Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 23 - Arisa

"I told you to get out!"

Loyal blocked the exit to the student council room. He placed his hands in his pockets and grinned at me, his expression eerie and chilling. I couldn't forget Krish and Paulie's words about the rooftop losers. I couldn't shake away the fear they instilled in me in a single day. I wanted to know more about the jerk's special ability to call people's bluff. How did he assess his opponents? Was he a behavioural specialist or did he have an actual superpower? Something he was born with? What were his limitations? Did he have any?

"Why are you everywhere I go?" I complained. "Stalker."

He smiled more. "Someone's working hard to deny their feelings for me. It's cute and I'm flattered but that doesn't give you permission to accuse me of stalking."

"Get off your high-horse!" I fumed. "As if I'd have feelings for a rooftop loser!"

His smile faltered. He made a move towards me, hands still in his pockets, and held my gaze. It put a strange spell on me, one that oddly calmed my nerves. My guard was down again, and I couldn't do anything but let the enemy take lead. "You're saying you don't find me attractive?" he asked.

My stomach churned. "N-Not one bit."

"Aw," he drawled. "That would crush any man's heart if it wasn't complete and total bullshit."

I backed up against the table. Loyal pursued me and held his posture. He searched my eyes and waited for me to react to his presence. It took all my strength to not look away, to not let myself waver in front of him, or to let his scent drive me crazy. Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. He blew air in my face and scared me into batting my lashes at him.

"If you keep looking at me like that I won't be able to control myself," he said softly.

I could feel his breath on me now, it was warm, but also alarming. I hung my head and tried to clear my mind. I tried to remember every horrible thing this jerk had done to me. I used my hands to push him back and formed a fist with my right hand. I sent it flying to his face but he grabbed my wrist before my knuckles could connect with his teeth. I broke free easily and aimed to give him an uppercut. Loyal leaned back and I barely missed. I tried three other tactics that would have normally landed my opponents on their rear, but Loyal was too good at dodging my attacks, too skilled for me to land a direct hit. He wasn't retaliating either, which also pissed me off.

"What's your story?" Loyal asked, beaming like a fool. I sent a sharp kick to his face and hoped it would land. It didn't.

"Nice footwork," the jerk complimented, holding my leg midair. I tried to wiggle out of his grasp but it was firm and resilient. Loyal began twisting my calve and forced me against his chest as one of the doors creaked open behind us. His right arm reached across my chest and clasped my shoulder.

Matilda stood in the doorframe. Loyal greeted her warmly. "Sorry for the intrusion but my sister asked to meet here," he said.

"What?" I couldn't believe it. "She asked to meet with you too?"

"What do you mean too?" Loyal inquired. "She messaged you as well?"

"That's what I just asked you!"

Loyal moved his attention back to Matilda. "Would you mind giving us the room?"

Matilda flashed me a look of sympathy. Her eyes were still glistening but there was a look of determination reflecting in them that I couldn't help but admire. "Let go of her," she demanded.

"I would," Loyal said, maintaining his facade. "But I don't really want to."

"You either let her go or I report you for sexual harassment."

I wanted to let her know I could handle the prick but before I could, the door to the student council opened again. Tomasia stood on the other side. Her eyes locked with her brother first and then they focused on me. I deadpanned but didn't struggle out of the jerk's hold. I couldn't because his grip was tight as ever.

Tomasia didn't react to us at all; she had the poker face of a pro gambler. "Let her go," she told her brother.

"Make me," came the arrogant reply.