The Forest Border (2)

"So, the thief was Lucas the new librarian. What did he take from you? Your heart?" Nieal teased her when they walked to the stairs.

"Stealing my heart is not that easy."

"True." Nieal agreed. He headed to the history section and went up the stairs. As to remember something he turned around seeing Irina stood still at the same spot, he smiled inwardly. Knowing that Irina was brewing something in her head. He said "I'll meet you there in half an hour." He pointed the polished large table on her left.

Irina glared at his back. What did he just say?

When Irina was busy glaring at the lost shadow of Nieal's back, someone was watching at her.

Lucas's step halted, he put the books in his hand to the empty shelf. What was she doing there? Glaring empty space?

Irina's sudden strode towards him made him startled. He was preparing the best way to greet her, his eyes followed her movement closer, closer, closer, and walked pass him just like nobody there. What happened? Did I suddenly invisible? This girl was really something.

Lucas cleared his throat causing Irina froze still. He walked slowly "You know Miss Irina, I started to think the thief you were calling me was your pick up line."

"What?"

"And now, I understand what you just did was to gain my attention." He said and put a provoking smile on his face.

Irina's mouth open, she never met such an annoying confident man like him. "Look Mr. Lucas, I'm sorry if I made you thinking like that."

"Ohh.. You remember my name." He provoked her again. Still smiling. "Please, just call me Lucas."

Lucas knew she was irritated by his words, but he couldn't help it. He enjoyed her reaction. He wanted to tease her more. Lucas was used to see girls who look pretty or trying to be or knowing that they were pretty and taking advantage of it. But not this one, she was not just pretty, she was beautiful. And Lucas was sure that she didn't know it.

Irina raised her brows, how could he still willing to talk to her after she called him thief with no reason for him. Did he that bored? Or he just wanted a challenging because those girls were so easy?

Stopping her thinking, she shook her head, she resumed her walk and left without replying to him. She was looking for the new collection, Mrs. Letty told her it was around here somewhere on these shelves.

Seeing her left him with uttering no word made him smile. Interesting indeed. She must've read most of the regular collection. "The new collection is in shelves 3119, two alleys from here."

"Oh."

"Thank you" Said Lucas.

She looked back "You're welcome."

Lucas laughed. Typical. Her figure gone to the next alley. He picked up his books again and continued his job. He wanted to finish his job before the mid-day bell strikes.

Nieal walked down the stairs, he saw Irina read the book already and she had another book on the table. He pulled the chair beside her.

"Do you want to read that here? Don't forget your promise to made my day." He stared with narrowed eyes.

She sighed. "Fine. What do you have in mind?"

"Alright, let's check these books out first. I found new place in the forest."

A carriage had waited when they stepped out the library. Nieal helped Irina first before he got in himself.

On their way, Irina told Nieal about what happened yesterday when she went to library, she also told him why she called Lucas a thief.

"Why don't you tell me before? I can help you get the job. You just say the word." He said grimly.

"That's exactly why I'm not telling you." She gave him her brilliant smile.

"I'll go to the deputy tomorrow, and throw him off the job."

"What? Don't do that." Irina startled. "I'm not qualified for the job." Said Irina with her convincing tone.

"You are more than qualified. And I can manage it without exposing you." Nieal replied with wide grin.

Seeing those playful eyes of his staring back at her, she knew she was trapped. She leaned back and cross her arms over her chest.

"Fine, what do you want?" Said Irina calmly.

A winning smile formed on Nieal's face. "Go to the ball with me, the three of us."

"I hate you."

"The way you saying your yes is unexpected as always." Said Nieal. "Look we're here."

Irina turned her head to look outside from the window. She was surprised and became wary. Nieal got out first and helped Irina. When she set her feet on the ground, she gave him a wary look.

"Relax." Said Nieal sensing her worry.

"We are not supposed to go near the border."

Nieal pointed his finger forward to the thick round of trees, "There, there is the border." He led the way. "We are heading this way." He said, at the same time Strode his feet to the area where the sunshine shone through the thin layer of trees forming lines of light.

The trees were getting thinner and thinner. The sun rays passed through the spaces among leaves like spears made of light. Even though the amount of sun shine was huge, beside the sound of their foot step, the forest was still and silent. No animal was on sight. This kind of stillness was frightened Irina.