My legs felt like they were turning to stone as I reached the bottom of the stairs. Jordan was waiting, still and sharp, like he owned the space.
His hand shot out, catching my arm before I could even think of turning back. With his other hand, he slid my bag off my shoulder, carrying it as if it belonged to him.
My whole body stiffened. His touch burned through the sleeve of my shirt, too firm, too certain, like I belonged to him already.
"Let me go," I whispered harshly, twisting my wrist free.
A few students slowed down, watching, whispers rising.
His eyes darkened. He stepped closer, his voice dropping so only I could hear.
"You want to make a scene? Go ahead. But you'll still come with me."
My heart thundered. I froze, trapped between fear and pride. He reached for me again, and I didn't resist. Not this time.
"Where do you think you're going to?" His voice was quiet, but firm, a command wrapped in a casual tone.
My lips parted. "I….I was just…"
He leaned closer, his gaze burning. "You were just about to follow me. Right?"
I swallowed hard, nodding once.
A ghost of a smile tugged his lips. "Good girl. Come."
Why did those two words make my knees weak? Why did it feel wrong… and right all at once?
The hallway buzzed with whispers and curious glances as he guided me forward, fingers firm around my wrist. My heart raced with every step, but Jordan walked like the world was clearing a path for him.
"Everyone's staring," I muttered nervously, my eyes darting at the onlookers.
He smirked. "Good. Let them."
"I don't want them talking about me," I whispered, my voice trembling.
"They're not talking about you," he said smoothly, squeezing my wrist just enough to remind me of his control
"They're talking about us."
"Were you trying to avoid me," he said suddenly, his tone smooth, almost teasing.
Avoiding him? If only he knew. I wasn't avoiding, I was surviving.
My breath caught. "N…No, I wasn't."
His lips curved, though his eyes stayed sharp ahead. "Don't lie. I don't like lies."
"I wasn't…"
"You think I didn't notice?" He glanced at me, one brow lifting. "The look on your face when you came out of class says it all, you can't stop thinking about me, can you?"
My face flushed crimson. "That's not…"
"Relax." His voice lowered, softer now. "I'm not mad. I just want you close. Always."
Always? The word echoed, heavier than his grip on my wrist. Did he mean it? Or was this another game?
My pulse thundered. I dropped my gaze to the floor,
The dining hall's double doors swung open, and instantly the room hushed. Dozens of eyes followed us as he led me straight to the center.
I wanted to disappear under the table, but his presence made it impossible to shrink. He didn't notice the stares. Or maybe he did, and he liked it.
He pulled out a chair with one hand, still holding my bag in the other. "Sit."
I obeyed, sinking nervously into the seat. He placed my bag down neatly, then sat opposite me, casual yet commanding.
Food arrived quickly, but my spoon shook the moment I tried to lift it. His eyes tracked my every move.
"You're nervous," he said, amusement glinting in his tone.
"I'm not."
"You are." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "Everyone's staring at us. Don't let them see you fall apart."
I gripped the spoon tighter, trying to steady my hand.
"I..I can't eat.
"Then don't" he said, his tone infuriatingly calm. "Just sit there and watch me"
My face burned. "That's not…"
He cut me off with a lazy shrug. "Either way, you'll be fed. I'll make sure of it."
I clenched my spoon, biting back a retort. I dropped my gaze, my pulse hammering in my ears.
My chest tightened. I tried again, forcing a spoonful to my lips.
Jordan smirked. "Good. See? Not so hard."
For a moment, Jordan's attention turned back to his meal. I let myself breathe, my eyes drifting over him. His jaw, sharp under the light. His hands, strong even as he handled a fork with ease. I didn't even think of peoole around us might catch me staring at him like that
My imagination betrayed me "what it would feel like if those hands touched me again".
And then his gaze snapped up, locking with mine.
I froze, spoon halfway to my lips.
A slow smirk spread across his face. "Caught you."
My throat went dry. "I wasn't…"
"You were." He leaned back, smug. "If you keep staring like that, people will think you're obsessed with me, since all you care about is people and the bullshit they say or think of you"
My cheeks burned hot, and I ducked my head. "I'm not obsessed."
"Mm." He let out a low chuckle. "Then stop looking at me like you want to eat me instead of your food."
I nearly choked, my face turning scarlet. My cheeks burned so hot I was sure the entire hall could see. Did he know what he was doing to me? Did he enjoy watching me squirm?
When the meal ended, Jordan rose with calm authority, sliding my bag over his shoulder again. Without asking, he gripped my wrist and guided me toward the exit.
The entire hall followed us with hungry eyes, some girls glaring in envy, some boys shaking their heads in disbelief.
Jordan didn't notice, or maybe he just didn't give a damn. His grip was steady, protective yet possessive, pulling my shy ass along.
And still, a shameful part of me felt proud,like being chosen by him was something rare, something dangerous.
We got outside, he finally released my hand, handing back my bag.
"Do you have anymore lecture" he asked
"Yes" i nodded
"alright then, I'll see you later," he said simply, his tone carrying a quiet promise.
I turned, still catching my breath, only to see Jenny standing at the edge of the walkway.
Jenny's eyes darted from Jordan's retreating figure back to me, widening with disbelief. She grabbed my arm the moment he was gone.
"Rue, you can't hide this!" Jenny shook my arm, her voice sharp with panic.
"Everyone saw him. Everyone saw you let him take you!"
My throat closed. I shook my head quickly. "Not here. Not now."
"Then when?" Jenny demanded, her eyes shining with fear.
"You're scaring me, Rue."
I bit my lip, fighting the urge to spill everything right there in the open. My heart thudded painfully.
Her voice yanked me back to reality. My throat tightened. What would she say if she knew the truth? If she knew I didn't resist? That a part of me… didn't want to resist?
"I'll tell you," I whispered shakily. "I'll tell you everything… tonight. I lied to him that we have one more lecture, let's go to the hostel".