What's a bad boy?

Chapter 10// A war is waged

Chapter 10: A war is waged

"You were actually on time today" Hunter points out as I get into his car.

"Yeah, as if I'd leave you here long enough to give my mother any ideas" I reply with a scoff.

"And what sort of ideas might I give her?"

I roll my eyes and look back towards the road.

"Just drive."

He laughs at me but starts the engine, it's hammering purrs vibrating my every bone.

"So, you excited for gym today?" He asks, giving me a pointed look.

"Not doing it, I forgot my stuff."

"No you didn't, I can see the outline of your sneakers through your bag."

Damn it.

"Uh fine, but why do I have to do it?"

"Because going to gym is lesson number four" he replies bluntly.

"How does sweating puddles have to do with the challenge?" I ask in confusion.

"It's not about the exercise" he explains, "it's about facing your fear."

"And what fear might that be?" I question.

"It's not a what, it's a who."

I sigh in realisation and annoyance.

"Bella."

The single word makes me want to vomit up my insides until I am disabled enough to skip the entire day. Heck maybe even the entire year!

"She may be the meanest girl in the entire school but I know you can get through it."

I turn to look at him with my signature 'are you kidding' look.

"No I can't" I state plainly and truthfully.

He sighs in defeat, before swiftly pulling the car to a stop at the side of the road.

"What are you doing? Start the car, we're going to be late for school!" I command him.

"Not until you promise me that you're strong enough to get through it."

"You don't understand, Hunter! You're a guy, and a big, strong, scary one at that. You don't know what it's like to be afraid of 'school bullies'."

He chuckles at my descriptive phrases.

"You really think I'm all that?" He asks flirtatiously.

I give him a serious look telling him to cut the crap and thankfully he does.

"Fine, I don't know what it's like, but I do know you! You're stronger than anyone I've ever met. If you can get through being stalked, followed and possibly attacked by four 'big, strong, scary' guys like us, then you can handle little, old Bella."

He looks me deep in the eye, his words providing reassurance that no one else could give. Eventually, I can't seem to take his pleading gaze any longer, so I grunt in defeat and turn back to face the road.

"Fine, I'll try my best. But you've gotta be waiting to rescue me from that witch!"

"I'll be practically standing right outside the door" he replies, a smirk on his face.