Running from His Claim (Beauty and the Beast #2)

Chapter 16

Victor picked me up the next morning - he insisted on seeing me off. He looked me over as he drove. I was dressed in all black, a testimony to the fear and dread I felt. Even though I'd used waterproof makeup to make myself presentable, I had sunglasses on.

"You should've let your hair down," Victor said finally, his voice impersonal.

"No, thanks." It was growing long again and I still didn't want to attract attention to myself. Victor was silent for the rest of the drive, which helped me calm myself for the day ahead.

The school parking lot was a beehive of whites, reds and golds - our team colors. As I got out of the car, I noticed the two buses, and one was surrounded by the cheerleaders. The other one was for the team and they seemed intent on giving Coach K a heart attack. I smiled, finally anticipating the trip.

"Finally, a smile," Victor commented. He'd come round the car with me, and stood leaning against it as we watched the activity.

I graced him with one of his own, then Warren caught my eye. I nearly swallowed my own tongue. It had been a while since I saw him in anything but all black. He wore a white Tee that clung to him, blue jeans and black sneakers. He had a dark blue cap over his raven curls and he was wearing his jacket, carrying a bag over one shoulder. The look was so casually sexy I almost drooled. He was smirking down at a cheerleader close to him - my eyes widened when I realised that it was Caitlin.

Silly me. Of course she was a cheerleader - how could I suppose for even a moment that she wouldn't be? Warren leaned down to her and whispered in her ear, then drew back. She stared at him for a beat, then turned and strutted off. As if feeling my eyes on him, he looked up and saw me. Victor had parked in a shady spot slightly hidden from everyone, so he was the first to notice us. He lost the smirk as our eyes met. He'd definitely not bargained on me coming.

Something's seriously wrong with his eyes, I thought in concern.

He turned and vaulted into the bus.

"Don't go."

I turned to Victor, startled by his soft words. His deep eyes were fastened on me, and it was clear that he was pleading with me. It unsettled me and I tucked my hair back. "Hey, it's okay. I'll be fine, I have the entire team with me. Plus, you keep saying I shouldn't hide, right?" When he didn't reply, I added, "I'll be with you tomorrow."

"I'll be with you tonight," he corrected, his voice dangerous. "And if he so much as breathes on you -!"

"Hey, relax." I touched his arm lightly and he tensed. I sighed. Add touch to the things he doesn't want anymore, I thought, feeling his withdrawal piercing my heart. "You still have to tell me why you're so edgy."

"Tomorrow." There was pain in his eyes before he dropped them and pushed away from the car. "Have fun." He kissed my hair and rounded the car.

I stepped back with a sigh. Something was really bothering my best friend. I stepped towards the team, who waved me over, and decided to survive this day before I speculated on what was wrong with Victor. Cole and Chris were dragging Coach over to me when I neared them. "She's here, Coach!" Cole said excitedly, making me laugh.

"Miss Burton, nice to see that you set my schedule," Coach said drily.

I blushed. "Sorry, Coach."

He smiled. "Well, hop in. The boys want you on this one."

I nodded and got on the guys' bus. I looked around the bus, wondering where to sit. Cole, Leon and Jeff started bickering over it, making me smile. The back seat was occupied by Ashley, Roger...and Warren. So that was quickly ruled out. In my quick perusal, I'd noticed that they weren't talking to each other. Warren was on his phone and Ashley had phones stuck in her ears. Roger had his head leaning back close to Ashley, and he looked like he was napping.