CHAPTER SIX

ELLA'S POV

I stood frozen, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene before me. Damien and Amelia, their bodies angled toward each other as she gently stroked his injured cheek.

The same cheek he had shoved my hand away from earlier when I tried to tend to his bruises.

This isn't fair.

Why does she get to touch him so freely when he practically bit my head off for showing concern.

My throat tightened as I watched Amelia Lean in close to whisper something in his ear. Something that made Damien grin that cocky, flirtatious smile that gives me butterflies.

That's when Damien seemed to finally notice me standing there. His grin faded slightly as his eyes met mine. Then Amelia turned to follow his gaze, eyes landing on me with surprise, then cool assertment.

Damien's jaw tightened. Then without a word,he stood up straight and walked away. Amelia cast a last glance in my direction and smiled before strolling off right behind him.

I couldn't tear my eyes away as I watched them disappear, stunned in silence.

"Earth to Ella...."

Trent's voice jolted me back to the present. I'd totally forgotten he was still there

"What?" I snapped.

"Just making sure you didn't forget you're supposed to escort me to the nurse's office."

I shot him a glare and quickened my pace, leaving him jogging to catch up.

"Oh come on, I was kidding! Lighten up a little." Trent fell into step beside me. "Are you sure you're okay? I know seeing them together again was..."

"I'm fine." I Said sharply, cutting him off. He was at fault for all this. If Trent hadn't stopped me earlier, I could have been the one tending to Damien's wound instead of her, allowing Amelia to swoop in as a replacement.

As we reached the clinic, I was so lost in thoughts that I nearly tripped on the entry step. I stumbled, pitched forward but before I could hit the tiled floor, Trent wrapped his strong arms around my waist.

I looked up at Trent, his green eyes staring intently into mine.

He was close enough that I could feel his warm breath feather across my cheek.

"Careful there, princess." He murmured, his arm tightening around my waist, pressing me closer. "Wouldn't want you taking another tumble."

His lips gazed my ear as he whispered low enough for only me to hear.

"You're supposed to be watching over me, not the other way round."

I felt an unwelcome flush of heat and quickly yanked my arm free, smoothing my shirt to cover my flustered state.

"Yes, because you clearly need so much supervision." I retorted, sarcasm dripping from each word.

Trent laughed. "Ouch, good one Ella."

I bit my tongue against a sharp retort and shoved open the clinic door with more force than necessary.

The petite nurse inside jumped at the loud sound. I instantly felt bad seeing the almost fearful look on her gentle face. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you crashing in like that," I apologized.

"No worries, I'm alright."

Her gaze moved between Trent and I questioningly. "Is everything okay?"

I gestured to where Trent lounged against the doorway behind me. "I'm fine. It's this thing that needs help."

Trent raised an insolent brow. "Oh I'm a thing now? Fine by me, doll face."

The nurse gave us both a reproving look before focusing on Trent. "What seems to be the trouble, dear?"

"Couple of bruised ribs from a disagreement," Trent drawled casually. "Plus a possible broken jaw if Princess keeps up with the attitude."

The nurse gave Trent a patient look. "Why don't you have a seat and describe where it hurts while I gather some supplies."

She busied herself opening cabinets and gathering items as Trent sank into the exam chair with a wince.

"I'm going to need to check the ribs," she said, putting on gloves. "Ella dear, can you help prop him forward a bit?"

I moved behind Trent, irritation flaring as I wrapped my arms around him to support his weight. His skin felt unfairly warm under my hands.

As the nurse began gently prodding along Trent's side, I shifted my grip purposefully, putting pressure right on his sore spots. He sucked in a sharp breath.

"Careful with the merchandise there," he grated out.

"Oh sorry, am I hurting you?" I asked innocently.

"No need to sound so thrilled about it."

The nurse paused, giving me a look. I smiled sweetly back at her.

"I think it's just deep bruising, no breaks," she finally said. "Let me just grab an arnica ointment for the swelling."

As she headed to the supply closet, Trent twisted to face me, a grin playing about his lips. "You know, you can keep holding me as long as you want, Ella..."

I instantly let him go, cheeks burning. Trent just chuckled.

The nurse reappeared looking apologetic. "Actually we seem to be out of that ointment at the moment. Let me run to the pharmacy next door and grab some."

After she hurried out, an awkward silence descended. I leaned against the counter, absentmindedly rubbing at my sore knee - the one I'd hurt earlier when Trent bumped into me, making me fall.

I didn't realize Trent had noticed until he suddenly rose from his seat. "Is that from earlier?" His eyes narrowed. "When Damien shoved you?"

I bristled at his demanding tone. "Don't act like you fucking care."

Trent moved closer, using his height to loom over me. "Did he hurt you? Answer me."

I shot him a venomous look. "I don't have to tell you anything!"

Before I could react, Trent slammed his hand against the wall beside my head, pinning me there. "I'm not moving until you tell me the truth," he gritted out.

We glared at each other. Finally I relented. "Fine! It's from when you ran into me and made me fall. Happy?" I snarled.

"What, can't take a little fall, Princess?"

"You're just bad luck, you know that!"

The clinic door opened. I quickly shoved Trent away from me seconds before the nurse walked back in, giving us a curious look.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"Nope, all good here," Trent answered lightly before I could speak. Once the nurse finished treating Trent, we exited the clinic.

Trent turned to me with a sly grin. "So, little party at Liam's this today celebrating me trying out for basketball."

I rolled my eyes. "You haven't even made the team yet."

"Whatever," Trent waved a hand. "Anyway, you should swing by."

I crossed my arms. "Hard pass. Why would I go to one of your jock parties?"

Trent stepped closer. "Because if you don't, I might just have to share a few interesting details with the nurse about how you got that knee injury earlier..."

I stiffened. He wouldn't dare... If the nurse found out, she'd surely tell my mom and my overprotective mother hated anything involving Trent, especially after what happened between us freshman year.

Seeing he had me cornered, Trent pressed his advantage. "So I'll see you and Damien there. No excuses." He walked off with an insolent wink, calling over his shoulder, "Wear something cute!"

I stared after him, fuming. The insufferable jerk! He'd manipulated me into having no choice but to show up to this stupid party. And somehow he expected me to drag Damien along too?

I groaned. Why did I attract nothing but trouble today?

*******

The final bell rang, releasing me from the exhausting school day. But I had no time to relax. I still had to tell Damien about Trent's party tonight. And based on what happened earlier, Damien was not going to be happy about it.

My stomach twisted as I lingered outside the classroom for Damien. When he finally emerged, I took a deep breath. Now was the time. But how do I bring this up delicately? What should I say first - apologize? Explain about Trent?

Before I could decide, Damien strode over to me, a smile on his face. "Hey Ella," he said, like nothing had even happened.

Caught off guard, I managed to return his smile. "Hi Damien." Maybe he wasn't upset anymore? This gave me a spark of courage.

"So, uh, there's this party tonight that..." I began.

"Damien, let's go!" Amelia's voice cut me off. I turned to see her waving at him from his car. "I've been waiting forever!"

Damien glanced at her then back at me apologetically. "Ah shoot, I forgot I have a tutoring session with her. Sorry Ella."

He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"

Before I could get another word out, he hurried off, waving. "Bye!"

I stood there, lips still parted in surprise. Damien seemed totally fine, not angry at all. I should feel relieved, but instead I was frustrated. I'd lost my chance to bring up Trent's party with him.

And now Damien was off to spend more time alone with Amelia. My stomach churned uneasily at the thought.

I sighed, hauling my heavy bag higher on my shoulder. I trudged toward the bus, dreading having to tell Damien about the party another time. This day just kept getting more complicated.