Chapter 56: Chapter 56

I couldn't help but touch my forehead, trying to hide the fact that I'd been staring at him for too long. I was just standing here, making eye contact with him. The strangest thing was, he wasn't breaking eye contact either. We were both standing here, lost in each other's gaze.

I knew I should get out of the restroom and join my date, but for some reason which I wasn't sure of, I couldn't bring myself to move. I should not be alone with my ex. My brain told me to move on, but my body wouldn't listen.

I leaned against the wall. I watched as Romeo finally broke our eye contact and reached into his pocket, pulling out a packet of cigarettes. As he took a drag from cigarette, the tip flared a deep red, almost like a warning sign. I hated the smell of cigarette smoke. I hated when people smoke. But, I couldn't keep my eyes away from him. I wondered how he looked so hot and attractive while doing that.

Suddenly, his forest green eyes locked into mine. He gave me a small, sly smile spread across his face, the kind of smile that promised mischief. I knew he was about to do something.

Then he spoke, his voice smooth and inviting. "Want to join me, Ivy?" He held out the cigarette, offering it to me.

I chuckled softly. It was a little mischievous chuckle too. I knew exactly what he was up to. I once told him that I hated cigarettes. I knew his game, and I decided to play along.

" I was waiting for you to invite me. I want another cigarette, please." I told him.

His brows furrowed. He took a drag from his cigarette, holding it between his fingers. "When did you start smoking?" He spoke slowly, his eyes narrowing as he studied my face.

I crossed my arms over my chest, a lopsided smile playing on my lips. "I've been smoking for a while now. Wait, have you never seen me smoking before?" I asked, feigning surprise.

Romeo shoved his hand into his pocket, the other still holding his cigarette. His gaze never wavered from mine, his piercing eyes didn't leave my face. "You can't fool me, Young," He uttered.

I shook my head. "I could never smoke. Smokers are liable to die young. Smoking is bad for your health. You should think about giving it up, Sparks," I said bluntly.

His voice was low and husky as he replied. "You don't tell me what to do," He blurted out.

"And what if I do so?" I shot back.

A silence hung between us. I couldn't tell what was going through Romeo's mind, but I knew he was trying to process what I said. I hadn't meant to challenge him so directly, but the words just slipped out of my mouth. Now, I was a bit stunned by my boldness too.

Romeo grounded the cigarette into the floor with the heel of his shoe.

His eyes then met mine, he had a blank look on his face. "Come closer to me," He commanded.

I should not listen to him. My mind was screaming at me not to listen to his words. It told me to say something bold, something that would show him that he couldn't order me around. But instead, I felt myself walking a few steps forward, drawn in by his gaze. There was something in his tone that made me feel compelled to obey, even though a part of me wanted to defy him.

Before I could even think of anything, Romeo's hand found my waist, pulling me close so that our chests were touching. I felt so weak in the knees as our eyes met, and his intense gaze drew me in. I had the sudden urge to run my fingers through his hair again. I didn't even know why, but this night I couldn't stop myself from being fascinated by his hair. Was it the beautiful scent of his shampoo, or the way it lay perfectly against his head?

Romeo gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, his lips curving into a sly smile. His voice was low and seductive, sending shivers through my spine as he asked, "Is this my Ivy or someone else? I think I like this new Ivy even better than the old one."

"I'm still the same."

I managed to say despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Yes, but hotter and bolder."

His eyes gleamed brightly. His fingers brushed against my arm. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. He knew what he was doing, the effect he had on me. How could someone be so perfect? I couldn't imagine ever forgetting about this handsome devil, not when he looked like this and spoke such sweet words. Not when he knew just where to touch me, how to make me feel things I'd never felt before.

Romeo continued. "I've been wanting to touch you for so long. Just seeing you without being able to touch you has been torture. If only you knew how happy I was bumping into you in his restroom looking so perfect for me."

Damn, my cheeks had turned pink. What was he doing to me with his touch and his words? Why did you decide to tell all these things now?

I cleared my throat. "I saw you with Samantha," I blurted out, unable to keep the words to myself.

Romeo brushed his hand through his hair. I had to shrug off the thoughts that I should be the one doing that. I didn't know when I turned to this. I was literally a different being with him.

"That doesn't matter. I saw you with a boy too. And I saw you kiss him. You had your lips on his'. Fuck, I didn't want to remember that. I just want to focus on the fact that I have you here with me now. I'm not with Samantha, and you're not with that nerd." He rambled.

I frowned. "James is not a - "

I couldn't finish my sentence. His lips met mine, cutting me off. He quickly pulled away, his eyes searching mine for any sign of disapproval. But instead of telling him to stop, I yearned for me. I craved his lips more than anything.

"You stopped," I said, my voice a little breathy. "Why?"

Romeo shut his eyes for a while, then opened it back and stepped back, removing his hands from my body.

"I can't do this," He muttered under his breath, but I heard what he said.

And with that, he turned and left the restroom, leaving me standing there, completely confused.