But he who dares not grasp the thorn, should never crave the rose.

---Anne Bronte
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I'd never allowed my adept familiarity with the entire curriculum, to hinder my concentration in the classroom, but the next day I found myself suffocating with the urge to bolt out of the class. The continual tapping of my foot against the floor, and pen against the desk, pretty much alerted the whole class of my languid state. Even the dirty looks which were thrown my way, could do little to get me to behave. All I could think of, was meeting Johnathan and giving him the latest update. He would know what to do, because I sure couldn't manage to think straight. The bell rang, and I all but sprung out of my seat, only to land back on my butt, after the teacher's instruction to stay back for a few minutes. I groaned. Why of all days, it had to be TODAY!

"I just need a minute to make the introductions kids. Don't growl at me. Sit down. All of you, down on your benches, now!"

Suffice to say her request was followed with grunts and barely contained protests.

"Alright, so as you might be aware, Mr. Williams will not be able to take your physics due to prior commitments which can't be altered. On behalf of the School authorities, and YOU people, I welcome, Mr. West, to Hemsworth High. May you have a memorable time here, Sir. Please do come in."

Desperate to get this meet over with, I quickly stood up to greet the new teacher. Others followed suit. And surely mine wasn't the only jaw to drop. Daniel Harrington, alias Archer West, was a blessing to woman kind. His sharp gaze connected with mine the moment he entered the classroom, and understanding flowed between us. My brother was here to help me. He'd said he would come, and he did. My heart swole in my chest, and the anguish of missing him all these years, suddenly returned tenfold.

"Good morning, students. A pleasure to meet you.", He drawled. "I look forward to getting better acquainted with you all, and cherishing the time that we get to spend together. We start with thermodynamics tomorrow at 10. See you in class. Good day."

Our Biology teacher was the first one to leave the class, in a rush to get to her next lecture. The other students soon followed. I waited. And apparently so did Theo.

"Isn't he the friend who made you cry that night?", He narrowed his eyes at my brother.

I stuttered, "Ah, yes. Archer and I go way back. I would like to catch up with him. Why don't you wait outside for me?"

His eyes narrowed further, but no words escaped his mouth to contradict me. He walked out glaring at his new teacher. Our new teacher.

"Look who is here.", I made a poor attempt at smiling. He made a move to respond but I held up my hand to stop him. Pulling out a paper, I penned down my new address, phone number, and stuffed it in his hand.

"Meet me at 4." He nodded, and I left the classroom.

I found Theo leaning against the wall.

"Is he the one?" He asked.

I frowned. "What?"

"The one you are engaged to. Don't tell me he's the one, Hera. He's too old for you."

My gut churned and revolted at the suggestion. Euu. Granted he didn't know that Danny and I were siblings, but surely he couldn't be blind to the similiar features, however few there were. I shuddered once again at his implication.

"Absolutely not!"

"Ah.", He smiled. "I like the response. Got no reason to worry about him, I see."

I rolled my eyes and started pacing towards my next class.

"I've decided, by the way.", He said, falling into step with me.

"Decided what?"

"That I don't give a damn about you being in love. I can still make you fall for me, and when you see me for what I am, and the connection that we have, you'll forget everything else that you've felt."

I looked at him. Took a moment to appreciate his unearthly, unnerving beauty.

"You know you are beautiful, right?", I said. "And from what I've heard, smart too. I've seen your kindness, I've felt your passion, I've breathed your fascinating essence. Which is why Theodore Wilkinson, you deserve only the best. Don't settle for anything less than mind-blowing, earth-shattering, romance. And you will get that. I can bet my right arm on that. You are too good to not get someone equally phenomenonal."

Grabbing my arm, he pulled me towards him.

"I want you, Hera. And I am going to court you. You are fair game till you marry, if you marry. Who knows I might end up snagging you, and be the one to actually marry you."

I glared at him. It seemed like my words fell on deaf ears.

"Who am I to stop you, if you've set your mind on self destruction?"

He laughed, and gently pushed me back.

"Off to your class. I'll catch you later."

Huffing, I dragged my feet exactly where he'd said.

***

Seeing Daniel in my class had changed my plan of asking Johnathan's assistance.
If anyone knew how to deal with my father, it was my brother, who'd somehow stayed with him all these years. As I waited for him, my mind wandered to what Theo had said. I couldn't refute his claim of attraction. But then even a dead fish would come alive in his hands. And it could be because I had never ever had a man invade my personal space the way he did. Not even John. He was too much of a gentleman for that. Not that I would allow him. I already felt so much for him. My heart would burst, if things ever went further. But then what was this feeling with Theodore. It was frustrating the hell out of me. I needed to do something. I couldn't let these funny emotions deviate my line of thought.

Picking up my cell, I texted my fiancee.

"How badly would it hurt a Duke's image to have his betrothed kiss someone else?"

His reply was quick.

"I wouldn't know about the image, sweetheart. But it would break my heart."

A shiver ran down my spine.

"What is happening to me?", I felt like a child when I typed it, but I couldn't help myself.

"You need to meet me. Soon."

My fingers hovered over my keyboard, undecided, fearful.

He took the decision for me.

"I am coming over tonight."

My heart dropped in the pit of my stomach.

Lord have mercy.