3- Urghh! I slipped!

~Collin~

'Collin'.

This bastard knows my name because my friend accidentally murmured it in fear when I stood up to defend a bartender whom he publicly humiliated.

I never thought I'd encounter this spoiled brat again after that incident.

Right now, he wants to provoke me, and the anger in his tone pierces my ears as I meet his eyes. "Karma has a way of catching up, doesn't it? You thought you could make fun of Lucas Bennett and get away with it."

Wait.

He is Lucas Bennett, the son of Noah Bennett, CEO of Bennett Industries, the company sponsoring my studies.

Does he know about the scholarship?

Shit!

No wonder Emma shot those 'Girl! Do you know who he is?' stares that evening.

"Are you thinking of new words to lecture me with?" Lucas sneers.

Silly mentality. He's a fool.

I can't even look away. My chin is fixed to meet his irritating eyes. He thinks he can intimidate me; that's why he's so close.

"I... I don't have anything to say to you. Let go of me!"

"Not so fast."

"Leave me!" I finally muster the strength to push him away.

He chuckles before saying, "You're pathetic, Collin. Literally. I will ensure you pay for that evening. Your days in this room will be miserable."

Rude.

Sassy.

He is probably used to getting everything he wants. His demeanor screams control and power. I can see it in his shrugged shoulders and popped-out chest.

See, you're an asshole...

Not like I'll say that out loud. I can, but I won't say it.

I walk to my space and bounce tirelessly on the bed since I'd better not continue the conversation.

He's short of words. I'm surprised he finally gets out of my sight.

I let out a big sigh. It all feels easier now, and my heart can relax from pounding so hard.

But...

My father works as his dad's driver. Does he know that? No, I don't think so.

Oh, God!

What if he finds out?

It could pose a threat to the only job Dad struggled to find after losing the previous one due to excessive drinking.

My parents are divorced.

Daddy is still fighting for peace, but Mum is living comfortably with her new family in Canada.

He fought alcohol for my sake to get this new job.

I can't bear the thought of him falling back into that lifestyle.

I won't be able to live with myself if that happens, knowing it's my fault.

Despite all that's on my mind, my eyes land on the black clock sitting on the wall opposite me. It reads 7:10 p.m.

I glance around the room, still lying flat on the bed. It's more spacious than expected. Pretty, elegant, fresh. The floor is pristine white, and the walls are equally clean. Maybe the rumors about Riedel Hall being dirty are confined to some part, not on this wing.

My bed faces the jerks, with a small table between them, leaning against the wall. There's a lamp and an alarm clock on the table.

A tired groan leaves my parted lips as I stretch my legs to place them on the floor. I am too lazy to get up, so I settle for dragging my feet to the bathroom.

I stop and take a turn to look at the mirror, smiling at my reflection.

The guy from earlier today is a nice bully, and my roommate is a jerk – a dangerous combination.

I should be crying or rather informing the authorities beforehand in case they don't find my body. Yet, I experience flutters seeing my smile.

I almost burst out laughing.

But they are so mean to me.

What's wrong with me?

I discard my clothes, letting them drop in a lump on the tiled floor. I step into the shower and open the faucet to let the warm water soothe my tired muscles.

The water soaks my hair, flowing through my forehead, chin, and down my bare, untanned chest with barely noticeable abs. I lather my silky skin and hairless legs gently with soap, watching the foam wash away when I rinse off.

I get out of the shower and turn off the faucet. My cheeks vibrate, and my hand searches for where I would place my towel, only to find it bare.

It finally hits me that I didn't bring it along with me, and I let out a heavy hiss.

I peek through the hole in the door to make sure the room is empty, just as I had left it. When I am certain that no one is inside, I rush to grab the towel.

But because of the water under my feet wetting the floor, it causes me to slip and land face-first on the closet door.

Two trips in one day.

Shit! The room door bursts open.

My heart is racing.

I'm out of breath.

I stare at him.

He stares at me, looking... surprised?

Or is that my imagination?

We are blinking at each other like idiots. Lucas is not saying anything, and I don't want to stand to be fully exposed to his gaze.

My cheek heats up in embarrassment. If only the ground would open and swallow me now. This is his perfect chance to make my life miserable, as he said.

What must be going on in his big head?

I expect him to leave... But those blue-blue eyes are scanning me.

After a few seconds, he opens his mouth. "What the fuck is going on?"

Gosh!

Not like I expected much. Lucas is a fool! Handsome, albeit a fool!

"Look, can you just leave? I'll get dressed and we can pretend this never happened."

Lucas raises an eyebrow with a frown on his face. "I don't know what this is, but it better not be one of your silly tricks. "

He leans against the doorframe, his gaze still fixed on me. "But fine, I'll give you your privacy. Just remember you owe me for this little show."