6

"Let go of me," I straightened up, returning to my seat and adjusting my hair. It's obvious he noticed too, but I simply decided to ignore it. I don't like Kessler, I feel something dark within him that doesn't give me confidence. "Have we arrived yet?"

"Not yet, kitten, we're close."

"Don't call me that," I reproached.

"Whatever you say, kitten."

I closed my eyes for a few seconds because dealing with Kessler is like dealing with a wall. Kessler stopped near a huge tree.

"We have to go on foot from here," he says.

"But it's raining," I pointed out as if it weren't obvious.

"A little water won't hurt you."

He got out, so I had no choice but to do the same. Luckily, it was just a drizzle and not too strong.

"Watch your step, this forest can be very treacherous."

The grass and everything else was slippery; I used my bag as an umbrella.

"Why are we here? I'm starting to think Lucas isn't here and that you just brought me to distract me," I spoke. "Kessler!" The guy was blatantly ignoring me. He was ahead of me, so I hurried to catch up with him.

"We're almost there, don't get impatient."

"Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me? I'm starting to think you only do it for something in return."

He stopped and looked at me.

"What could you give me?" he questioned.

"I ask you the same question, what could I offer you? If you think you have everything."

"Hmm..." he thought. "...we're off to a bad start, kitten. Let's be friends, and then you'll know me better."

I laughed. "Friends? I can't believe it. Excuse me if I don't buy it, but you seem like the type who doesn't have female friends and who can't just be with anyone."

"You're not just anyone," he said. "You're someone special."

I looked at him, waiting for the laughter, but it never came. Why is he acting like this? Is he playing with me, right?

"Stop talking nonsense and let's move on because I'm getting soaked."

"Why do you hate me? You don't even know me yet."

"I just know you're an arrogant guy who thinks he owns everyone and everything," I said, but then I slipped on a rock and sprained my ankle. I grimaced in pain. "Damn it."

"Wait, don't move," Kessler hurried over to me, took my ankle in his hands, and took off my shoe.

"What are you doing?"

"It's a sprain," he began massaging it. It hurt a lot, but his touch was comforting. I wondered why he was behaving like this with me. If it were the first time I met him, then I would think he's a good guy, someone adorable, handsome, and sexy.

I hated myself for thinking that.

"You can't put weight on it," he said, putting my shoe back on. "We have to get back to the car; your brother can wait."

"I can't leave him alone, you told me those guys play pranks."

"And they do, but trust me for once that nothing will happen to your brother," he looked at me, I only saw confidence in his eyes. He's being sincere; something tells me I should trust him.

I nodded, lowering my guard.

"Okay."

He helped me to my feet, but then he picked me up in his arms.

"You can't walk like this," he advanced over the rocks and wet grass until we reached the jeep. He lifted me into the passenger seat and ran to the driver's side. He started the car immediately. "I'll take you home."

•

When we arrived home, I got out with difficulty, and Kessler helped me walk. Dad wasn't home, so I'll be alone with this guy. We entered the living room, and I collapsed onto the couch.

"Do you have a first aid kit?"

"Yes, in the bathroom. It's in..."

"I know where it is, don't worry," he said, going to the downstairs bathroom. He returned with the kit in hand and looked for ointment and gauze. "I'll give you a massage to reduce the swelling."

"Thank you," I whispered, only this time he deserves it. Kessler looked at me for a few seconds.

"It's nothing."

He started massaging, and I felt so good that I almost didn't feel the pain. Kessler's hands are magical. When he finished, he applied the gauze.

"You'll feel much better tomorrow."

"Now I don't know what explanation I'll give my father," I said. "Wait, give me my phone."

Kessler took the phone out of his pocket and handed it to me.

"You can send the location now."

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm.

"For your own good, I hope my brother is okay."

"He is, Eva, relax," he stood up, started looking around the house and the pictures on the wall. "You know a lot about self-care."

"My dad is a cop; of course, he trained us very well."

"I see. And that's good."

"Well..." I muttered. "Thanks for bringing me."

Kessler took off his jacket and sat on the couch.

"I'm not going to leave you alone, Eva, I'll stay until your brother or your father comes."

"Are you crazy? Neither my father nor Lucas can see you here. Go away. And thanks for everything."

"I'm not leaving, Eva, you may need something, and you can't walk properly."

"Why are you doing this? You don't know me."

Kessler approached, his black eyes now seemed brown. Which seemed strange to me.

"Eva, you don't understand it yet, but one day you will. I don't want to tell you something that you'll misinterpret later. I want to be your friend, that's all."

"Why?"

"Because after friendship comes everything else," he said, smiling.

"Do you really think you and I...?" I laughed. "Not in your dreams, Kessler."

"You say that now, Eva," in a quick movement, he dragged me until we were inches from each other's faces. "But in a few weeks, you'll be dying for me. I bet you that."

"Get away from me," I said firmly. "I don't like you, and I could never fall in love with someone as superficial as you."

He smiled to himself.

"You're very sure. I love challenges, Eva." With that said, he took me by the face and kissed me on the lips. I opened my eyes wide in surprise at what was happening.

Kessler is giving me my first kiss.

My first kiss!

IT CAN'T BE.

Why the hell didn't I push him away?!

I parted my lips to let him in more; I was surprised by that gesture on my part. I closed my eyes and just let myself be carried away by the moment of my first kiss. I felt a tingling in my stomach; I wish I could drown those damn butterflies because this can't happen.

I refuse!

"Kessler!" I pushed him away; my heart was beating faster than normal. My lips were throbbing. "Why did you do that?" I whispered in a thin voice.

Kessler smiled satisfied.

"Because I knew it would be your first kiss, Eva, and no one else but me will touch those lips."