the death of a bachelor

eleven | challenge

Reiju and Maggie discussed more of their plans about the clans as they walked back to the dorm. Though Reiju pouted a little when Maggie refused to assist her in what she had dubbed as 'the death of a bachelor' project.

She thought it was awesome but Maggie wasn't impressed.

"It's ridiculous!" the blonde insisted. "What will do if you get caught?"

"Easy!" she beamed, radiating pure confidence. "I won't get caught."

Maggie rolled her eyes. "I'm gonna eat dinner in the hall. How about you?"

Reiju wanted to go but she recalled the poor cat she had left in her room. She still didn't know as to what extent Lorenzo might pay for him. So the cat was important. "I have to check on something but I'll go to the dining hall later."

They parted ways and Reiju stepped inside the hall of the dorm. She was halfway in when Dion's grey eyes met her gaze. He leaned against the billiard table, casually applying chalk to the tip of a pool stick.

Oh, shit.

The winding stairs were five meters away. Reiju ran but Dion was faster.

Or rather his men were because two of them caught her by the shoulders. She grunted in frustration as they dragged her to the billiard table, forcing her to sit on one of the velvet chairs.

Reiju observed the man. He didn't seem to be angry despite the visible mark she had left on his bottom lip. She couldn't decipher his mood.

"You're surprisingly quiet," he mumbled. Dion marched to the other side of the table and took a shot.

"I'm only loud in bed."

His men chuckled but their boss remained tight-lipped. He eyed her with intrigue. "I want us to be allies."

Reiju's mouth hung open. Did she hear that right?

"Why do you look like that, cara?" he asked. "You manage to scar me and I would not forget that. Ever."

"Because of that?" Reiju scoffed. "Then, no. I refuse."

"What?" Dion's tone turned icy. His gloved hands gripped the pool stick tighter.

"Because alliances are for people I like. And I don't like you!" she stated. Reiju stood up but she was swiftly pushed down by the buff guys behind her.

"You do not like me?" he repeated. A deep crease marred his forehead, face riddled with bewilderment and disbelief. "But why?"

Reiju laughed at his incredulous face. She should've known that Di Lauro's heir was a spoiled brat. It might have been the first time someone had rejected him. She couldn't help but wonder what he was willing to give her just to save his pride. "How about you give me one of your men and I'll consider the alliance?"

Dion was quiet for a whole minute. A silent battle passed through his blue-grey eyes before he spoke again. "In one condition."

What a fool.

Reiju smiled at her luck. She and Maggie had agreed that Dion was too powerful to ever be swayed by anything. Who would've thought that her impulsive attack would gain his respect?

"Sure. What is it?" she asked.

Dion held out his leather-clad hand towards her.

She blinked a few times before accepting his hand. The man was eccentric. If he hadn't kicked her that initiation day, she would've liked him. He was stylish and cool. Not to mention, he had gorgeous eyes.

Dion led her to the boys' area. They walked past the red metal gates and into the long white hallway. Students sprawled lazily in the study area, gaping at them before blanching at Dion's arctic gaze. They went through the door that goes to the middle of the dorm. Countless chairs and makeshift hammocks were scattered around the grassy area. Reiju envied them for a moment. The girls didn't have this.

On the corner, a sofa set was situated under an improvised canopy made from curtains and blankets. The walnut framed sofa and armchairs had deep brown antiqued leather with frayed edges, suggesting that the boys had spent a lot of time here. Reiju and Dion sat facing each other while another one of his men placed a bottle of Bacardi followed by two shot glasses on the wooden table.

"You just need to win," Dion said. "If you do not, you will accept my alliance without conditions."

Reiju leaned backward. Dion's pride was off the charts. The man needed a game to justify his actions. So endearing. She crossed her pale long legs immediately feeling the numerous gazes that traced her sensual movements. "This is unfair. I need to adjust my terms."

"What?" Dion's voice had a tinged of offense. "My alliance and giving you one of my men is not enough?"

"Give me your best man," she declared but his handsome face remained unreadable. "I'll throw in a small favor as a gratitude," she added, biting her lips suggestively.

He perked up at that. "Fine. We drink straight."

Reiju's heart hammered. She hated drinking straight. But whatever. This was too much of an opportunity to pass off. She would win either way although getting drunk wasn't something she looked forward to.

They began and Reiju felt the kick on her fourth shot. Each shot contained one ounce but the effect was tremendous. They paced themselves because even Dion had to clear his throat.

Couldn't he choose a beer?

They were on their sixth shot when a boy barrelled in. His expression was dire and frantic. "Ursa is here!"

"What?" Reiju exclaimed. Her eyes narrowed on Dion's glass and saw an opportunity. She downed her drink and charged at the man, causing his glass to fall.

Dion's eyes widened at her actions before he squinted at her position on top of him.

"Dion! Come on!" Someone called out. "She can't stay here!"

The boys cleaned up their mess, hiding the traces of the alcohol as the bell for curfew rang. But with an intoxicated mind, Reiju was more focused on the fact that she had won. She grinned at the man. "I won, right?"

Dion nodded before he stood up and yanked her by the arm. She swayed a little so she let him drag her around until they reached a room.

Reiju leaned against the door, fighting off her lightheadedness. The room mirrored hers except for the black sheets and the knives that decorated the wall. "Where are we?"

Dion faced her, a predatory gaze glinted in his eyes. "We're in my room."

Just great.

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