Venom

Chapter 6. Charming company.

Since the little … incident I had successfully avoided Humphrey at the campus. But we shared four classes. It was hard because every time I had to find a seat away from him.

Angus hadn't approached me … yet. He just threw me earnest looks now and then in the classroom whenever I had the misfortune to meet his dark blue eyes.

I was desperately trying to avoid him. I knew I couldn't run forever. One day surely he'll want to talk. I wasn't really excited for that day to arrive, though.

I jogged on the residential streets of the tranquil neighborhood. It was in the afternoon, and the sun was slowly setting. I was in my usual outfit; sweatpants, hoodie and headphones. Turning a corner, I noticed a guy behind me. He smiled at me. A friendly smile. I returned it wryly giving him no much attention and continued running.

  "Good afternoon" a male voice said from besides me, making me jump. I slowly turned to see the guy running next to me, blinking.

He was lean but had a strong body. His long hair was falling into his face. He had a light nose and steel blue eyes. He looked in his early twenties and he wore an inventing smile on his face.

  "Hi"

  "You wanna race?" he arched his brows, still smiling. I looked at him, puzzled.

  "Err no."

  "Wait” his smile widened further. “Are you afraid of loosing?" he smirked.
  “No, I just don't want to." I said as politely as I could manage. I had had my day with loony guys. He let out a pleasant laugh but was still running besides me. His presence made me feel uncomfortable.

  "Do you ask every person you meet running in the streets for a race?"

  "Not particularly, " his grinned, showing off his perfect white teeth.
  "It's just … it's the first time I see you here.” he appeared uneasy. “I was curious." he searched my eyes. "Okay," He paused.

"Do you run often?"

  "Sometimes." I didn't want to answer him, he was a stranger after all. I liked running. It cleared my mind but this guy here was just blurring it.

  "What's your name." his nonchalance surprised me.
  "What is your name?" he laughed slightly and sighed.

  "Damek Deamonne," he said with a charming smile.

  "I'm Stella," I lied.

  "A pretty lady like you should not be lying you know," he had seen through me. I knew my fingers twitched when I lied. His notice made me uncomfortable and the way he was welcoming and smiling didn't make it any better.

  "You could be surprised.” he chuckled, softly and I raised my brow, challenging. He shook his head but added nothing. He was staring at me with fascination, but I ignored his gaze.

  "Please, tell me your name." I was surprised again by the gentleness in his voice, almost an intimacy. I frowned, pulled by his pleading.      “Gwen..., Gwen Giles." I cleared my throat.

His eyes lift slightly, a hint of surprise and wonder crossed his face for a split second. There was a moment of silence. I couldn't make out what he was thinking. "Why are you running with me Damek?" I broke the silence and his thoughts.

  "Don't you like my company?" he looked hurt and it was partly true. I appreciated his manners but he was still a stranger.

  "Not particularly." I mimicked. He chuckled.

  "Okay … well … Gwen I like your company. I must confess, it's quite pleasant. I was just curious to know who this beautiful lady I'd never seen around before was." he eyes were full of amusement. I narrowed my eyes at him. He was very pleasant and charming and polite but something about it deranged me. I was now breathing heavily. My speed reduced when we arrived at a junction.