Chapter 27 ~ A smooth lie
Athena
The moment I step out of the exam hall, I release a long breath, stretching my fingers after hours of gripping my pen. It’s finally
over.
Since it was differed, we had to write all three papers missed in one sitting. It was exhausting but I know that I nailed it. I really
want to be a great doctor. I feel like it’s the only thing that will keep me close to my parents.
I just hope the results will be favorable too!
I should be relieved, but the second I take another step forward, I stop dead in my tracks.
Alex is standing there.
He’s wearing a suit like he always does. Dressed to the nines with no wrinkle in sight And his hair perfectly done. Girls are
swooning over him but no one dares to approach him.
Leaning casually against his sleek black SUV, his arms crossed over his chest, looking like he owns the damn place.
Of course, he does.
His company probably sponsors the whole school.
My mood sours instantly.
Why is he here again?
I look around but keep walking. Avoiding his gaze as I pretend we don’t know each other. I’ve heard enough rumours, I’m not
going to stir the pot.
Not if I want to start afresh.
I join the main road heading to the bus station when I see a car slow down at my pace.
I raise an eyebrow. “Do I know you?”
His gaze flicks up to meet mine, unreadable as always. “Don’t fuck with me Athena.”
I roll my eyes and move to walk past his stupid flashy car.
Bad idea.
The second I take another step, the SUV moves, cutting off my path and stops right in front of me.
I stop, scowling. “Are you serious right now?”
He doesn’t answer. Just rolls down the tinted window slightly, his eyes locking onto mine.
1/4
“Get in.”
I fold my arms. “No. I don’t get rides from strangers.”
“Athena.” His voice is low, laced with warning.
I glance around. People are starting to stare, their curiosity growing. Students whisper to each other, eyes darting between me
and the luxury car blocking my way.
Any minute now, the brave ones will start taking pics and that’s not something I want.
I glare at him. “Move the car, Alex.”
He tilts his head slightly. “Should I come out and drag you in?”
My stomach twists. He would. He absolutely would.
I’m pretty sure he was once diagnosed with insanity.
My pulse spikes as I imagine the scene, Alex stepping out, grabbing me, and shoving me inside like I’m some helpless damsel.
That would definitely make the news.
Grinding my teeth, I yank the passenger door open and slip inside, slamming it shut behind me.
“Careful, this car is very expensive.” He growls.
The car locks with a soft click, like I’m so unstable I’d try to jump off a moving car.
At this point I love living, thank you very much!
I whip my head toward him. “You are so annoying.
He barely reacts, simply shifting the car into drive.
“If you’re done whining, put on your seatbelt.”
I buckle
my
seatbelt with more force than necessary, crossing my arms as Alex maneuvers the car smoothly onto the road.
“Are you always this charming, or is it just me who gets the special treatment?” I mutter, leaning my head back against the seat.
He doesn’t even glance at me. “You make it easy.”
I scoff. “Oh, I’m honored.”
Silence stretches between us. I focus on the passing streets, trying to ignore his presence, but of course, Alex doesn’t let me.
“You’re coming with me to dinner tonight.” It’s a command.
I blink and turn to him. “Excuse me?”
“Mum has organized a family dinner,” he clarifies, eyes still on the road. “You’re coming.”
2/4
I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, no. I have plans.”
He finally glances at me, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the gear shift. “What plans?”
I turn away, pressing my lips together. “Plans.”
His jaw tightens. He doesn’t say anything for a long moment, just keeps driving, the tension thick between us.
Then, in a cold annoyed voice, he says, “Luca will accompany you.”
I snap my head toward him. “Excuse me?”
“Is your hearing now a problem?.”
Oh I heard him just fine!
I groan, throwing my head back against the headrest. “I don’t need a babysitter, Alex. And I definitely don’t need your uptight friend following me around like I’m some kind of chore.”
I’ve been around Luca and they make a perfect match. They’re both always in a bad mood. It baffles me how they’re friends.
His fingers tighten on the steering wheel, his knuckles going white. “That’s the only option. Either Luca goes with you, or you don’t go at all.”
A lie slips through my tongue. So smooth I pat myself on the back. “Then I won’t go.”
His head turns slightly, his eyes dark and unreadable as they flick to me. “You sure about that?”
I meet his gaze with a tilt of my chin. “Positive.”
His grip on the wheel tightens for a brief second before he exhales through his nose, his voice dropping into something low and
dangerous.
“If you go, I’ll drag you back by your hair.”
I stare at him for a beat, then burst out laughing.
“Oh my God, Alex, please.” I clutch my stomach dramatically. “You sound like a caveman.”
His lips press into a thin line. “Try me, Athena.”
I wipe a fake tear from my eye, sighing. “Well, lucky for you, I’m exhausted. So I’ll be sleeping instead.”
His shoulders relax ever so slightly, but he doesn’t say anything.
I lean back in my seat, as I add icing to the lie, “This is great. You don’t get to boss me around, and I get some beauty sleep. Win-
win
