9- Beating Heart

I've been staring at my reflection in front of the mirror for more or less 5 minutes now. I already finished my business a couple of minutes ago, but I can't get out thinking that he's just outside waiting. If you all think that I'm overly acting about this, I'm not. It's just that my heart keeps on pumping really fast like I'm nervous, but I'm not, I think. For the nth time, I inhale sharply and sigh loud enough.

We need to talk about this so I know where I'll put myself. I can do this.

I suddenly heard the door banging 3x, making me jump in shock while holding my chest. Now I feel like my heart just jumped out of my chest...

"Mia!? What's taking you so long? Are you alright? Open the door or I'll knock this down!" he said with a firm and commanding voice.

"I'm coming," I said and walked out of the restroom only to be greeted by a furrowed, Clark.

"What took you so long? My race is going to start in about 10 minutes. You're.." He said, annoyed.

"Whoa there!" I said, raising my hand to stop him from babbling.

"You're the one who dragged me out there. So better start talking now." I said, more like a command. I put both hands on my hips while tapping my foot and glaring at him.

He just smirked at me "Feisty, I like it." He said, then he shook his head sideways, amused at whatever he saw in me.

"Just cut it, David, what do you want to talk about?" I said, getting impatient. I don't even know how I got through this tough act.

"Getting impatient, are we?" He said, still smirking. I just raised my left brow at him.

"Alright...Alright." He said and put his hands up, surrendering.

"I want you to stay away from Peter," he said like it was nothing. I was stunned. Did I hear it right?

Who does he think he is? Did he think that I'd follow what he wanted just like that!?

"Excuse me!? Who do you think you are!?" I said. Now I am pissed.

"I don't want him near you Mia, not even other guys" he simply said, but in a serious tone.

"So what!? You don't want me to be with other guys but you're with another woman!? You've got to be kidding me." I was fuming in anger now. What the hell is he up to? This is so fucking cliché!

But this is what you want.

Thank you so much Conscience for reminding me of that! (Insert sarcasm here) I mentally rolled my eyes.

"It's either you like it or not, Mia," he said firmly.

"Is this what you wanted to talk about!? This is nonsense! I'll go out whomever I want to and you don't fucking care!" I said, frustrated.

I was suddenly pushed by the near wall, my back on it and I felt the twinge at my back being forcefully pushed. I was caged; both his hands were now at my head's sides. He looked down at me and leveled our eyes. Our faces were just inches apart and I could smell his manly minty scent. His smell is so hypnotizing...

"Don't you dare defy me, Eliot? You're mine now!" He groaned, looking me straight in the eyes. I suddenly felt afraid of him, but no. He should know that he's not my boss or anybody. I mastered all my courage and looked him straight in the eyes, not showing anything to him.

"N-no...I-I'm nobody's," I said, stuttering. I mentally slap myself for that. Where did my courage go a while ago!? Shit. He's intimidating.

He pulled away from his face to mine while still gazing at me. I didn't look away from him. I don't want him to think that I'm afraid of him or whatever, he's now towering over me, making me look up at him.

"Try me, Mia, I'll get what's mine whatever you do. You\'ll always be mine." He said, his lips twitching to smirk.

I didn't say anything. I'm speechless. Now, what!? I felt my heartbeat so fast it was like I was afraid and nervous at the same time. What the hell is happening to me!?

We just looked at each other for not daring to talk. Should I tell him that Peter and are dating?

But it was fake dating...

I know, but...I...

"Let's go, my name is already called. Remember what I told you, Mia." He said, suddenly cutting my thoughts. He's now in front of me, a foot away from me.

"Peter is my date tonight Clark, I can't just leave him and you also have a date, right?" I said, not looking at him.

"What!?" He asked pretty loudly. I heard him curse and then he started to pace back and forth in front of me. What's the big deal? We're not in a relationship. He's crazy.

"Can you please stop? You're making me dizzy." I said, irritated.

"I'll drop you off after the race; you don't need to come with him." He said firmly and with finality.

"But.." He cut me off and said.

"No, buts Mia." His face was serious so I didn't say anything and just nodded at him.

"Let's go then." He said, then grabbed my hand and intertwined mine with his. I looked at our hands while walking... This is really fast. What is he thinking? Is this kind of a game? Is this why Peter made a deal with me? Is Clark involved in this? I'm so confused.

As we passed through the narrow hallway, I couldn't help but think about what I did to deserve this mess. But strangely, I felt safe with Clark; I felt like something different when I was with him.

We have now entered where the race will be held in the underground. We're greeted by people's screams, making me cringe, and then suddenly the host speaks.

"Last call for Clark David!!" he shouts.

I looked at Clark and stopped in my trance; I pulled my hand at him, making my inside feel sad. He turned to me with a furrowed expression.

"You better go," I said and smiled at him.

He just nodded at me and then the thing he did froze the hell out of me...He kissed my cheek in front of all the people there. Then he smirks and winks at me and turns away, jagging to where the host is.

I was still rooted to where I stood while staring with wide eyes at where he was going. What the hell was that!? What are we now?

I don't care that almost all the people here are staring at me like I'm a weirdo or because they saw what Clark did earlier, but all I can feel now is...

My heart won't stop beating whenever he's close to me.