Playing with Fire

Chapter 5

With only a days left till the maths test I still haven't grasped all of the formulas and concepts. Even after the study session with Tyler and Mia. Stupid brain. Why can't you remember it? Most people seem to be born with photographic memory that probably allowed them to study twice as less than me. Its okay Jess. You just have to try harder. You can and will achieve anything if you put your heart and mind to it. 

It was impossible to block out the loud barking and noises from next door which only added fuel to my frustration. Slightly annoyed, I march to my window and open the curtains to scold the perpetrator.

"Dusty, hold still" Derek frowns as he holds the squirming puppy above a tub of water. My scowl instantly softens at the cute sight and it took a lot more self restraint that I expected from letting out an 'awww'.

"So you decided to name him Dusty after all". His eyes dart to mine and narrow.

"Well it was the only name he responded to" he bitterly states, flinching away from the water droplets being sprayed onto him.

"That's not how you wash a puppy" I tell him laughing as he struggles to keep a firm hold of Dusty.

"Why don't you try then, it's harder than it looks" he snaps at me.

"Fine".  Challenge accepted. You no longer scare me big guy. I swing my legs over the window sill, leaping through his window and landing gracefully of my feet. Holy. I was getting used to this. Derek's eyebrows lift up by a fraction of an inch. I have to resist the urge to flip my hair, pride swelling in chest for not face planting onto the floor in front of him, which is what I thought would originally happen.

"You better leave when you're done" he grunts as he hands me the wriggling pup. 

I nod, cradling Dusty in my arms, gently massaging it's belly and ear. Why was it whimpering so much? Was it hurt somewhere? I inspect its whole body for any sign of a wound. My theory was indeed proven to be correct when I discover a large swollen red bruise on his side, concealed underneath all his black fur. I stare at it in horror and gasp, nudging Derek beside me unsure what to do. 

"Look...". My voice quietly trails off as I show him the scarlet bruise that I could feel throbbing violently under my thumb. He notice his brows furrowing, expression hardening.

"I'll take him to an animal clinic tomorrow after school, I doubt there'd be one nearby open right now" he mutters, frowning.

"I'm coming with you" 

"No. You're not"

"Yes, I am, you wouldn't even have noticed Dusty was injured if I hadn't come along" my voice rising. My hands shoot up to my mouth when I realise how loud I was. What would his parent think when they dash into his room to see a girl they've never seen before who didn't even enter through the front door. They'd probably call the police and that would be the end of me.

"I'm the only one home" 

I raise a brow at his statement seeing how late at night it was but ask nothing more incase I'd further irritate him. 

"If you're going to come I won't stop you but don't expect a ride from me" he growls.

"Fine" I grumble back trying not to be too hurt.

"Why don't you just get a dog if you're so in love with them" he asks roughly. 

How did he know I liked dogs? I don't remember telling him. My body language must have gave it away. Or was I being really obvious. It must be in his nature to be so observing and analysing.