9. Addison

9

Addison

I felt eyes on me the rest of the weekend. Instead of being terrified, I was annoyed. Trapped, even.

Then again, maybe that's how I felt when it came to this whole deal with Eren and Michael. Their gazes, their expectations, their desires — it all weighed on me, suffocating and inescapable.

Monday morning arrived, and I slipped into my school uniform, the fabric scratching against my skin like a constant reminder of the roles I was expected to play. Good student. Dutiful girlfriend. Obedient... what, exactly? I wasn't even sure anymore.

I grabbed my backpack and headed out to my car; the door slamming shut behind me with a finality that echoed the heaviness in my chest. As I turned the key in the ignition, the engine sputtered to life, and I pulled out of the driveway, my mind already miles away.

The drive to school was a blur, the familiar streets passing by in a haze of traffic lights and stop signs. I barely registered the other cars around me, my thoughts consumed by the tangled web of relationships and expectations that seemed to be closing in on me from all sides.

As I pulled into the school parking lot, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself for the day ahead. But even as I gathered my things and stepped out of the car, I could feel the weight of those eyes on me, following my every move.

I parked my car and headed towards River Styx, the campus cafe that had become a second home to many of us. The exterior was unassuming, with weathered brick walls and a faded wooden sign hanging above the door. But inside, it was a haven of warmth and comfort, with plush armchairs, worn wooden tables, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeating the air.

I pushed open the heavy door, the familiar chime of the bell above it announcing my arrival. I scanned the room, my eyes landing on a couple standing near the counter. It was Ivy, one of my closest friends, and her husband, Liam Wolfe. They were speaking together, their hands intertwined, looking every bit the picture-perfect couple.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching them. I couldn't help but wonder if Liam had ever asked Ivy to do anything like what Eren had asked of me. The thought made my stomach twist uncomfortably. Why couldn't Eren be content with just me? Why did he feel the need to bring someone else into our relationship?

As if sensing my gaze, Ivy looked up and caught my eye. She smiled and waved me over, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure I was ready to face her, to pretend that everything was okay when my mind was in such turmoil.

And then there was Michael. Just thinking about him sent a shiver down my spine. There was something about him, something dark and dangerous that both terrified and thrilled me. The way he had touched me at the party, the intensity in his eyes... it was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

But as much as my body reacted to him, my mind knew that this wasn't right. I couldn't just go along with Eren's plan, no matter how much a part of me might have wanted to. I had to put a stop to this before it went any further.

I took a deep breath and walked over to Ivy and Liam, trying to plaster a smile on my face. "Hey guys," I said, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears.

Ivy beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Addison! How are you?"

Liam nodded in my direction, his expression guarded and aloof.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Oh, you know. Same old, same old. Just trying to stay on top of everything."

Ivy nodded sympathetically. "I hear you. It's been a crazy quarter so far. Speaking of which, have you been studying for the Lit midterm?"

I grimaced, the mention of the exam sending a fresh wave of anxiety through me. "Barely," I admitted. "I've been so swamped with everything else, I've hardly had time to crack open a book."

Ivy frowned, concern etched on her features. "I'm sorry, Ads. That's rough. I'm sure you'll do great, though. You always do."

I forced a smile, trying to change the subject. "Thanks. I didn't see you guys at the party over the weekend."

Ivy and Liam exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them. "Yeah," Ivy agreed, her tone careful. "We're not really party people. We spent Valentine's Day just the two of us."

I swallowed hard, my mind flashing back to the events of the weekend. The closet, Michael's touch, Eren's request. It all felt so surreal, like a dream I couldn't quite shake.

"So, uh," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "You've never done anything with anyone else?"

Ivy furrowed her brow, confusion clouding her features. "What do you mean?" she asked.

I felt my cheeks flush, realizing how strange the question must have sounded. "I just mean... you know, like... including someone else. When, you know, you guys do stuff." God, this was so much harder than I thought it would be — not that I thought this was going to be easy. "For fun, or whatever."

Ivy's eyes widened, and Liam stiffened beside her.

"Absolutely not," Liam growled, eyes narrowing.

"No," Ivy said slowly, her tone cautious. "We've never done anything like that. Why do you ask?"

I shook my head quickly, trying to backtrack. "No reason," I said, my voice pitched too high. "I was just curious, that's all."

Ivy studied me for a moment, her gaze searching. I could tell she wasn't buying it, but thankfully, she didn't press the issue. "Okay," she said finally, her tone still laced with concern. "Well, if you ever need to talk about anything, you know I'm here for you, right?"

I nodded, forcing another smile. "I know. Thanks."

I looked over at Liam, studying him for a moment. The barista waved Ivy over and before Liam could follow her; I grabbed his wrist. He stiffened again and looked down at my hand, practically glaring.

"I don't like being touched by anyone not my wife," he said in a low, dangerous voice.

"Look," I said, immediately releasing him. "Between you and me, would you ever have someone else —"

"No," Liam said firmly.

"You don't even know what I'm going to say," I pointed out in a low voice.

"You don't have to say it," Liam said. "You're dating Eren, aren't you? Everyone knows he's a cuck. Decent defender, but a cuck. Let me guess, he wants to watch you with someone else."

"He wants me to, uh... well, I've never done something like that, and he wants me to take care of it before he'll even consider touching me," I said.

Liam clenched his teeth.

"I just, I don't know if that's something, you know, common." I tucked hair behind my ear, realizing the more I spoke, the stupider I sounded. Of course something like this wasn't common. And to ask Liam Wolfe of all people? What was I doing?

"Let me tell you something," he said, his voice low and intense. "And take it in whatever way you want. I don't care about Eren or what his kink is. I know if I were ever in that position when it comes to Ivy, I would be feral at the prospect of claiming her in a way no one had before. It's an honor, a privilege. And for someone to ruthlessly fob you off to someone else? Just the mere thought of anyone even thinking of touching Ivy sends me into a violent rage."

I swallowed hard, my heart slowing down as I took in his words. The raw possessiveness in his tone was undeniable, and a part of me couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. What would it be like to have someone feel that way about me? To have someone who would do anything to protect me, to claim me as their own?

I let out a shaky breath and nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you," I murmured, the words feeling inadequate in the face of his intensity.

Liam nodded in acknowledgment, but said nothing more. He turned and joined Ivy's side as they waited for their drinks, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I stepped up to the counter and ordered a mocha, needing something hot and comforting to keep me going. As I paid for my drink and moved off to the side to wait, I couldn't help but glance over at Ivy and Liam. They looked so perfect together, so in sync. I didn't want to interrupt their moment, so I kept my distance, my mind still reeling from everything that had happened.

I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with Michael. The thought crept into my mind, unbidden and alluring. How would he be with me? Would he make sure I was okay, that I was comfortable with everything?

I imagined him being romantic, taking things slow. His touch would be gentle, his kisses soft and tender. But there was something else lurking beneath the surface, something darker that people didn't see. And that was the dangerous part.

Despite the way my body reacted to him, I didn't trust Michael. Not fully. He presented one way to everyone else, but I knew, deep down, there was more to him. And that's what I wasn't sure about.

He seemed to have everyone fooled with his charming smiles and easy demeanor. But I had seen the intensity in his eyes, the possessiveness in his touch. It was like he was a wolf in sheep's clothing, hiding his true nature behind a carefully crafted facade.

And yet, a part of me was drawn to that darkness, to the mystery that surrounded him. It was like a moth to a flame, dangerous and irresistible all at once.

"Addison!" My name was called, interrupting my thoughts.

I blinked, shaking myself out of my reverie. I stepped forward to collect my mocha, murmuring a quick "thank you" to the barista.

With my drink in hand, I turned and headed towards the exit, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Michael and the dangerous attraction that seemed to pull me towards him.

As I pushed open the door and stepped out into the cool morning air, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would I give in to the temptation that Michael represented? Or would I find the strength to resist, to stay true to myself and what I knew was right?

Only time would tell.

I walked along Ring Road, a circular trail that wound through the heart of campus, connecting the various departments like a lifeline. The path was lined with bare trees, their branches reaching up towards the grey sky like skeletal fingers. Snow still dusted the grass, a remnant of the recent storm that had blanketed the university in a layer of white.

The bitter cold nipped at my skin, seeping through my coat and chilling me to the bone. I shivered, pulling my scarf tighter around my neck as I trudged onwards, my boots crunching against the frozen ground.

As I walked, I felt the sensation of eyes on me again. It was like a physical presence, a weight that pressed down on my shoulders and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. A shudder ran down my spine, and I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me, following my every move.

I stopped abruptly, my heart pounding in my chest as I looked around, scanning the area for any sign of the culprit. But there was no one there. The path was empty, save for a few students hurrying to their classes, their heads bowed against the wind.

I clenched my teeth, frustration and unease warring within me. I took a sip of my mocha, the hot liquid scalding my tongue and warming me from the inside out. But even as I savored the rich, chocolatey flavor, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

I felt it again, the sensation of eyes boring into my back. I walked faster, my strides lengthening as I hurried along the path. In my haste, I spilled some of my mocha on my white blouse, the dark liquid seeping into the fabric and leaving a stain.

I cursed under my breath, but I didn't stop. I couldn't shake the feeling of being followed, of being hunted. It was like a weight on my chest, a pressure that grew with every passing second.

I kept moving, trying to find the culprit. It was like they were following me, like no matter where I went, they would know. They would be here. They would follow. My heart quickened, my hands getting slippery with perspiration. I glanced behind me, hoping to catch sight of someone, of who it might be. I was so focused on that; I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. It shouldn't have been a surprise when I bumped into someone, but my mouth dropped open anyway like I was a fish.

I fell back, but before I could hit the ground, a hand grabbed my wrist and kept me from doing just that.

I blinked when I realized it was Michael. He had spiky, bright blonde hair that framed his angular face. His piercing blue eyes were sharp and intense, seeming to see right through me. He had a lean, muscular build, his broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist. He was dressed in a dark blue coat that accentuated his athletic physique.

The school uniform was usually boring, especially on guys, but for some reason, Michael managed to pull it off. Or maybe it was the way the white material stretched across his broad shoulders.

"You okay?" he asked.

His blue eyes scanned my face, though what he was looking for, I didn't know.

I nodded. Michael still hadn't pulled away. I almost looked down at his hand but didn't. I didn't want him to realize he was still holding onto my wrist and then pull away. I found I liked his touch. Even if I didn't trust him, I liked the way he looked at me, the way he touched me.

All of it.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Eren wanted to meet before class to get on the ice but he never showed up," he said.

I wasn't sure if that was true. Pandora's Box was across campus.

"Oh," I said instead.

"Let me walk you to class," Michael said, his voice low and smooth.

I narrowed my eyes, suspicion creeping into my tone. "How do you know where my class is?"

"Eren mentioned it," he replied with a shrug.

I wasn't sure if Eren actually knew my schedule, but I didn't protest. There was something about Michael's presence that made it difficult to say no.

We walked together the rest of the way, an odd tension hanging between us. I could feel the heat of his body next to mine, the way his strides matched my own. It was like we were in sync, moving together as one.

When we reached the building where my class was held, Michael turned to face me. His hand reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

"See you around, Addy," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

And then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd of students milling about. I stood there for a moment, trying to catch my breath. It was like his touch had stolen the air from my lungs, leaving me breathless and dizzy.

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that had settled over my mind. I couldn't let myself get caught up in whatever game Michael was playing. I had to focus on my classes, on my future.

But even as I made my way into the building, I couldn't shake the feeling of his fingers on my skin, the way his eyes had seemed to see right through me. It was like he had a hold on me, a power that I couldn't quite understand.

I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I walked into the classroom. I had to put him out of my mind, had to focus on the task at hand. But even as I took my seat and pulled out my notebook, I couldn't help but wonder how things would change after Michael and I...

Because they would change.

And honestly?

I was scared things between me and Eren would change too.

Would I be able to resist the pull of Michael's darkness? Or would I find myself drawn in, unable to escape the web he seemed to be weaving around me?

And more importantly…what did I actually want?