The Element of Surprise

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Claude's P.O.V.

After dropping Olivia off, I speed home. I can't stop thinking about her. The way her eyes shine when she smiles or the way she laughs with her head flung back like she hasn't got a care in the world.

I carelessly park Bobby's car, rush into the apartment, head straight to my bedroom-ignoring the questioning gazes from the twins- and crash on my bed, burying my head in the pillows.

Hours pass as I lie awake, thinking. Why isn't she afraid of me? She seemed afraid of me at dinner. Then again, she did blow off her brother to stay with me. Maybe that had nothing to do with me. Maybe that was just because she was mad at him.

I still cannot believe that our parents knew each other. It's just so...mind blowing. Maybe her mother can help me figure out what happened to my parents. Maybe she knows what really happened to them. The twins just give me gibberish and none of it makes any sense. I mean, they died in a fire at the office? Why wasn't anyone else effected? Maybe I can finally get some closure.

And then there is her cryptic invitation. What does she have planned? Does she want to spend the day together? Or was it to tell me just to back off? To leave her alone? Was it a weird, confusing girl way of asking me out?

The last question shot warm tingles and shivers down my spine. Does she like me?

I shake my head in an attempt to rid my brain of such thoughts. I barely know her, so why do I feel like I need her. Why is it that every time I see her it's like I'm gaining a piece of myself that I didn't know I lost?

Just crazy hormones?

No, it's more than that. I feel the need to protect her, to comfort her. When she isn't with me there is a part of me that is frantically thinking of her, searching for her. Is she okay? Is she hurt? Does she need anything at all?

I don't know why, but there is something that draws me to her. And I'm going to find out what.

Eventually my thoughts of Olivia lull me to sleep.

The next morning, I dress quickly, my curiosity rapidly bubbling to the surface.

She could take me anywhere, tell me anything, and it's the curiosity that is rushing me out the door. I rush down the stairs, taking three at a time, right to the kitchen for a quick breakfast, but I am stopped by two very mischievous looking twins.

"So...where are you off to?" Bobby asked suggestively, with a sly eyebrow lift.

"Nowhere." I say too quickly. They share an evil smile and advance towards me. I instinctively back up, but my attempt is fruitless. There are two of them and one of me and they always win.

Bobby grabs me by the neck and pulls me into a headlock while Benny bends down to my level.

"So we can do this the hard way or the easy way." Benny says with a smirk. My eyes widen at his deadly tone. I know these guys would never really hurt me, but they sure know how to mess with people.

"No! Come on guys, I have somewhere to be!" I plead, pulling at Bobby's muscled arm around my neck. Benny hardy laugh rings in my ears.

"I thought you said you were going nowhere." he replies. After several moments of silence he throws a meaningful glance at his brother. Bobby's arm tightens slightly and I panic.

"Okay! Okay! I'll tell you!" I shout to save myself.

They both grin as Bobby roughly let's go of my now sore neck at look down at me as if expecting me to make a grand announcement.