Chapter 6

His warm expression didn't change and his reply was;

"Just promise you won't run away Cinderella"

With the way he stared, I couldn't feel my lungs.

He kept coming closer and closed up the space between us.

"When do I get to sign the contract?"

I part my lips slightly as his breath fan my face. Right now, I'm lost.

"W-well..."

I threw a finger to the back, trying so hard to roll out the word 'in class' but it's just not coming out.

Cole peeped through my shoulder and smirked.

"In class?"

"Yes!" I shouted staggering backward and my palm flew to my mouth.

I keep embarrassing myself in his presence.

He was about to say something else but I began a race, I was sure any more seconds with him would make me collapse.

I just have to be prepared to meet him again because later this noon, we the juniors would be having a pairing game with our seniors.

I let a mischievous grin as it turns out I'd be Cole's partner too. He'd see this as fate.

All I had to do was cheat and bribe a scribe to pair me up with Cole. I can't believe I'm doing this.

My cheeks turned red and I had to place my shivering palms on them to smoothen it while imagining Cole's face.

Once I got to my locker in the female dressing room, I opened it gently and a note flew out.

My stomach knot as a chill froze me to a spot. The sight of the note had unnerved me.

I peep to and fro, if perhaps someone was watching me but all I see were my peers rushing in to change their outfits.

Their chats were loud, and I grew so scared as everyone appears to be having the face of a clown.

Nervously, I took the note and saw;

"Next victim... Cole"

My eyes bulge as fear stole my breath. He is following me.

Not minding to change my outfit, I ran out of the room, pushing through anyone that stood on my path.

I need to get to Cole. Unfortunately, I couldn't find him anywhere. The classes, libraries, offices, fields, restrooms, dress rooms and I'm exhausted because this feels like a punishment.

What if...

I shook my head trying to doubt. If he was dead, he'd send me a hand or souvenir which of course would be Cole's body part.

I need to snap out of this.

The natatorium. He'd be heading there because Miles might be there. In a jiffy, I was there.

I wasn't grant entry inside the natatorium even despite my plead.

I was outside, being gawp upon by two intimidating security agents who acted as though their lives depends on guiding this place.

"Please, someone is in the danger" I begged the security agent, who guides the entrance which serves as a sleek glass atrium.

The two men glanced at each other and burst into laughter.

"Hey kid if you don't want to be treated..."

I went on my knees and steepled my fingers together not giving them a chance to complete their threats.

"Please, just a moment with Cole" I cried bitterly. I must protect him.

The first duck his head at me and it was obvious he sees me as someone insane.

"Get out!" The second roared and I stood up with an angry stare at him. I gnashed my teeth and wipe my tears.

Stupid tears. It's the only way I feel I can convince someone.

"I'm not going to let Cole die" I declared in a cold tone appearing like some super hero.

At first, they were baffled by my dramatic proclamation but then shook their head.

"What's wrong with her?" The first asked his colleague who provided only a shrug.

While he marches forward to grab me, I dodged his grip, pushed through the second agent and ran inside.

The natatorium gleaming surface reflects like a liquid silver, the scent of chlorine in the air drew my imagination to summertime but no, I'm here for someone.

Cole.

"Cole!" I cried drawing the attention of the coaches and athletes gathered for training.

They were a few here and it's like a secret practice which is part of the reason why I'm not allowed here.

I lingered by the pool edge, the atmosphere plush with vibrancy and the activities were paused because of me.

I'm now an intruder.

"Who let her in?" An old man questions as he rose up from the pool deck near the starting blocks which was at the edge of the pool.

There were murmurs now as the athletes gathered had a queer look at me, while exchanging glances with each other.

The two security guards had rushed in now, certainly to catch me. Their repugnant look obviously says I'd be locked in detention.

They were apologizing to the guests gathered for their mistake which is letting me in.

"Cole!" I kept on calling, trying my best to avoid being held by the guards until I found myself hiding behind someone, while panting heavily.

I threw my arms around his waist, burying my face to his back. His cologne smelt so familiar.

"Please save me" i whispered not minding to have a look at who it was. My heart might explode because of the race I had encountered.

However, I just felt he wouldn't let them take me. My cheek pressed against his hot skin which was felt through the shirt he wore.

I took a peep at the agents who had stopped immediately they drew closer to this person.

"She's with me"

My brows rose in a surprise arc.

Oh no, not miles.

I closed my eyes still holding firmly to his waist.

"I'd just take her away" miles furthers, tapping my hands to let go while he burst into a giddy laughter with the coaches who were staring at him awkwardly.

He was left with no choice than to move with me in that position until we got outside.

My legs were literally dancing as he flung me aside from him. I would have fallen to the ground if there wasn't a pillar beside me to embrace.

My head was lowered as I found it difficult to breath.

"Where's Cole? I need to...see...him" I requested though in a staggering tone while rubbing my chest.

I wasn't looking at him but I knew he must have that angry, gorgeous no, dangerous look.

"So a note is what led you right to me?"