Her Shadows

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

AMELIA POV

After two weeks of careful research and healing I was ready to embark on my new mission. Elizabeth Watkins, my only known target from The Auction, was also my only lead.

According to her documents, Elizabeth was studying an economics degree at the Paterson's University across town. She would begin class at 11:15am.

Gazing up at the ornate clock placed on the wall of my bedroom, it read 10:23am.

Quickly rushing to my walk-in robe and analysing every piece of designer clothes, I manage to choose a relatively normal looking outfit that screams student loans. An environment I'm sure to be entering very soon.

It involved a plum purple colour singlet top that sat tight across my chest and ended at my hips, held up by two thin spaghetti straps, and a pair of simple black skinny jeans with rips at the knees.

Over the top I threw a minimalistic olive coloured jacket, with sleeves ending at my elbows and my favourite pair of heeled leather boots. Deciding to tame my curls into a tight pony tail, I analysed my reflection in the wall-length and was pleased with the results. This would do.

I grabbed a tote bag on my way out and even added a few random notebooks for good measure.

Arriving at the university, I decided to grab a coffee from a stand close to Elizabeth's classroom, deciding she will likely have the same idea.

And just as predicted, not a minute later, Elizabeth saunters up to the stand and orders a mocha latte.

She was quite average looking. With soft brown hair that fell just above her shoulders and dazzling blue eyes, she stood at 5'4. Her skin was honey toned and body average. She was no super model, but she was pretty. The typical girl next-door.

And standing with her was a familiar face, however, this one was far from ordinary or average. 

His beautiful brown hair tickling his forehead as he spoke, eyes bursting into a hundred shades of brown and gold. His right cheek had the faintest hint of a dimple and smile lines stretched with his laugh.

The boy from the window.

It wasn't until I felt my lungs burn that I realised I had ceased breathing. Subtly taking in a deep breath I force my eyes to move from the gorgeous boy to Elizabeth.

Focus Amelia

My second breath does more to fortify me than my first. The air filling my lungs, a core reminder to stay focused and unemotional.

Feeling steadier, I slowly walk toward where Elizabeth and Jayce stand, pulling out my phone and pretending to absorb myself in the device.

Coffee in hand, I bump directly into Elizabeth's chest as she turns to leave and successfully splash coffee down the front of her shirt. In surprise, Elizabeth throws her things, belongings splattering across the courtyard.

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry! I am just such a clutz, I really didn't mean to. Are you ok?"

Ok so maybe spilling the whole coffee wasn't necessary but weirdly, in watching Elizabeth interact so easily with my newest obsession, I felt a tumbling surge of fire ignite my insides and spilling the drink felt all too essential.

Quickly I scurry to collect her things, spitting apologies for my actions. In the midst of the chaos, 

I manage to slip the tracker into her phone and quickly walk back toward the fuming girl.

The boy is watching me, eyes staring inquisitively at my form, as though gazing upon a puzzle with no clues. I ignore his stare and force my focus to remain on the coffee-soaked college student completely oblivious to anything but her now ruined sweater.

With one last apology I begin to walk away, my head down and curls pillowing around my face.

Then I hear a voice of honey, so sweet it turns my legs to jelly. "Hey! Wait up"

I turn around, remembering to paste confusion and innocence across my features as the boy from the window jogs to catch up.

He speaks again, a goofy smile bringing back that adorable dimple. "Hey! Um, sorry this is gonna sound weird, but do I know you from somewhere?"

I pretend to look thoughtful and confused, "no, I don't believe so."

His head tilts to the side, reminding me of a curious puppy, "are you sure? You look so familiar."

I give a blank look, "Sorry, it must be someone else. We've never met."

I attempt to walk away, to slip between the alley of two buildings but Window Boy doesn't seem to take the hint.

"So, what's you major?"

Deciding if I ever found it necessary to infiltrate Elizabeth's classes, I should study the same major I reply, "Economics."

"No way! Me too. That and business of course." He lets out a nervous chuckle, the slightest pink hue tinting his cheeks, "so, how come you're in none of my classes?"

Smoothly, and perhaps too easily, I was able to spit a lie from my lips, feeling sweet on my tongue.

As a master of deceit, being caught off guard was a foreign feeling I had yet to discover. "I usually take the online classes, so I'm not on campus much."

"Huh." That gaze of his was far too inquisitive for this conversation to continue. Exposing myself and my appearance was already far too risky.

"Well I better get going."

I begin to strut away once more but Window Boy isn't quite done with me yet.

"No wait!" His yell seeming to embarrass himself, that pink hue alights to a fiery red. "Um, wanna grab lunch sometime? I can give you my number?"

Stupid to become involved. Completely irrational to form any kind of relationship with a boy I may find myself killing later. Irresponsible. Risky. Reckless.

And yet I find myself replying "sure" and before I can begin to change my mind he has already walked off and I now hold a brand-new contact in my phone.

Jayce.

At the last minute he turns and shouts, "see you around, Mystery Girl"

Mystery is right.

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AWWW Their first interaction!!! 

What'd you guys think!