Content To Be Claimed (Beauty And The Beast #1)

Chapter 21

"Jenny, for the last time, destroy that film!"

She shook her head, her chin set stubbornly. "Uh-uh."

I turned to the mutinous little girl in the back seat.

"You're already late," Dane interrupted, then pointed outside my window. "He's getting impatient."

I looked out across the parking lot and got that familiar sensation when I saw that Warren was waiting for me. He wasn't getting impatient, of course - Warren was never impatient. I turned back to Jenny. "Fine!" Then I smiled. "Come here!" She came closer and I hugged her. "Safe flight."

"Bye Annie," she grinned.

I threw a "Bye," at Dane, then got out.

As usual, Warren met me halfway and took my hand. "And thus little Jenny leaves," he grinned. "I personally second the video's continued existence."

"I'm still mad at you," I pouted, making him laugh, then I spotted Victor. He lounged against his locker, waiting. When his eyes rested on me, he smiled and pushed away from it.

His eyes captured mine. I had missed him - even with the Vince issue yesterday - and just looking at him put me at ease. I'd been afraid that he was just as terrifying as Vince, but looking at him now, I knew I'd been wrong. Victor was nothing like that monster.

I turned to Warren and found his eyes on me, his smile gone. Guess he'd already figured out what came next. "See you later, okay?" He simply nodded, looking unhappy. "Hey, it's okay." I placed my hand on his cheek, and he leaned into my touch. My throat went dry. "I'll be safe, I promise." I slipped my arms around his neck, holding him close for a moment .

Victor watched me approach him and held his hand up for a high five when I got close. "Hey you."

When I hit his hand, he caught mine and threaded our fingers. "Hi. This means Vince's gone, right?"

He sighed. "It was hell trying to keep him from you, but I think I managed it."

This was probably not the best time to tell him Vince had found me. Instead, I focused on the flyer in his other hand. It was for auditions for the school play. "Are you auditioning?"

"Huh?" His eyes drifted to it. "Oh, no." He smiled and shook his head. "Natalie will probably be the leading chic and she isn't exactly my crush, you know?"

I rolled my eyes. "You just assume you'll be the leading man?"

He shifted back, gazing at me through lowered lashes. "Whatever I do, I lead."

I blushed and turned away, somehow liking his arrogance. "Natalie's no reason not to audition. I'd come see you, if you got the part."

A curious gleam came into his eyes. "I got a better idea. I'll do it if you'll be my co-star."

I laughed so loud a few people stared. Getting control of myself, I choked out, "That's a good one."

"Wasn't joking," he muttered.

"Uh, no. I'll only make a fool of myself," I dismissed.

He pulled our linked hands, drawing me closer. "You don't know that."

"Oh. Are you serious?" I asked incredulously, finally picking up on it.

"You're the only girl I can stand in this school -"

"You sound like such a douche right now," I broke in.

He rolled his eyes and went on "- and I love plays. The last time I was in one was..." He broke off and shook his head. "Well, anyway." His eyes locked on me. "Please, Belle?"