Chapter 38

Ariana stormed into Zach's office, slamming the door behind her. Zach remained expressionless, wordless.

"You're a bastard!" Ariana seethed, eyeing Zach sitting regally in his chair while she was being chased because of him. She fought the urge to yank his hair.

"What happened?" Zach asked, his voice dry, displaying no concern.

"Britney happened. I thought you said you'd look out for me. Did I sign that damn contract for nothing?" Ariana fumed.

"Listen—"

"Why haven't you taken down that video of us?" Ariana cut in.

"Can I speak now?" Zach shut his laptop.

"No!" Ariana yelled. "I almost died today, I ache all over because you didn't move me to the bed. Now, I come to school and a pack of angry girls chased after me. I feel like pulling your hair!" She lunged at Zach, reaching for his hair, but his strong hands swiftly held her thin waist and pinned her to his desk. Ariana gasped.

"Let go of me," she struggled, kicking her legs. Zach's frown deepened at her stubbornness. Still gripping her waist, he seated her on his thigh.

"Zach, you idiot," she cried out. Zach covered her mouth with his hand and smiled.

"Look at you being feisty," he chuckled. "Ready to let me speak?" he asked. Ariana, unable to do otherwise, reluctantly nodded. Zach slowly removed his hand, but she screamed. He covered her mouth again.

"Shut up," he ordered, his face close to hers. Ariana studied his features for a moment, his striking grey eyes, tousled black hair, and sculpted lips. Zach seemed like a character from a fairytale, his beauty extraordinary.

The door opening interrupted them. Zach's secretary gaped at them before hastily leaving the files on his desk and exiting.

Ariana panicked about the situation's perception. "Your secretary might get the wrong idea."

"Who?" Zach seemed oblivious to her earlier rant.

"Forget it," Ariana said, leaving abruptly.

As she walked through the halls, she noticed the stares. The gossip about her sitting on Zach's lap had spread. She cursed her luck, heading to PE class with Anika.

"Are you okay?" Anika asked, concerned about the rumors.

"Not now, Anika," Ariana replied, clutching her neck. They hurried to change for PE.

During basketball practice, the game grew aggressive as girls targeted Ariana. A ball thrown by Kelly hit her face, making her scream in pain. The coach called for a break.

"Are you okay?" Anika squatted, noticing blood on Ariana's hand.

"I feel terrible," Ariana groaned. Zach arrived, seemingly concerned, and tended to her injury.

"I'll take her to the nurse," Zach said. As Ariana attempted to stand, pain shot through her knee. Zach swiftly caught her, eliciting gasps from onlookers.