Chapter 9

"I gave him my heart, and he took it, and pinched it to death; and flung it back to me. People feel with their hearts, Ellen, and since he has destroyed mine, I have not the power to feel for him." — Isabella Linton.

"You say he gave you a ride and now he may ask for a favor you don't want to bestow?" The exaggeration in his tone was nothing out of the ordinary. It was just classic Niall. Biting my bottom lip indecisively, I quietly nodded at my room mate, tucking my shirt inside the jeans.

"I gotta go, man. I'll be back within one or two hours, I suppose?" I mentally sighed, not really knowing what to expect from his little get together that we were having at Alexander's place. It was a team thing, they said but I did highly doubt it.

Bidding my friend goodbye, I stepped out of the apartment, breathing in some fresh air in order to cool my temper down. Plucking the phone out of my pocket, my eyes quickly scanned the message that had been sent an hour ago.

Unknown : "This is Alexander. I want you to be in my place within an hour and I'd have Cole pick you up and drop you back."

Anger issues were one of my biggest set backs and I never really knew when it would come up in the worst ways possible. Moreover, just being in the same place as Mr. Asshole, threw me off the edge until I was often left with two brain cells to process what should be said next, merely managing to hang on by one weak thread of sanity.

Cole had been on time, and the drive to Roulette's place was quite short and uneventful. He was a friendly dude, and though always on the watch, I saw no possible harm in accepting his friendly advances. The moment we pulled up infront of the house, I was left dumbstruck.

This wasn't a house. This wasn't an apartment either. It was a fucking mansion. Squinting my eyes to absorb that broad a show of vast wealth, I straightened out my white shirt, coughing profusely. Analyzing my uneasiness, Cole kept a hand on my shoulder, urging me to follow him inside.

"Cole. Tobias." A disembodied voice called out in a manner of acknowledgement, when we saw Alexander graciously descend from a flight of red carpet draped stairs. Jeez, now I knew what was wrong with this guy. He was a rich, spoilt brat. No wonder he was used to having his own way.

He was wearing a black dress shirt, which hugged his broad arms and gave away the perfect shape of his body. The formal trouser hung low at his waist, wrapped around it tightly with what looked like a leather belt. A slick golden chain was around his neck, which stood out against his pale complexion. His eyes, as attentive as ever, never once left mine.

I stood breathless at the mere sight of his beauty, while he studied me from head to toe. His auburn hair was wet and styled precisely, either from a recent shower or hair gel. Could be even both. His naked gaze racked my body, after which I parted my lips, quietly letting out a soft breath.

The person beside me almost forgot my existence for a second, and flashed the most bright smile at our humble host, wrapping him in a tight hug. Quietly, my gaze flickered to the huge foyer, plated with marble tiles and the huge glass chandelier that hung in the middle of the ceiling. How much money did this guy's parents even have? I didn't want to know.

"Come inside." He announced in a blank manner, after patting Cole on the back. His strides were long and elegant, as his back muscles flexed, straining the tight shirt that clung to his body. We were asked to sit on the couch, facing the other couch on which the rest of the team members were seated, including Jeremy whose lips stretched into a smile after I came in.

"Attention. I want your attention." His authoritative voice made it sound like he was speaking to all those who were present in the room, but I had this nagging belief that he was talking to me and Jeremy. Heads snapped quickly in his direction, while Jeremy caught off guard, broke the eye contact with me, squaring his shoulders.

"There is a party in my house tomorrow. In my house. I'll be inviting people from my circle, and you all are ought to be present. It's a team thing. And Jer, you are supposed to come too because you're a very close to me, so team or no team, doesn't matter here."

"Sorry. I have plans." I declared, crossing my arms over my chest, one leg dangling over the other.