EXCEPTION

Chapter 3. In the middle of chaos

Without uttering any word, Courtney grasped my hand, hauling me out the door until we scurried outside the house.

"Hey, Courtney! Where are we going? And... why are we running away?" I questioned, uneasy and baffled as to why we needed to run.

A sudden blast of gunfire resonated again from our behind, and it was too squawking enough to frighten the entire atom of my being. My apprehension kept revving up the more we ran because the thought of getting shot was just too much for me! I didn't even dare to glance back at the bullets' origin.

"What is going on?!" I asked again, catching my breath, but he never slowed down or gave me an answer. "Why do you keep ignoring me?! Where are we going? Where do you plan to take me?!"

Despite my numerous questions, he didn't answer any of them. And the only thing I noticed was the annoyance written on his countenance whenever I questioned him. His brows were furrowed deep as if he was aggravated by my constant pestering, which I did just for assurance, but I failed because of his nonsensical silence. And from how he acted, it felt like he had some sort of secret he couldn't convey.

Soon we reached a giant tree belted by tall shrubbery; he tightened his grip on my hand while leading me under the cover of the trees. I scrutinized the entire surrounding and realized there was no trace of anyone else around except us. However, Courtney kept on looking around cautiously every second as if someone would be coming to catch us off guard, and I gasped upon seeing him holding a gun now. His intimidating aura became even more terrifying.

Is he a criminal?

"You!" My brows crumpled in confusion with the avalanche of questions in my mind. "Why can't you answer my question? Where do you plan to take me? And... who are those people chasing us? Please, let me know what is going—"

He kissed me!

I was utterly startled beyond words that all I could muster was a short, stuttered gasp that came right after. That abrupt gesture is enough to make me wordless. Soon as our lips parted, I gazed into his eyes with disbelief, as if he'd done something horrendous. My whole senses thought that was the end, but then a voice of men yelling along with the nonstop, rumbling gunshot continued from a distance, making my apprehension return tenfold.

My attention quickly shifted to Courtney when he whispered, "Kiss me like you mean it."

"W-What?"

"Do it if you don't wanna die, woman."

"Stop calling me that. I have a name." I scolded. "I'm Adeleine."

"Gorgeous name... Adeleine." He smiled, not too wide but enough to impact me internally. I wanted to force him to explain, but the next thing he did drowned me in the profound abyss.

He kissed me again, making my heart thump aggressively. It was just slow and sensual but addictive I never wanted to stop tasting.

This is wrong, but why does it feel so damn good?

The way our lips graze each other's sent sparks through my veins, and it felt electrifying. His right hand was already caressing my face, and mine was wrapped around his neck as if we were a real couple playing inside a romantic movie under the tree. Aside from how amazing his lips were against mine, I could hardly concentrate on anything else. Our kiss became increasingly frenzied and intense. His mouth opened wider to devour mine deeper, and I was completely lost. My breathing sped up, and I was sweating.

I started wondering if I should stop kissing him since I couldn't get enough and run away because everything that kept transpiring now was bizarre. I don't understand what is happening, yet here I am... stuck with his foreign yet tantalizing presence.