Zoe And The Beast

Chapter 7 | Just That Mesmerizing | Part 1

I lay in bed the next two days, refusing to go outside. The last few days had been hell: Beast meeting me in school, at the library, at bowling.

He was everywhere. Always leaning in, always breathing that delicious minty breath into me, always gazing at me with his piercing hazel eyes.

And he had actually witnessed me melting over him. Completely defenseless, I couldn't even get myself to let out a word. He was just that mesmerizing.

I liked it, but I didn't like it. I wanted to say something, to get out of there. But at the same time, I was enjoying it. I enjoyed his flirtatious remarks, his amatory eyes, his glaring hypnotic smile.

If I stepped outside again, I'd see him again. I just knew it. Therefore, refusing to step outside was key.

"Hey, Zoe?" Zach knocked on my bedroom door, quietly. "It's time for your shift at the library."

"I don't want to go," I grumbled, sinking into my pillow. "Can you go for me?"

I heard Zach chuckle outside. "Nah, kid, you know I have stuff to do tonight. Come on, now, hurry up. I'll be in the car in ten minutes, so be fast."

Pulling the pillow further into my face, I groaned irritably.

"Speed up!" Zach called again, his footsteps walking away.

I lay in my bed for another minute, contemplating about what I was going to do. Should I get ready? Or should I ignore my brother and just lay in bed for the rest of my life?

At the end of it all, I obviously listened to my brother. He was notorious for being right, as always.

Quickly changing into some sober, yet appropriate clothes, I swiped a brush through my hair, and flashed on some waterproof mascara and lip tint, before grabbing my I.D. card and rushing through the door.

Five minutes later, I sat in Zach's car, preparing myself for doom. With my arms crossed and my blonde hair brushed down, I was ready to face the Beast head on.

Was I, though?

"Is everything okay?" Zach asked, adjusting the rear view mirror. "You seem really anxious lately."

"S'all good," I mumbled. Shutting my eyes to block out the sunlight, I sunk into the car seat. Zach took note of my sulky demeanor and began throwing questions at me, trying to understand what happened.

"Did Savannah do something?"

"No."

"Did Jared do something?"

"No."

"Did Beast do something?"

I froze. Mumbling weakly, I responded. "...no?"

My brother's dark eyes shot to mine, completely alert. "What did Mascars do? Did he hurt you? Are you all right?"

Popping my lips, I opened my mouth to calm him down. I knew Zach was going to react like this. "I'm absolutely fine."

"Don't lie to me, Zoe," Zach warned. "If he did something, tell me now."

"He didn't do anything!" I answered quickly, widening my eyes. "Vince didn't do anything, don't worry."

Narrowing his eyebrows, Zach turned back to the road and started driving ahead and towards the library wordlessly. He hadn't figured it out, right?

Within fifteen silent minutes, we both simply sat in the car in front of the library.

"Look, Zoe," Zach sighed as he placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. "I know I sound pushy, but I need you to remember that I'm doing this for your own good. If anyone, especially Beast, bothers you, I'm here to protect you. It's my job."

I smiled and opened the door, stepping out the car. It wasn't the first time he told me this. "Thanks, Zach. Same goes for you."

He waved and then drove off, disappearing into the sunset. God, my brother was slick.

Sighing, I walked back into the library and headed to the desk to sign in. As I walked in, Deborah's gentle face brightened.

"Oh, Zoe!" she exclaimed, her white hair bouncing. "You won't believe what happened!"

Grinning back at her, I went to the log-in sheet and wrote my name. I absolutely adored Deborah; she was the bubbly grandmother I never had. "What happened, Deb?"

"Oh, darling, a sweet boy around your age just came to the library – and dear, oh dear, he is absolutely charming. Very, very handsome. He took my breath away the second I saw him, which is quite dangerous because I'm getting old! But, oh dear Lord, he looked just marvelous! I've been married twice and I would be willing to marry him again. I just hope you see him! And who knows, maybe you and he can get something going together." She winked at me.

"Oh, really?" I let out a breathy laugh, worried about who she was talking about. I had a feeling I knew who the boy was. "Who is it?"

She scrunched up her nose, lost in thought. "You know, I'm not quite sure what his full name is. He said he had a nickname, but I can't really remember what it-"

"Beast. People call me the Beast."

Oh no.

Author's Note

What do you think of Deb? Too sweet or too naughty? ;) (Don't know why I put up that winky face lmao)

If you think this chapter deserves it, please vote and/or comment! It means a lot :)

Edited: May 20, 2018