First of all, a Happy (belated) Christmas to all of ya!

Just to let ya guys know, this chapter's way too short. I just felt like updating as I kept ya all waiting for too long. That ain't fair now is it? I promised to update on 24th of December but couldn't. As a bonus, I'll try update by Wednesday or Thursday and will update again on Friday. 

Have a fun time readin'!

______________________________________________

Chapter#16 Don't Mess With Us

Drake's POV

"Come on baby lets grab something to eat!" Stephanie tucked on my arm.

I was pissed off at her for the drama which was created between her and Natalie at the school parking lot. Although when I arrived, Natalie was the one going mad at Stephanie but I knew she definitely wasn't the one to start.

"I'm full Steph. Let's just get over with this shopping and then I'll drop you off" I tried my best not to frown while talking to her.

"Ok..."

I expected her to leave my arm but she dragged me, rather harshly, her nails digging into my skin.

The 'Click Clack' of her heels was audible although the mall was kind of overcrowded.

She steered me through the crowd, towards a large boutique and admired the dresses in awe.

"Shall we go in?" I questioned, trying my best to not disappoint her.

"Yep!" She chimed.

I was kind of suspicious over her actions that day. She seemed very happy. I had half expected her to back bite Natalie after that little incident at the school parking.

I sat her the stool next to the counter while Stephanie strolled off to the try room with a long, black dress flailing behind her as she held it high enough to prevent it from sweeping the floor. Then she closed the door and locked it.

I ran a hand through my hair and stared at the wooden floor. I could tell that not a long time had passed since it was treated with coatings of varnish as I gazed at my reflection. There was no doubt that girl's fell head over heels  for that handsome face, but it's sad that people don't quite see your imperfections because they think you can't have any. I'm not bragging about me having a miserable life. It's not easy being a son of one of the most influential and rich families of the town. You've got to hide yourself behind those fancy suits and large bungalows and pretend your life is perfect... just like you. You can't choose a profession for yourself either because you know that whatever you do, in the end you are going to run your family's business and live your life always like the elite.

"No Mike let's just go. All I needed was a dress, besides I told you I'm not buying anything else from your money"

My head shot up at hearing the familiar voice. I spotted Natalie standing just next to the shop. My eyes travelled down, towards her hands which were clasped around a guy's wrist.

Mike Samuels.

Everything they said after that passed in a blur as I felt hot blood rushing to my ears. I pulled out my phone from my jeans pocket and tried to distract myself and swiped the screen without paying attention. After a few seconds of trying absent mindedly to unlock the phone, I realized I had been typing in the wrong password. I cursed under my breath and rolled my eyes.

I tried my best to resist looking up but in vain. I caught Natalie with her arms around Mike as he rested his head over hers.

My grip tightened on my phone and I clenched my jaw as my heart beat quickened.

'calm down, calm down'

They both walked away in each other's embrace, leaving me confused and flared up at the same time.

I was pretty sure that something was bothering Natalie. She didn't really like Mike that was for sure. It was just that she had no other option as he was her date to the prom.

Shaking the thought out of my head, I got up from the stool and waited for Stephanie to come out. She came out and surprisingly didn't go for another dress. I handed my credit card to her and walked out of the shop.

Stephanie clasped her hand with mine and this time I took the lead.

I felt something vibrate against my arm and glanced down at Stephanie. She took out her phone from her bag. I eyed her screen and noticed Mike's name flashing on the screen. She stared at it for a second and her eyes widened in shock as she realized I was looking at the phone.

"You can answer it" I untangled my arm from hers and walked to a different direction, thinking about the possibilities that she received a call from Mike. It could've been someone else.

"Let's go Drakee!" she walked up to me and smiled, I instantly detected something fishy.

I kept on glancing at Stephanie as we walked towards my car, trying to get a glimpse of change in her complexion but noticed nothing.

Whether she was faking it or she didn't talk to Mike Samuels after all.

She was surprisingly quite through the drive and I kept on glancing at her and noticed her smiling several times.

We were almost at her place when I noticed a car right behind ours. I first assumed that it ought to go the same way as we were but then realized that it was following us.

I kept on glancing on the rear view mirror and the car never stopped trailing after us. Maybe it had the same path as us after all.

We reached Stephanie's place and I pulled over. As I got out of the car, I noticed the same car, parked at the corner of the street.

Stephanie didn't ask me to stay, which left me startled and slightly suspicious.

I walked her to the doorstep and as she took out the keys to unlock the door, she stepped in not before planting a small kiss on my left cheek and flashing a dazzling but, evidently fake smile.

I walked back to the car, my eyes never leaving the car that followed us.

As I started the ignition and raced the engine, I noticed the car move from its spot and it started towards Stephanie's house. I quickly reversed and chose to hide right behind the trees at the far end.

As I halted the car behind the trees, I noticed a manly figure step out of the car. He turned around and I instantly felt like beating the shit out of him at the sight of his face.

What was he doing there? Wasn't he with Natalie a while ago?

If he's cheating on Natalie I swear I'll_

'But that's what you want, right? You don't want him to be with Natalie'

That ain't true... besides the idea of someone hurting Natalie_

'You definitely lik_'

No I don't now shut up!

Before he could ring the bell, Stephanie opened the door and greeted him with that devilish smile of hers that men die for and reached for his face. Before she could do anything else, he shoved her hand from his face as if disgusted by her touch. Then she closed the door.

I waited for a minute or so. It was hard to resist the urge for going in there already. I started drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, still debating on whether to go in there or not.

I laid my head over my hands that were placed on the steering wheel, careful enough not to blow the horn.

I started tapping my foot and it got violent as I noticed the car shaking through its effect.

I couldn't help it anymore and stepped out of the car. I slammed the door in fury and started towards Stephanie's door. I slowed my pace as I reached the window and halted at the sight of them talking.

"What's your plan?" I heard Mike.

"Hmm.... Too eager to defeat Parkinson are we?" Stephanie said mockingly.

"He's your boyfriend; it doesn't suit you to talk about him this way" Mike said as a matter of fact.

"Look who's talking. Aren't ya gonna hurt your girl any time soon. And the timing's perfect! Sad that you were gonna have a nice time with her. I'm sorry but she shouldn't have messed with me or specifically Drake" I stared at both of them and notice Stephanie cross her arms over her chest and making a face that would convince anyone to do whatever she says and I couldn't help feel sorry for Mike.

"If he didn't interfere, prom would've been perfect for both of us" he said.

The pity and sorrow I felt for Mike a moment ago was lost in a couple of seconds as I heard from him the word 'Us' for himself and Natalie.

He didn't even deserve someone like her. He wasn't even worthy of being her date to prom.

"Alright so this is what we're gonna do. You'll bring her to me while I would beat her for a good minute_

"You won't do anything like that or I swear I'd_"

"Hey I was joking okay? Now you'll bring her to the third floor of the school, in the corridor and then I'll be there in no time. You're gonna take me to your side and kiss me while I'd call Drake" She finishes.

I'm sure she expected me to be mad at the sight of her kissing someone else but she was wrong. She didn't know that since last couple of years, I had lost my liking for her. Her image had shattered in my eyes, in a way that my trust on her couldn't be restored.

But there was no compromising on the fact that it might hurt Natalie. I was definitely not letting them win over it. It was about time that I tell them not to mess with Natalie Dare or Drake Parkinson.

_________________________________

Ah... another author's note at the end. You see, all of us (writers) love to pour out our feelings to the readers, indirectly through our work. We just keep on looking for reasons to write. Am I right?!  *turns to rest of the writers and earns nods*

Well I just wanted to tell you guys that I know that u're readin' my book for good and I'm sure that most of u are voting where u think I'm worthy. I just wanted to let u know that if u press the star while reading chapters, when u're offline, ur vote won't be considered. So in order to let me know that u're reading and liking my work, u need to be online so that u're vote is considered. A friend of mine pointed that out and I felt like telling u guys (just in case)

Anyway! I'll try my best to update as promised. Luv ya peeps                                                                            Buh-bye!! :*                                                                                                                                                                              Fareha <3