Chapter five

"You shat it out, but I can't hear a word you say. Screaming loud, not saying much" I giggled as I sang the wrong lyrics again, I watched it on F******k, and it was so funny that it popped into my head at random times throughout the day. It was so fun to do, so sue me. No one was innocent in this aspect.

I'm in a fair mood this morning cause it's day one of my covert operation. I parked my hair up as I stepped out the front door.

Andria stood beside her car, waiting for me. She managed to look impressed with my new outfit. I was pretty satisfied myself as I stared at myself in the mirror. I wore a black loose top with jeans and black boots.

"What's the occasion. You look better than most days". She complimented but pointed at my outfit dismissively.

"Can you be nice just for two minutes? Gahhh. Not that you asked, but it's day one of operation get Zach Dante. I shouldn't look too bad right?" I batted my lashes prettily. Andrianna faked gag

"I don't have the stomach for this. We're getting late so get in the car. You're fighting a losing battle, Vega. And when you lose, that chunk of money will never come back"

We both got into her car. She helped me with my seatbelt like I couldn't get it done myself. She proceeded to fix my hair, holding my gaze.

"I don't want you to get hurt Vega," she said softly, hands trailing my hairline. It was moments like this that got me confused. I don't know if I should hate or worship at her feet.

"I'll be ok. I promise" I assured, squeezing her hand. She settled in her seat, turning the ignition.

"You better be. Or I'll beat your ass. Don't come crying to me when you lose" she added and I frowned at her. She just ruined my puppy eyes moment. Ugh. She chuckled, pulling out of the driveway.

*****

******

********

I watched Zach_ looking edible in his white tees and smug-looking trousers. He seemed to be in a deep conversation with Arielle, who was blushing so hard, that I thought I was staring at a tomato on display.

"That darn witch beat me to it. So frustrating" I murmured to myself, turning to get to my morning class. I jerked in shock, almost screaming as I saw Jake. He was my coursemate, but I do not appreciate people trying to give me a heart attack in the wee hours of the morning.

I clutched at my chest. Trying to still its gallops.

"The hell Jake... Don't sneak up on me like that ever".

"Sorry," he said, not looking sorry. " I saw you talking to yourself, so I just came over" he peered over my shoulder, noticing who I'd been stalking. "I heard you're in on the bet. It Seems Arielle is way ahead of you tho".

I turned to study the two of them, squinting my eyes in concentration.

"You're right, but not to worry. I have my game plan. That cash is going to be mine. If I don't win, I might as well just disappear" I pouted, making sure to give off Miserables vibes. He tapped my nose, making me squeeze my face and move back. I batted his hand away.

"Get prepared to disappear, cause you're going to lose that money."

"Oh, ye of little faith. I knew you were not a loyal friend".

He grunted as if I'd hit him in the chest or something.

"That hurts. To think that I neglect my research just to help you out with your cleaning duties".

"Stop with the theatrics. We both know you don't have a heart. You said so yourself".

He grinned, two cute dimples gracing his cheek, calling out to me to poke at it. I don't. Jake hated it.

"We need to get to work. I gotta get to class early today" he told all serious. I nodded, going around him, and fixing my gaze on Zach Dante.

"Time to put plan A into action."

I took a steady breath, striding towards them. I'm almost close to them when I tripped on my feet. I went down gracelessly. Well, that's one hell of a way to get noticed. Both of them witnessed my embarrassing moment. I don't regret it, because Zach's green eyes are on mine once I look up. I chuckled nervously at their intensity.

"I'm fine. Just some stupid twig" I explained even when they didn't ask. Jake helped me up, fixing my top while I durst my jeans.

I found it hard to look back to see if he was watching me. My neck prickled. I felt like he was scrutinizing me with those intense eyes of his. It was eerie. We moved some paces away from them. I knew Arielle was glaring at me without even having to look.

"Well? Did he watch me go" I asked whirling to face Jake, grabbing his arm? He gave a suffering sigh.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but he didn't. He turned to face Arielle immediately you stood up.

"He did? But how? I gave him my most soul-piercing look. Like this" I demonstrated, earning a horrified look from Jake. The little piece of shit. He grabbed my shoulders like I was a hopeless child he had to be calm to get his point across.

"Sorry babe but if you stared at him like that. He's going to feel haunted for the rest of his life. You should call that the ghost look".

I hit him on the shoulder, pouting furiously.

"It doesn't matter. What's so hard in seducing a guy anyway. I'm beautiful aren't I? ".

"Of course you are. You just need to stop wearing clothes two times your size. Get yourself something freaking nice to wear, and fix that horror on your head. Do I have to come to take a look at your wardrobe?"

"No! My wardrobe is just fine thank you very much. And I can't afford new clothes right now" I gritted between my teeth. "They cost a fortune".

"But you're bettering three zeros on a guy who doesn't even know you exist".

I swear if he were not my friend, I'd have sent his ass flying. I know I know. Say no to violence.

"That is different. First off, I don't want Arielle to win the stupid bet, and two I don't back off from a dare. He's my style. Imagine Dante's son becoming my boyfriend, and me winning that money. Do you know what I could do for my mom?

He slowly pulled me in for a hug. I breathe in his scent just because he smells really good. I don't get the need for the hug but Is appreciated.

"What's this for".

"I love you, that's what this is for".

"Awww. My cute Teddy bear" I grinned, squeezing closer against him, my hands roaming his back. "You're so buff. Did you start working out".

He pulled me away glaring at me.

"Here I am being nice and you start feeling me up the first chance you get".

"Aww, is the teddy bear mad at mama bear" I poked at his side.

"Your nasal voice is hideous" he jabbed, trying to fight my hands off as I continued to poke at him. He was fighting a losing game. He was soon giggling, running away from me. The competitive gal that I am, I give him a freaking chase, ignoring the stares. Sometimes you just gotta screw everybody else.