Under The Bad Boys Protection

(3) My own personal magnet.

A few more days passed and I haven't spoken to Carter since our first proper 'meeting'.  A part of me wanted to just go up to him and start a conversation whenever I saw him in the corridors, or canteen, but every time I backed out.

I have successfully avoided Tony the past few days, allowing time for my body heal. Yet, I have been having more nightmares then ever before, resulting in an awful sleeping schedule.

On days that I want to clear my head from school and Tony, I sit by my tree. A tree located at the back of school, in the middle of a small field where no one goes.

Mollie having a lunch detention means that I can spend a full hour to myself, thinking about everything in general. Sitting by the tree weirdly allows me to think freely, about my miserable life and the endless dreams I have about escaping this little town. It is the one place where isn't tarnished by any other human. It is where I feel most at peace.

It resides in an open, green field, spotted with all sorts of flowers, that in summer, looks beautiful. The tree itself is large, and has obviously been there for easily a hundred years. The branches wave out in different directions, with leaves sprouting from them.

As the bell rings, indicating lunch, I miss eating, having no money and walk directly to the field. I begin to feel the hunger creeping up on my stomach, and my eyes become tired.

As the field begins to come into view, a smile creeps up on my face, as I carry on walking further, hugging my petite figure. I squint my eyes and realise something is wrong. Someone is sat there.

My breathing hitches as I begin walking more furiously. You may be thinking I'm over reacting, but no one knows the existence of this tree. Not even Mollie. I reach the tree and only have one name burning in my mind.

Carter Jenkins.

"You're in my spot" I speak bluntly as I eye up his figure. He is sat at the base of the tree, with a cigarette perched upon his lips, and sunglasses on.

"Last time I checked, it didn't have your name on it" He replied childishly, wanting to annoy me.

"No, but this is where I sit" I reply, crossing my arms. I feel the irritation beginning to creep up on me due to the lack of food and sleep.

"Listen cupcake" he pauses to flick the ash off his cigarette, "I think that the tree is big enough for the both of us to sit at, don't you?" He finishes with exhaling the cloud of smoke.

"No, I don't" I reply sternly, wiping the smug expression off his face.
"So Carter, why don't you just leave?"

He stands up, chuckling.

"Okay Cupcake, but don't miss me too much" he replies, with a wink.

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise, one, that he actually moved, and two, that he winked at me?

I settle at the base of the tree, thinking about Carter and how wrong people were about him. Sure, he looks intimidating but he's sweet, and incredibly good looking. But then why can't I stop a voice in my head telling me to be careful?

As the bell rang, indicating the end of school, I began walking home, thinking of my day. I decided not to tell Mollie about Carter, she will probably think it's something it's not. And frankly, I can't begin to make new friends. Not when I only have a year before I can leave this hellhole.

I finally get home and initially start making Tony's dinner. He comes home for 4:30 and wants dinner on the table as soon as he comes through the door. I have half an hour.

I begin cooking pasta as its quick and one of his favourites. Suddenly, I hear the door open and slam.
I pause and my breath stops.
I haven't finished.

I hear footsteps coming towards the kitchen and I looks at the clock.
4:10pm.
Why is he home so early??

"Why isn't there dinner on the table?" Tony's voice remains calm, but stern. 

"I didn't know that you would be home early. It will be ready for 4:30" I reply monotonously, not even looking at him.

He begins walking towards me and I shrink to the wall, unable to walk or even breathe. My hands are locked onto the counter, inches away from the stove.

"That's okay" He whispers. I feel his breath on my neck, which sends unwelcomed shivers through my body. His scent lingers and I smell the alcohol on his breath, indicating that he's drunk.

He places a hand on my shoulder and slowing makes his way down my arm. I instantly tense, not knowing where this is going to lead. His hand leaves a trail of burning along my arms, and I feel disgusted.

"Get off me" I whisper pathetically.

He replies with a sadistic chuckle, far from Carter's playful laugh from earlier today.

"Just make dinner Rose" He whispers back before planting a kiss on my forehead.
A gesture which should make you feel happy, and loved.
But for me? It makes me feel dirty and used.

I'm happy to say that Tony didn't even touch or even talk to me when I placed his plate on the table. Instead, he dismissed me with his hand and I ran upstairs, to my bedroom as quick as my legs could take me.

Usually, evenings were spent focusing on homework, and any extra bits I missed at class.
But it was impossible given that I had nothing to catch-up on, as I had finished my homework at lunch.
So instead, I led on my bed, deep in thought, about Tony, Mollie and even Carter.

There's something about him. He's dangerous, I can feel it, but it just draws me to him more. He isn't like Tony, I think, or more like I hope. I'm physically attracted to him, like my own personal magnet, and no matter what, I can't pry myself away from him. I want to know more.
He's intense, but gentle.
Dangerous, yet sweet.

God, why am I thinking these things?

Sorry that this isn't a really interesting chapter, sort of a filler. Let me know what I can do to improve and whether you're liking the book!!