Adrian (The vampire)

Chapter 9: Try to Run, Sweetheart (Adrian's POV )

She was trying to run.

Cute.

I sat back, arms crossed, watching her pathetically attempt to convince the teacher to change her seat.

I expected her to fight me.To argue, to roll her eyes, to throw back some sharp, sarcastic comment that would only make me want to tease her more.

But this?

This was not part of the game.

And I didn't like it.

—

"Amber, the seating chart is already set," Mr. Calloway sighed, looking like he regretted his entire career choice. "I can't move people just because you suddenly don't like where you're sitting."

"It's not sudden," Amber insisted. "I just—I think I'd focus better somewhere else."

Lie.

I tilted my head, amused at her attempt. Did she really think she could escape?

Mr. Calloway sighed again, looking done with her existence. "Amber, the semester just started. If there's a real issue, we can talk about it later."

Amber stiffened. "But—"

"Take your seat, Miss Rose."

Silence.

Slowly, she turned.

And the second her gaze locked with mine…

She knew.

I had heard everything.

I wasn't smiling. Not this time.

Her throat bobbed. Her fingers curled into fists. And then, with pure fury in her movements, she stormed back toward me, dropping into her chair like it personally offended her.

I watched, slow and lazy, stretching my arms behind my head.

She wouldn't look at me.

Not yet.

But she was seething.

I smirked. "Trying to run away from me, sweetheart?"

Her head snapped toward me so fast I thought she'd get whiplash. "Don't call me that."

I raised an eyebrow. "What, sweetheart?"

She clenched her jaw. "Yes."

I grinned, dragging my gaze over her slowly. "Would you rather I call you something else?"

She exhaled sharply. "How about you just don't talk to me?"

I chuckled, shifting slightly so I was even closer. "Not an option."

Amber crossed her arms, looking at the board like she could will me out of existence. "Why do you enjoy irritating me?"

"Because it's fun," I said easily.

She groaned, rubbing her temples. "You are exhausting."

I smirked. "And yet, you're still here."

She let out a frustrated sound. "Oh my God, will you stop saying that?"

I tilted my head. "Why? Because it's true?"

She turned toward me, eyes blazing. "Adrian, I just don't want to sit next to you!"

I leaned in slightly. "Liar."

Her lips parted slightly. "Excuse me?"

I smiled, slow and deliberate. "You don't want to leave, Amber. You want to fight me. You like this game too much."

Her breath hitched.

I let the words sink in.

Let her realize I was right.

Then I sat back, dragging my fingers along the desk. "But go on. Keep pretending you don't like this."

Amber scowled. "I'm not pretending."

I chuckled. "You're adorable when you lie."

Her cheeks burned .

And suddenly, she was too focused on her notebook. Too focused on ignoring me.

But I could hear her heartbeat.

And I knew—

She was losing this game.

__