Burning Fire ✔️

Chapter nine

Annie's p.o.v

I felt horrible when I saw his change of expression. It bothered me that he was upset and I couldn't understand why.

I couldn't find an explanation to why my skin burned when he touched my hand or why my heart skipped a beat every time he called me 'princess'. How come I felt more at peace with him at some club with loud music than I felt when I was with my family at home?

"I'm going to get a drink! Do you want anything alcohol non- related?" He asked after he saw my expression.

"A Cinderella would be fine!" I said, even though I needed a shot of bourbon if I was going to get through this tonight. 

"And you ask me not to call you princess!" He laughed as he went to order our drinks.

Flustered by his words I turned around searching for Angela and Shawn. I spoted Ricky making out with someone I couldn't recognize due to his face being covered by my friend.

I scrunched my face in confusion at the sight, but I let it go because I saw Shawn and Angela grinding on each other to the music. Happy that my plan was working, I started moving my hips to the beat all the while making eye contact with Alex, who was still at the bar waiting for the bartender to make our drinks.

His eyes darkened, his jaw clenched when a guy wrapped a hand around my waist. He almost took his anger out on the bartender when he handed him the drinks. Despite all the flashing lights and the loud music, it was perfectly clear to notice his hands had turned into fist almost breaking the glasses.

The guy next to me started moving his hand a little lower and Alex glared at him. Not caring about the drinks he put them on a near table and grabbed the guy's hand.

"Take your bloody hands off of her!" He whispered loud enough for him to hear.

"We were just dancing man!" The guy looked terrified. "Didn't know you were her date!"

"Doesn't matter! You do not touch a single piece of her hair without her permission! Never!" Alex squeezed the guy's hand while he screamed in pain. "Now, apologize to her! You own her that at least!"

"I'm so sorry!" The guy turned his head to me screaming in agony.

"That's better!" Alex let go of him and grabbed the drinks he left at the table offering me mine with a small smile. "There you go, princess!"

"You do know that I can take care of myself?" I asked him taking the drink.

"And I only hope you know that I will do anything to keep you safe as long as I'm still breathing even if you don't approve it!" His expression turned serious.

"Alright Damon Salvatore!" I patted him on his good shoulder. "Let's dance before I get boring."

"Sure!" He laughed and led us to the dance floor as 'Body on me' by Rita Ira and Chris Brown started playing.

He put his hands on my waist and pulled me close. I had my arms around his neck and our faces were inches apart. He started moving us to the beat all the while maintaining eye contact with me.

Then he moved one of his hands to my thigh and placed it to the side. I dropped one hand from his neck and leaned back closing my eyes. In a matter of seconds I was pulled back up and I opened my eyes.

His pupils were dilated almost covering the emerald green that I had grown to like. What made my heart beat faster was the fact that those eyes were staring at my lips and I was staring at his.

Then, he looked at me as if asking for permission or any sign of objection. If he only knew how much I wanted those lips on mine...

But I couldn't let him do that, I couldn't let him in! People had a tendency to die on me. I didn't want him to be the next.

"This isn't right!" I shook my head.

"Is it?" He stared at me. "You can't hide forever, princess!"

"What are you talking about?" I didn't understand what he was trying to say.

"You act tough and happy! Always smiling and joking around with your friends, but this isn't the real you!" He shrugged. "The real you is the one I raced with that night, the one who lets loose! The one who lets down her guard without worrying about the consequences!"

"You don't even know me! You have been here for what? One week?" I shook my head. 

"You can hide from everyone, but not from me!" He said. "I don't need a lifetime with you to know that you're scared to love someone!"

The truth behind his words made me look him in the eye. How had he figured me out in a week, when my family have had no clue all this time?

"You're something else Alex Doherty!" I said and he smirked.

"Does this mean that you will drop the act when you're around me?" He asked.

"No promises!" I smiled at him and he hugged me.

We stayed like that for a few minutes and then his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and looked at the contact.

"I have to take this! I won't take long!" He said and went outside to take the call.

I went to the table to finish the rest of my drink and started feeling a little dizzy. I grabbed the table for support and then next thing I know someone is carrying me outside the club.