Weres

6. Touch

Marley fidgeted on her desk, anticipating Eden's arrival any moment now. She peeked at Sanjay, who was right next to her and shared her anxiety, but it was directed toward Oliver.

"I never liked chemistry. I still don't know why I chose it," Sanjay spluttered, putting his face into his palms.

Marley slipped out an ungraceful chuckle. Since the first day they both had grown closer, owing to their shared predicament with the 'Royalty boys'.

Marley felt familiar piercing gaze on her, making her senses hyperactive. Her source of racing thoughts was here. 

She saw Eden walking in through the classroom door, his posse following him right behind. When Eden winked at her, blood rose to her cheeks and she quickly looked away. Eden settled onto the desk next to hers, on the opposite side. 

Oliver grabbed the seat behind Sanjay.

Marley and Sanjay threw each other defeated looks, both aware of each other's agony. Sanjay got the fair idea about Eden and Marley the moment he saw them walking out of the cafeteria together and a few minutes later Marley coming back furious. He wasn't a nosy person, but—okay, he was a little bit nosy.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Eden teased Marley, flashing a wide grin, but she noticed a bit uneasiness in his voice.

Marley decided to ignore him, but it was easier said than done. She took a deep breath and focused all her attention on the book lying open on her desk. She couldn't make any sense of the text written on it.

"Just leave her alone," Sanjay said, throwing Eden a distasteful look.

"Don't get involved between them," a voice warned from behind. Oliver.

"Why not? Just stop bothering her!" He hissed turning back to Eden.

Eden turned his attention to Sanjay and glared at him threateningly. Sanjay was about to open his mouth to cuss at Eden when Marley interrupted them.

"Hey, it's alright. Don't worry. I'll handle it." Last thing Marley wanted was a brawl on her hands, and with the way Eden was glaring at Sanjay, it made her worry for her friend. She turned to Eden. "What do you want?!"

"I want you to go out with me," Eden replied, his voice hoarse.

"Didn't I already say no?!" Marley fiddled with her fingers, nervous.

Eden's fist tightened, and he looked down to his desk. "You have no idea you're killing me here," a barely audible growl came out of him, making Marley gulp. 

She turned to Sanjay, expecting him to have heard that too, but he was busy mouthing off at Oliver. She whipped her head back to Eden and found his narrowed eyes already on her, and they flashed golden.

"Did your eyes—"

"Stop bullying her," Oliver interrupted, glaring at Eden. He sent a charming smile at Marley's way. "Excuse my friend, he's not taking rejection from you very well. If I were you, I'd probably throw him a bone to get his panties out of a bunch."

Marley frowned.

"Shut up," Eden barked, his jaws clenched and fingers digging into the table.

Before Sanjay could add in a few cents, their teacher showed up, making him settle on just glaring at the two boys.

Throughout the class, Marley's mind remained fixated on Eden. His piercing gaze and close proximity did not help and nothing went inside her head about the inorganic chemistry that their teacher droned on about.

Once the lecture ended everyone rushed out of the classroom. Marley was among the crowd when suddenly her arm was grabbed and she was yanked back into the room. The touch sent tingles and sparks throughout her body. It felt weirdly good.

She was slammed against the wall, her hands pinned on either side and an angry Eden hovering above her. He towered over her, and it was then Marley realized how big and fearsome he was. She tried to wiggle out of his hold but he didn't budge an inch.

"What are you doing?" She asked terrified, and still trying to snap her mind out of the fact that how his hands sent pleasurable jolts of electricity as they held her. She could feel the heat of his skin through her clothed arm.

"Stop rejecting me," he whispered, his voice alarmingly low. Eden didn't sound like his arrogant self, instead intimidating. His strange behavior sent chills down her spine. "It's going to hurt us both."

"What are you—" Marley shut up when his eyes flashed once again. Despite the tingling that coursed through her body, she was horrified and overwhelmed with the contradicting feelings— fear and longing for the guy who was harassing her. 

Her lips quivered and tears brimmed to her eyes. Eden snapped out of whatever daze he was in.

"Fuck!" Eden immediately let go of her, seemingly returning to his normal self. His breath came out in short gasps. 

Marley's shoulder slumped in relief as he took a step back. 

"Shit! I'm-I'm sorry," he muttered out quickly before storming out of the door.

Marley stood there, shocked by what just transpired between them.

She needs to stay away from him. But her resolve faltered with a single reminder of his touch.

******

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