Ruby

I don't remember a time when I was so tense.

It was as though I was about to step onto a huge stage to face a large and intimidating crowd. I felt like I was about to do something that would ridicule me.

But, my father's words at the party came to me and that reminder lashed at the ridiculous thoughts I was having.

Clutching hard, the handle of my personalized tote bag that Abby made for me for last year's Christmas, I let out a huge puff of air and resumed my intent to walk past the glass entrance of the school building.

"Hello there."

My chest banged hard at that voice, my whole body felt so strange, like it was hypnotised.

"Mr. Klaus," I carefully said as I turned my head slightly to face the tall man who was dressed like he came out of a fashion magazine. Well, he always dresses like that. He might as well be on every cover of magazines women love to feast their eyes on.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"Uh?" I blinked hard after I realised that I was already picturing him in a magazine.

"Are you feeling okay?"

A loud huff came from me. "Why won't I be?"

My leg kicked the rough surface of the ground as I tried to ensure within me that I didn't repeat the whole imagination thing.

After securing his bag across his shoulder, Mr. Klaus's hands went into the pockets of his black, wide-legged trousers which were folded at the ends in a way that complemented the blue loafers he used to complete his dressing.

After his posture achieved a state of relaxation, he said, "I am sure the incident two days ago didn't make you happy. So I can't help but wonder if you are doing fine."

"I don't see how that concerns you... sir." He scoffed, the right side of his moist lips tugging upwards. "But I am okay."

I made sure to look him straight in the eyes even if it meant I had to crane my head at a certain, uncomfortable angle that allowed the sun to tease my face.

"You don't like me that much, do you?" he asked.

"Uh?"

"I can tell." His deep eyes searched mine and as he shifted closer, his tallness created a shade that drove the sun's impact away.

And I don't know why... but that little move of his caused a little disturbance within me. Now that he was closer to me, I could perceive his unforgettable scent more and I felt my entire body falling into some kind of tranced state.

I was already trying to resist the state when something way worse happened. His hand covered my small one and I felt... electrified.

The warmth of his palm against my skin was strange, yet at the same time comfortable. And maybe a little bit heart-racing?

A little bit?

Nah.

My heart was beating like crazy, any doctor who inspects me at that moment might think I suffer from some rare illness associated with getting touched.

"Ruby Powers..." Perhaps it was my betraying mind that made it so, but his voice sounded low and heavy with a hint of sexiness tucked inside it. "Look at me."

My eyes which kept evading the upper part of his body finally looked into his.

"Listen to me carefully..." There was this authority in his voice that made me comply. "You like it or not, I am going to be around for a while."

"I don't-"

" And I am staying around because of you. Now..." His feet brought him even closer and I could already hear my chest pounding. Good Lord, what is going on?

"Do me a favour and make sure I don't regret the decision I have made and the one I just made."

I swallowed hard before I asked, my voice almost raspy, " What decision?"

The sides of his mouth lifted again and my chest did that racing thing again. His hand finally left mine and he took a step back which surprisingly made me feel... disappointed.

"I asked you a question," I pushed my question when it seemed like he was about to walk away.

Head tilting with amusement all over his face, he asked, "Do you really want to know?"

My nod was sharp.

Curiosity was getting the best of me at that moment.

A man who I barely knew just told me he is staying around because of me, he says he has made decisions that I shouldn't make him regret. All that, he said while making my entire system achieve jeopardy never experienced before.

"I want to know," I reaffirmed my intention and he gave a curt nod before staring out into the space ahead.

"Well... since you've asked. I just made up my mind about something." My brows lifted and his eyes teased my eagerness. "I intend to kiss you. I intend to know how you'd feel in my arms..."

There it was again... The crazy heart-racing. And, in addition, my legs began to feel like they could not stand properly. The look in his colourful eyes as his lips kept tugging made me feel so weak.

Or wait... is that I am sick or something? Perhaps I should have rested more before deciding to come to school.

"Those intentions... " Adonis Klaus wasn't done. "I have decided to act on them and I will make sure it happens."

Wait... He is joking, right?

His eyes narrowed with intent. "I am being greedy but it is what I want."

Nope, it isn't a joke.

Oh my! My throat feels so dry... someone please bathe my tongue with water! Or maybe fill my body with regular sanity!

Because... It is just absurd how affected I am by the whole situation.

"Ruby Powers, I'll see you in class." He winked at me and I finally came to. He and I were the only ones left outside and it seemed as though classes had already begun.

So much for making a grand entry before the bell goes off.

But how come I didn't even hear the bell?

My lips let out a scoff when I recalled my condition moments ago. How would I have heard the bell when my heart was being an annoying siren?

Such a betraying heart.

Placing my hand over the supposed position of my heart, I wondered how I was going to deal with the situation Adonis Klaus has put me in.

My legs managed to walk me past the doors. Then, the real and most important question came to me.

How on earth am I going to ensure Adonis Klaus doesn't get into my head?

Well...

Maybe I will have to get Abby's help with that because I fear I may lose my sanity along the line.