A Locked Box

Chapter 15

   His yell was muffled by Kat's hand.

   "Stop following me! You should just leave me alone before you get hurt!"

   Devin stared at her with fear filled eyes. He struggled against her strong hand. He had never expected her to be so strong. It was like a professional boxer's strength inside of a short, college student. Kat released her grip but still held him against the wall. Catching his breath quickly, he continued to stare at her. "Explain to me as to how I will be 'hurt',"

   Kat inhaled deeply. This boy could be held at gunpoint and still want answers. "You're so peculiar you know that Devin?" she relaxed her stance, suddenly aware of his pure gaze. He had the patience and personality of an angel. Not that he was one! The tips of Kat's ears turned pink at her inner thoughts.

   Devin placed a hesitant finger on a small, thin scar on her right temple. Kat winced at his touch. "I want to help you,"

   Kat's jaw clenched up tightly, her teeth grinding together. "I can't have you do that," she could not meet his innocent gaze.

   Devin traced the white scar. "Why not,"

   The words tumbled out before Kat could stop them. He seemed to have a spell over her the way he looked at her. It was so different from all of the people she had met in her life. She could not quite place the emotion inside his chocolate brown orbs. "Because friends keep each other safe,"

   Devin smiled affectionately at her. "So, you should come over my place,"

   Kat's guard was back up in seconds. "Like hell, I would!" she stepped away so they did not resemble a couple to bystanders. Her eyes were cold once more.

   Devin frowned. "You said we were friends and friends keep each other out of trouble,"

   "Boy, I'm not in trouble,"

   Devin raised an eyebrow. "What about that fight at eight?"

   Kat was shocked. She could not have told him of the event so how did he know. She recovered quickly, but not quick enough. "I don't know what you're talking about,"

   "The owner of the ring, Axel I believe, was spreading the word," Devin said knowingly.

   Kat sighed, but smirked. "I never took you as a fighter,"

   "You were correct, I'm not. But I do care about my friends that are," Devin's eyes hardened slightly. He was serious.

   Kat sighed. "Are you really forcing me to go to your house with the excuse of not wanting me to fight?"

   "Today is Friday, you could even sleep over," Devin smiled as he guided her out of the alley.

   Kat stopped her eyes widening. "You can't be serious!"

   Devin turned to her, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Friends have sleepovers. Tell me you've had one before,"

   "God, you're innocent," Kat said, matching his pace. Something in Devin's eyes had told her she could trust him. It was hard to explain. As they walked, Devin smirked knowingly. He had known the intentions of his words even before he said them. "What does your father do anyway?"

   "What?" Devin had zoned out slightly as they walked down the sidewalk.

   "What does your father do for a living? He obviously works a decent job to supply your family," Kat said, trying her best not to sound too blunt. The scene in the alleyway had left her confused and flustered. It left her more open to her emotions and actions.