A Tempting Trio (MMF Novel)

Chapter 2: Awkward Assemblage

Annabelle

I couldn't concentrate in class. Usually, Advanced Placement Chemistry was a breeze for me but now? The Greek letters and formulas were a blur to me, it could Pig Latin for all I know. I stared down at the phone held under my desk. Leo had not responded to my text but I wasn't surprised–he tended to get distracted in school which also wasn't much of a surprise since he had ADHD. Always hyperactive and energetic, I could barely keep up with him.

I was more of a go-with-the-flow type of girl, except for my studies because those were essential for me and my GPA and nothing would get in the way of that. Maybe I was too harsh in my text–was it too soon to be ordering him around? He seemed to like it. I gathered that it must have brought him some type of comfort, as if he needed something to ground him down to Earth.

Like a prick to a balloon, except I was the prick. I felt like a prick, if I was honest with myself.

"Annabelle Warren?" Mrs. Ellen called from her desk.

I jumped in my seat, knocking over one of my textbooks. The heavy textbook slammed onto the floor, causing everyone to jump and stare at me.

"Yes?" I said, expectantly, ignoring the students' stares.

"Your exam?" she replied and I quickly got off my seat, almost tripping over my shoelaces. She handed back the paper with a pleased smile.

"Great job as usual," she commented and I offered her a wavering smile.

Awkwardly, I walked back to my seat, my face flushing. Of course, I had to be the klutz of the class but thankfully, she was calling on the other students so they could retrieve their exams back as well.

It took an eternity for the fifth period bell to ring. I dashed out my seat, eager to find Leo and swallowed back a groan when Mrs. Ellen called my name. I walked back to her and she smiled once more.

"Annabelle, I understand that sometimes you have some matters to tend to but please make it less obvious when you're using your phone," she told me, but she didn't sound upset.

My face flushed an ugly red. Of course, I got caught using my phone in class and of course, she would have something to say about it.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again," I whispered, nodding my head, unable to meet her eyes.

Her head tilted with an understanding nod and I walked the walk of shame out of the classroom.

One of the girls standing outside sneered at me–it was Roxie Baylon, another one of those annoying cheerleaders designated to make my life hell–and I ignored her until she decided that she had the need to say something.

"Teacher's pet," she said in that annoying, nasally voice of hers, glaring at me with baleful, brown eyes.

"Cocksucker," I shot back, flipping her off.

She gasped, as if she couldn't imagine me saying such a word but I did it. Jiovani had taught me a lot–including standing up for myself. She sputtered, trying to find something derogatory to say and I walked away, smirking to myself.

"Annabelle," a husky voice called out–and speaking of the Devil, it was Jiovani himself.

"Hey? What's up?" I replied, as he started walking besides, his tall, toned frame towering over other students.

Now, Jiovani was painfully good-looking to look at. He was tall and had the smoothest, palest skin ever–I even referred him to Jiovani the Vampire which he did not find funny at all. But, still, he had an irresistible aura that everyone seemed to be gravitating to. His hair was always long and shaggy, blocking his beautifully unique eyes which changed colors depending on his mood, and a shadow on his angular jaw that made him look like a model.