Careless Encounters

Chapter 5-

Chapter 5-

"Wah!" Cairo was sure she was going to say something more comprehensive, but all that came out of her mouth was that single pathetic whimper and she pushed him away running towards the group now. Her face burning and she could feel her heart beating so hard her ribcage ached.

He did not just say those embarrassing things to her, she swore he came straight out of some romance novel, didn't he feel any shame telling a girl he wanted to have sex with her and never see her again.

She bumped into Liam and fell back onto her butt.

"Woah." He whipped around surprised to find her on the floor. "What happened? Why were you running?"

As she opened her mouth to say some excuse that probably wouldn't sound all too believable Eli's voice interrupted her train of thought.

"Wow, you weren't kidding," he said easily with a chuckle. "When you said you could outrun me, you meant it. Have you considered the track team?"

Eli slipped his hands around her waist picking her up as if she were a doll, nearly weightless, and setting her on her feet. She could smell his cologne, wanting to bury her face in it.

"Then again, you're a bit clumsy," Eli said with a smirk, letting her go too soon for her liking. "So maybe not the track team." He walked past her and Liam towards Vincent. "So where are we going? I want dumplings."

"We're going to a cafe," Vincent replied.

"Why not the Dumpling House?" Eli asked.

"Because that's an hour's walk from here," Vincent replied as a matter-of-factly.

"With my long legs and Cai's speedy running, I bet we can make it in 30 minutes," Eli teased, giving her a sideways wink. "How about it Cai? I promise not to let you run into anyone else, you and me, dumplings? Could be our first date?"

Liam's jaw clenched and took hold of Cairo's hand surprising the whole group.

"Oh, are you guys an item?" Eli asked, arching a brow. "Cai, you're really too beautiful for such a plain guy like Liam...why are you with Liam?"

"Shut up," Liam warned through gritted teeth.

"Is it because you felt bad for him?" Eli leaned down to stare into Cairo's eyes. She couldn't bring herself to reply, she couldn't even think of what to reply to him when he was this close to her face. His breath was cool and minty as it washed over her face.

"Eli, quit it," Vincent warned, taking a step towards them.

"Maybe it's because you don't realize how beautiful you really are," Eli continued, ignoring Vincent's warning. His eyes stayed on hers and she felt breathless. "If you'd hang out with me, I'd show you...I'd make sure you knew just how beautiful you are."

Liam let go of Cairo's hand and swung a fist towards Eli, his fist missed Eli's jaw as Eli leaned back with that smirk. Knowing he'd made Cairo feel butterflies in her stomach.

"Well you guys seem boring," Eli said to the rest of the group now as he began to walk away. "Ima go get some dumplings, want to come, Cai?"

Before Cairo could say anything Vincent stepped up. "What's your problem tonight, Eli?"

"Not tonight, I take it?" He continued to just look at Cairo, making it seem like no one else was around. "Maybe when it's just the two of us then?"

Without any hesitation he walked over to her and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Dream of me tonight."

"Good night," he called as he turned and walked away disappearing into the crowds.

Vincent turned to me and Liam. "I'm so sorry, I swear he's never behaved like that, he's a great guy, I don't know what got into him tonight."

A/N: Obviously Eli has never been rejected before and he does not take well to it. I know, it's uber short, but I included a picture of Liam played by Ross Lynch. :)