“Little nuisance”
Angel Pristine
Devereux University.
The university built by my grandfather-in-law, Vladimir Petrov.
A dream college—exclusively for the elites and a handful of scholarship students like me. It's a place where wealth dictates power, where connections matter more than talent, and where most people fall into three categories: daddy's princesses, spoiled brats, or the rare handful of genuinely decent humans.
And me? I was supposed to be one of the nobodies. A background character. Just another scholarship girl trying to get by.
Too bad Lucian had other plans.
Walking through the towering black gates, my presence barely registered among the crowd. On one side, a group of guys played football, their shouts echoing through the vast campus. On the other, clusters of students laughed and gossiped, oblivious to anything outside their bubble
I used to sit with a girl named Sarah. Used to
Then Lucian showed up.
He shoved her off the seat and sat beside me, his gang following without question. Since that day, no one even dared to look at me.
Which was fine. I preferred being alone over being in the company of someone like him.
By the time I reached my classroom, I took my usual front-row seat—far away from the 'Golden Boys' lounging in their usual corner even though this isn't their class. But the moment I sat down, I felt his gaze.
Lucian.
The weight of his dark eyes on me sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. I refused to acknowledge him. Instead, I took a deep breath and turned my attention forward.
Ignore him.
As the classroom filled up, I spotted a girl hesitantly scanning the room. She looked unfamiliar—new, maybe? Our eyes met, and I offered her a small, encouraging smile.
She beamed, relief washing over her features as she started toward me.
Then it happened.
A basketball came flying across the room, hitting her square in the face.
"Oops," Kian's voice rang out, laced with mock innocence.
Laughter rippled through the classroom.
I was already on my feet before I could think, helping her up. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice laced with concern
She nodded through the pain, blood trickling from her nose. I handed her my handkerchief.
Then, I felt them approaching.
Lucian and his group closed in, his looming presence pressing against me. I glanced up at him, finding his gaze locked onto my hand—the one gently holding the injured girl.
A flicker of something dangerous flashed in his dark eyes.
Possessive. Cold. Lethal.
I swallowed hard.
"Let me take you to the infirmary," I told the girl, ignoring Lucian's silent warning.
As I led her away, I shot Kian a glare. He didn't look remorseful—if anything, he looked pissed.
And I had no idea why.
As I led her to the infirmary, I immediately apologized. "I am so sorry," I said sincerely.
She shook her head. "I'm fine. It's just that my nose really hurts," she replied, making us chuckle.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Mm-hmm," she hummed. "I am."
I played with my fingers, hesitating. Will she still want to be my friend?
"Do you wanna be friends?" I asked nervously.
She tensed. Nope, not happening.
"Look, you seem great—" she started, but I cut her off.
"It's fine. I understand," I said, forcing a smile. She looked sorry but didn't say anything. Great.
The moment I shut the infirmary door, a chill ran down my spine.
I didn't need to turn around to know he was there.
Lucian.
Slowly, I turned to face him, only to find him towering over me. Six feet of pure intimidation, his broad shoulders blocking my view of the hallway, his sharp jaw clenched in barely contained anger.
His presence demanded a reaction.
I refused to give him one.
Instead, I crossed my arms and raised a brow. "What?"
His jaw twitched.
"You didn't have to touch her." His voice was eerily calm, but the storm in his eyes said otherwise.
I scoffed. "She was bleeding. Or do you prefer people suffering at your expense?"
His gaze darkened. "You're mine."
I blinked, then burst out laughing. "Oh, hell no."
Lucian's expression remained unreadable, but his fingers flexed like he was barely restraining himself.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to a taunting whisper. "Do you honestly think being engaged to you means I belong to you?" I tsked. "What a joke."
His nostrils flared.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and spoke in rapid Russian.
The conversation ended with a sharp, "Shut up."
Then, he tilted his head toward the hallway.
Dismissed.
I exhaled. "You're going to arrange a friend for me, aren't you?" I muttered, already knowing the answer.
His silence was confirmation enough.
I rolled my eyes. "You're an asshole."
LUNCH BREAK – CAFETERIA
I was halfway through my meal when Kian slid into the seat across from me.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice unusually sincere. "I shouldn't have done that."
I raised a brow. "For which part? The basketball assault or just existing?"
His lips twitched. "Look, I just have a personal feud with that bitch—apologies for my language—but if you want to be friends with her, I don't mind. Consider it my blessing."
I set my fork down, leveling him with a look. "Let me get this straight. You and your psychotic little group seem to have a problem with anyone who breathes near me. Therapy. All of you. Desperately needed."
Kian smirked.
"Touché, sister-in-law."
I recoiled. "Don't call me that."
He only grinned wider before walking away.
Sighing, I resumed eating, contemplating the unfortunate reality that I was engaged to one of these lunatics.
The cafeteria doors burst open. Cue the high-pitched laughter.
Here they come—the queen bees.
Their leader, Lessie, strutted over with her designer bag and holier-than-thou attitude. "Hey, Angel," she greeted sweetly.
I ignored her.
She sighed dramatically. "Look, I just want to know one thing," she said, lowering her voice. "Are you really engaged to Lucy?"
I nearly choked.
Lucy?
"Yes," I deadpanned.
She exhaled like I had crushed her hopes and dreams. "Well, Kian it is, then," she mumbled to herself.
I burst out laughing.
Oh, this was too good.
Kian might be a menace, but even he had standards. And Lessie? Nowhere near meeting them.
I laughed for a solid two minutes before finally catching my breath.
"Good luck, babes," I said with a dazzling smile.
Her face twisted with determination. "You think I can't?"
I smirked. "Well, I heard he likes bold girls." I shrugged innocently. "Why don't you make a move? See for yourself."
Lessie flipped her hair. "Fine. Watch me."
Oh, I will.
This was going to be hilarious.
Well, I might have a personal feud with her, and I really want to embarrass her in front of everyone—just like she did to my ex-best friend. And who is better at embarrassing people than Kian?
Lessie strutted toward the boys' table, oozing confidence.
I discreetly pulled out my phone and hit record, already anticipating the disaster about to unfold. She leaned in toward Kian, whispering something in his ear, her fake charm on full display.
The cafeteria went dead silent.
Kian smirked. Whatever she had said clearly amused him, but his next move had everyone on edge.
He stood up on the table.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" he called out, his voice echoing through the hall. "Lisa here just confessed her undying love to me and said she would do anything for me!"
The room collectively gasped. My lips twitched.
Oh, this is going to be good.
Kian turned back to Lessie, his smirk sharp enough to slice through steel. "So, naturally, she's about to prove her devotion by licking the dirt off my shoe."
The cafeteria erupted. Laughter, whistles, and a chorus of "Do it!" rang through the air.
I should stop this.
I could stop this.
But then again, Lessie did the same thing to Kristy back in high school.
She publicly humiliated her in front of her crush, and for what? Fun? To show off? To think she is better then anyone?
Nope. I was letting this one play out.
Lessie's face paled, her eyes welling up with tears as she turned to me—silently begging for help.
Not happening, sweetheart.
She flinched as Kian lifted his foot, a cruel challenge in his gaze.
"Do it," he ordered, voice eerily calm.
A tear slipped down her cheek.
I sighed.
Damn it, Angel.
Muttering a curse under my breath, I stuffed my phone away and marched toward her. Without a word, I grabbed her wrist and yanked her out of the cafeteria, ignoring the disappointed groans from the crowd.
When we reached the hallway, I spun her around.
She sobbed.
"Don't expect me to comfort you just because I saved your ass back there," I said coldly, crossing my arms.
Her bottom lip trembled, but I wasn't in the mood for theatrics.
I exhaled sharply, forcing my temper down. "Kian Drexler is an idiot. A moron. Stop throwing yourself at guys like that. You're embarrassing yourself."
With that, I walked away.
I barely made it ten steps before a familiar, lazy voice rang out.
"Well, well, if it isn't our little saint."
Damien Sterling.
I turned to find all four of them—Damien sterling, Kian Drexler, Krill Dorian, and Adrian Blackwood—sauntering toward me with their signature arrogance.
I smirked. "Well, well, if it isn't the asylum escapees."
Kian rolled his eyes. "You really ruined the fun, sister-in-law."
Krill, sucking on his usual lollipop, snickered. "That was a little disappointing, Angel. I thought you had more of a mean streak."
I grinned. "My bad. Next time, I'll make sure to throw hot coffee at you guys. What do you say? Wouldn't that be fun?"
Their expressions darkened.
Oh, I was so enjoying this.
"Whatever," Adrian muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets as they walked off.
Lucian wasn't with them.
Weird. They were usually stuck to his ass like bodyguards.
Shrugging, I turned back toward the cafeteria.
I froze mid-step.
Lucian.
Sitting at my table.
I let out a dramatic sigh before plopping down across from him. Picking up my fork, I started eating as if he weren't staring holes into my soul.
Mid-bite, I finally spoke.
"Don't you have, I don't know, classes or something? Or are you just going to keep staring at me like a serial killer?"
Lucian smiled.
I hated that smile.
It was the silent, knowing, I-own-you kind of smile.
Rolling my eyes for good measure, I finished my meal. The moment I was done, he got up and left.
Weird ass fiancé.
Whatever. I had a free period, so I grabbed my iPad and headed outside.
Finding a nice, shady spot under a tree, I started working on my story. I was fully immersed in my writing until a voice interrupted me.
"Hey!"
I blinked.
Did someone just talk to me?
Was I hallucinating?
No, wait—even ghosts were afraid of Lucian.
Looking up, I found a guy—sweaty, panting, looking way too eager.
"Uh, hi?" I said hesitantly.
"You have a pretty smile," he said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"David, by the way." He reached out for a handshake.
"Well, hello, David. I'm Angel." I shook his hand.
His expression changed.
"Ohhh," he said. The realization.
"You're Lucian's fiancée," he added. The shock.
"Well, I'm really sorry if I disturbed you or made you uncomfortable," he quickly apologized.
"It's fine. I was getting bored anyway," I admitted. "So, what are you up to?"
"Not much," he said. Then his face twisted with discomfort. "Angel..." he hesitated, looking nervous.
Great. He's going to stop talking, isn't he?
"Yes?" I asked, already knowing what was coming.
"I think there's a bug on me."
I froze.
He turned to me.
And then we both screamed.
Jumping up, I grabbed my notebook and started smacking him on the back, hoping to get the bug off.
"What the fuck, dude?" I exclaimed.
"I think I'm going to die," he said, looking around frantically.
"Out of embarrassment."
"Out of embarrassment."
We both said at the same time—then burst out laughing.
And then I felt his presence.
"What's so funny?"
Lucian.
I barely had time to react before his arm wrapped around my shoulders, yanking me against him.
The rest of his friends surrounded David like vultures.
"Yeah, man. What's so funny?" Krill echoed, smirking.
Adrian tossed a football at David, making him flinch. "Cat got your tongue, buddy?"
I snapped.
"Enough!" I glared, trying to pry Lucian's arm off me. "Lucian, let go."
Ignoring me completely, he suddenly threw me over his shoulder.
"What the hell, Lucian?! Put me down, you psycho!" I shrieked, pounding on his back.
Ignoring my protests, Lucian carried me toward a secluded area—a narrow passage between the school building and the outer wall. Shadows stretched long against the bricks, swallowing us whole.
The moment my feet touched the ground, I swung my hand to slap him.
He caught my wrist midair, twisting my arm back in one fluid motion. A smirk played on his lips as he pushed me against the wall, his body pressing into mine, trapping me completely.
"Struggling won't help, darling," he murmured, his voice dark amusement.
One of his hands wrapped around my wrists, pinning them above my head, while the other moved to my jaw. His fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to pout.
"You," he whispered, his tone both accusing and indulgent, "my little nuisance, love causing trouble, don't you?"
His eyes dropped to my lips, dark with intent.
I lifted my chin defiantly. "And you, my little tyrant, love pretending you own me."
Lucian chuckled—a low, knowing sound that sent a shiver down my spine.
"I don't pretend, darling. You just haven't accepted it yet."
His thumb traced along my jaw before he abruptly let go, stepping back slightly—but not enough to free me.
"I don't like sharing you," he murmured, his voice almost gentle. "So maybe stop talking to other people."
I scoffed. "And what makes you think I'll listen to you, bitch?"
The corner of his mouth twitched, amused. But then, his eyes darkened.
"Either be obedient," he said, smooth and slow, "or someone—preferably Kira—has to suffer."
My stomach twisted.
"Her name is Kristy," I corrected, my voice sharp.
Lucian tilted his head. "That's your best friend's name. I was talking about the other one."
Red-hot anger surged through me. My fist shot up to punch him, but he dodged at the last second. I stumbled forward—only for him to catch me, his arm snaking around my waist and pulling me flush against his chest.
His breath brushed my ear.
"Hitting your fiancé, little nuisance?" he whispered, smug and taunting.
I gritted my teeth. "You deserve it.”
His hold on me tightened. "Now, I don't like sharing you," he repeated, "but since you requested it, I ordered Kira's admission to this college."
I froze.
My heart lurched in my chest.
I lifted my head, my breath hitching.
"Really?" I whispered, barely believing it.
Lucian hummed, eyes locked onto mine. Something in them softened, a glint of pride surfacing as his grip on my wrist loosened.
A slow, overwhelming smile spread across my lips. "Kristy is coming back!" I gasped, the weight in my chest easing for the first time in days.
"But," he continued, voice dipping lower, "if what happened repeats again, I'll make sure she is—"
I slapped my hand over his mouth.
"Don't," I whispered, my voice breaking as I realized exactly what he was implying.
Lucian's smirk curled against my palm. He removed my hand slowly, holding my wrist between his fingers as he looked at me—really looked at me.
He was planning something.
Something dangerous.
Something I wouldn't be able to stop.
Before I could demand an answer, he tilted his head, his smirk widening.
"Now, time for my reward," he said, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Bastard.
"What reward?" I snapped, yanking my wrist free.
Lucian's eyes flickered with amusement. "I want a kiss, darling."
I scoffed. "Dream on."
His gaze darkened, and he took a slow, deliberate step forward.
"Well, too bad, darling," he murmured. "Either you give me one on your terms..."
He caught my chin again, tilting my face up to his.
"...or I take it my way."
The air between us charged, an electric pulse crackling in the silence.
My pulse pounded as his eyes flicked to my lips.
"Asshole," I muttered.
His smirk deepened.
"Your favorite," he murmured.
THANK YOU
