Chapter 316
Arabella Rivera
This isn’t what I meant by ‘give me a sign
Just realizing I had been staring at him like a creep with my mouth agape, I quickly close it. I was desperate but not that desperate for a ride………. Okay, I was definitely more desperate than usual.
Still, getting in Haiden Cross’s truck with not so much as a distance between us was not something I’d willingly agree to.
Besides, if I came to school with the guy who makes a panty drop faster than a celebrity then I’d be just drawing more attention towards me. I had enough as it is already.
“No thank you.” I regained my composure and fixed my bag on my shoulder.
I couldn’t believe he just witnessed everything. How embarrassing. Why hadn’t I noticed his truck in the driveway?
Haiden ignores my words, gets in his truck and turns on the ignition. I move out of the way, striding towards the sidewalk. The truck drew closer and started to slow down beside me until it comes to a stop.
I took a step back, gauging to see what he’d do next. Haiden rolls down the passenger side window and does not bother to spare me a glance. “We don’t have all day, Bella.” He says smoothly, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. He face front, not moving his eyes off the dead road ahead.
I cross my hands over my chest. “I don’t catch rides with strangers.” I voiced out, freezing when his brown eyes suddenly fall into mine. I dragged in a sharp breath, shocked that he had rendered me speechless with just one look.
He stares at me, studying my features as though looking for something. As though, I was the puzzle he couldn’t seem to put the pieces together.
“Suit yourself.” His gruff voice came out unbothered as he steps on the gas and drives away, leaving an irritating screeching sound in its wake.
My mouth parts in shock as I stared at the driving black truck. Straightening my spine, I reigned in my cool and scowled.
“Asshole!” I shriek, stomping my foot in a childish manner. I was very much happy no one was around to witness my
tantrum.
Did I just miss a possible ride to school?
Fuck, I guess I did.
My stomach tightens uncomfortably when the truck came to a screeching halt Then Haiden does something even more confusing, he reverses until he is back beside me.
Had he heard me call him an asshole?
I was tongue–tied, frozen and completely bemused by his actions. Haiden sighs, turning to face me when he kills the engine.
Come on Bella, by this rate we’re both going to be late
He has a point. A very good point.
Still, my pride wouldn’t let me admit that I did in fact needed his ride if I wanted to survive Mr. Boyd’s glare.
Narrowing my eyes, I scan my eyes over the black spotless truck that has probably gone to places that were illegal and has
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Chapter 316
seen way too much to consider legal. “Usually guys with dark trucks are the ones many should stay clear of. You know the whole kidnapping thing…..is still a thing you know?”
Haiden looks at me with a lost expression before he rolls his bottom lip between his teeth and bites down on it to hold in his chuckles. “Are you serious right now?”
I raise a brow, standing on my tiptoes to look a little more intimidating. ” Do I not seem serious to you?”
His eyes quickly fall to my thighs and back to my face. “No. But you do look cute trying to act tough. Word of advice princess, tiptoeing won’t get you anywhere other than a ballet recital.”
My jaw ticks as heat travel from my neck to settle on my cheeks. I hated that his words made me blush. I can’t remember the last time I did.
What seemed to even be more confusing was that, Haiden was intentionally complimenting me. It was very strange and I oddly, liked it.
If Gwen was here she’d probably be squealing in my ear and talking about a damn baby shower by now.
Gwen……
This would be my chance to ask him about what transpired between him and Gwen in the cafeteria.
“So are you going to get in or should I just leave you to fry in the sun alone?” His thick dark brow raise and by the tip of his mouth barely stopping from lifting, I knew he was on the verge of laughing.
I pressed my lips together and looked around to make it seem as though I had no choice and sighed in exaggeration. “Fine.”
I walked to the truck, opened the door and fixed myself on the seat while closing the door. I scrunch my nose while placing my bag on my lap. Haiden chuckles, the sound so pleasant it had me gripping the bag unknowingly.
“Does my truck smell that bad?” He snorts and barrelled down the empty road.
“Putrid.” I uttered.
It was untrue. The inside of the truck smelt of mint and something else that was pleasant, yet there was still a distinct aroma of burnt–out cigarettes that he did not quite achieve at covering up. However, I don’t think Haiden was trying to cover up at
all
He steps on the gas while laughing throatily. Giving me a side–eye with a tiny grin Haiden murmurs. “Great, that’s exactly what I was going for. You know, normally the kidnappers don’t let the kidnappee sit at front.” He smiled.
My hands were stiff, my bottom barely wanting to relax to sink into the dark leather seat. Being this close to Haiden was nerve–wracking and I didn’t know why.
Maybe it was because Haiden lived up to his reputation. Which meant his every move was calculated and most likely a red flag.
“Should I fetch my pepper spray in my bag?” I asked while my fingers crawl to the zipper. Of course I was joking and I was sure he could detect it in my voice by the amused curve of his lips.
It was so strange to see him smile even for a second. What was even more strange was that Haiden and I were joking. Haiden Cross never jokes.
10:19 pm
