The Handsome three ( COMPLETED)

Chapter 17

It had been about a week since that day when I was kidnapped. I still hadn't replied to what Duke said to me. I was actually avoiding him at school because I didn't know what to say back to him. I wasn't sure what I felt towards Duke. I know that I felt...something but it was different than what I felt towards Greyson.

I received a phone call from the police department that they caught the guys who beat up Duke and kidnapped me. I was relieved to find out that I was safe to walk outside again. My parents wouldn't even let me walk out in the front yard without one of them next to me. They were even driving me to school. Duke was let go at the hospital two days after I was let go. He seemed to be healing nicely from his wounds from what Casey tells me. Austin and Casey's relationship had been progressing really good. She said that they have already planned a vacation together for spring break. Austin was a huge flirt so I am surprised that he is a one woman man.

I received an email from Greyson about a day ago and I am happy to say that Ashley and he are doing really good. They had been going around Africa giving children filtered water to drink and new clothes to wear. He said he never knew that helping others would feel so good. Deep down I knew that was the kind of person he is because he helped me. I knew exactly that he was where he needed to be. He said that he did not tell Ashley how he felt about her yet, but he was going to tell her soon.

I was on my way home when I bumped into something hard. I looked up to see Duke standing right in front of me. His face was still bruised from being beat up but he still looked handsome. Wait! Did I just say he was handsome?

I stood there dumbfounded at why he standing in front of me. I clear my throat. "Yes?"

He stands there with a serious look. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

"I don't know what you mean. I have been really busy with Scho-"

"Don't give me that bull crap!" He snaps. "Every time I walk your way you run in the opposite direction."

I didn't answer. I just stood there quite.

He then continues. "I gave you a week to think about what I said. I meant what I said, Rosette. I love you." he says putting his hands on my shoulders.

My heart skips a beat and I look away as I begin to blush. "Y-you say that so casually," I finally respond.

He breathes heavily letting go of my shoulders. "You think I can just say that 'casually'. Rosette, my heart is beating so fast, I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack."

I then look up at him. He was scratching the back of his neck and I could tell his face was getting red from embarrassment. I couldn't believe it. For the first time ever, Duke Hamilton looked vulnerable.

"But I don't understand. Why me?" I ask.

"Does there have to be a reason?"

I don't answer his question. We stood there in silent for a few moments and my heart started to beat even faster. He hasn't given me any reason to tell me that he didn't love me. I mean he let those guys beat him up for my sake. So that I wouldn't get hurt. And when they were about to hurt me he threw himself in front of the knife. I couldn't believe what he did with my own eyes.

Duke sighs again. "Please, Rosette." He takes my hand in his. "Just give me a chance," he says with pleading eyes. We both started at each other for a few moments, our breathing started to grow louder and before I knew, his lips were on mine. I felt electricity go throughout my whole body. I couldn't help but put my arms around his neck. I felt him smile as he deepened the kiss. After about thirty seconds we both pulled away for some air.

"So is that a yes?" he breathes. A smile forming on his face.

I smirk back at him as I cup his face. "You wish."

"Is that a challenge?" he asks. His eyes were filled with interest.

I pull his face closer to mine. "You bet."

His face then forms a huge smirk. "Well, Miss Haven. You better be prepared what I throw at you next then," his eyes then flash to mine. "Because this means War." Before I could respond, his lips were already on mine. I didn't know where this was going, but I knew, either way, I wasn't going to lose.

To be continued...