Hold me Tight

Chapter 5

Victoria's POV
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I tapped my foot on the floor. Biting my nails and waiting outside the classroom. Who was I when I agreed to the terms and conditions of the bet? By a stranger?

Surely not someone in my senses. Because now I was bearing the consequences of my minor breakdown during the game which I lost by pure luck. I did not mind going to lunch, but that game took a toll on me.

Nobody was judging. It was just a game with strangers.

But then why was I feeling like my heart would jump out of my chest and dance on the floor? It was Stephan, or whatever, who made the stupid rule. I was wasted with the thrill of a competition to deny. To know that this could lead to this.

Maybe I was covering up my sour mood with not winning, when in reality I was bothered to go on a lunch with him.

Elliot hot-like-the-core-of-earth Richardson.

I could still bale out of this deal. Yeah, I could opt for a delivery at his home. Perfect decision. I turned around, my high ponytail swinging with the sharp turn. My head bumped into a hard, solid, cold chest and knocked the breath out of me.

Too busy in my thoughts, I hadn't realised that the class was dismissed and Elliot was standing in front of me. With a hint of a smile on his face. Where was the earthquake when I wanted the floor beneath me to swallow me?

I was nervous, no doubt.

Maybe because I was thinking about this too much.

Or maybe because his intense stare, with a hint of amusement, was bringing havoc in me.

I shook the thoughts away, stood straight in front of him and cleared my throat. "Ready?"

He extended his hand toward the exit. "After you."

I started walking, feeling his heavy presence behind me with the thud of his steps.

"Where do you want to eat? And what do you want to eat?" I asked.

He took a step longer and came beside me. "I thought you had it figured out?"

Did I, though? Or did I just spend my days remorseing and hating myself for going on that game. I could take him to my regular Saturday place where I and Jass visited, but again I did not want Mrs. Smith to swoon over him and teased me afterwards. A big no.

Then, I was too busy to think of ways to bail out of this agreement. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

I could have convinced them for the test match.

"Umm, no. I did not. I know a few places though. We can go to Symposium or The New York basic. I have heard that the food is good. Never tried, but what is the risk in not trying, right?"

He spread his hand ahead. "Sure, lead the way."

We reached the main road. Hopped into the taxi and started going to the Symposium. The entire ride, we stayed silent. At one point, I opened my mouth and looked at him to start the conversation but stopped when I caught him staring at me. His ears turned beetroot.

I noticed he had this habit of staring at me. And for some reason, I did not mind. Because it made my skin tingle.

And I hated that. I hated the fact that he affected me more than I would accept.

We reached the restaurant within twenty minutes. On the entry it was classic. Glass door, leading a way to the inside with a wide space. Rustic, naked brick walls giving the old era vibes with golden shimmer light in the dark places. A waitress came toward us and led us to the nearby table.