Chapter 4
You groaned as your alarm rang, disrupting what little sleep you managed to get last night. You hit stop on your phone and yawned, silently dreading the day ahead of you. This is a big day, don’t mess this up, you thought to yourself. After a few minutes you dragged yourself up and got ready for your class at Georgetown; washing your face, putting on some makeup and styling your hair, and finally picking out a nice chic outfit.
Steve was downstairs in the kitchen when you entered, he had set out a small breakfast for you. “You’re my bodyguard, not a personal chef.” You said jokingly, and brought the plate closer to you as you sat down. “But thank you.”
“I have to do something to make myself useful around here.” He replied with a lopsided grin.
“You mean besides protecting my life?” You asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yeah, there's that too.” He laughed and nudged your elbow, moving towards the sink to clean up. “So, what's on the agenda for today?” He asked and leaned against the counter, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
You tried to ignore the warmth in your cheeks as you ate this marvelous breakfast, “Class, all day. You really don’t need to come.” You said.
“Mm, well, I’m going to. And I can’t wait.” He said, flashing his toothy grin once more.
You rolled your eyes, smiling softly. You finished breakfast, said goodbye to Bentley and made your way outside to Steve’s car. You spend the car ride reviewing your notes in preparation for the debate, but of course you can’t help but look over at Steve every so often, admiring his suit today. Whatever happened to ‘no distractions’ one part of your brain said, while the other thought, jump him!
Little did you know that Steve was thinking the same about you. You looked beautiful in your fitted blazer and heels, Steve couldn’t help but check you out from the corner of his eyes as he drove.
Once you arrived at school Steve lingered like a ghost, from class to class, Steve would be in the corner somewhere. Others might not notice him following you around everywhere, but whenever you glanced over your shoulder he was there, just watching over you.
Finally, it was your last class of the day and the most important one, your mock debate. You sat in the front of the class with your other group members, and Steve made his way to the back. You prepped quietly and took a deep breath as your teacher announced for each team to step up. The topic in question was if abortion was a right, you and your team being the affirmative side.
The timer started and your opponent, Brian Ludgate, who was republican white privilege personified, began the debate. You tried your best to contain your frustration while he spoke, you maintained a pokerface and positive stance in front of the class. Prick Prick Prick, you kept repeating in your head as he spoke.
“Abortion is not a right, no one has the right to murder.” Brian stated as he finished the first part of his speech.
“Amazing, every word of what you just said was wrong.” You said and smiled, looking over at him. “Fetuses that are viable aren’t terminated unless the life of the mother is threatened, and government bodies should not have the right to force people to have unwanted pregnancies. Abortion is not murder, no one is being given ‘the right’ to murder, however you know who does have the right to murder? The US Military.” The classroom broke out into opposing groans and affirming nods.
The debate continued, and now it was time for closing arguments, Brian gave an awful pro-life spiel of course. “And that is why abortion should not be a right, and as Alexander Pierce would say, ‘No woman, has the right to murder an innocent baby just because she wasn’t careful.’” Brian said to you with a snarl, and within a second, Steve bolted down and shoved Brian’s shoulder.
“You better watch out, kid.” Steve said slowly, his eyes dark with anger as he grabbed fistfuls of Brian's clothes with his two hands.
“Steve, enough! It’s just a debate, let him go.” You shouted, your cheeks red with embarrassment as you noticed all your classmate's eyes on you and Steve.
Steve huffed out a breath and let go of Brian aggressively, he threw you a glance before storming out of the class.
“Uh-Well, enough with that, let’s just focus on finishing up the class. Come on now, sit down.” Your professor said awkwardly. The last bit of class finished up, and you quickly gathered your things to slink out of class…hopefully unnoticed…where Steve was waiting outside the door.
“You can’t just make a scene like that! I have a life you know, a reputation to uphold?!” You muttered to him as the two of you walked side by side to his car.
“Listen, I’m sorry, okay! But he basically threatened you, he knew what he was doing by quoting Pierce like that.” Steve replied.
“It was just that, a quote. In my debate class.” You huffed and climbed into the car. “You never overstep like that again, sure, be there to save my life or whatever, but when it comes to school or work, you let me take care of myself. Okay?” You stated firmly and tipped your head up at him, your brow arched.
Steve just pursed his lips and nodded before getting into the driver's side.
Just a mere 6 hours ago, you wanted to jump his bones, and now you were furious with him. But if you were being honest, the frustration and his fierce protection of you made you want to jump him just as much.