A few hours after Cassie left my house, I had to go to the grocery store to do some grocery shopping, part of my punishment for skipping school. It seems like I am officially the house's errand girl for as long a duration as Mom pleases, maybe I shouldn’t have skipped school after all, I’m normally not one to regret my decisions but the punishment seriously does not fit the crime here.
After picking up all the things on the list, I decided to get a treat for myself. I searched for my favorite snack, a chocolate and coconut flakes cookie. As I came across the shelf where the cookie was supposed to be stocked I found it empty. I didn't give up though, I rummaged through the entire shelf and neighboring snack baskets until I came across an old pack. It may have been old and dusty and squeezed but it was still my chocolate coconut cookie so I was buying it regardless. Just as I was about to throw my cookie pack into my basket with the rest of my groceries, it was snatched from my grasp.
“I'll take that,” I heard a male voice say from behind me “Thanks by the way” He continued.
I couldn't decipher what was going on. I raised my head after preparing my most heated and evil glare for the asshole who had so much guts. My eyes came in contact with the most beautiful boy I had ever seen in my life. Standing before me was a tall, blue-eyed god-like-looking guy. His hair, black, silky, and looked soft as hell fell forward coming to a stop just above his eyes like some manly fringe, if there was anything like such. His eyes which were an electric and enchanting blue were swirling in an amused glint I realized that for the first time in my life, I was practically caught bewildered staring at a person of the opposite gender. I am never, ever bewildered, I’m usually always aloof and put together. I snap back to my senses when he began walking away from me, with my cookie pack in hand.
“Stop right there asshole, hand me back my cookie right now,” I said while jogging to catch up with him.
“Give me my cookie before I do something we both regret” I repeated in a threatening tone when he refused to stop but rather continued forward with his long strides that I could barely keep up with. Really, how tall was this guy?
“Why? I want it and from the looks of it, it's most likely the only one in the store” he replied finally slowing his pace.
“It is the only one in the store and it is mine” I counter incredulously while having to arch my head up to maintain my murderous glare.
He looks at the cookie in his grasp, looks at me, gives the cookie pack one more look, and then proceeds to stupefy me into a short silence by saying, “Finders keepers, love”
“Uh, w-what?” I barely manage to construct a sentence because I am completely stunned by the audacity of this jerk.
“I found it” I finally say, “after a phase of rigorous searching, so give it back, Love” I conclude, making sure to infuse a significant mixture of sarcasm and scorn into the ‘love’ I call him.
He opens his mouth, most likely to spit out something that’ll further piss me off, but I cut him off before he can get a word out.
“I’m willing to fight you for it, but be warned, I have over a year of taekwondo training, I will ruin your pretty face with no remorse if my cookie is not in my hand within the next few seconds” To show my seriousness, I stretch out my hand with a beckoning motion.
To my surprise he bursts out heavy laughter, one would think I was an experienced stand-up comedian. His outburst was so sudden and loud that it even caught the attention of other shoppers and staff around our vicinity.
I glare at him, unimpressed and annoyed by the fact that my brain suddenly thought that he had a nice laugh, all boyish and twinkling eyes. Ugh, get it together Lin, I instantly scold myself.
“You are one entertaining girl” he states, in between bouts of his chuckling “Dramatic too, but entertaining nonetheless” he adds, his shoulders still shaking with mirth.
“Are you kidding me? Did you not see me ransack the entire cabinet looking for that cookie?” I asked utterly shocked to the core because honestly this guy should be awarded a masterclass in the ability to annoy people.
“That doesn't matter Hon, as the old saying goes ‘he who holds it, owns it’” he said in a soft tone like I was a two-year-old child. Also, looks like It’s ‘Hon’ now, no longer ‘love’ I guess my using the latter for him in such a mocking manner made it lose its appeal.
“Good Lord, I’m pretty sure that's your saying and not an old saying because excuse my bluntness but it sounds just as stupid as you now give me my cookie before I hurt you”
My threat went unanswered because he just chuckled while giving his black American Express Amex card to the clerk to pay for the rest of his goods and my stolen cookie.
Sighting the exclusive rich and wealthy folks card in his possessing I’m beginning to wonder if he is a professional thief, I don’t mean to sound judgmental but he did steal or try to steal my cookie- I wasn’t done with him yet- and Why would the owner of a black American Express card fight with me over a cookie? What a greedy fellow. His designer jeans and jacket as well as the Rolex watch on his wrist shows he must be from a rich background or maybe he stole those too. Nonetheless, trust fund jerk or kleptomaniac he wasn’t leaving here with my cookie.
From the look of things, I had to up my game here because this guy was not taking my cookie home. Before the clerk could collect his fancy card I snatched it from where I stood beside him and using both my hands, I bent the card to its breaking point.
“Now give me my cookie or I swear I'll break your card into unrecognizable pieces and I'll smile while doing it,” I said in my no-nonsense tone.
I must have looked very serious because he immediately threw the cookie at me while saying
“Fine, okay you win, just don't break my card” He finally relents to my utmost satisfaction, passing my cookie to me with a frown. I would’ve believed he was sad to be parting from it, if not for the hints of amusement in his gaze.
“Thank You, love,” I say with a mocking smirk because yes, I must have the last word. I turn around and sashay to where I had abandoned my cart, all the while still holding his card hostage.
On getting back to the checkout station I saw that he was paying the cashier with cash for his wallet, having no other choice because his card was unavailable. I was a bit disappointed, I wished he had no other option but to wait for his card, I wanted to pay for my stuff first before handing him back his card, as an extra penalty for his earlier annoying act.
I kept the card as insurance until after the cashier had finished wrapping up my goods including my cookie, I then proceeded to toss the now bent card at him, with my brightest smile that made my cheeks hurt from how wide they were, gathered my grocery and left the store with pride because let's face it, I did win, and triumphantly I might add.
As I walked home carefully to avoid stepping on water as it had just rained an hour ago, just when I thought I had successfully hurdled past a large puddle of water a black SUV came rushing past me at a high speed that surely exceeded the speed limit. I could only close my eyes as I felt myself getting drenched. I didn't miss the deep chuckle that rang out from the car. I knew that laugh. Looks like someone was on my shit list...
******
Roman’s POV
I barely pay much attention to the road as I drive home, too busy thinking about the beautiful, fiery girl I met for the first time in the grocery store. She looked to be about my age and should attend Rixon High although I didn’t see her today I’m hoping we’ll meet again, soon.
Smiling, I take the next left, to be honest, I had been less concerned about having the cookie for myself, I just wanted an excuse to keep talking to her, even if annoying her was the only way. When my Dad announced our sudden move from New York City to Rixon Hills, my cousins and I were first confused about what Rixon Hills even meant before finding out it was a city near Seattle.
The entire week we’ve been here has been boring. I missed the lights, the loud and busy life that is New York. Dad has busied himself with buying all the properties Rixon Hills has to offer, from hotels to spas, restaurants, estates, hospitals, etcetera. He has become fast friends with the mayor who is more than willing to scrub my dad’s feet in exchange for some financial favors. Nearly everyone in Rixon Hills has been more than willing to do just about anything to please me and my father. But this fiery girl has proven not everyone here is as weak-spined.
Interesting.
I’m intrigued to get to know her better however I can, no matter what it takes.
Shit! Okay, so I was late! Although I had everything straightened out last night before going to bed, from arranging my backpack to laying out my outfit for the next day down to the undergarments I would be wearing, it looks like today was planning on being a mess up, like a shit load of mess up. First, my alarm which was usually so loud that it could even wake up Mom and Leo somehow failed to wake me up this morning, had it not been for Leo annoyingly barging into my room to use my skincare and waking me up in the process through his terrible singing that could wake the whole of Rixon Hills, not because it was loud per se but because of how bad and off key it sounds. Safe to say, a musical genius Leo is not, and although someone should let him know, that someone won't be me, I would leave it for Mom or Elsie, his girlfriend, I’m not opening that can of worms. Standing in front of my large wall mirror, thirty minutes later after a rushed shower and dress-up routine, I take a go
Shaking my head at his weirdness which I was already used to, I thanked him and headed to the direction of the west wing. I was about to begin my search when I heard noises. First, it was a girlish squeak, which was then followed by a husky male chuckle that seemed oddly familiar. I wanted to go check it out but then I remembered the saying: curiosity killed the cat. Deciding to ignore the sound I continued my research. Not a minute later I heard another sound this time it was loud and it was clear and it consisted of moans and I knew I couldn't ignore it any longer. I was considering whether to abandon my search and hightail my ass out of the library when my thought process was further interrupted by the little ongoing coupling session. “More, please, right there....” If I hadn’t already been sure of what was happening, this right here clarified any doubt and at this point, I just knew I had to find out who was violating this sacred library. As I crossed the corner, I saw somethi
Just as I rounded the corner in the hallways after swiftly exiting the library, I bumped into Cassie. “Hey there, I've been searching for you for a while now,” I said, breathing heavily. “Yeah, Oliver told me. Why are you so flushed girl? You look like you just ran a marathon or had sex, either one of the two” She looks at me with narrowed eyes, examining me from head to toe. Thankfully, just as I was about to give some silly excuse explaining my state, the loud sound of the warning bell interrupted us. Thank God, I murmured under my breath, I don’t think I could have come up with a decent lie on the spot and I don’t need to be interrogated by Cassie right now, she always knows when I'm not being truthful. Linking our arms together to distract her, I pulled her towards where our next class of the day was located. “Let's get to class before we get tardy” We picked up our books for the next period which was English. English was the only class me and Cassie shared so we went together
It has been a week since I delivered my unspoken threat to Roman. I had come up with dozens of methods to make him pay. First, I thought of buying a can of pepper spray, using it on him, and then kneeing him in his most treasured body part but I could get charged for physical abuse, so that was off the list. Then I thought of spreading some anonymous rumor about him having some sort of STDs or having a small ‘equipment’ (ha-ha if you know what I mean). And then I thought about finding out his address and putting his house on fire but that would be going too far just thinking about the collateral damage It would cause plus he lives in the Masters family mansion all the way in Rixon Garden where the highs and mighty of Rixon Hills live according to the unsolicited information provided to me by Cassie. I can see the infamous billionaire family wasted no time settling among their fellow wealthy peers although none of the few millionaires making up a small percentage of Rixon High populat
“Lindsey? What the hell are you doing here?” He questioned, briefly taking a few steps toward me before pausing just a few feet before me. This day just kept getting better and better… “What I’m doing here is none of your business, Roman,” I answer, making sure to maintain eye contact with him, for some reason I didn’t want to act too weird or awkward by showing unnecessary fear of what I had just seen. As I raised my head to meet his gaze, my breath caught in my throat from the sight of his lower lip which had a cut and was bleeding. “Oh my gosh, you're bleeding,” I said, and without thinking my actions through I crossed the distance between us and began examining his face. “I didn't know you cared” His gaze shifted to my hands which held his chin between my pointer finger and thumb. Immediately realizing how close to him I stood I dropped my hand and crossed my arms across my chest before replying. “I don't, and what were you thinking hitting that man like that, actually you k
I had been awake for the past three hours, but I just couldn't get out of bed, so I just laid awake my thoughts drifting to a particular boy. I couldn't believe how I never told him no, how could I have been speechless? I thought about the many excuses I could've given him, but they all just turned out lame and stupid. He had said he would text me but the only text I had received so far was of Cassie sending me pictures of her new 3-day-old nephew. I checked my phone again for a text from an unknown number but I didn't find any. Then I remembered that I never even gave him my phone number. At first, I was relieved but then I felt a sudden rush of disappointment because I had kinda been looking forward to the date. Good Lord, what the hell was wrong with me? There was absolutely no reason for me to feel disappointed. No justification whatsoever, rather I should have been pleased the stupid date was not going to be happening. Pushing my conflicting thoughts aside, I headed to the b
It's Friday evening now and Cassie has not relented on pestering me about details of my "date" with Roman. Although I've told her countless times that there's nothing of that sort going on she insists and believes I'm holding out on her. She even recruited Anna into this obsession and now I'm getting pestered on all sides. Last night she tried to convince me to go to our school basketball team's first game of the season which was to be held Friday afternoon, her major point to convince me was that Roman was going to be playing, unknowingly to her that was the number one deterring reason, followed by the fact that I know nothing about basketball and don't derive any joy watching the sport. Today, our team won the match by a milestone and the players are throwing a celebratory party which Cassie has been convincing me to go to with her, Case, and Anna. Although I initially strongly refused, my resolve is already waning because safe for the drama that occurred in the parking lot on Mond
"Woah, remind me not to compliment you ever again, Cookie" Roman says, with raised eyebrows in shock. Ugh, that stupid nickname again. "That wasn't a compliment, you were mocking me" I counter, "I should knee you in the balls for that alone, but coupled with all your other crimes from the first day I was unlucky enough to hear the name Roman Masters, castration is the "appropriate equivalent" I continue, throwing his earlier words back at him. Yeah, I know, I might have gone a little overboard with the threats but he honestly brought out the worst in me. Collins takes a step back from me after my threat at Roman and everyone is looking at him and waiting for his response. He surprises us all by bursting into laughter so deep that he wipes tears from his eyes. What is it with him and laughing at my threats? Before anyone else can say anything, Whitney's loud voice breaks the silence. "Let's play a game" she offers, grabbing Roman's elbow and gazing up at him with some forced sedu
Roman’s POVI have decided to have the talk with my father today. No more postponing, no more hesitating. I’m damn tired of not being able to bring my girl over to my house because she is afraid of my father.I walk over to my father’s office and knock once, then twice. I’ll knock a million times until he lets me in, I know he is inside.“Come in, son” I hear him call out.I chuckle as I twist the handle and step in. He knows it was me just because no one else would ever interrupt him in his office. No one but me.My father sits behind his expensive mahogany desk in his huge as hell office. I hardly come here unless when absolutely necessary, like today. It reminds me of my future, that one day I will likely become a workaholic like him, spending nearly every hour, alone and working.“Father” I say in greeting. I always call him father, never dad for many years and we’re both used to it now.He points at the chair in front of his desk for me to take a seat and I do.I don’t waste a mom
Roman’s POVI search for Lindsey all around and everywhere on school grounds but I can’t find her. I ask our friends and her brother but none has seen her since classes before lunch and because I don’t want anyone being privy to our private business and I know how private Lindsey is, I don’t tell them what’s happened.I want to go straight to her house and console her and fix this problem but there is still one last thing for me to settle.It is time for Rixon High athletes to train so I know where he must be at, being captain of the basketball team. I walk straight to the basketball court and when I open the double doors and enter inside, I see him. Going about his life like he didn’t just play a major role in a pathetic plan to ruin my relationship. Like hell if I’ll let him get away with it.I walk over to Collins who doesn’t see me but is focused bouncing a basketball on the courts smooth floor while going over plays with our teammates.I ignore our coach calling my name.“Roman,
CHAPTERRoman’s POVI’m on my way to the cafeteria after class to meet up with Lindsey when one of the janitors walks up to me and tells me that my girlfriend instructed him to find me and tell me to come help her out in the library because she is not feeling well.I give him a look of suspicion but consider his words, although I texted Lindsey to meet me at the cafeteria after her test she never responded. While I had concluded it was because she was in class it could be something else.Maybe something went wrong and she went to the library instead.I’m filled with worry that I don’t interrogate the janitor further but instead take a different turn to lead me to the library.When I get to the library, I realize I don’t even know exactly where Lindsey is at because the library is so huge. I consider calling her to ask but decide to check the literature section first, she is likely to be there because it is her favorite section in the library.I get there and in fact there is a girl th
Lindsey’s POVI am walking to the cafeteria alone after writing one of the most difficult tests I’ve ever written when Collins approaches me.“Hey pretty” He greets with his signature boyish smile.I smile back but my smile is a bit restrained. I know how Roman feels about Collins and I together, even though I don’t know why as I consider Collins a good friend, but I don’t want to do anything that’ll annoy Roman so I keep my distance.“Hey Collins” I respond and he comes and stands in front of me.“I need your help with something” He tells me.I’m confused as I don’t know what I could possibly help him with but I nod, urging him to go ahead and ask.He does, “I’ve been searching for an important textbook in the library for a while now and I’ve not been able to find it, can you come and help me check?”What? I give him a look of confusion. Is he joking? He must be. I laugh a bit just in case then reply, “There are librarians in the library, Collins” I mention the obvious.He grins but
On Monday after Christmas break, I drive my new new car to school. For the first time in months, I’m alone in a car. I’m driving myself rather than getting driven around like an invalid and it’s all thanks to Roman.Just like he had told me, he spoke to my mom and yesterday she even took me to shop for car accessories for my new car. Since I no longer have to worry about her feeling some type of way about Roman buying me a car, I enjoy the feeling of driving the sleekest car I have ever been in, except for Roman’s cars.When I get to school, I park my car and from the tinted glass of the windshield and windows, I can already see the students of Rixon High surrounding me, wondering who is in the car. Nearly everyone knows what everyone drives and so, a brand new expensive car such as this is bound to draw some attention.I should’ve made Roman come with me for the first day but I’m a big girl and I thought I could handle all the looks and whispers on my own.When I open my door and exi
My hand holding my phone shakes as I find Roman’s contact to call him. As my finger rests about an inch away from dialing Roman, I hesitate.I don’t know how to do it, not call him but tell him I’m refusing his gift. Even though I told mom that I’m not rejecting the gift because of her, I think I was lying. A brand new Mercedes Benz car that looks like that must cost a lot, too much. But, the thought of finally owning my own car after always having to beg Leo and ask Cassie for rides all the time feels so good. Sadly I can’t keep it. I harden my mind and call Roman. He answers on the first ring as if he has been waiting for me to call. “Do you like your car?” Is the first thing he says to me. He sounds so anxious like he can’t wait for my answer and hopes I say yes. “I… I do” I answer after a moment of hesitation. I hear Roman breath out with relief. “Thank God. I was getting worried that you didn’t like it, babe” My throat hurts as I force out the words I know he wouldn’t li
Lindsey’s POVOn the morning of my birthday, I wake up feeling all sorts of special. The night before, I had gotten both Christmas and birthday gifts from my mom, Leo and my friends. Leo had gotten his as well but I’m already used to sharing my birthdays with him. I gave him his gift as well. Last night, after I had unwrapped all my gifts, Roman had taken me out to dinner and while he didn’t say specifically that he was taking me out because of my birthday, I assume it was my birthday present. I loved it because the food was awesome and the company, his presence, was even better. I rise from my bed and do a little twirling on the floor, I’m just so happy. My mom yells my name from downstairs and when I quickly rush down, I see mine and Leo’s birthday cake ready with candles on the dinning table.I smile at the sight. It has always been a tradition for as long as I can remember. Mom always bakes a blue and a pink cake for Leo and I for our birthdays, the pink one for me and the blu
I turn to my cousin with a frustrated and doubt filled look. Damon raises an eyebrow at my facial expression. “Do you want my help or not?” I grunt, “Yeah I do. What type of car do you think I should get for her?” I ask him hopelessly. Damon shrugs, “A lambo or something” He replies. My jaw drops in shock, “A Lamborghini? Are you insane!?” My cousin snorts, “Don’t tell me you think it’s too expensive, she is your girlfriend whom I know you love so don’t tell me you’re deciding to be stingy with her gift” I ignore him saying I’m in love with Lindsey, I am but I’ve never told him or anyone, I haven’t even said the word to Lindsey and I should, I plan to tell her on her birthday, but that is not the point of my conversation with Damon right now. A lambo? I’m groan out, “Please where is Cassie and Robyn? I need them back.” I shake my head in exhaustion. Damon gives me a glare for doubting the reasonability of his idea which is an absolutely ridiculous idea. “Call Cassie and ask h
Roman’s POVIt is a few days to Christmas and even fewer to Lindsey’s eighteenth birthday. I have been in a bind all week contemplating a birthday gift for her. I have even brought in Damon, Robyn and Cassie to help me out with ideas and while they have tried by presenting me with numerous options, I’m not satisfied. I’m not very good at gift giving. Having so much money usually means I buy the most expensive things for my friends and family as gifts, but with Lindsey I can not exercise the same level of indifference or carefree attitude. I want to get her a birthday gift that… has meaning. Being with Lindsey Jordan has changed me. She has shown me that money isn’t everything, I mean I always knew that but now I have lived it. The picnic date she had organized for me the night before my birthday as my birthday gift sure didn’t cost anything close to a thousand dollars if I were to wager a guess, but I wasn’t lying when I told her it was the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten. The