The Marriage Contract (PUBLISHED!)

Chapter Five

Clenching the sides of my dress with both hands, my heart continued its piercing beat, as I watched him speed down the street, his sleek Mercedes turning into a dot as it furthered down the road.

I chewed the edge of my bottom lip, frowning. It was the first time I had met someone who not only looked angry twenty four seven, but drove angry as well.

As I pondered on this thought, my ears peaked on the sound of expensive shoes tapping against the cool, cement ground, approaching me. That familiar scent of lavender swirled around my form, as though caging me in place.

Earlier, in Richard's car, I had told myself that when I see James again, I would give him the yelling of a life time and poke his eyes out in the process. But of course, the yelling would only hurt my throat, and the poking the eyes out part, would most likely land me in jail.

James's shadow loomed over mine, as he leaned his head towards my shoulder- his lips, just an inch beside my ear.

My heart thumped slowly within my chest, my eyes beginning to sting with rage, as I clenched my fists by my side.

"You came." His voice was low, drifting quietly with the wind.

I could feel his smirk.

My chest heaved heavily, and without another thought, I turned my head towards him, thumping his forehead with my thumb.

"You creep!" I snapped, taking a step back. "You told your brother we're engaged? I'm guessing you're real bored with life, but don't use me as your form of entertainment."

Standing tall in a crisp white suit, his usual messy hair was slicked back, making him appear sophisticated. A lazy smile graced his lips, as I gaped at him, frustrated that he was acting as though nothing was wrong.

"Nice to see you too, Dorothy. I'm glad my uptight, miserable brother managed to bring you," said James, his tone polite. "Well, that's the last time he'll be doing me a favor—"

"Tell me what's going on," I demanded, placing my hands on my hips, and taking a step towards him. "Why did you lie to Richard, and why the hell did you have me dolled up for?"

His eyes rolled, as though he were speaking to a child. His head dipped towards mine, as I pushed my face back, not wanting to be so close to him.

"I really hate questions," he whispered, shooting me a small grin. "But for you, I'll answer any and all. But can we get inside first? I think the paparazzi have had enough shots of you yelling at me—"

"Paparazzi?" I asked.

He nodded, his large almond eyes- dancing in mirth.

Whipping my head to the side, I scanned the deserted street, not noticing many pedestrians. The sun streamed over the sidewalk, delis, and stores, as a few people walked past the street with their dogs. As I continued to look around the area, my vision found a thin, brown skinned man at end of the block, poking his oval head out of a white SUV, his black camera snapping pictures of my bewildered face.

I blinked, tilting my head to the side, wondering how many more paparazzi were near us, creeping like invisible ants.

I shuddered, suddenly feeling a chill creep down my head to my toes- tingling the hairs on my flesh.

"Alright," I whispered, turning my head towards James. "Let's go somewhere...private. You have a lot of explaining to do—"

"Great!" he exclaimed. "Hey listen, I know you kind of have this thing against touching and all, but unless you want to keep having your pictures snapped by those weirdoes, I suggest you take my hand. Trust me."