CHAPTER FIVE

~RHEA~

Girlfriend?

“Girlfriend?” Heather, Chase and Sienna echoed as they stared at me like I knew a fuck about what was going on.

The murmurs began as everyone in the crowd stared at us with wide eyes and I could see the questions in their eyes but they seemed too scared to speak.

Before I could snap out of my trance, Zander helped me off the floor and I gasped as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me flush to his side.

Several gasps echoed throughout the crowd and I noticed the way Chase's eyes fell on Zander's arm that was currently wrapped around my waist.

Zander's gray eyes lifted towards Chase lazily but there was nothing relaxed about the look on his face.

“I'm going to say it once so listen up, Freshman” Zander began with a cold tone as he easily towered over Chase.

“Come near my woman again and your small dick would be the least of your problems” He threatened and some people snickered but one glare from Zander had them choking on their laugh.

Chase's face darkened and Sienna kept glancing between us with disbelief written all over her face.

“Zander… Zander Cole is your boyfriend? Since when?” Sienna asked with a sickly sweet tone even though the look in her eyes was saying something different.

“Who said you could question her? Who are you?” He asked as he stared down at Sienna like she was dirt beneath his feet.

She forced a smile on her face.

“I’m Sienna…”

Zander turned away from her before she could complete her sentence, letting her know he wasn't the least bit interested.

He glanced down at me then leaned closer to my ear.

“Let's go, Ladybug” A shiver ran down my spine.

Before I could say a word, he intertwined our fingers and pulled me out of the cafe.

“Rhea, wait!” Chase called out and I paused for a second. What was I waiting for? I didn't even know.

“Let's go” Zander urged, pulling me out of my thoughts and pulling me along with him before I could even muster a reply.

“Text me later,” Heather yelled after us.

As soon as we got out of the cafe, I tried pulling my hand out of his grip but that only made his grip tighten.

“They are still watching” Zander uttered as he held my hand firmly.

I briefly glanced behind us and he was right, everyone was openly staring while some had their phone out.

“I don't see the reason for this” I muttered as he led me towards his sleek black Lamborghini and gasped slightly as he let go of my hand and suddenly placed his hand on my waist.

“You will in a second” He muttered then opened the car door for me.

“Get in” He ordered as he opened the car door for me.

I glared at him.

“Bastard” I muttered but climbed in anyway because despite the fact that he was infuriating, I would much rather be with him right now than watch Chase comfort Sienna.

As soon as Zander pulled away from the curb, I turned to him with a glare and finally snapped.

“What the hell was that?”

“I just saved your ass. You're welcome”

I turned to him incredulously.

“Saved me? What's that nonsense about you calling me your girlfriend?” I asked and when he didn't reply, I opened my mouth to argue when he suddenly served into a quiet roadside parking space.

“Jesus Christ!" I yelped as my body lurched sideways and instinctively, I grabbed the nearest thing I could reach.

Unfortunately, that thing happened to be his thigh.

His very muscular, warm…

“Do you mind?” His voice snapped me out of my trance and I snatched my hand immediately then turned to him.

He smirked knowingly and heat rushed to my face.

“First you slam your door in my face and now, you're trying to kill me?” I snapped quickly, trying to ease the sudden tension in the car.

“I have a proposition for you, Lady bug” He suddenly said and I frowned.

“It's Rhea and I'm not interested. You have already shown me how much of a jerk you are so no. I'm leaving” I muttered.

“This would benefit you too” He spoke and my hand paused at the door.

I didn't turn to him but I didn't leave either.

“I need you to be my girlfriend” He said simply and I froze for a while then bursted out laughing as I turned back to him.

“You can't be serious,” I said through my laugh. “Me? Be your girlfriend? I thought you said I wasn't your type?”

“You aren't and would never be my type” He replied and I frowned.

Ouch.

“Then I see no reason for this conversation…”

“I need a girlfriend, a fake one” He interjected and I raised an eyebrow.

“What do you think this is? A novel? Why me? I'm sure there are other women who would be happy to be in a fake relationship with you…”

“But I came to you. I believe you'll understand what no strings attached means but they won't” He told me.

“Oh, you're really serious about this,” I muttered when I saw the seriousness on his face.

“Listen, I need a fake girlfriend to fix my reputation and you need protection. I will protect you” He told me and I snorted.

“Protection? From what?”

“You already got to college today and you have managed to have your picture plastered all around the school board. Knowing your luck, you're bound to get into trouble” He stated and I frowned.

“You're ridiculous”

“Am I? With me, no one would dare to offend or bully you. Not only that, your status is elevated and plus, I'm a way better upgrade from golden boy earlier”

My eyes widened at his words.

“How did you know he was my ex?” I asked and he snorted.

“I saw the way you looked at him. You still want him” He pointed out and when I didn't say anything, he shook his head.

“I already thought you were naive but I see now that you're dumb” He muttered and I glared at him.

“Excuse me?”

“All the more reason for you to accept my proposal. Being with me is bound to make him jealous and over time, he'll realize what he has lost and come running”

I didn't want to admit it but his words sounded tempting. I knew I should hate Chase for what he did to me but we have been through a lot and stupidly enough, I still loved him.

“Also, I'll let you live with me” He added and I paused then frowned.

“You're using my vulnerability against me, aren't you?” I asked and he didn't say anything which made me scoff.

I can't believe I was even considering his offer in the same place.

“My whole life is a lie and I'm not going to add more to it. Find someone else to help and stay the hell away from me” I warned then turned to the door.

Only then did I realize there wasn't any handle.

I tapped on the door and embarrassment slowly watched over me as I could feel Zander's amusement even without looking at him.

I briefly glanced back at him then cleared my throat and tried again but still, there wasn't any handle.

How the fuck does one open a Lamborghini door?

My breath hitched as Zander suddenly leaned in so close that his body brushed against mine.

I didn't dare breathe due to how close his face was to mine.

He pressed a little button before lifting the door open then he turned his face towards me and I gulped as I stared into his gray eyes.

He had the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.

He was so close that the tip of our nose was almost touching.

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me” He whispered then pulled away almost instantly and I let out the breath I was holding.

“Don't bet on it because I won't be changing my mind” I muttered breathlessly before climbing out of the car.

“I'll bet on it, Ladybug because I know you'll come running back to me and I'll be waiting for you”...