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

Chapter 19

I was laughing on Monday morning at Victor's enthusiasm as he talked about Angelo's adventures as an army doctor once upon a time. Victor was acting like he'd found his long lost big brother. I could tell that he already adored his new father and brother. And after yesterday I knew Gemma was dotting on him.

I listened to him as I got my books for Biology. When I closed my locker, I turned to him and teased, "Has he taught you to ride a bike yet?"

He rolled his eyes and fell into step with me. "The guy's pretty cool, alright?"

"Yeah, sounds like it. Tell me, did he inspire the Superman movies?"

"Laugh all you want," - I was currently laughing - "but all these stories are true."

"You're such a fanboy."

"Whatever!" he grumbled, but I could see him fighting a smile. "I'll see you later."

I waved and walked into class. I was feeling pretty confident today. I had slept better in Victor's arms than I had in weeks, and I was feeling refreshed and basically in love with life. So when Mrs Keaton asked one of us to explain one of the concepts she'd taught us a couple of weeks ago, I happily volunteered.

The whole class looked at me like I'd grown an extra head, but Mrs Keaton's concerned, "Are you sure, dear?" was definitely insulting.

I nodded firmly and, when I had the green light, I started explaining. The whole class looked at me, shock giving way to respect in their eyes. I soon forgot my audience and lost myself in my presentation, thrilled to be the one spouting gallons of information in class for once. I was too fascinated with myself to care that I was the center of attention. Victor's tutoring had not gone to waste after all.

I wasn't too fascinated to notice when the chair next to me moved silently, though. I looked up distractedly - and instantly dropped my eyes, my mind reeling. I recognised that shirt and the prominent swell of muscles under the long sleeves. I struggled to think and was just in time to realise that I was stammering. I stopped and restarted the sentence while my mind screamed THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!

What class was I in?

My mind had apparently pressed the code red button and evacuated the premises. I needed to calm down, and for that I had to assure myself that this wasn't real. He never came here, not since...

I looked up right into Warren's face in all its captivating glory. It took a moment of openly staring before I realised that he was frowning slightly, as if willing me to do something. Oh right, I'd been doing something... But how could I remember what it was when those gorgeous eyes were looking at me through lowered lashes?

I dropped my eyes in complete confusion and blushed deeply. "I...um..I..." Where was I again? I blinked rapidly, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Miss Burton?" Mrs Keaton prompted gently.

In any other situation, I would have kissed her - she'd dropped my first name for once - but now she reminded me of how public my humiliation was. I only felt the urge to run, to put as much distance between me and Warren as possible before I fell into a trap, before I looked into his eyes and couldn't look away...

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, grabbing my books, and I was out of there.

I ran blindly until I found myself in the library. I went to the darkest corner where I knew no one ever came and leaned against a bookcase, slowly sliding to the ground.

What do you do when in life threatening danger? Call your loved ones and say goodbye, maybe. Come up with a fantastic plan to avert the danger and save yourself, if you're the fearless type.