Cherreads

Chapter 18 - Chase

'I can't believe I'm actually doing this!' Camilla exclaimed as she took a breath between eyeliner strokes. She was applying the finishing touches of her makeup alongside Hina and Maya. Camilla decided to wear a black turtleneck jumper paired with a beige mini skirt that went against sheer, tan-coloured tights. Her hair was down with a slight wavy bounce parted to the side.

The girls were getting ready at Camilla's studio to meet the boys for arcade and drinks, the boys being Ashin, Cassius and a friend that Ashin brought along.

'Oh, hush you, you love it!' Maya teased Camilla as she fixed her lipstick, she wore skintight leggings to show off her long legs alongside an oversized cropped cardigan falling off her shoulder.

'Well yeah, obviously I love it! Why am I just so nervous!' Camilla screeched, as she perfected her look. She seemed to keep bumping into Cassius over the past few days but never long enough to have a proper conversation. Those small interactions made her curiosity grow day by day, as Cassius never gave anyone else attention and was known for his mystery. Little did she know, that was Cassius continuously planting the scent diffuser on her, building rapport naturally till he found the right time to approach her directly.

'Camilla! Come on! It's cus you actually like this one.' Hina explained matter of fact as she adjusted the curls on her short bob haircut. Hina gave off a pixie appearance being frail in stature, making a lot of men fall for her damsel charm. She decided to wear an oversized jumper as a dress that revealed her nape and extenuated her cuteness.

'I know, I know.' She sighed as she lay on her bed, Camilla knew exactly how she sounded; precisely like the girls she used to complain about. She simply couldn't help her reactions, it was her first time she had a crush on someone, her feelings continued to pour out.

'Just get it out all now, so when you see him, you can look calm and composed.' Maya walked up to Camilla and brought her to the mirror. 'Look at yourself, YOU are a LIONESS, a woman who knows what she want!' Maya encouraged Camilla to manifest.

Hina burst out laughing. 'Are you sure she's not a deer?' Hina teased as she tried to stop her amusement from seeping out, while Maya just rolled her eyes.

Camilla joined in on the laughter. 'She has a point, I'm 100% the deer.' She smiled at herself in the mirror, flicking her back. 'I just hope Cassius pounces.' The three broke out in laughter surprised by Camilla's bold response.

While getting dressed, Maya spoke about her and Ashin's chemistry being otherworldly, how his wild free, spirited and masculine charm matched her mischievous independence. They had numerous conversations on the phone under the pretence of setting up todays outing.

'When will I find my prince charming to make me blush and squeal.' Hina sighed, while listening to both girls get excited about their new romantic prospects.

'That is exactly why I told Ashin to bring someone just your type! You could do with forgetting about Kai.' Maya said not realising she spoke in front Camilla. Everyone knew Kai's apparent feelings for Camilla despite skirting around the subject. One of the main reasons Hina avoided meeting new people was because she had made multiple advances with Kai, but he continued to turn her down. 'Ah, shit sorry! I didn't mean…' Maya tried to backtrack her words.

'It's fine!' Hina pouted in a cute and friendly manner trying to make light of the situation.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Elsewhere in an adult only arcade, Cassius and Ashin were waiting for the girls and their gap filler friend; Ashin's friend to be precise as Cassius didn't have any other acquaintances on campus apart from Ashin. 'Ain't you lucky to have lil' ol' me, setting this all up for you.' Ashin teased in a mocking tone while he sat at the bar sipping his drink.

Cassius smirked, he had begun to enjoy Ashin's taunts towards him wondering how far they will go. 'Yes, indeed I am, I have been putting off talking to Camilla till now.'

'Poor Cami! Why keep the girl waiting?' Ashin looked surprised; from his earlier performance he thought Cassius wouldn't need any help, but he was clearly mistaken.

'I was waiting for the right moment, either way I enjoy the thrill of the chase.' Cassius explained not realising how sadistic his words sounded.

Cassius turned around as he sensed his aura come through the door, Ashin in turn also followed releasing the girls had arrived. They both almost in unison, spoke their minds. 'Delicious.'

The group gathered around the bar and had a drink while reintroducing each other. Maya naturally went in to embrace Ashin, even though they had been talking frequently, they hadn't had a chance to meet in person after their first encounter. This made Ashin hold on to her even after she released her arms from around him. Maya was used to skin contact and was quite open minded, making the extra nerves she felt whenever she'd touch Ashin exciting and special.

Camilla was more reserved and greeted Cassius in what she felt was a good façade of confidence. 'Hi again!' She waved at him giving her sweetest smile.

'Hi again.' Cassius replied giving off a sultrier smile. It was the small details in his gestures that Camilla seemed to notice. The lean in when he would speak over the noise, the touch of hands when he'd pass her drink, the hand that grazed her back as it hovered to guid her through the crowd. All increasing the anticipation in her heart.

The third party seemed to be a no show, and Hina was left without a partner. Although Ashin did his best to be his friendly self and ensure she wasn't left out or felt like a third wheel. Hina appreciated this and thought more highly of him but ultimately decide to leave early after the group enjoyed a few games.

'No Hina, don't leave come with us.' Ashin felt guilty for her being alone, they were deciding on whether to go for drinks at a bar or at a club.

'Thanks, it's fine I have an early lecture in the morning anyway.' Hina explained as she got on her bus home, leaving the four alone.

Ashin grabbed Maya close by the waist as she giggled. 'Club?' He asked, already knowing the answer. Maya wanted a reason to get closer to him and dancing was the easiest way.

'Yes lets!' Maya looked to Camilla who was stealing glancing at Cassius.

'Well…' Camilla wasn't really fond of clubs as she never really liked the invasion of personal space. However, she was debating if this time she would welcome close quarters, although she wondered if it was the drink she had that taking over.

'I'd welcome the thought as long as Camilla obliges.' Cassius brushed his hand on Camilla's arm as he coaxed the idea through her mind. As much as he was enjoying the slow game of building her lust, he was growing anxious at the delight standing in front of him craving his touch. Waiting for a meal was a new feeling Cassius had not yet gotten accustomed to.

'Okay lets!' Camilla grinned in excitement, giving in to her desires as they venture down the alley ways of the urban district.

More Chapters