The Bastard and the Psychopath : Volume I - Diane for Deception

Chapter 5

Before Gabriel did something foolish again...

When the three teenagers finally found their friend, they discovered him sitting on the hood of his convertible, a gleaming sports car that seemed as arrogant as its owner. They let out a long sigh of relief, glad to see that he had only resorted to smoking rather than unleashing his anger.

Gabriel ran a nervous hand through his hair, his fingers getting tangled in the dark strands with palpable frustration.

"That girl is a complete idiot, a real mule! How reckless! Did she really intend to confront the rugby team captain all by herself? For heaven's sake, the guy is twice her size! And let's not even talk about the others... Given Flora's physique, there will be plenty of jerks who'll try to make her yield, even against her will. And to think her sister believes she can protect her against all... Why did we accept someone so naive and innocent into this game?"

Felix, a sly smile on his lips, spoke up.

"However, she isn't entirely wrong. After all, she's not yours. As a target, she's your adversary, isn't she?" he said with a hint of irony.

Gabriel gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I just wanted to lend her a hand, because trampling on her and making her life hell would be child's play for the popular clique. That's high school for the invisible, isn't it? But she's even better than I am at making enemies. Does she really think she can hold her head high, defend herself, and protect her twin without drawing the ire of those who will turn her life into a nightmare? Has she never heard of bullying? Damn, why do I worry about her when she seems so unconcerned about her own safety?"

Chris, mocking, interjected.

"You've expressed yourself poorly, Gab. I would have been more surprised if she had grasped your true intentions."

Gabriel rolled his eyes, exasperated.

"Whatever my damned intentions are! Since she's part of our game and I consider her my target, she's both my protege and my adversary. In conclusion, she is mine."

Nathan, annoyed, gave him a light tap on the back of his head.

"You're really bad at summarizing," Chris said, laughing softly. "To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised to see her stand up to you. No one has ever refused you anything, be it men or women, young or old. It's quite refreshing to see someone who doesn't obey you to the letter, whether out of fear of your fists, your power, your status, your influence or simply because they're taken in by your dreamy physique."

Gabriel suddenly furrowed his brow, a look of perplexity crossing his gaze.

"Now that I think about it... it's the first time a girl hasn't tried to throw herself at me!... Do you think she's playing for the other team?"

Nathan, exasperated, gave him another tap on the back of the head.

"Do you really think you're that irresistible?" he said, half-serious, half-amused.

Gabriel nodded confidently, turning to his other friends for confirmation. Felix nodded vigorously, a wide smile on his lips and a thumbs-up.

"Who could deny it?" Chris agreed with a conspiratorial wink.

A brilliant, almost childlike smile lit up Gabriel's face as he turned to Nathan.

"A bunch of narcissists," Nathan murmured, amused despite himself. "There will always be exceptions, Gab. People you cannot buy or intimidate with your status or your power and influence. People who remain indifferent to your charms."