Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Author’s POV

One month later...

Cara came out of the changing room wearing the black dress. Chase who was looking at other dresses turned around when he heard her sandals clicking on the tile floor.

His breath got stuck in the back of his throat as his eyes slightly widened upon seeing her wearing the dress, he selected himself.

It was a black coloured, A line off shoulder dress. It was fitting her upper body perfectly and was flaring out around her legs, stopping right above her knees. She was wearing black flat sandals.

He was still glued to his place. He swallowed hard while admiring the beauty in front of his eyes. He came out of his trance when her soft, hesitant voice fell on his ears.

“How is it? Is it looking good on me?” she asked. He released a breath that he didn’t even know he was holding.

He walked towards her stopping right in front of her, not even leaving a step’s distance.

His left hand went up to tug few strands of her hairs behind her ear as other got wrapped around her waist, pulling her even more closer.

She was staring into those gray orbs while waiting for him to say something and he did.

“I don’t think, now I want you to wear this dress for that party” he whispered. She felt a bit bad in her heart hearing him say that.

“It doesn’t suit me?” she asked.

He shook his head and said, “I am going crazy over here after seeing you looking so beautiful and hot in this dress”

“And I think if I found anyone gawking at you when you are looking like this, I might get into fight with everyone out there. I don’t want anyone else to see you in this” he whispered over her lips as he brushed his lips over hers before pecking them.

Her face flushed upon hearing his words.

“But this is what you chose for me” Cara said.

“Yes I did because it looked good on mannequin. But you look much more hotter than I imagined” he said while placing a kiss on her jaw, causing heat to rush to her face.

“So… should I try something else?” she asked not wanting to grab more than necessary attention.

He smiled at her words and shook his head, “No, because you look absolutely gorgeous in this dress. About the bastards in the party, I will take care of them. Just stay glued to my side all the time”.

She nodded her head. His eyes were still fixed on her face.

“I think I can’t control myself anymore” he whispered but before she could realise what he meant, he was kissing her.

His one hand was resting on the back of her head as he deepened the kiss. He bit her lower lip lightly and she gasped in surprise.

He took the opportunity and slid his tongue into her mouth, devouring it completely. When his tongue grazed against hers, she moaned lightly and he groaned at the contact.

He left her lips when she started becoming breathless but he didn’t move away. Both of them were breathing heavily.

“I am starting to lose my control Cara. I don’t think I will be able to stop myself for a long time now” he whispered and her heart pounded against her chest before starting to hammer at a crazy speed.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck as he whispered, “You are driving me crazy”. His lips brushed against her skin and goosebumps appeared on her body.

He smiled at the affect he has on her. After staying in the same position for a while, he pulled away from her.

“I have something for you” he said. She frowned in confusion as she raised her brows questioningly.

He reached his hand into his black denim jeans pocket and took out a box.

“What is it?” Cara asked.

“Open it” he said.

She looked at him for a moment with narrowed eyes and then opened the box. Her jaw dropped as she stared at the beautiful necklace in her hand with wide eyes.

“Wow!” she exclaimed.

“You like it?” he asked her.

“It’s gorgeous Chase” she whispered and lifted her eyes up to look at him as she continued, “but I can’t take this”.

He frowned at her words and asked, “Why?”

She shook her head, “It… it looks so expensive. No… I know it is expensive. You didn’t have to purchase this for me”.

He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. He knew she would say this.

He was not planning on purchasing this necklace for her. He was just accompanying her in buying a gift for Sapphire.

There in the store his eyes fell on this white gold chain which has a small heart pendant on it.

As soon as he saw the necklace only one image came in front of his mind. And that was of her wearing this necklace around her neck.

He didn’t thought twice and bought it immediately. He just bought it because it reminded him of his Cara.

“I know, I didn’t have to buy this. But I bought it not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I wanted you to wear it” he said while caressing her cheek.

“But still…” he cut her off as he said, “Don’t think too much Cara. I have right to buy this for you as your boyfriend. Just like how you like preparing breakfast for me every morning”.

“That is different thing” she whispered.

“Now shut up” he said sternly. He took out the necklace from the box and put it around her neck. He turned her around so that she can see herself in the mirror.

A small smile appeared on her lips when she saw the necklace adorning her neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Perfect” he whispered and her smile widened.

“Thank you” she said. He just smiled and placed a kiss on her exposed shoulder. He took her hand in his and said, “Let’s go”.

They are going to attend Sapphire’s birthday party.

It’s been one month since they have started living together. In past one month they experienced something, which both of them never experienced.

The routine was same, he would drop her to college, pick her up to take her to her work then, bring her back to his apartment.

What changed was, instead of eating out like how they used to do before, they started having their meals at home.

Cara would make breakfast and dinner at home for both of them, which was very new for Chase. He can’t remember when was the last time that he ate, homemade food.

And when he tried to remember, it was when his sister was around. But once she left, he was all alone.

So eating homemade food cooked by his Cara, brought nostalgic feelings to his heart. She even taught him to cook few dishes.

Apart from food, they started hanging around in the house instead of going out on dates all the time.

They would go out sometimes but most of the time they would just sit in the living room, watching TV shows or playing games. Something which he never thought he would enjoy doing.

He never enjoyed playing games, not even with his friends. Because of this change in his behaviour, his friends started teasing him even more.

Cara met his friends few times and they really clicked together. They were completely different from their bad boy image that they portray in front of others.

Both John and George were very goofy. Cara enjoyed whenever they teased Chase.

Chase and Cara were still staying in different rooms. True to his words he was trying his best to keep himself in his boundaries.

It was not like they couldn’t share a room together. They have slept together in each other’s arms few times. Mostly in the living room while watching movies, cuddling together.

He didn’t know how she would react to the idea of them sharing the same room. Also he was not sure if he will be able to stop himself if they slept together in the same room.

Chase stopped the car in the parking of Sapphire’s farmhouse. Cara started feeling nervous upon seeing the number of cars that were parked here.

Many people would be present here. She is not very comfortable in places with so many people. He took her hand in his making her look at him.

“It’s okay. Just stay beside me” he whispered and she nodded her head. He came out of the car and opened the door for her.

He rested his hand at the small of her back and guided her inside. Loud speakers were blasting with music.

Some were already moving to the rhythm. Some were sitting on the tables with their friends, enjoying the night.

Cara noticed that students from other colleges were also invited because she could see many unfamiliar faces.

Chase pulled her closer, almost covering her small body with his masculine one to make sure that no one was bumping into her. She literally appreciated his actions.

There was food court in one corner. Also bar counter as well. Chase noticed his friends sitting near bar counter but he didn’t want to take her there, knowing very well how she reacts to the smell of alcohol.

“Your friends are calling you” Cara whispered near his ears so that he can hear her.

“I saw them but I am not leaving you alone. They will come here” he replied.

Not in a f**king hell he is going to leave her alone in this wild party. So he just found an empty table for both of them and sat down on it with her glued to his side.

Both John and George made their way towards them. George came forward to hug Cara but Chase put his palm over his chest, stopping him from getting closer.

“Are you already drunk or what? What are you doing?” Chase grated in irritation.

“Possessive much, huh?” George teased. Chase pulled Cara even more into himself if it was even possible and said, “Very much”.

John laughed at his friends. Both John and George settled down on the couch in front of them.

George stared Cara from top to bottom and said, “Cara you are looking so sex…” he couldn’t complete his sentence when Chase threatened, almost growling.

“Complete the sentence and you will find yourself in the hospital bed tomorrow morning”

George laughed at his words and said, “Oh my god Cara, what did you do to our friend? I have never seen him being on his edges like this”.

“It looks like he is going to smack everyone’s faces today in this party, whenever anyone even glanced in your direction” George teased again.

Cara’s face was red due to shyness.

“Yeah right, and I think you are going to be the first one to get punched” Chase said.

“What’s with your face dude? Why do you look so pissed?” John asked in amusement.

Chase cursed him in his head and by the way a mischievous smirk appeared on John’s lips, he knew that Chase was cursing him in his mind.

John knew very well why Chase was looking so pissed.

Cara looked up to stare at Chase’s face. He looked down to stare into her eyes.

“Are you okay?” she mouthed and he nodded his head while planting a feather kiss on her head.

Chase was literally on the edges right now. He noticed how guys were looking at her as soon as they entered into the farmhouse.

The boys from their college were not the one checking her out. They just glanced in her direction. But after seeing Chase glued to her side, they never dared to look in her direction again.

Most of the ones who were gawking at her were the guys from different colleges. That is the reason why Chase has this stern look on his face. He was trying to scare them with his glares and it was working too.

Cara was looking around trying to find Sapphire and after some time she spotted her. She was calling someone. And right at the moment Cara’s phone started buzzing.

She answered the call instantly. “Where are you Cara? The party has already begun” Sapphire said.

“I am here, to your left” Cara said. Sapphire turned around and Cara waved her hand. Sapphire disconnected the call and came towards her.

Cara tried getting up from the couch but Chase was still holding on to her. Cara turned around to look at him. He just raised his brow questioningly but didn’t let her go.

“Let me go. I need to wish her” she whispered.

“But why do you have to get up to wish her. Just say happy birthday and it’s done” he whispered back.

“Chase…” she scolded him.

“Okay, now don’t try to be cute” he said and she blushed immediately.

He smiled at her flushed face. All three of them, John, George and Sapphire were watching them flirt with one another.

Cara slapped his shoulder lightly with a shy smile on her lips. Chase finally let her go. Cara got up and pulled Sapphire in a hug wishing her best friend luck for a brand new year in her life.

“Where is my gift?” Sapphire asked as soon as they pulled away.

Cara covered her mouth in surprise as she said sadly, “God, I forgot to buy a gift for you”.

Sapphire rolled her eyes, “Ha ha ha, very funny. Now give it to me”.

Cara laughed and pulled out a box from her bag and handed it over to her. It was perfectly gift wrapped.

A big smile made its way to Sapphire’s mouth as she took the box from her hand and opened it excitedly.

Her eyes widened when she saw the bracelet. She took out the bracelet from the box as she exclaimed in a whisper, “Wow! It’s so beautiful”.

“But it looks expensive” Sapphire said with concern in her eyes. She knows that Cara earns her own money and has to take care of herself with that amount.

And it really was a little expensive but Cara already had a budget. She was saving the money to buy her a present.

“It was still in budget, don’t worry” Cara said with a small smile. Sapphire smiled even more as tears started stinging the back of her eyes.

She pulled Cara in a hug and whispered, “Thank you. I will treasure it forever”.

She pulled away from the hug and said, “Let’s go. I have something to show you”. She was about to start walking, taking Cara with her when Chase held Cara’s hand.

“Where are you going?” Chase asked while getting up on his feet.

“We will be just three tables away from here. I want to show her something” Sapphire said.

“No, she isn’t going anywhere. Look at those drunk a**es trying to hit on every girl they see” Chase said.

“Chase, don’t worry. I will take care of her” Sapphire said in attempt to assure him.

Chase raked his hand through his hairs, now feeling contemplated. He didn’t want her to go even an inch away from him. But at the same time he didn’t want to bind her to his side.

He wanted her to enjoy the party of her best friend but his heart was being reluctant to let her away from him in this wild crowd of people.

Cara could see the genuine concern in his eyes. She knew that he was already worried for her and she didn’t want to make him even more concerned than he already was.

So she said, “Saph, I will see it later, whatever you want to show me. For now I will be with Chase”.

Chase was staring at her face and he immediately knew that she was doing it for him. Now he felt a little bad and bit angry at himself for stopping her from going.

“Okay, no worries… I will…” Chase cut Sapphire off and said, “Wait Sapphire, she will go with you. Just give me a minute with her”.

Saying this he took Cara’s hand in his and started walking, stopping a little away from their friends. He took in deep breath and cupped her face with his palms.

“Sorry for acting like this but I am really worried for you, that is the only reason why I am being this way. Many from our college are here, and I am scared that someone might hurt you when I am not around” he tried to explain his concern.

“I know” she whispered with a smile on her lips.

“But you should go and enjoy your time with your friend. It’s her birthday today” he said but in his heart he was still unsure.

“It’s okay, I don’t have to…” he cut her off.

“You shouldn’t be this understanding always. You can go against my words sometimes” he said caressing her face softly.

“I would if you are wrong. But here, I know you are thinking about me, about my safety” she said putting her right hand over his hand on her cheek.

He smiled at her. “Go, I will watch over you from distance. And as soon as I see any danger, I will come running” he whispered.

“You sure?” she confirmed. He didn’t say anything and leaned down to capture her lips in a quick kiss.

He rubbed her lower lip gently with his thumb as he said, “Go and enjoy”.

They came back to where their friends were. Cara was a bit hesitant but still decided to go with Sapphire.

Cara and Sapphire were just at a little distance from them. But still Chase’s eyes were moving to Cara, every few seconds.

He didn’t want to continuously stare at her and make her uncomfortable but he was not able to keep his eyes away from her for a long time.

Some time passed. Few of their friends from other college had joined them on their table. John and George were talking about something with them while having some beer.

Chase knew them but was not that close with anyone, just met few times here and there or in the parties.

Chase was not touching alcohol at all. He wasn’t even paying attention to what his friends were talking about.

Suddenly one of the guy sitting on the same table with them asked Chase, “Who is the girl that you brought with you to the party?”

Chase’s cold eyes moved away from Cara who was laughing at something Sapphire just showed her in her phone, and fixed his scorching gaze at the guy.

“My girlfriend. Why, any problems?” His voice sounded more colder than ice.

“Girlfriend? Since when you started dating man? Weren’t you always about one night stands?” he asked.

He didn’t know why but Chase felt like this conversation is going to end up in a very wrong way. He was trying to hold in his anger. He didn’t want to fight, knowing too well that Cara doesn’t like it.

That is why he decided to just get away from these guys. He was about to get up when another guy spoke up and Chase’s jaw clenched so tight that if he put a little more pressure, his bone might just have cracked.

“She must be good in bed. You know how sometimes you don’t feel satisfied just with one night and want to go on for few days. Maybe that is the case” the guy said.

“Shut up Ben, you are talking about his girlfriend” John warned him.

But Ben didn’t understand the hidden threat behind John’s words and continued, “It’s just a show off. We all have done it few times in our lives. But Chase I must say, she is sexy as hell. I would also like to have a taste….”

He couldn’t complete his sentence when Chase smashed the bottle of champagne that was placed on the table on his head.

He was trying so hard, so f**king hard to stop himself from losing his temper and keep his anger at bay but Ben just hit the wrong nerve in a very wrong way.

If the sound of glass breaking was not enough to grab the attention of others then the loud noise of table breaking definitely was.

He grabbed the Ben by his neck and slammed him on the table so hard that the table broke because of the impact. Here is where his professional boxing skill came in handy to inflict more pain on others.

He kicked the guy in his gut as he shouted, “You f**king piece of sh*t, how dare you talk about her like that”.

Chase was beyond raged right now. He was already angry since the moment he stepped foot in this party. He was worried for her, which was already making him lose his mind.

And by saying such disgusting words about her these f**kers put more petrol to the fire. Now they will have to get burned in the flames of his anger.

The other guy who was also uttering some bullshit about Cara earlier, gulped in fear. Every wise person knew that when Chase looks like this where he is just about to put whole world on fire, you should do only one thing.

That is, stay away from him. And that guy tried to do the exact same thing. He tried running away.

But he didn’t know that when Chase decides to burn someone with his rage, he doesn’t stop without doing that.

Chase caught him and pushed him on the floor. He grabbed another bottle of Whiskey from the table and smashed it on the guy’s head.

He landed few punches on his face. After making him a bloody mess he turned around to walk towards the other guy. He kicked him few more times with all of his strength.

He looked out of his mind. Everyone around them was just staring at him. Some with hate, some with fear, some with disgust even. But no one had courage to come forward and stop him.

Not even his friends. Even after making them a bloody mess, Chase was not feeling satisfied. He picked up a chair from the corner and broke it on Ben’s head.

He still wasn’t feeling satisfied. He looked for something else. The look of craziness was clear in his eyes.

No one knew how to stop this beast. But suddenly Sapphire’s concerned filled voice snapped him out of his trance when she shouted at the top of her lungs.

“Cara…”

His eyes fell on the unconscious body of Cara, which was lying on the floor. Sapphire was trying to wake her up.

Instantly the anger got replaced by concern and fear.

“Cara…” he whispered and strode towards her, sitting down beside her.

He saw her tear stained face. Tears were still flowing from her closed eyes and once again the feeling of regret gripped his heart but this time in a much more painful way.

***

Next day...

Cara entered into his apartment to find him sitting on the couch in the living room, with his friends.

As soon as his eyes fell on her, his jaw clenched tight. He balled his hands into fists as he glared at her.

Cara took a step inside but his cold voice made her freeze on her spot when he said, “Let’s break up”.

Her eyes widened and she felt a pang of hurt in her heart when those words fell on her ears.

“What?” a surprised whisper escaped her mouth.

Chase smirked evilly at her expressions and said, “Why? Did you thought I was going to be with you for the rest of my life or what?”

“Actually I started this sh*t because I was getting bored of same one night stands and wanted to do something fun. But now I’m starting to get tired of playing the good boyfriend role” he said with a shrug as if it wasn’t hurting her.

“What… what are you saying Chase?” she asked in a broken voice.

“I am just saying that I was just playing around with you. I wanted to try being a boyfriend but I didn’t know that I will get fed up so soon. And anyways, It isn’t even helping me in any way, either” he said while slightly shaking his head.

As if he was disappointed with everything.

“I thought I will enjoy my time while fooling around with some naïve girl, take her to my bed, make myself satisfied. But things with you aren’t going anywhere and now it’s starting to get boring” he said and got up on his feet.

She was staring at him with tears in her eyes but she was keeping them at bay, not wanting to let them flow in front of him. Her heart was squeezing in her chest painfully.

“So now, just pack your bags and get out of my house” he said with a growl.

With this a lone tear rolled down on her cheek, and she couldn’t control herself anymore and let her tears flow freely from her ocean blue eyes which were still staring into the depths of his gray ones.