Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 29 - Arisa

I was hoping to avoid Loyal for as long as possible but it looked like the universe had other plans for us. As soon as I got to the academy, someone tried to ask me out, and if that wasn't enough, Loyal saw the whole thing. I wanted to say his intervention was appreciated but unnecessary. I knew how to handle persistent people who couldn't take no for an answer. How could I not? I was raised by a criminal lawyer who made sure to teach me self defence.

"I—uh." My pursuer looked like a deer in headlights when Loyal addressed him. Even though he looked older than us, he couldn't mask his fears in front of the school legend.

"You what?" Loyal asked, stepping in front of me. I stared at his broad back and wondered why he was going out of his way to help me. Wasn't I the enemy? Didn't he say he was going to make my life at this school a living hell? He was shouting and demanding answers only yesterday and now he was acting chivalrous? No. He couldn't be. Mom said chivalry died years ago, along with all the good men.

"I didn't know she was yours."

I stepped aside to glare at my pursuer. "I'm nobody's," I said. "And I advise you to stop having that sort of mentality. If you're interested in someone then find a more delicate way to approach them."

"Loyal didn't use a delicate way to approach you," he retorted. "Why is it okay for him to carry you around but I'm getting grief for asking you out?"

I clenched my fists. "It wasn't okay for him to do that. I told him off and I'll do the same to you if you try this kind of shit again."

"Y-You told him off? You did?"

"Don't say you like that," I lectured. "It's condescending. Aren't you a senior? If so, be a better role model."

He turned to Loyal for some support. "You let her tell you off like this?"

"She doesn't need permission to tell anyone off," he answered. Again, I was surprised by the support. Did Tomasia tell him about my relationship with Wade? Maybe he felt bad for treating me badly and was ready to meet me halfway? Nope. That kind of growth took time. There was no way Loyal came to such a big conclusion overnight.

"Whatever," the senior said, walking off. It looked like he knew better than to get on Loyal's bad side.

"Thanks," I said to the human lie detector.

"Don't mention it," he replied, ready to walk away.

I stopped him. "Hey!"

He turned to disclose his stoic expression. "What?"

"I wanted to apologize for calling you the devil. It was uncalled for, I'm sorry."

"I'm used to it," he answered. I couldn't read through his stoic expression; it was so cold and distant I almost apologized again out of fear. There was a short pause before he continued to speak. "I appreciate the sentiment though. I was a little harsh with you yesterday. Sorry for prying into your personal life."

Never thought I would hear an apology come out of that mouth. It was...refreshing, and made him more approachable. I couldn't help but take advantage of it. "Are you genuinely interested in me or were you talking nonsense?" I asked.

His narrowed those brown eyes at me. "I'm interested but I'm not going to act on it."

"I think it would be best if you never acted on it."

"Why? Because I used to be friends with Wade Cainan?"

Another pause.

"Tomasia told you I dated him," I assumed.

"No, you just did."

My jaw drew to the floor, "You're sneaky!" I accused. It was the first time I saw him laugh; his whole face leaned into it and I caught glimpse of a dimple on the lower left side of his cheek. I was taken aback by the whole experience and unsure of what to focus on. How different he looked exuding happiness or the butterflies fluttering in my stomach? This guy, he should spend more time showing teeth instead of scaring people on rooftops.

"For the record, Arisa," he said, composing himself. "I don't care who you used to date. I'll admit at first I hit on you with ulterior motives but I have never lied about my attraction towards you. I mean it when I say, I'm not ready to pursue you."

I wasn't sure what to say to that, so I simply listened, but hearing his next words stung a little. "I can't in good conscience pursue someone who intends to sabotage me."