A/N: Now that you've clicked onto this story, please read on!
Full summary: Everyone falls for hotness incarnate Rose Hathaway's impenetrable facade. She's classy, beautiful, perfect.
However, what they don't know is that Rose isn't a simple, stereotypical good girl-she's snarky, sarcastic and she just hides it well-with lots of experience and mental coaxing.
But when a gorgeous, mysterious guy abruptly walks into her life, she's anything but prepared. He's going to question her beliefs, and throw her something she's never experienced before-love. They're perfect together-there's just one not so tiny problem.
He's her teacher.
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A month ago...
"Yes. It's been a great pleasure talking to you again, Jesse. I do hope to see you sometime soon." Smiling sweetly-and forcedly-at the stuck-up, cocky bastard who was intent on seducing me, I not-so-subtly waved him goodbye.
Even under his mask, I could tell that it was him. When he sighed, frustrated, under his breath, I knew I was right. I resisted a chuckle, shaking my head discreetly. He really didn't think that he could get away with flirting with me under the pretext of being a stranger, did he? He was not nearly that unrecognizable even in a masquerade-themed ball. Recognizing his thick features, even if hidden slightly, was not a tough feat only a scientist could handle.
Not wanting to see his obnoxious face any longer, I turned around, heading straight towards the staircase that led to my room. I was positive that if I stayed for a minute longer in the hall amidst the sea of people decked out in elaborate gowns, I would be asked to dance by another guy again. Guys tended to like my appearance-long, wavy brownish-black hair that flowed down to my waist and chestnut-coloured eyes with a touch of gold to it. My tall, muscular build and rather curvy figure, which had come about through years of track training, seemed appealing to them too. Regardless, I wasn't one who prided on her looks or material things.
Being the only daughter of the famous mayor in town really did have its disadvantages too.
I very much disliked having to wear a façade to welcome all the guests at balls like this one; which was why I did not particularly anticipate festivals, not even Halloween, which was today. The façade had already become perfunctory, something I was grateful for. As time got by, it got less tough to conceal my emotions from my face and refrain from snapping at whoever was being difficult.
Out of the blue, a whiff of cologne drifted past me, causing me to look up and around. Yup. I was somehow attracted by the scent, not too heady but masculine all the same. Unmistakably, I spotted a couple not far away. The woman was wearing a long sparkling red dress, which some unladylike part of me scoffed that I would've pulled it off better.
The man, however… was mesmerizing even from behind. From what little of him I could see, he was taller than the average man, and quite bulky. His muscles strained against his tight tux, intriguing me deeply. He was that captivating-the fact that I probably looked just like a stalker did not even enter my mind.
I hurried to catch up with the both of them, who were walking quite fast towards the entrance of our house, seemingly eager to escape. I peered forward through the throng of people, wanting to catch one more glance of the brown-haired man before he left.
To my utter disappointment, a whole bevy of women stumbled in the way, holding glasses of wine and giggling in front of me, completely blocking my line of sight. I hissed in annoyance, elbowing my way through.
I was just in time to see the lady in the red dress pull the man out the doors before they slammed shut.
I was too late.
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"Good evening, class. I am Dimitri Belikov, and you may address me as Mr. Belikov. I'll be taking over Ms Karp just for today. She is ill." I looked up from my seat at the source of the announcement.
The sound of the voice washed up in me. It felt like honey to my ears, smooth as one could be. It was velvety rich, complementing his dark looks perfectly. A tiny fire ignited in me as I stared openmouthed at the young lad. He had sharp defined features which were beautifully chiseled. I wonder what his dark hair, which flowed down to his shoulders, would feel like under my fingers.
I lost myself in his deep, dark brown eyes. For lack of better adjectives, I was utterly captivated.
Snapping out of my reverie, I flushed as the handsome teacher raised an eyebrow at me. His brown eyes were pools of an unreadable emotion I began to puzzle over. Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I tried my best to avoid his gaze for the rest of the lesson.
Needless to say, I failed.
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The lesson passed by in a complete blur. As expected, I had not managed to learn anything at all, having been distracted by his sexy features. When the bell rang, I took a longer time to pack the books into my bag, hoping that I could stay behind to personally introduce myself.
Looking around the classroom, I noticed that half the girls in the class had apparently come up with the same idea. Exhaling in slight disappointment and annoyance, I chucked my things into my bag and headed straight for the door, my eyes fixed on the former. Preoccupied with closing it, I slammed head-on onto what seemed like a tall, hard wall.
Startled, I yelped, losing my footing and hurtling towards the ground. "Are you alright?" a masculine voice filled my ears. A strong hand grabbed me, steadying me.
I looked up in anticipation. I already knew who I would see. None of the boys in the school were remotely gentlemen, or even polite enough to be concerned about someone else.
A breath rushed through me as I stared up at him in close range. Goodness, he looked even better up front. Was it even possible for someone to look this gorgeous?
I guessed yes. The living, breathing example was standing right before my eyes, and also currently holding my wrist, something I hadn't failed to miss. Captivated by the feel of his skin on mine, I zoned out, momentarily mesmerized by his intense gaze.
"Miss Hathaway?" I felt the heat rush up to my cheeks again as the concern for me registered in Mr. Belikov's eyes. Sizing myself up and telling myself repeatedly not to stutter like a dunce, I replied, "I'm fine, thanks. Just one question…" I emphasized my point by holding up a finger. "How do you know my name?"
He smiled, a handsome, slightly bemused grin. "I asked you to introduce yourselves earlier and I paid attention. I remembered."
My eyes widened. He remembered? There were many girls in the class. I grew hopeful for a second, thinking that he probably noticed me. Though that hope vanished soon after-I was the mayor's daughter, who wouldn't recognize me?
"Rrrrright." I dragged out my word, something I did when I was uncomfortable or embarrassed. "I'll see you soon, Dimitri!" Grinning cheerfully at him, I took in his resigned smile and left, hoping I'd see the new teacher soon… I couldn't believe he was leaving tomorrow.
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"Did you see the absolutely gorgeous teacher today? I saw him from afar, but didn't get a chance to ask his name." Avery peered inquisitively at me, raising her voice slightly to overpower the lunchtime announcement that was carried out at the current time. She'd been my best friend for ages; since I was in my baby bouncer, if that were even possible.
"Hey. Boyfriend here, remember?" Beside her sat her boyfriend, Adrian. They'd recently gotten together, having been best friends with secret feelings for long.
Right now, said boyfriend was raising his eyebrows at his girlfriend, who was of course dreaming about the hot new teacher.
I chuckled, swinging my bag into the seat and sliding my lunch tray on the table. "She's not married to you. She's still entitled some freedom, and besides, who can't appreciate a real man?"
Letting out a shocked gasp, Adrian narrowed his eyes at me in mock irritation, deliberately wearing a horribly fake foreign accent."Whatever are you implying, m' lady? I am a real man!"
"Anything that helps you sleep at night, my dear friend." I smiled sweetly at him and started to eat. Looking up at Avery, I said, "He's Dimitri Belikov. Mr. Belikov. I had him for Chemistry."
"But I heard Ms Karp's only ill." Avery frowned. "Don't tell me he's leaving tomorrow!"
I sighed, pulling a long face, which was a pretty big clue as to what the verdict was.
"No!" Avery sighed even louder than I did, leaning back into Adrian who looked extremely uncomfortable at the sight of his girlfriend moaning about some other guy leaving soon. "He can't leave so soon, things are so boring and the guys in this school are the same old jerks ever, you don't find anyone nice."
I covered my mouth to stifle my laughter as Adrian's eyes widened, leaning towards his girlfriend. Looking scared but pretty amused, Avery hastily continued, "Except Addie, of course, he's the best."
"Damn right I am." Adrian smirked in relief and leaned in for a kiss, which I immediately covered my eyes childishly.
As if on cue, the lunchtime announcer carried on, "…and the new Phys Ed teacher will be Mr Dimitri Belikov. He will be replacing Mr Tanner as he has recently resigned. Seniors having physical education up next will be taught by Mr. Belikov."
Avery and I looked at each other in a flash. I felt a small smile grow on my face. What a pleasant surprise.
It looked like I would be seeing more of the devil up next-who went by the name of Dimitri Belikov.
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A/N: And it looks like you'll be seeing more of the slacker up next - who goes by the name of Savannah.
Sorry… I couldn't resist poking fun at myself. :D Anyway… Hi. *goofy grin*
REVIEW please my old readers and new ones! They get me typing at neck-breaking speed. ^^