Holding me Captive

And just like that, the hallway scene dissolved. People drifted off, disappointed the drama had ended. Charlotte’s glare could’ve melted glass, but she didn’t say another word.

“Hello there, tutor, we meet again,” He grinned at me. “I assume you're not too busy now.”

I seethed inwardly. “I never asked for your help.”

Evans didn’t seem to care about my tone. In fact, his grin widened, like my irritation was a personal challenge.

“Sure you didn’t,” he said, steering me toward the cafeteria as if my feet had suddenly forgotten how to walk in any other direction. “But the Lit teacher says you’re the best, and lucky me, I need the best.”

“Cut the crap, you don't even take Literature,” I pushed his hand away from me. “What are you playing at?”

His expression immediately shifted to an innocent one. “Is there anything wrong with wanting to keep my teacher safe? Besides, I like Literature now.” Then he draped his hands over me again. “You should stick with me for now. You never know what they might be up to.”

“Why do I feel like you're milking this?” i narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him.

“You're cute,” he stroked my hair. “Bet you’d look good in the stands… wearing my jersey.”

Heat crept up my cheeks. How could he just randomly say things like that like it was nothing.

Even Atlas never asked me personally to any of his games.

“Well?” He pushed.

“No,” I deadpanned.

“Guess I’ll have to protect you through lunch too. C’mon.” He threw in another one, making my heart rate catapult once more.

“Absolutely not,” I rejected him again.

“Didn’t hear a no… so I’ll take that as a yes.”

“I didn't…” I was immediately met with the sound of clattering trays and the smell of reheated pizza as he pushed the door open. Heads turned as Evans guided me to a table already occupied by his hockey buddies. I could feel the curious stares from across the room, could practically hear the whispers.

“Who is that?”

“Why is she sitting with them?”

“Is she dating Evans now?”

I kept my head down, sliding into the seat he nudged me toward.

“Guys, this is Tamine,” he introduced me to the others. They were about five of them on the table. I felt nervous as their eyes scanned me, accessing me curiously.

“Hey, I'm Taylor,” the blonde with soft brown eyes introduced.

“Ryker,” the one with spiky brown hair and hazel eyes continued. Then the rest, Ash, Alec and Xander. Their smiles seemed pretty genuine and there was barely any judgment in their eyes.

“Nice to meet you too,” I forced the words out and took out my lunch.

My Sprite fizzing in front of me like it was trying to distract me from the fact that this was social suicide.

“So who is she to you? This is the first time you're bringing a girl over,” Taylor said out of the blue and I batted my lashes speechlessly.

“You're nosy,” Evans muttered dismissively, grabbing Xander's coke. The boys had exchanged knowing glances and then laughed.

I bit my lip nervously. Was there some kind of inside joke? I sipped my sprite.

“Must be pretty serious if you're so flustered,” Alec muttered and I glanced at Evans, who threw them aglare in return.

“I'm not flustered!”

“Nahh, I'm pretty sure the tip of your ears are red, man,” Ryker teased and Evans subconsciously touched his ears.

“You man are messing with me right?” He glared and they laughed. I found myself smiling. I never thought Evans would be so easy-going. He practically gave this bad boy mysterious vibe.

“You’re coming to watch the game today, right?” Alec asked me. I wasn't sure how to respond to that. Did I really want to go? Wouldn't that make things worse than they already were?

“I can get you a ticket if you’re interested,” Taylor offered. “I'll reserve the best seat for you, I promise.”

“Okay, calm the fuck down, y’all,” Evans snorted. “Nobody’s asking you to spoil my girl.”

My girl.

I choked on my Sprite. “Your girl?”

Apparently, the surrounding tables heard that bold declaration and began whispering amongst themselves. I wanted to just vanish in that instant.

The boys looked even less surprised that I was. Infact, they were grinning.

“That's not true,” I nudged Evans. “I'm just his tutor. And i haven't even said yes to it yet!”

I stared at him, hoping he would agree to wipe the wrong idea off their minds. Instead, he leaned into my ears, “I'm not sure your student should know what you taste like, tutor.”

My eyes went wide as my cheeks flamed. I immediately slammed a hand over his mouth, afraid someone else might have heard him.

“Now that's interesting,” Xander snorted and I hoped to God he hadn't heard Evans.

The curly haired devil pushed my hands down. “Relax, sunshine. You're giving yourself away.”

My gaze morphed into a thick glare. He was acting like he wasn't responsible for it!

Evans was still smirking at me when the air in the cafeteria shifted, like someone had turned the temperature down a few degrees.

Conversations dipped into murmurs. Heads turned toward the doors as Atlas Thorpe and his crew walked in.

Black hoodie, hood half-up, earbuds in. He didn’t look at anyone. Even the hockey guys quieted down, watching him cross the room like they were waiting for a fight to break out.

I had no idea why my chest tightened. Maybe it was because his eyes coldly landed right on me. I prayed he would just look away and mind his business but he crossed the room in long strides, heading right towards our table.

You've got to be kidding me.

“Friend of yours?” Taylor asked. They must have pierced everything together because Evans and Atlas were literal enemies, brothers or not. There was no logical reason for him to come here.

“Hardly,” I muttered.

Atlas stopped in front of me. “Tamine, we need to talk.”

Before I could say anything, Evans' arm slid possessively around my waist.

“She’s busy. Is there a problem, brother?”