Chapter 3 The Arrangement

I had no slightest idea how powerful Chase was until this moment. I was shocked to see them look so terrified of him, and they actually knelt down just as he ordered.

“We… we’re sorry,” they said together, though their voices sounded forced and reluctant.

Chase looked at each of them and nodded, satisfied. He crouched down in front of the blonde, cupping her chin and tilting her face toward his. “Listen to me, Britney,” he said, his voice cold as ice. “The next time I see you or your group anywhere near her, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Do you understand?”

“Y-yes,” she stuttered, trembling as he held her in place.

“Good.” He let go, walked back to me, and took my hand gently. “It’s alright, Mia. You don’t have to be scared anymore.”

I nodded, too shy to look him in the eye.

“Come with me.”

I didn't hesitate. After everything he had just done, everything about him felt right. I couldn't deny how he made me feel when we were together. He led me into an old locker room, closed the door, and gestured to a creaky bench.

“Have a seat, please.”

I looked at him, feeling a bit nervous again. “What are we doing in here?” I asked, not sure if I should be worried or… excited.

He gave a small smile. “Come on, Mia. I don’t bite.”

“I know, but this… doesn't feel right.”

“I understand, really. I just want to have a quiet conversation with you. That’s all.”

I searched his eyes for a moment, looking for some reassurance. When I saw it, I started to trust him again. I sat down, still feeling anxious with my hands folded between my thighs.

He sighed and sat right next to me. He held my gaze for a moment, then offered a smile as genuine as a child’s.

“I’m sure you’re wondering what this is all about,” he began, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s no secret that I’m your brother’s biggest rival. Because of that, you’re not really supposed to be anywhere near me.”

I remained silent, watching him and wondering what he was up to.

“But I just saved you out there,” he continued, “and I don’t help people for no reason.”

My eyes narrowed, and the room suddenly felt too tight… like the walls were beginning to close in on me. “What… does that even mean?”

Chase leaned in a little closer, holding my gaze with that warm, passionate look that I didn't quite understand.

“Relax, Mia.” He muttered as he gently wrapped his fingers around mine.

The atmosphere between us grew a bit more tense at this point, and my heart just couldn't stop racing the whole time.

“You see… I've never been the type of student to do so well in academics,” he started, eyes locked straight into mine. “Since I just saved you from what looked like a public humiliation out there, I suppose it's only right if I get something in return.”

I nodded… slowly, feeling a numb tension in my chest. “Okayyy, that's fair,” I muttered quietly, still nervous. “But you have everything already…what more can I possibly offer you?”

“Yourself,”

The whole room went dead with silence as he said those words. But he wasn't even done yet.

“Listen Mia… I'm not here to ask for something outrageous from you. All I just want is for you to be my private tutor.” He finally said with a little grin. “Your only job is to take me on challenging topics, help me scale up my grades, and in return… I'll make sure no harm comes near you on this campus. Deal?”

I looked him dead in the eye, not sure if I had heard him clearly.

For years, I've been secretly wishing to be noticed by him, but at that moment… everything vanished. This has always been what I wanted… to be in a private space with him all day.

But right now, it felt different.

I loved my brother so much to betray him that way… especially now that he had specifically warned me to keep my lane.

“I… I'm sorry but I can't do what you ask of me,”

“Of course you can, sweetheart.” he cut in with a teasing smile. “Remember what happened earlier. Those girls are definitely jealous seeing the way I protected you back there. I'm sure you know what that means.”

His voice dropped to a low, barely audible whisper as he leaned closer. “They will go to any length to make sure that you are frustrated by all means. And trust me when I say they aren't stopping anytime soon. Rumors are already spreading, and I'm sure you don't want to experience all that again.”

His words sank deep into me, and at this point, I just didn't know what I was doing anymore. I was more confused now than I had ever been all my life.

“Okay…” I tried to steady my voice. “So what's the catch? What do I stand to gain from this arrangement with you? What difference would that even make?”

He offered a little smile, holding up my chin slightly. “It seems you've forgotten so soon what impact I have on this campus.” He slid a finger slowly across my face. “Well, just in case you don't know… I make the rules over here. I'm feared by virtually everyone. That means… the respect automatically transfers to you when we're together. Trust me when I say no one would dare make a derogatory remark about you anymore… as long as we remain a couple on paper.”

That’s insane!

As much as it sounded like he cared so much about me, I didn't think it was such a good idea.

“And my brother? How do you expect him to see me after this arrangement?” I really needed to be sure I was not about to make the worst decision of my life.

Again, he let out a small, casual laugh… like this was nothing but a joke to him. “Your brother?” He scoffed. “Oh come on, darling. You should've known me so well by now. If anything happens, I'll surely take care of it… I always do.”