Chapter III: "And when we go crashing down"

“Ethan! What the hell.” I yelled at my boyfriend in the driver’s seat. I was still processing all that had to happen.

Ethan smiled. His index finger tapped the steering wheel. “Shit! I thought you’d like to escape that place.” I shook my head and after a few seconds of dead silence I burst out laughing.

The windows were rolled down, cool night air brushed past my face. Taking deep breaths I smiled brightly. "I’ve always wondered what runaway brides felt like? Is this it?" I asked.

It was strangely nerve-racking but I couldn’t deny the adrenaline had gone to my head causing it to spin.

"You can save the thank you for later," Ethan said cockily. Taking a turn down the road.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "What? Why would I thank anyone for kidnapping me? ", I disputed

"Because 'anyone' just saved you from a horrible night." He turned to me, averting his eyes from the road. "And because you love me." I blushed and looked away. I couldn’t refute his claim.

Ethan took me to our spot a little place south of his house, it was a place mostly used for picnics. He parked the car and we got out. He came to my side place his hands by my side and lifted me unto the bonnet of the car. My legs were suspended in the air, my bum made contact with the cold metallic surface. I hissed lightly upon contact. He joined me on the car’s surface.

"I still can't believe you kidnapped me. "I said leaning on his shoulder staring at the night sky. It was eerily silent, not another soul was around. The scene was sensual.

"I wasn't just going to sit back and watch you get engaged to my brother." He said sweetly bringing his hands around my waist and pulling me closer. He was the strongest about the situation of both of us, yet I could sense his tension on the matter.

"Don't worry, we'll figure it out. " I assured snuggling my nose in his neck, letting his wooden cologne scent filled my lungs.

"Winter break is over in two weeks," I murmured closing my eyes and cherishing the moment I was in. I never wanted it to end, I was in the arms of the person I loved the most. It was nice.

"Ugh, " I smiled at his grunt. "Yeah." I removed my head from where it laid and turned my body to face Ethan. "Have you made up your mind yet about where do you plan on going for college?", I asked sweetly, silently hoping he would not say the answer I knew all too well.

"I haven't decided yet. " He said decisively attempting to shield me from the truth I dreaded. He would leave me; he was going to London for his football scholarship.

Even though he said he would think about it, I knew his mind was made up. My eyes held on to his but he looked away. My smile inverted itself when I saw him pull out a curved silver flask I knew he had  filled with alcohol. I snatched it away from him before he could empty the liquid into his system.

"What do you think you are doing?" I inquired, he raised his hand to get it back, but I was quick. "You're not drinking; you have to drive me back.” Once that was said our little haven was invaded by responsibility.

“Mom must be worried,” I stated.

He tried swiftly to get the flask from me but I pulled away hurriedly my grin widening. That led to us chasing each other around. He was trying to get the bottle away from me. In the process of evading, I took a bad side turn and ended up on my back. He tripped over my body, landing on top of me.

I almost died.

Okay, I'm exaggerating but he was heavy. He laid on top of me, pushing his upper body up so I wasn't completely pressed by him. His green orbs bore into mine, silence enveloped us. The sound of our mixed breaths was amplified.

Our mutual pining had reached its limit. Ethan kissed me. His kiss was sweet and gentle. He licked the middle of my lips gaining entrance. The moment our lips met any restraint or burden I had floated away. All that remained was greed. The greed of wanting to taste him for a lifetime.

I hated that greed of mine. It made me feel clingy and vulnerable. But, if it was with Ethan I didn’t mind that much. I embraced him, pulling him even closer.

Damn these clothes! I thought feeling the internal heat between us.

If time had passed I didn’t pay attention.

***

The Quier Mansion came into view once again. "Where have you been?" Charlotte cried, creases of worry evident on her face.

She grabbed my hand softly once I walked into the house without Ethan by my side to avoid extra needless questions. Don't worry they were not about to find out our secret today. I had taught of a brilliant plan on our way back.

"I went to get cake. " I replied effortlessly, in full confidence.

They stared back at me blankly like I uttered that I was out feeding pigeons in the rain. "And where is it?", the question came from Athier who held back his amusement. How sad and I was hoping not to have to hear his voice again, at least for today.

"It got destroyed on the way here. "I replied glaring at him with a phony smile. Too bad for him, my idea was full proof.

"How?" He was getting on my nerves.

What was he? the cake police?

I was about to snap at him by saying something inappropriate.

"It doesn't matter now. Your mom was very worried. All that matters is that you are safe. " Charlotte says putting an end to the pointless discussion, resigning to the fact that maybe it would be better not to know where I was now.

I did not spot my mother anywhere. I would think she'd be here pulling my ears out by now.

"Your mother went home hoping she would catch you there. " Athier answered my silent question now standing only a few inches away from me. How and why did he get so close to me without my noticing?

"Athier, take your fiancée home. "Kaden asserted.

"Why do I have to take her?" He asked still keeping that arrogant look on his face. The nerve he possessed. That was my line; It's not like I was jumping for joy at the thought of him giving me a ride home from him.

"Because she's your fiancée. "Kaden said with finality.

***

There was a great contrast between the ride with Ethan and the one with my fiancé. I looked out the window staring at everything and anything that wasn't the person in the driver's seat.

I felt suffocated.

In the midst of the silence, a short spanned laugh filled the air. My head turned on reflex when hearing the chuckle.

"Is something funny?" I asked. He shook his head but held on to his mocking smile. I gritted my teeth in response. I turned away. Just ignore him, I told myself.

He chuckled again.

"All right, I promise I will strangle you if you don't tell me what is so funny. "I blurted before I could stop myself facing him. His lips formed a straight line.

"It is just that you’re actually tolerable when you don't open that mouth of yours." he smiled again. I change my mind, I'll strangle him, anyway. After he drops me off first, for now all that would have to do was a scowl from yours truly and silence. Rest assured he wasn't smiling anymore till we reached my house.

I got out of the car; he followed subtly. Why? there was no way he had suddenly become a gentleman who would see me safely to the door.

No, that couldn't be it.

He probably spotted my confused expression. "Before you get any ideas, I just want to say goodnight to the more reasonable Ditton woman." He walked behind me.

What did he mean by 'any ideas'?

I didn't reply, frankly, I had had enough of him for today.

My house was also big. It was not exactly a mansion, but it was along the lines of one. My mom renovated after my dad’s incident; she made it smaller, more cosy. Our previous large compound was cut in half. The other half was sold and the remaining was made into a lavishly looking modern home.

It had steps before you could reach the doors and as expected, because I was still in these stupid heels I slipped. I readily excepted to be met with a warm greeting from the floor.

Strong arms caught me instead. Athier held me close to him. This was the closest I had ever been with him. I'd have imagined it unpleasant but, it wasn't; in my daze I couldn’t find it terrible how he pulled me gently enclosing me to his torso.

He was warm. Contrary to his cold persona. I looked up and stared into his dark green eyes unable to look away, captivated by the sea that could drown me. I swallowed hard. Why was I reacting this way?

He was the enemy. it is a commonly known fact fraternising with your foe never ended well.

Holding on to my head, I got back my composure.

"Well, aren't you just prince charming?" I uttered sarcastically still not released from his grip.

"Only for you, your majesty. ", he replied with an equal dose of sarcasm.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. That was it? hmm... I expected more from the asshole but maybe, just maybe he was finally turning over a new lea...

"Although it's unsightly that you are so ready to fall into my arms. ", he smirked.

"It might be, but I'll make an exception since you so much enjoy having me in your arms. " I replied rather happy about that one. He rose an eyebrow speechless.

You'll learn in life that there is a price for every success in life and mine was...

He let go of me. 

Author's note:

Like the first scene of a movie, the 2-dimensional personalities of the main characters have been formed. Is it easy to know which character will be your favourite?