Your Man IS NOT My Mate
Kiss It Better

The rest of the morning is quite uneventful. Officer DéSilver keeps mostly to himself, and I do the same. Since mom and dad aren't around, I head to the kitchen to whip up a quick meal of egg, bacon, and toast- for myself, contemplating the thought of letting him fend for himself; but sadly, my conscience wouldn't let me and my parents sure won't be too pleased if they ever found out I did, after all, he is putting his life on the line for my protection. So, I do extra and leave a plate on the table for him, though after quickly eating alone, I don't linger around to wait for his presence.

Back in my room, after completing my usual morning routine, I dress in a simple white t-shirt and black, skinny jeans paired with my black converse. I flop on the bed, grabbing my phone once again as I inspect it with a sigh. I can’t help but think about the amount of money it'll cost to repair; it's practically the cost of a brand-new phone. The thought is very daunting when...

Wait... I don't remember ever charging it. With an ounce of hope springing up within me, I reach for the charger and plug it in, holding my breath as the power button is pressed yet again. It’s the longest 30 seconds of my life, but it proves worth it as I watch the dead come to life. My heart leaps for joy- an unspeakable joy, leaving a permeant smile etched on my face. Now all I need is a screen change, which should cost less. I'm on cloud nine and nothing can bring me down... or so I think, until I step out of my room.

There stands Officer DéSilver, dressed in the same attire as last night, minus the shades, with his fist held up towards my door as if he is about to knock. He takes a step back after noticing my presence, yet his frame still towers above me.

"Can I help you?" I question with attitude.

He stares at me for a second with an unknown emotion in his eyes seemingly oblivious to my, somewhat rude, behavior. It’s almost a look of... admiration? Which is impossible, I mean, he hates me, doesn't he? And just then, I am reminded of his hate for me as his gaze suddenly returns cold, hard, and emotionless as he clears his throat. "I'm ready to go" He grunts, turning immediately to leave without another word.

My brows knit, frustration clouding my judgment. Ugh! I just can't stand him. Nevertheless, I follow him, though quite reluctantly.

Stepping out of the house, I'm shocked to see a black Mercedes Benz sitting wait in the driveway. I'm not sure whether he drove it here last night or if it arrived this morning while I was busy, however, I am in no mood to ask anything, much less speak to him, so I don’t.

He holds the passenger’s door open for me, I guess strictly out of common courtesy; but unwilling to endure even the slightest form of interaction with Mr. Moody, I opt to sit in the backseat. A subtle expression of shock, mixed with God knows what else, flickers on his face, though he tries to hide it, but I don’t care, because I get to enjoy a comfortable silence that stretches the entire car ride to school.

As soon we reach, he quickly rushes out and over to the back to open the door for me, but I'm not about to be roped in by another one of his kind gestures only to be later faced with his wrath, so I hastily exit before he could reach my end.

He seems stunned, appalled, maybe even a bit.... hurt? Well, well, well. A sense of satisfaction washes over me and I just want to gloat- How does it feel now to be on the receiving end of unpredictability? Cause that's just how I feel during your mood swings.

However, for a brief moment, I lay aside my grudge for manner's sake, muttering a 'thank you' for the ride, before walking off without spearing him another word or a second glance.

I enter the school and as I walk the halls, a certain someone with their arms casually crossed against their broad chest, leaning up against my locker, catches my attention. Adrian. He looks as handsome as ever in his white jersey that fits him snuggly and black joggers. Wow, just wow.

As if sensing my presence, those ocean blue eyes dart in my direction, and instantly a broad smile breaks out on his face.

"Good Morning, cupcake." He greets, his pearly whites on full display leaving me swooning like a love-struck teen.

"Good morning." I blush, and as I near him, he reaches out, pulling me in for a huge bear hug.

"Aww" A choir of voices coo, causing me to reluctantly pull away from his warm embrace to identify our admirers.

Almost immediately, I spot Marcus, Rick, and Delton- the three musketeers, approaching us. "Couple goals" they cheer; their index finger dancing between us, pointing out our matching dress code that I had completely overlooked. A sheepish grin creeps across my face only growing wider as I notice the bream stretched across Adrian's face.

He drapes an arm over my shoulder. "Maybe the universe has spoken." He leans to my ear and whispers.

His breath fans my ear sending a pleasant shiver down my spine which he seems to notice, causing a smirk to form on his lips.

The bell rings, and he proceeds to walk me to class, reluctantly releasing his hold on me as we reach the classroom door. “See you at lunch, cupcake.” He winks, waiting by the door until I have taken my seat. My heart flutters and I can’t help but blush as I nod in response.

“Ahem. Can I start my class now, Miss Parker?”

My cheeks burn red, this time from embarrassment as my eyes slowly drift from the now vacant doorway to the front of the class, then slowly around the room, where I am suddenly the center of attention.

“Sorry, Sir.” I mutter under my breath, quickly digging into my bag for my Geography textbook to bury my head.

Whispers rise and the topic of each hushed voice seems to synchronize.

“There’s no way they are possibly an item?” …. “She must have cast a spell on him… there’s no way someone will willingly be with a nobody.” …. “She’s probably blackmailing him.” …. “It’s obvious he’s just using her, like come on, who won’t prey on the desperate.”

The accusations seem never-ending, varying from the most ridiculous and random things to the silliest possible reasons. I’m convinced some people just love to hear their voice. The snickers and whispers fill the room until the teacher clears his voice again, trying to settle down the class.

After what feels like an eternity, the class slowly begins to regroup, refocusing their attention on the teacher, though, some whispers refuse to die.

The two periods that I have of this class sluggishly creep by as I silently pray for it to be all over.

Finally, the bell rings, but it isn’t over just yet, one more period of another class still separates me from lunch.

However, as if the gods have pitied me, the teacher for that class doesn’t show, so I head straight to the lunch room, choosing my secluded seat in the corner of the cafeteria, hoping to remain as small and insignificant as possible.

The bell signaling lunch rings and like a stampede, students flock to the cafeteria, disturbing my quiet time.

It isn’t long before I spot Adrian and his million-dollar smile approaching me, with his three friends tagging along.

My heart skips a beat at the sight of him and my lips automatically curl into a smile. He holds my gaze captive as he nears me and for a moment, I forget about all else… that is until he sits beside me and the whispers escalate.

I sigh and he’s quick to notice my distress.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” His concern is touching, yet I sigh again, uncomforted.

“You sure attract a lot of attention.”

He lifts his eyes, scanning the room before returning his gaze to me. “Well, I mean, if you saw a real-life princess, won’t you stare too?”

Hmm, such a charmer with a smooth tongue. “Then answer me this...” I begin, greatly intrigued by how he’ll answer. “How comes I didn’t receive this kind of attention before you came?”

He scoots closer to me, wrapping an arm around my waist as he leans in. “because Cinderella just needed her fairy god-boyfriend to appear.”

I roll my eyes with a silent chuckle.

“You agree with me, don’t you?" He teases in response to my action. "I know you do." His eyes wrinkle at their corners as he laughs, staring at me with amusement. “Wait, by the way, were you here ever since?”

“Yeah, I had a free class just now, so I came straight here.”

“Really? Well, next time you do, call me, because I was free too and could have been here, with you, a lot earlier... And I might have even drawn less attention when I walked in.”

“As if that's possible." I grin, reaching into my pocket for my phone. "Ok, what's your number?"

Suddenly, I’m reminded of the screen’s damage as a tiny piece of sharp glass pricks my finger, causing me to retract my hand from my pocket.

Adrian’s brows dip, concern sweeping over his face. “What’s wrong?” he worriedly inquires.

“It’s nothing… just a tiny prick” I answer reassuringly, subtly shaking the pain away.

“Aww, let me see it.” He reaches for my hand, inspecting it, and soon notices a tiny spot of blood on my fingertip. He gently wipes away the blood, then brings my finger to his lips and gently kisses it. A tingle runs from my finger through my body, lodging in my stomach where a butterfly takes flight.

“Awwww.” Marcus, Rick, and Delton coo, almost simultaneously a little too loud for my liking.

My head shoots up glaring daggers at them, which causes them to shrink back a little while laughing as they hold up their hands in mocking surrender.

Adrian chuckles, giving my hand one last gentle peck before releasing it, making me feel a little giddy after what he did.

“Let’s go get something to eat. I can take you to the food court in the mall and then just head over to TechFix to fix your phone, then come back."

I carefully pull out my phone this time, surveying the damage. "Ok, no problem." I nod.

We rise to our feet, Adrian and I leading the way with Marcus, Rick, and Delton tailing us. My head remains lowered, avoiding eye contact with everyone as we exit the cafeteria.

However, as soon as we are about to leave through the entrance/ exit door of the school, a low dangerous growl penetrates the fairly quiet atmosphere and my head shoots up to see, Officer DéSilver standing in front of us.

He's dressed differently, trading his camo gear for a casual fit of gray sweatpants and a black body-hugging, muscle-fitted shirt. I hate to admit it, but he looks like a meal waiting to be devoured. Ugh! Why does he have to look so good?

"Where do you think you are going?" He practically growls.

Adrian wastes no time, answering proudly as he slings a hand about my neck. "I'm taking my girlfriend to the mall."

What? Girlfriend?

Officer DéSilver snaps, appearing shocked by the news, though probably not as shocked as I am, but he hides it well under the cover his his stern, composed disguise. "I was speaking to her, not you." His eyes remain fastened on me.

"Since when has her life become your concern?" Adrian quires, eyeing Officer DéSilver with fierce intensity.

Officer DéSilver remains silent, his brows still angrily knitted together as his piercing gaze remains fixed soly on me.

As the silence stretches for longer than necessary, Adrian shifts his grip on my shoulders and pulls me closer and I swear, I hear a low growl from Officer DéSilver. "Look, if you aren't going to answer, then there's no point in dragging out our stay, so if you don't mind, please have us excused."

Adrian waits for Officer DéSilver to step aside, but he behaves like a stubborn mule. "She's not going anywhere." His tone is demanding and unwavering, leaving me no choice but to intervene.

"It's either you come with us or I go without you. Your choice; but I'm not staying." I'm surprised at my boost in confidence to stand up for myself, which seems to be quite common whenever I'm around Officer DéSilver.

Maybe he brings out the best in me? Nah, it's probably just coincidence.

Officer DéSilver's hot gaze lingers on me, a battle raging within himself, but I am determined to stand my ground, come what may.

"Fine. But she drives with me."

Adrian is about to protest, but I stop him before he does. "We'll compromise on this one," I calmly smile, feeling the effects of emptiness as his hand reluctantly falls from around me. "I'll see you at the mall."