Paid to kill... Not to fall in Love

Chapter 1 - My Hero

SHANI

"Shani, check this out!" I looked at Kevin, slightly smiling as he started dancing.

He ran over to me as I sat down on the bleachers, watching Josh throw a basketball. It was after school and Josh, my older brother, had asked me to pick up Kevin from his elementary school and bring him back here. Now I was stuck with the little monster, not that I didn't mind.

"Do you think I'll be as good as Josh one day?" He pointed his small hand towards Josh and I smiled, nodding.

"Totally, even better." He laughed, staring at him in awe.

"I'm hungry, Shan." He grumbled, resting his head against my arm.

I ruffled up his blond hair before standing up, "I'll go get you something from the vending machine." I kissed his forehead causing him to groan but I knew he secretly liked it.

I walked down the bleachers, slightly glancing at Josh while he made a basket. I quickly exited the gym, walking around to the front entrance of it towards the vending machine. I pulled out a dollar from my pocket, readjusting my glasses. Annoyed, I pulled them off, holding them in my hand. I don't even know why I wear them, I don't necessarily need them. I only use them for when I read so I'm not that blind.

I pushed the number for Kevin's favorite snack and groaned when it got stuck.

"Are you kidding me?" I kicked at it, slightly hating life. I just wanted a bag of chips.

"You need help?" I jumped, turning around to see a guy with bright blue eyes staring at me.

"Oh, um... the chips got stuck." Giving me a charming smile, he moved up and put a dollar in and pushed a button causing two bags of chips to fall.

"Wow, my hero." I sarcastically said it, grabbing both chips and went to hand one to him.

"Keep it." He shrugged, looking around as I looked him up and down.

Leather jacket, dark blue jeans, black hair and a sharp jawline, definitely someone my brother would warn me about but he seems promising.

"Thanks..." He gave me a slight nod, subtly looking me up and down.

"I'm Zachary, well, Zach." I froze for a second, recognizing his name.

"Uh... Ortega?" He laughed some, nodding his head.

"Yeah, what's your name?" I bit my lip, sort of embarrassed that he didn't know my name when I had homeroom with him for two years, well, three since it's going to be summer break in a week.

"Shani... we have homeroom together." Recognition crossed his features and he nodded, looking at the glasses in my hand.

"Right, sorry, you're usually wearing glasses. You look better without them, I can see your face more." I crossed my arms, straightening my posture as I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

"Thanks, I guess. I'll see you around." I turned on my heel, walking away until he called after me.

He jogged next to my side, slightly touching my shoulder.