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The girl sputters a rude snicker, then continues walking without an apology.
The fuck?
I march up to her with a death glare. She gasps, wheels around, and speed-walks in the opposite direction.
Kayla doesn’t even realize. She’s busy gathering her things from the floor.
“Here,” I say, stooping to help while being careful not to touch her.
She throws her head back as if perplexed by my action. “Thanks. But I’m good.”
We straighten at the same time.
“Are people messing with you?” I ask, sticking my hands into my pockets.
“Why? Did your friend put the word out?” Her tone is biting.
I shift my weight to the other leg. “Seems you failed to realize Eric was kidding. We don’t do such things.”
“Could have fooled me.” She draws air through her teeth and tells me bravely, “Regardless, I can handle it.”
“Hm.” I lean my head, studying her. “You’re mad at me for what happened in the garden.”
Kayla rolls her eyes in disinterest. “I just don’t care for arrogant guys who also bully others.”
“I don’t bully people,” I retort, voice calm. “Christian was an exception, and he deserved it.”
“Whatever.” She fixes her backpack on her shoulders. “I have class. Don’t you?”
“Free period.”
“Well then, enjoy.” She strolls past.
“Show me what you were drawing in the cafeteria,” I say, slanting.
Coming to a stop, Kayla casts back a sidelong glance and cocks her hip. “Why?”
I shrug. “I want to see the skills of the girl who won my father’s scholarship out of fifty applicants.”
Her brown eyes twinkle with that of pride. She wants to show me but appears to be fighting it. “No.”
“No?” I stiffen my jaw. Somehow, that word leaving her mouth hits differently.
Like yesterday, Kayla carries her gaze over my face and flashes a taunting smirk. “Ask nicely.”
“I don’t do nice,” I grunt.
Something akin to curiosity soaks her eyes as she regards my demeanor.
Her lips part, but only gentle breaths seep out.
We hold each other’s focus, unwavering, for what feels close to an eternity.
The late bell rings, filling the quiet hallway.
Kayla clears her throat and tells me, “Guess you won’t see it then. Bye, Brandon.”
I detect a challenge in her undertone, and it heightens a strange fascination. It is the reason why I remain in place, watching her walk away, wondering if maybe there is a possibility to draw close and not break that girl.
