Barely Breathing

My alarm clock decided to make itself known and blast, waking me up in the process. I groaned and switched off the little devil. I
don't remember switching its alarm on last night. I sat up with my eyes closed, debating whether to sleep again or go for a run.
"Willow."
A deep voice spoke and my eyes fluttered open. The weird feeling in my stomach came back again. That voice. I immediately
spun around to my left side forgetting I was on the edge of the bed and a loud thud was heard.
In short, I fell off the bed. Told you, I love mornings.
He chuckled shamelessly at my cost which angered me more, part of the stunt I just pulled off, I guess.
Xyrus was sitting by the wooden chair of my study table in one corner. He was looking at me charmingly with a playful smile on
his face. He crossed his arms and leaned on the chair; legs wide apart.
I rolled my eyes. Typical boys.
"You showed up," I said bitterly after I collected what was left of my pride at the floor and stood up. It's not a question, more of a
statement that showed my annoyance towards him. Why did he have to see me? I was fine until he showed up.
"Miss me, princess?" He asked in that deep rough voice of him, his smile not faltering a bit. His eyes though, held that
mischievous glint like he's up to something. And I have this nagging feeling that I wouldn't like it.
"Why would I, don't get your hopes too much," I replied. I can’t help but check him out.
He was wearing a black V-neck shirt which accentuated more his muscles. I decided black suits him. He wore tight pants that
hugs perfectly his long sturdy legs and black shining shoes. I swear his shoes are shinier than my hair.
"You-done checking me out?" He winked at me and smiled, shaking his head. He tilted his head to the side and grinned wider.
He's enjoying this.
“Ha-ha!” I laughed sarcastically at him and rolled my eyes. I crossed my arms and shifted my weight to one foot. "I didn’t."
"You just did." He stood up and boringly scrutinized every detail in my room. He picked up a book on the table and read the back
of it. He opened it, scanning the pages.

"It...It’s not like what you think. Looking at you, at what you wear, doesn’t mean...anything to me." I blabbed, the last part I'm
more of talking to myself as I got the book out of his hands and put it back on the shelf.
"Your eyes say it all princess." He looked me in the eye as if to prove his point.
"Uh-huh, Like what? " I wasn't interested in what he would reply as it matters. So, I started fixing the bed, arranging the pillows
and, folding the blanket.
"Like you can't resist me."
That caused me to stiff. I turned around; annoyance clearly visible on my face. I arched an eyebrow at him.
"Pardon?"
He smirked. It satisfies him to see that he affects me, obviously. He has my full attention now and he seems to gain more
confidence.
"Like you want me near you." He continued to tease me. I made a step closer.
"Like you can't wait to be in my arms." I took another step but he stood his ground. His smirk had turned into a grin which fuelled
my anger more.
"Like you want me to kiss you so bad."
That did it; I snapped. I punched him but he catches my fist first onto his hand before I can hit his face. A thud sounded as my fist
came in contact with his palm.
"Not so fast, princess." He pulled my hand and I stumbled to him. He holds me by the waist and whispered in my ear.
"Catcha!"
I was out of breath and out of words. I quickly pushed his chest but to no avail. He didn't even move a bit. He chuckled and held
me tighter. I can feel his warmth slowly melting my resolve. Like ice to fire. I felt calmness washed over me and I’m lulled with the
comforts it gives.
"Let go..." I whispered. Even in my ears, it sounded unconvincing. But I have to get out of his embrace. This foreign feeling, he
gives me scares me the most. I was struggling to get free and I don't want this powerless feeling he makes me feel. I should be

in control.
"I don't want to..." I heard him whispered softly too. It might affect him as I do.
After a minute, I gave up struggling and put my hands on his chest, making sure to keep some distance even though it's
impossible. I heard him took a breath deeply.
"What do you want?!" I said harshly and looked up to see his face. I shouldn't have. His sea-blue eyes stare at me in a way that
makes me feel uncomfortable. Silence engulfed the air as we kept staring into each other.
"You...I want what's mine."