Chapter six

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the beach. Marcus led the way, his tall, 6'4" frame cutting a path through the sand with effortless grace.

Alina followed a few steps behind, trying to keep her eyes focused anywhere but on him. However, her gaze kept drifting back to him, betraying her inner thoughts.

Marcus's muscular build was impressive, his perfect abs glistening slightly in the evening light, and his well-plump ass moving enticingly with each step. She couldn't help but admire the way his body looked, the way his muscles flexed subtly under his shirt.

As they walked, Marcus turned his head slightly, his chiseled jaw and sexy blue eyes catching the light just right. His smile was to die for, and Alina felt her heart skip a beat. He really was handsome, annoyingly so. Just then, he turned fully to face her. "Hey, can you hurry up?" he called, raising an eyebrow.

She quickly pretended to be irritated, her cheeks flushing as she crossed her arms. "I'm coming, geez. No need to bark orders," she snapped, trying to sound annoyed.

Marcus smirked, clearly amused by her reaction, and turned back around. As soon as he did, Alina's expression softened, and she went back to blushing. She bit her lip, her eyes trailing down his back once more. His ass looked perfect in those shorts, and she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to—

"Alina, keep up!" Marcus's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered, rolling her eyes. But as soon as his back was to her again, she found herself smiling, unable to help the attraction she felt.

"Focus, Alina," she whispered to herself, trying to rein in her thoughts. "Remember, he's a jerk."

But the moment he glanced back at her with those sexy eyes, all her resolutions seemed to melt away. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind, but it was no use. As long as Marcus was around, she'd be fighting a losing battle against herself.

Marcus suddenly stopped and turned, catching her in the act. "Were you checking me out?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Alina's face turned bright red. "What? No! I wasn't!"

"Sure you weren't," he said, leaning in closer. "Admit it, Alina. You like what you see."

She crossed her arms, trying to look defiant. "No, I wasn't. I am not a bit attracted to you."

Marcus's eyes sparkled with excitement. He felt this was a challenge; after all, no girl had been able to resist his charms. He leaned in, his face so close to hers she could feel his breath. Her heart was racing wildly—it was so loud she feared Marcus would hear it.

He did. "So why is your heart beating so fast? I haven't even done anything."

Alina's mind went blank. She wanted to retort, to defend herself, but the words wouldn't come out. His lips moved closer, so close she could feel the warmth. Her entire body quivered as she closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable kiss. Ten seconds passed—no kiss. When she opened her eyes, he was staring at her with a smirk.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I thought you said you didn't find me attractive." He turned and started walking ahead. "Let's go."

Alina stood there, frozen, unable to move her feet. "Why did I close my eyes? What the hell is wrong with me?" she muttered to herself, giving her forehead a light knock. "Get a hold of yourself, Alina."

"What are you doing? Hurry up!" Marcus called back, his voice tinged with amusement.

Alina took a deep breath and started walking, catching up to him. "I wasn't waiting for a kiss, you know," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Oh, really?" he raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the game. "Then what were you waiting for?"

She rolled her eyes, attempting to maintain her composure. "I was... I was just checking if I had anything stuck in my eyes."

He burst out laughing. "Good one, Alina. You almost had me there."

They walked in silence for a moment before Marcus leaned in again, his voice low and seductive. "You know, you can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to your heart."

Alina felt her cheeks flush. She quickened her pace, trying to put some distance between them. "Whatever, Marcus. Keep dreaming."

He grinned, effortlessly matching her stride. "Dreaming about you? Always."

She shot him a sidelong glance, torn between irritation and amusement. "You're impossible."

"And you're irresistible," he replied smoothly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Alina shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips despite herself. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

"More than you can imagine," he said, winking at her.

As they continued walking, Alina slowed her pace. The tension between them was evident, but so was the playful banter. Alina couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, Marcus was more than just the bully and jerk everyone thought him to be.

"Hey, what are you doing dragging your feet? Hurry up!" Marcus called out, waving her over.

"Yeah, Marcus?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

"I've got a little task for you," Marcus said, his grin widening. He lay on a mat spread on the sand and handed Alina a fan. "Take this and make sure you fan me. These mosquitoes are driving me crazy. I think they're perverts—they want a piece of me, just like you." He eyed her with a smirk.

Alina blushed, snatching the fan from his hands. "What do you mean by that? I don't want you. I don't even find you attractive. I only have eyes for one person, and you know who that is." She defended herself, her cheeks burning.

He chuckled. "Please, it's obvious you're attracted to me just like every other girl here. But let me warn you—don't fall for me. I can't be tamed. I'm for everyone and no one." He relaxed on the mat, closing his eyes.

Alina's face turned red with anger. She wished she could hit him. The worst part was that he was right—she was attracted to him, but that wasn't her fault. Almost all the girls were equally drawn to him.

"What are you waiting for?" he said, his voice rising. "Why aren't you fanning me? Do you want these perverted mosquitoes to eat me alive before you know what to do?"

Alina started to fan him grudgingly, her movements jerky with irritation. "When are you going to give me my book?" she asked.

"Who knows? If you do a good job fanning me, I might give you your stupid book," he said, slightly irritated. "Now stop bugging me and fan."

Alina fanned him with exaggerated care, her eyes narrowing as she muttered under her breath. "I'm not your personal assistant, you know."

Marcus opened one eye and smirked. "Could've fooled me."

Alina huffed, increasing the speed of the fan to a near gale-force wind. "If you want a hurricane, I can definitely arrange that."

Marcus laughed, his voice rich and teasing. "Easy there, tornado. I just need a gentle breeze."

She slowed her pace, glaring at him. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are," Marcus replied, his smirk never fading. "What does that say about you?"

Alina bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. "That I have the patience of a saint."

"Or that you secretly enjoy my company," Marcus countered, winking at her.

"Keep dreaming," she retorted, rolling her eyes. "I'm just here for my book."

"Sure, sure," he said, settling back down. "Keep telling yourself that, Alina."

Just then, Evan and Kendra arrived, hand in hand. Marcus's sharp eyes caught sight of them immediately, and a sly smile spread across his face. "Look, Alina. Here comes your one true love with his girlfriend," he said, chuckling.

Alina stopped fanning and turned to see Evan and Kendra walking towards the group. Her heart sank. Evan looked happy, but there was something forced about Kendra's smile. Alina couldn't tear her eyes away from them, her fan hanging limply in her hand.

"I don't get it," Marcus continued, his voice low and mocking. "If you like him so much, why didn't you date him? Why let Kendra take him from you? Because, trust me, the Kendra I know isn't that into Evan."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus shifted, sitting up slightly. "Everyone knows Evan has a huge crush on you. So, why is he dating Kendra and not you?"

Alina stared at him, her mouth agape. "Really? Evan likes me?"

Marcus laughed, a harsh sound that made Alina's cheeks burn. "You didn't know? Everyone in school knows. You are really amusing."

Alina's mind raced. Evan liked her? How had she missed that? But before she could process the information, Marcus's tone turned serious, almost menacing. "But it's too late now."

"What do you mean by that?" Alina asked, feeling a chill run down her spine.

Marcus's smile disappeared, replaced by a dark frown. "You belong to me now. You

For a moment, Alina thought she saw Marcus's eyes change color—from blue to a frightening yellowish gold. It made her shiver, as fear gripped her heart as if he weren't human.

The tension between them crackled like electricity. Alina wanted to pull away, but she was rooted to the spot by his intense gaze.

"Marcus, you're being ridiculous," she managed to say, her voice shaking.

Marcus stood up, towering over her. "Ridiculous? Maybe. But I'm serious, Alina. You're mine."

Alina's heart pounded in her chest. She glanced over at Evan and Kendra, who were now mingling with the crowd, oblivious to the drama unfolding between her and Marcus. She was afraid—Marcus was scaring her now. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice breaking.

Marcus's expression softened for a moment, but his eyes remained hard. "Because, Alina, sometimes you have to take what you want. And I want you."

The intensity of his words hung in the air, making Alina's head spin. She was torn—part of her wanted to run, and surprisingly, part of her still wanted to stay. She had to find a way out of this, but for now, all she could do was stand there, fanning him once more, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and fear.