Chapter seven

I set to the task the next day because I had to win this come rain or shine. Thunder rumbled overhead, making me flinch.

"Jeez, I was just kidding. Chill already" I muttered at the dark cloudy sky. Why the weather chose to be so gloomy was beyond me. Was this an omen or something? Maybe I should visit a shaman, and confirm if I'm on the right path. Oh wait, I don't believe in those things. Haha, forgot for a second there.

Appearing in places he was, was way easier than I expected. I was at the sports center during his practice and I almost squealed as we made eye contact. The upside of this whole stalking job that I'd gotten myself was that he was rarely alone which was not surprising. I mean, he's Zach freaking Dante. If he was alone, that's when I'd be worrying. But I needed him alone for my plan to work tho, so it was getting frustrating.

I got my chance in the library. He came there to relax, cause the dude didn't pick up any book. He was bored with all the attention I guess.

I made my way over to his desk, sitting as I held up my werewolf novel. His gaze met mine, recognition flickering on them for a second before he looked away. I admit that was dismissive, but I was cool with it. It's not like I expected a conversation. This thing takes time. I've got this.

I jerked awake as the book I held fell out of my hand. I look around groggily, wiping the drool off my lips. Two things registered at once. Zach was no longer in the library and I must have fallen asleep. Omg, did he see me drool? This is so freaking embarrassing. Was there a way to crawl into the floor and die?

I returned the book before dashing out of the library. I saw him turn a corner into the male washroom so I waited for him, wriggling my fingers as I dreaded the inevitable.

I shouldn't have bothered, cause he stepped out without a glance in my direction. Umm, rude much. I'm standing right where you can see me you jerk.

I don't take defeat so I stalked him all the way home... Home being a freaking billion-dollar micro mansion. I got him to notice me by yelling at the cabman. Sorry to the poor guy, but he was expendable.

He got in, making me feel conflicted. He seemed to recognize me, he just didn't acknowledge me so I guess plan A was rocking right?. I wondered why he choose to use a taxi to get home when he had such an amazing ride. My subconscious sneered at me that I was doing the same thing. Well, I've tried my best for today. I could always continue the next day.

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ZACH POV.

I entered the mansion, my neck prickling at the feeling of being watched all day long. It was unsettling. Noah was lounging around, as usual, a bowl filled with an assortment of chocolates between his thighs. He popped them into his mouth unenthusiastic.

I grabbed one of the pillows, flinging it against his head. He squealed In shock and I laughed. He frowned as he took in the mess he made. The chocolate was rolling around on the floor.

"You're such a jerk, you know that" he grumbled, getting up to pick them up.

I flung onto the couch, chuckling.

"I did you a favor. You were literally just staring into space. Why are you eating that anyway?"

"They're for my anxieties" he bit out, filling up his mouth.

"Anxiety huh? So what should I stuff myself on then?. Cause you're Mom and Dad's favorite, perfect son while I'm the fuck up, who's always getting in trouble and ruining the family's reputation" I said intending to be casual about it, but my voice came out bitter at the end.

Noah cast his grey eyes on me, looking almost bored out of his mind.

"Solve your problems, big bro because you're not making my life easy. Just because of you, I've had to be extra perfect this week, hence my anxiety. Now put me out of my misery, tell me about what havoc you wrecked today. "

I rolled my eyes. "I didn't do anything".

He narrowed his eyes, not believing me for a second.

"How many girls did you dump?"

"There was no girl to dump Noah".

His eyes widened comically as he sat up too abruptly causing the bowl to tumble to the floor. The maid was not going to smile while cleaning that.

"No way. Don't tell me dad's finally got to the playboy in you. What did he threaten you with this time? Cause I know it must have been a threat. The 'you' I know would have had up to four girlfriends now. What happened to 'I gotta appreciate beautiful things and all that crap you're always spewing when it comes to pretty butterflies" he pointed out, winking at the end, eyes questioning. I shrugged, sitting up.

"There were pretty butterflies, but a little birdie told me that I've been betted on. A hundred thousand dollars".

Noah faked a gasp, clutching at his chest.

"No fucking way. They placed a bet on who could get you?. I'm so freaking jealous bro. Can I be like you when I grow up" he said coming to kneel in front of me. I smacked his head chuckling.

"You've got to have this body, and green eyes first, or it won't work. I won't be picking any girls this week. I've gotta figure out who is in on the bet, then I can start playing. I don't want anyone using me as a money maker. I've had enough of that to last me a lifetime".

Noah shook his head. "Damn. They'll go crazy tho. They know your reputation. They might think they're inadequate or something" he said, ignoring his melting chocolate mess on the floor, and sitting back on the couch.

"I guess... But there's this weird girl that keeps showing up everywhere I go. You'd think she's a ghost with the way she stares. It's scary. She's got these ridiculous glasses, and dresses like hell, in horrible colors.

"Oh... The ugly nerds who want a piece of your action. Just ignore her. She's not worth it. It's probably just a coincidence that you see her everywhere" he waved it off and I nodded.

"I already did. I don't have time for girls like her. There's this gorgeous one I have my eyes on tho. She's called Arielle. Her Dad's Franco, father's business associate".

"You always liked the rich and sophisticated," he tsked, eyes straying to the chocolate. "So is it serious or you're just going to play with her".

"I Am not a player. Like you said earlier, I just tend to appreciate pretty butterflies. And you were right about Dad threatening me. He'd freeze my account if I create any more scandal."

"So you're not going to appreciate this butterfly called Arielle? " He asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I smirked.

"I will Noah. I'm just waiting for the dust to settle from my last scandal. I also plan to ask lots of girls out by the end of the month, especially those in on the bet".

"Why?" Noah asked, his brows furrowing in confusion

I shrugged. "Just because I want to see the uproar it causes when they all find out I asked each of them out. It will be an epic show, all in my name" I said smiling, picturing how hilarious it would be. Noah shook his head, before bending to scope up the chocolate into his mouth.

"Bro WTF! "

Noah glared at me. "You don't see me complaining when you treat girls like trash, so stop your whining just because I ate from the floor. It's germ-free anyway".

"You're so disgusting" I got up, walking towards my room. I didn't play girls. They played me. That's how it had always been. They used me for one purpose or the other. This one girl that I liked had explicitly told me that she fucked me just because I was a Dante, topping that by admitting that she always wanted to sleep with my father, but since she got me, it was fair game. At least I treated them well while we are together. Not my fault the breakup were always nasty affairs. They wanted more, but I stopped giving my heart away a long time ago.

Noah was wrong. His words still cut deep tho, and I hated it.