, Brianna was biting her lip, trying not to giggle. Jake's friends, however, weren't laughing. They shuffled awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with seeing their leader challenged. But Jake? Oh, he was pissed. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might actually lose it.

He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. "I don't usually chase after people. Consider yourself special."

What the actual hell? I blinked, trying to process what he was saying. Was he seriously mad because I didn't respond to some random text? I didn't even know who sent it! A mix of confusion and annoyance bubbled up inside me.

I looked him dead in the eye, refusing to back down. "Yeah, well, don't get too excited. I'm still trying to figure out why I bothered talking to you at all."

Brianna choked on her drink, trying—and failing—to hold back her laughter. Jake's smirk faltered for just a second—barely noticeable, but enough for me to catch. He hadn't expected me to snap back. I kept my expression neutral, though I couldn't deny the small thrill of victory I felt watching his expressions.

Jake's eyes darkened, and he stepped even closer, his voice a low growl. "I don't like being ignored, Melissa. Just so you know."

His proximity was overwhelming—too close, too much. My brain was going haywire trying to come up with something—anything—that would cut through this tension. The nerve of this guy. I shot him a look that screamed, "And?"

"Newsflash, Jake. This isn't high school. You don't get to dictate my schedule." My voice was steady, but my heart was racing. "So good luck with your royal tantrum. I've got my own life to deal with."

Something flickered in his expression—annoyance, maybe even surprise—but he didn't move. His eyes burned into mine, and for a moment, it was like we were locked in a silent standoff, neither of us willing to back down.

"You're not like the others, are you?" His voice was softer now, almost thoughtful, as if he was trying to figure me out.

"Wow, how original," I said, my tone dry and unimpressed.

He studied me for a second, that familiar glimmer of challenge flashing in his eyes. I could almost see the gears turning in his head. His smirk twitched, but this time it wasn't as confident. For a split second, I saw something else—a flicker of frustration, maybe even respect. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by that same cocky arrogance I was beginning to hate.

He straightened up, flexing his hands at his sides, clearly not used to being talked back to. "Whatever," he finally muttered, though the way his eyes lingered on me told a different story. He smirked again, though this time it felt more forced, like he was fighting to maintain his composure. "I'm watching you, Melissa. Remember that."

With that, he turned and walked away, his gang trailing behind him like obedient puppies. I watched them go, shaking my head in disbelief. My heart was still racing, a weird mix of adrenaline and something else—excitement, fear, maybe both. Brianna, however, wasted no time bursting into laughter the second they were out of earshot.

"Oh my God, Mel! Did that just happen?" she gasped, wiping away tears of laughter.

I shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, though my heart hadn't fully calmed down. "Yeah, I guess it did."

"Girl, you just stood up to the king of Crestville! That was priceless!" Bri's eyes were wide with disbelief, her smile stretching ear to ear.

I took a shaky breath, trying to steady the adrenaline rushing through my veins. "Yeah, well... someone had to."

Bri shook her head, still grinning. "You're insane. That guy is not used to hearing 'no.'"

"Good," I replied, my grin matching hers. "Maybe it's time someone said it."

"Hell yes, girl! Jake Williams, take that!" Brianna clinked her drink against mine, a victorious grin plastered on her face.

As the adrenaline faded, I couldn't shake the feeling that this maybe wasn't priceless after all like what Brianna said. Jake didn't seem like the type of guy to take rejection lightly, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was far from over. And as much as I hated to admit it, part of me was curious—just how far he was willing to go to get what he wanted.

***