The Selection

8-The Village

On my way to the village, I was informed by multiple boys that this would be their last outing as a part of the selection. I didn't care too much. If they couldn't handle the stress of one rebel attack, they would not be able to run a country. Plus it made my job of narrowing the group down a lot easier.

As soon as we got to the village, the boys dispersed, roaming the streets. They looked around at shops, looking at the different trinkets for sale. 

"We've had quite an interesting morning." Josh fell into step beside me. I smiled up at him as he followed me into a perfume shop. 

"That we have," I commented, examining one of the bottles. I took it off the shelf and sprayed my wrist. I smelled the vanilla fragrance before allowing Josh to do the same. 

"You don't really seem like the vanilla type." He pointed out. He scanned the shelf before grabbing a different bottle. "May I?" I nodded and he held my other wrist. He sprayed it with the bottle and let me smell it. 

"Cherry." I smiled at the scent. "Good choice." He brushed his fingers against my wrist before slipping his hand into mine. I pulled him out of the perfume shop and we moved to a different store. 

"Hey Maya, check it out!" As soon as I entered the bracelet shop, Zay had pulled my attention away from Josh. He and Lucas were looking at paintings. Zay was particularly fond of a nude painting. 

"Very classy." Josh half-smiled. I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm before joining the other boys. Despite the subject matter being a little risque, the art itself was beautiful. The brush strokes were gorgeous. I examined the picture for a moment before leaning into Zay. 

"I've seen better." I winked. Lucas seemed amused by my comment while Zay seemed completely shocked by my implications. 

"Like yours? Or..." I walked away to look at a different painting when Lucas joined me, leaving his friend behind to process.

"You've done a number on him." Lucas chuckled. 

"And you Ranger Rick?" A smirk played on my lips as I waited for whatever witty response he was preparing.

"I'll let you know once I see for myself." His eyes ran down my body. 

"A shame that may never happen." I reminded him.

"It would only be a shame if either of us believed that." He leaned in and took a breath. "You know, you smell much better without perfume." He commented. 

"That's a little controlling don't you think." I crossed my arms, challenging him. 

"Not my intention Ma'am. I just think you are naturally incredible and you shouldn't feel the need to change." I was taken aback by his words. I grabbed his hand and pulled him to the back of the store, away from prying eyes. "Maya what-" I pulled his lips to mine, once again feeling those sparks. I pulled away quickly to make sure we hadn't been seen. 

"Sorry." I blushed. 

"You never have to apologize for that." 

"I should go check on the others," I mumbled. I pecked his lips once more before darting away to roam the streets of the village, far away from Lucas.